Category Archives: Blog

All Franchise Clique blog entries.

What is Social Franchising?

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The success of franchising comes from the transfer of knowledge and experience from one successful enterprise to another. With an established business concept, as well as support and training, a franchisee can quickly become successful thanks to the foundation upon which his or her business is built. While with most commercial franchises the goal is to maximize profits, social franchises use the principles of franchising for a social goal.

What is social franchising and how does it differ from commercial franchising?

Social franchises are driven by social goals, rather than profit. While the franchise does make profit, this profit is used to develop its social aims. Social aims can include food security, poverty alleviation, or environmental conservation. According to the European Social Franchising Network (ESFN), a social franchise should be a social enterprise, and  have the four following characteristics:

  1. An organization that replicates a social enterprise business model – the social franchisor.
  2. At least one independent social franchisee that has been replicated by the social franchisor.
  3. A common brand under which the social franchisees operate.
  4. An interchange of knowledge between members.

Social franchises can operate in various ways, but generally a social franchisee pays the social franchisor a fee for their support. Differing from other non-profit charities and foundations, where most of the funding comes from grants and personal donations, social franchises use the sales of their successful business model to create a better world.

For example, Community Renewable Energy (CoRE), a European social franchise, helps communities develop their own renewable energy systems to generate community income and address climate change. The franchise does so through working in partnership with a specific community, where the community is not charged for CoRE’s work, but rather as a stakeholder in the the renewable energy systems, where they take a share of the profits. This share is then used to help the next community. The social franchise essentially supports their members by providing “technical skills, shared services, and replicable models for developing renewable energy systems.”

Are you familiar with any social franchises in your area? Please feel free to comment below!

Tomasino’s New York Pizzeria

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After years in the family restaurant business, and more than a decade after opening their first restaurant location, Tomasino’s founders Jon and Liz Gegaj are beginning a new chapter in their lives as they enter the world of franchising.

As they begin this new adventure, their goal is to share their dream with others who believe in their product and the operational strategy they have developed within their own locations.

The Gegaj family knows exactly what it takes to start, operate and perfect a New York style pizzeria restaurant franchise. They are excited to invite others into the Tomasino’s family, and share their experience with them, so they may one day experience the same rewards of being “the neighborhood spot.”

Franchise Opportunity:
At Tomasino’s, their franchise model perfectly positions you for success by providing:

  • An affordable menu and our proprietary family recipes.
  • Established alliances with the best suppliers in the pizza industry.
  • A business the entire family can work in and show pride.
  • The real deal. The actual franchisor founding team. Leaders who understand the business and really care about their franchisees.

Did you know?
Tomasino’s is part of a hugely popular segment within the immense restaurant industry:

  • When eating out, Americans choose Italian more than any other type of ethnic cuisine.
  • The pizzeria market alone generates $38 billion in annual sales.
  • Ninety-three percent of American eat pizza at least once a month!

Their concept appeals to a wide customer base (families, singles, couples, working professionals, and students, to name a few!). Plus, it benefits from multiple potential revenue streams, including different dayparts, dine-in, carryout, catering and delivery. It all adds up to a great opportunity for franchise owners. To learn more about this franchise opportunity, please visit the following link: http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Tomasinos-Pizzeria.

Now Open: Maui Wowi Debuts New Long Island Location

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Maui Wowi Hawaiian, a dual beverage concept specializing in fresh brewed Hawaiian coffees and all-natural smoothies, opened its newest location this week on Long Island in Wantagh, New York. The island themed franchise is located at 1896 Wantagh Ave. and is the first store for franchise owners Joseph and Nicole Marsh.

 

“Maui Wowi is open for business and we are proud to offer the ideal place for customers to come relax and enjoy a one of a kind beverage,” said Nicole. “This store is a destination for our community where they can experience the Aloha Spirit and escape to paradise.”

 

As customers enter the new location they are warmly greeted with a cheerful “Aloha,” quickly transporting them to an island oasis. Comfortable seating and inviting atmosphere make it easy to stay a while with a menu that provides plenty of options to satisfy the taste buds.

 

Maui Wowi Hawaiian, with over 30 years in business, has a full line of fresh fruit smoothies that are made with all-natural ingredients, are gluten-free, kosher certified and made to order. Flavors include Mango Orange, Strawberry Banana, and Piña Colada and also come in a variety of combinations. The popular frozen smoothies are conveniently matched with a warm beverage counterpart: Hawaiian-grown coffee and hand-crafted espresso drinks.

 

The new location in Wantagh is brewing and blending daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. More details will be announced soon regarding a grand opening event planned for next month to officially welcome Joseph and Nicole Marsh and their local Maui Wowi business to the community.

 

For more information visit them on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/MauiWowiLi. To learn more about opening up your own Maui Wowi location, please visit http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Maui-Wowi-Hawaiian-Coffees-and-Smoothies.

 

About Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies:
Since 1982, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has embraced the Hawaiian culture and has been serving paradise in a cup since the day it began, 30 years ago. From event carts, mall kiosks and stand-alone retail locations Maui Wowi Hawaiian offers premium, all-natural, gluten-free, fresh-fruit smoothies, as well as gourmet Hawaiian coffees and espresso beverages. With over 400 operating units in eight countries, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has truly gone “Global” by adding an online store, shop.mauiwowi.com. Now customers from anywhere in the world can experience the prized-gourmet Hawaiian coffees and taste the ‘Aloha Spirit’ with a ‘Click-of-a button!’ To learn more information about Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s, products, locations, or flexible, low cost franchising opportunities, visit http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Maui-Wowi-Hawaiian-Coffees-and-Smoothies.

Benefits of Youth Soccer

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Easy to learn, doesn’t discriminate, great exercise
This article is from From Healthykids.com

 

More than 18 million children participate in soccer leagues and programs each year, making it the most popular and fastest-growing youth sport in the United States today, according to the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA). Why is it so popular? Here are three reasons:
1. It’s easy to learn. Children don’t need to be taught to run or kick a ball (okay, running and kicking in the right direction does take some work), and the object of knocking the ball through a goal is simple to grasp. And soccer’s fast pace allows it to hold the attention of kids who would frequently get bored playing other sports. Kids as young as 4 years old can participate — albeit with a smaller ball and on a smaller field than older children.

2. It doesn’t discriminate. Boys and girls of all shapes and sizes can play.

3. It’s an excellent form of exercise. Its continuous action helps kids build stamina, strengthen their heart and muscles, and develop coordination. Soccer can also help keep kids fit and trim — an important benefit now that one in every five children in

 

America is overweight. Studies show that children who play organized sports, such as soccer, at an early age are more likely than non-athletes to adopt healthy habits that stick for life.
Some of the physical benefits include:
 Cardiovascular endurance
 Muscle strength
 Flexibility
 Coordination
 Balance
 Weight control

Other benefits include the development of social traits such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, fairness and self-esteem.

Do your part in helping to raise awareness of the benefits of youth soccer and learn more about the Mighty Kicks franchise opportunity here: http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Mighty-Kicks.

 

Nature’s Pet Market

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For most of us, our pets are members of our family– for some owners, their pets are their favorite children!

 

 

The increase in spending on our furry friends has given rise to numerous pet franchises, including Nature’s Pet Market.

 

Nature’s Pet Market is one of the most innovative pet supply retail franchises in the United States and offers to different brands depending on geographic location: EarthWise Pet Supply and Nature’s Pet Market. The company strives to better the lives of owners and their pets by providing all natural products, great customer service and green business practice.

 

Pet franchise Nature’s Pet Market and EarthWise Pet Supply believes that pets are an integral part of our families and deserve to be treated accordingly:

 

  • Pets should receive the best care possible
  • A holistic approach should be taken with regards to nutrition, exercise and grooming
  • Only products from manufacturers that use green practices and recycle materials should be promoted
  • Varying family budgets should be accommodated through the offering of a wide range of natural products
  • Local shelters and rescue organizations will be supported
  • Reducing pet overpopulation should be a priority
  • Customers should be provided superior service delivered by knowledgable, helpful staff

 

For those interested in becoming involved with Nature’s Pet Market, there are a few advantages provided to its franchisees, including strong growth potential in a recession-resistant industry for a relatively low investment in protected territories.

 

Nature’s Pet Market offers a great deal of hands-on support to its franchisees, including demographic analysis, site selection, business plan development, loan assistance and marketing help.

 

For more information on Nature’s Pet Market and EarthWise Pet Supply visit http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/NPM-Franchising.

Good News For Food Franchise Industry

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There’s good new in the food and beverage and franchise industry: businesses are hiring!

 

Though the economy’s growth remains sluggish and less than expected, new hires are filing into rank at food franchises and establishments nationwide. The total number of hospitality and leisure related jobs reached 14.2 million in June– and all time high. The food and beverage sector accounts for 10.5 percent of the total U.S. Workforce, another record for the industry since the government began tracking jobs in the 1930s.

 

Sales at U.S. restaurants and bars are predicted to reach a record $461.3 billion this year, a 3.8 percent gain from 2012 the National Restaurant Association estimates.

 

These positive numbers alone are reason to celebrate, as they indicate an economy that’s finally eating out again and enjoying life a bit more. The pursestrings are not cinched as tightly as before and spendthrifts feel more comfortable spending on dining experiences. For some establishments, business has returned to pre-recessions levels. Casual and quick-casual dining establishments have seen the biggest increases.

 

The increase in spending both in terms of tabs and traffic isn’t only paying off for those searching for jobs. Investors and new franchisees are also seeing major returns on their investments. So far, shares of Starbucks stock has risen 29 percent; 30 percent at Dunkin Brands Group Inc. and 51 percent at Sonic Corp., all are good barometers for the food franchise industry. Domino’s Pizza is finalizing plans for its first-ever national hiring week.

Maui Wowi Has International Appeal

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Maui Wowi Hawaiian, an international company specializing in premium Hawaiian coffees and nutritious fruit smoothies, has announced it was ranked in the July 2013 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine among the top 200 global franchises, an annual listing of North America’s top franchisors seeking international development.

“Maui Wowi has built a concept and brand that has incredible international appeal,” said Justin Livingston, director of global franchise development. “The tropical island theme and superior quality products resonate with people on a global scale and our acknowledgement on the top 200 global franchises list is further proof that our foundation is strong and future bright.”

The honor of appearing on the list is based on a company’s ranking on the 2013 Franchise 500 list, a compilation of franchises, which is developed through objective and quantifiable criteria, such as growth and financial strength. The companies are then attributed additional clout based on its international size and growth to determine which will make the cut for top 200 global franchises.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian has a presence in 6 countries outside of the United States and is actively seeking international partners to bring the Aloha Spirit to more people. For more than 30 years, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has continued to grow and become a leader in the industry. It’s simplistic approach has allowed a diverse franchise system to flourish through proven systems, support, and flexibility. The company is actively franchising both domestically and internationally. For more information please visit http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Maui-Wowi-Hawaiian-Coffees-and-Smoothies.

About Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies:
Since 1982, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has embraced the Hawaiian culture and has been serving paradise in a cup since the day it began, 30 years ago. From event carts, mall kiosks and stand-alone retail locations Maui Wowi Hawaiian offers premium, all-natural, gluten-free, fresh-fruit smoothies, as well as gourmet Hawaiian coffees and espresso beverages. With over 400 operating units in eight countries, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has truly gone “Global” by adding an online store, shop.mauiwowi.com. Now customers from anywhere in the world can experience the prized-gourmet Hawaiian coffees and taste the ‘Aloha Spirit’ with a ‘Click-of-a button!’ To learn more information about Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s, products, locations, or flexible, low cost franchising opportunities, visit http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Maui-Wowi-Hawaiian-Coffees-and-Smoothies.

Virtual Expo Asks the Tough Question: Is Business Ownership Right for You?

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North America’s Leading Career and Franchise Business Coaching Company, The Entrepreneur’s Source®, Fuels Dreams of Business Ownership with “Start a Business Weekend” Virtual Franchise Expo July 25-27

The nation’s leading career and franchise business coaching network, The Entrepreneur’s Source® is hosting its virtual Start a Business Weekend® expo July 25-27, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT. The virtual expo offers current and aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to explore business opportunities and gain advice from experts – all from the comfort of their home or office.

The Start a Business Weekend expo allows attendees to “walk” into a digital Exhibit Hall and visit the booths of more than 90 of the nation’s hottest franchise concepts. Participants can chat live with representatives about a variety of different franchise brands, learn how to finance their new business, attend keynote presentations, and download informational resources. Business coaches from The Entrepreneur’s Source will be available to help would-be entrepreneurs determine if business ownership is right for them. After attending a Start a Business Weekend expo, 95 percent of participants end up discovering options they admittedly would have never looked at on their own or would have previously dismissed.

 

“Many people would love to start their own business, especially with the job market moving towards part-time work. The problem is, many people don’t know where to start or are unsure of the skills needed to run a business,” said Brian Miller, COO of The Entrepreneur’s Source. “Our free Start a Business Weekend expo asks the hard hitting question: is business ownership right for you? By the end of the three day event, participants will have that question answered and the tools and guidance necessary to start their entrepreneurial journey.”

 

The Entrepreneur’s Source has more than 30 years of experience in helping make franchisors and their franchisees more profitable. With more than 230 offices in the United States, Canada and the UK, the company presents prospective franchisees with new business opportunities that complement their goals, needs and expectations, while delivering franchisors the right individuals to grow their concepts. Additionally, the company also offers business-coaching services to help franchisees advance, improve efficiency and increase the return on the investment made on their franchise business.

 

Registration for the SABW Expo is currently open, with no registration fee, at www.StartABusinessWeekend.com. For more information about The Entrepreneur’s Source and business coaching support, visit http://www.entrepreneurssource.com/.

 

About The Entrepreneur’s Source
The Entrepreneur’s Source is North America’s leading career and franchise Business Coaching Company dedicated to the entrepreneur, with more than 230 offices in the United States, Canada, and the UK. Dominating the $1.5 billion dollar Business Coaching/Consulting franchise market in North America, the company offers a full range of services to individuals seeking alternate career options and to franchise businesses looking to increase performance. For more information about The Entrepreneur’s Source, please visit http://www.EntrepreneursSource.com/. 

 

The Entrepreneur’s Source and Start a Business Weekend are trademarks of TES Franchising, LLC.  All rights reserved.

Mobility: A Time-Tested Specialty and an Alternative Entrance into the Senior Market

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Headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, and sweeping its way across America, 101 Mobility is one of the nation’s largest providers of mobility solutions and one of the most exciting alternative opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking out their niche in the senior boom.

101 Mobility sells, installs, rents, and services a complete line of home health, mobility, and accessibility products for the elderly and disabled. From stair, porch, pool, and auto lifts, to ramps, bridges and walkways to power scooters, safety baths, and more, they service residential and commercial clients alike and are the top dealer of many of their products’ manufacturers.

In an industry historically predominated by “mom and pop” shops and anonymous online firms, seniors and their caretakers often don’t know who to trust for professional and reliable mobility products and aren’t aware of the broad variety of mobility solutions available. As one of the first nationally franchised organizations of its kind, 101 Mobility has been leading this specialty into the 21st century.

101 Mobility’s is a scalable business model designed to grow with your operation, and can be launched in 90 days or less. Their franchisees receive comprehensive training, protected territories, established relationships with equipment vendors and core national accounts, marketing assistance, and their unparalleled, all-inclusive “Mobilink” business operating system.

101 Mobility is on the move and is seeking motivated entrepreneurs who can help them reach their national goals. If you have strong sales and marketing skills and are shopping for solid alternative options in the senior market, consider the time-tested specialty of “mobility” and contact their franchise development team today.

To learn more about this up-and-coming franchise opportunity, please visit: http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/101-Mobility.

Quiznos Makes Strides in Franchising, Animal Welfare

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Quiznos Makes Strides in Franchising, Animal Welfare

Last week, Quiznos announced its plans to work with its many suppliers to eliminate gestation crates from its food franchise’s supply chain between 2017 and 2022.

 

The news was immediately applauded by the Humane Society, the nation’s largest and most effective protection organization.

 

Most breeding pigs in the U.S. are confined in gestation crates for the majority of their lives. The crates are not large enough for the animals to turn around and are used to prevent pregnancy in pigs. As one of the smartest, most social animals on Earth, gestation crates create an environment of stress, anxiety, fear and pain for pigs.

 

Quiznos’ decision to eliminate gestation crates from its supply chain comes as a result of its first initiative in 2008 to incorporate crate-free pork into its restaurants. Quiznos’ customers have made it clear they want better treatment for pigs– and Quiznos clearly agrees.

 

HSUS Food Policy Director Matthew Prescott believes that Quiznos’ move suggests that confining pigs in gestation crates is simply an unsustainable business practice.

 

As customers become increasingly interested in the origin of the food on their dinner plates, it makes sense for food franchises to make this conscientious step forward. A poll conducted by the American Farm Bureau found that 95 percent of Americans believe that farm animals should be well-cared for. The same poll found that most Americans do not consider gestation crates to be humane.

 

This progress, especially coming from a large and well-known franchise like Quiznos, will likely inspire others to enact meaningful changes in their supply chains and lead to better treatment of animals other than pigs.

The Top 10 Most Popular Franchise Industries

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In the last year ten franchise industries have become runaway stars. Some, like the ubiquitous burger and fries concept, remains popular. Others, like children’s entertainment, are the newcomers to the popular crowd.

Children’s Enrichment: Children’s education franchises have seen an increase in popularity and need for several reasons, not the least of which is the unfortunate reality that the American public education system is failing to properly educate young people:

  • 2 out of 3 eighth-graders cannot read proficiently and most will not catch up
  • Nearly two-thirds of eighth-graders scored below proficient in math
  • Seventy-five percent of students are not proficient in civics
  • 1.1 million American students drop out of school every year. For African-American and Hispanic students this percentage is almost double the national average at close to 40 percent. (The national average is 27 percent.)

Children’s Entertainment: Keeping kid’s occupied and entertained is a big business. Many parents spend considerably on their children’s birthday parties and after school programs. As the prevalence of households that require both parents to work increases so does the popularity of children’s entertainment franchises.

Fitness Franchises: According to the New York Times, when the going gets tough the tough get going– on their treadmills and yoga mats. While some struggle to squeeze in any workouts at all, others turn to fitness for mental relief.

Frozen Yogurt Franchises: Going out for ice cream has turned into going out for frozen yogurt as the obesity rate in America has increased (and it’s officially become a disease).
Hamburgers: During the Great Recession, America’s taste for cheap, fast food increased as disposable income decreased. Though the U.S. has weathered an economic recovery, hamburgers and fries franchises remain all too popular.
Health Services Franchises
Retail Stores: As economic confidence returns, so do customers willing to spend their larger paychecks at retail franchises.
Restoration Services
Senior Care: The need for senior care franchises has continued to increase since the first of the Baby Boomer generation began to retire and there seems to be no end in sight.
Spa Services: Perhaps as the Great Recession ended people finally felt comfortable with indulging a bit. Whatever the reason, spa franchises have reached the list of the most popular franchises in the industry.

Franchise Profile: Ziebart International

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For over 50 years, Ziebart International has developed its own renowned products and technology to protect vehicles against such damaging elements as dirt, pollution, heat, ultraviolet rays and rust.

Ziebart International Corporation is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, representing a global franchise network of vehicle appearance and protection services for over 53 years. The company was founded on rust protection in 1959 and currently operates 400 locations in 30 countries with over 800 processing centers worldwide. Ziebart is the world’s leading name in automotive services that protect, preserve and enhance the appearance of cars and trucks.


Ziebart offers superior proprietary products and services and a diverse business model. Specializing in professional automotive detailing, window tinting, paint protection films, fabric and rust protection, sprayed-on bed liners, glass repair, scratch repair and accessories, Ziebart is recognized as the No. 1 franchise in the automotive appearance services category by Entrepreneur magazine and is ranked #122 out of 200 of America’s Top Global Franchises. For 2012, Ziebart ranked #153 in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500.

Are You A Good Fit? Ask Yourself These Questions:

  • Do you have the entrepreneurial desire to be in business for yourself but not by yourself?
  • Are your interests aligned with the automotive aftermarket industry?
  • Are you sales oriented and driven to succeed?
  • Would you embrace commitment to follow a proven business model that will guide you to reach your full potential?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to any or most of these questions, please click the following link to learn more about the Ziebart International opportunity: http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Ziebart. Use the form on this page to submit your contact information to have a Ziebart representative contact you.