Franchise Financing Guarantee!
July 02, 2009
ColorTyme, the nation’s oldest and most respected franchisor of rent-to-own (RTO) retail stores, and RimTyme, the hottest and fastest growing custom wheel and tire shop in America, are currently offering a franchise financing guarantee. If an approved franchisee can not receive financing, ColorTyme and RimTyme will refund the franchise fee.
“We want our franchisees to be successful, and we are committed to supporting them along every step of the way.” said Jim Deering, CFE and director of franchise development for 
ColorTyme.
ColorTyme, Inc., founded in 1979, is America’s oldest franchisor of independently owned-and-operated rent-to-own franchise stores. ColorTyme operates 205 rent-to-own franchises in 33 states, and the company’s custom wheel and tire franchise brand, RimTyme, operates 25 stores in 11 states. ColorTyme is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and is an independent, wholly owned subsidiary of the largest RTO company in the world, Rent-A-Center.
Posted by Gus at 3:13pm
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Top Franchise Concepts for June 2009
July 01, 2009
Welcome to the June 2009 Top 10 Franchise list. The Top 10 Franchises List is derived from the franchise company concepts that
receive the most most attention on the Franchise Solutions web site. Note: these top 10 franchises are not necessarily the largest money making franchises on our site, they are simply the companies that web surfers have searched for and viewed the most in May 2009.
Top 10 Franchise Concepts for June 2009:
- Subway - Serving nutritious, fast-casual, fresh, lunches, subs and sandwiches
- ACFM, an ATM Franchise Opportunity** - North America’s only ATM franchise business
- DVD Now Kiosks - Automated DVD rental business with an easy to operate and convenient DVD rental kiosk
- American Billing Systems - Outsource your companies billing tasks with this electronic B2B billing system
- 7-Eleven - America’s number one franchise and the most recognized convenience store in the world
- CiCi’s Pizza Franchise - An endless pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet delivering unbelievable value.
- Treasure Towers Childrens Rewards & Incentives - Toy reward and incentive program for children in dental, medical and educational facilities
- Little Caesars - Little Caesars pizza is growing much faster than the average food franchise industry
- Saladworks Restaurant Franchise - Offering the highest quality salads served at peak freshness.
- Polar Ice Express - Own an affordable vending machine business
To see the current top ten franchises (added up daily using a seven day running total) please visit Top Ten Franchise Opportunities Page.
Posted by Gus at 11:05am
Posted in 2009, franchise for sale, franchise opportunities, top franchises, top ten franchise list | No Comments »
Which Franchise Makes the Best Coffee; 7-Eleven, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks or McDonalds?
June 24, 2009
It looks like the coffee wars are on! You’ve heard the advertisements. McDonalds has been touting the new line of McCafé coffee blends. Dunkin’ Donuts is pushing the premium and flavored iced coffees like “Coffee Coolatta”. 7-Eleven, one of the first retailers to offer “to go” coffee, is now featuring premium roast Brazilian bold coffee. Starbucks (which is not franchised), the undisputed leader in high-end coffee, has been hit hard by current economic conditions and has moved to a lower price for iced coffee. Don’t think the other coffee retailers haven’t noticed Starbucks plight. McDonalds is currently in the middle of a 100 million dollar advertising campaign, and Dunkin’ Donuts is following suit. While I can’t say which one of these popular brands has the best coffee, I do know that this summer the American public will decide, and one of these companies will declare themselves “America’s Favorite Coffee”.
Here’s a price list of some of their top selling coffees.
Hot Coffee
7-Eleven Brazilian Bold, 20 ounces, $1.59
McDonald’s Coffee, large, $1.69
Dunkin’ Donuts Original Blend, large, $1.89
Starbucks Pike Place, venti, $1.95
Iced Mocha
7-Eleven Iced Mocha, large, $1.49
Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Mocha Original Blend, large, $2.29
McDonald’s Iced Mocha, large, $2.99
Starbucks Iced Mocha, venti, $3.95
If you are interested in a coffee related franchise, try our coffee and beverage directory.
Posted by Gus at 6:26pm
Posted in coffee franchises, food and restaurant, franchise opportunities, franchising, retail stores | No Comments »
Fathers Day Specials Offered by Many Restaurants and Fast Casual Franchises
June 19, 2009
Are you planning on taking your dad out to eat this Fathers Day?. If so, you might want to take advantage of the many Fathers Day specials and contests being offered by several restaurant chains:
- A&W Restaurants will offer dads 90¢ Papa Burgers, their famous double patty made from 100% beef and topped with A&W’s signature Papa sauce.
- Wendy’s wants to treat Dad and help foster children on Fathers Day. Wendy’s will donate 50¢ for every Frosty desert bought, to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA).
- TCBY, The Country’s Best Yogurt, will be giving away free cups and cones for Dad at participating TCBYs nationwide.
- T.G.I Friday’s restaurants is offering its “Buy One Entree, Get One Free” coupon until June 22, 2009.
- IHOP, The International House of Pancakes is sponsoring an essay contest for restaurant gift cards.
- Great American Cookies has started its search for the “Great American Dad.” It’s an essay contest where you must write, in 200 words or less, what makes your father a “Great American Dad.”
- The Counter, famous for their custom built burger concept, will be giving away a free 1/3 burger to all dads on Father’s Day
For more Fathers Day specials check out this restaurant and coupon site.
Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there!
Posted by Gus at 5:13pm
Posted in 2009, current events, fast food, food and restaurant, franchising event, holiday, ice cream, video | No Comments »
Fast Food Franchises and Fast Casual Restaurants Show Growth in Difficult Economy
June 15, 2009
A food service consultants report by Technomic found that sales for the 100 largest fast-casual restaurant franchises grew 10.8 percent in 2008. Unit growth also showed an improvement, increasing by 7.3 percent for the same period.
“The fast-casual segment is being pushed towards higher standards by the difficult economic environment,” says Darren Tristano, Technomic EVP. “They are forced to compete for diminishing diners’ dollars while maintaining high quality fare. Leaders are innovating by introducing new value-priced menu items, retooling menus to boost sales during slower day parts and developing new programs like catering and selling retail packaged goods to supplement the bottom line.”
- Panera Bread and Chipotle Restaurants led the top 100 with unit growth of 13.5 and 19.4 percent over 2007, respectively.
- Bakery franchises, Mexican restaurants, and chicken categories had the highest growth in market share.
- The growth of green franchises and environmentally friendly stores is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Posted by Gus at 12:43pm
Posted in 2009, fast food, food and restaurant, franchise growth, franchise industry, restaurant services | No Comments »
Flip Flop Shops Help Give the USMC School of Infantry a Proper Send-Off to Iraq and Afghanistan
June 12, 2009
Zryder sponsored an armed services celebration day for the USMC School of Infantry
(SOI) out of Camp Pendleton, CA. Flip Flop Shops and Chronic Tacos were also sponsors of the event that was thrown in anticipation of the Marines expected deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. We’d like to give a shout out to Kid Frost, Willie Naylor and Low Budget for performing live music for our troops. Athletes Rob Emerson, surfer Christian Fletcher, and daredevil Trigger Gumm were also on hand to show their appreciation to the USMC. Of course, we’d really like to show our appreciation to the Marines, the military families at Camp Pendleton, and thank them for their service to our country.
If anyone would like to contribute more information about this event, a particular Marine (does anyone 
have the last name of Sargeant “Mark” in the photo to the right?), or a sponsor who donated, please add a comment below. We’d like to thank one of our sponsors, Flip Flop Shops - the authentic retailer of the hottest brands of flip flops and sandals - for their generosity and goodwill. And if you are a veteran, ex-military, or part of a military family, and are interested in any of the franchises that sponsored this event, you may want to check out Veteran Franchises.
Posted by Gus at 4:04pm
Posted in 2009, current events, franchising, military, retail stores, veterans, video | No Comments »
Franchising Top Ten List for May 2009
June 02, 2009
Welcome to this months list of the top ten franchises for May, 2009. The Top 10 Franchises List is built from the franchising companies that have the highest viewership on the Franchise Solutions website. Note: these top 10 franchises are not necessarily the largest money making franchises on our site, they are simply the companies that web surfers have searched for and viewed the most in May 2009.
The Top Ten Franchise Company List for May 2009:
- Subway - Serving healthy, fast, fresh, casual foods, deli items, subs and sandwiches
- American Billing Systems - Outsource your companies billing tasks with this electronic B2B billing system
- 7-Eleven - America’s number one franchise and the most recognized convenience store in the world
- Treasure Towers Childrens Rewards & Incentives** - Toy reward and incentive program for children in dental, medical and educational facilities
- DVD Now Kiosks - Automated DVD rental franchise with an easy to operate and convenient DVD dispensing kiosk
- DNA Services of America - DNA testing services such as DNA identification test results for paternity, family relationship establishment, infidelity testing and forensic DNA
- Little Caesars - Little Caesars pizza is growing much faster than the average food franchise industry
- Saladworks Restaurant Franchise - Offering the highest quality salads served at peak freshness.
- Flip Flop Shops - Authentic retailer of the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and sandals
- Return a Pet - One of the fastest growing industries of home-based businesses are in the pet care field
To see a list of the current top 10 franhcises (tabulated daily using a 7 day running total) please click Todays Top 10 Franchises.
Posted by Gus at 2:11pm
Posted in franchise for sale, franchise opportunities, franchising information, top franchises, top ten franchise list | 1 Comment »
V2K Window Décor & More, a Low Cost, Home Based, “Window Fashion” Franchise
May 29, 2009
V2K Window Décor & More unique approach to window coverings virtually guarantees that you will purchase the perfect window coverings for your home. V2K is the ONLY window franchise that can show you what your preferred window treatments and coverings will look like - before you buy. And the best part is that you can see your new windows exactly as they will 
appear in your home, including your floor style and the colors of your walls. A V2K window design consultant, armed with a laptop computer and the exclusive Décor Creator 3D-software, will show you an exact 3D rendition of your room and windows in full color and high resolution (all drawn to scale). Change the design, pattern, texture and color, until you find the combination that works best for you. This exclusive technology improves the shopping experience for the clients so much that the franchise owners typically win over 50 percent of the projects they propose!
Further, V2K is a low investment, work from home business, that you decide the hours that you work and how much money you want to make. With a V2K Windows Decor & More franchise, you will be able to offer both residential and commercial customers a quality product and time saving technology, while you will receive a flexible, high demand, home based business with all the training you need and significant earning potential. Find out more about V2K Window Decor and More.
Posted by Gus at 4:52pm
Posted in franchise for sale, franchise opportunities, franchising, home improvement, home-based, work from home | No Comments »
Thank You Veterans and Happy Memorial Day to All
May 22, 2009
As we celebrate the start of summer this Memorial Day weekend let’s not forget to thank the veterans and ex-military who have served our country so proudly and so well. I’d especially like to thank the men and women who are currently serving, and have served, in Iraq and 
Afghanistan. Memorial Day is a great opportunity for Americans to show their appreciation for the sacrifice made by our national heroes, as well as their spouses and families whom also have given quite a bit for their country. I’d also like to give a shout out to my father’s World War II division the “Thunderbirds” of the 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. They played an integral part in seven major invasions including North Africa, Sicily, Anzio, Monte Cassino, “The Battle of the Bulge”, and ending with the liberation of the notorious Dachau concentration camp (read about the history of the 45th in The Rock of Anzio by Flint Whitlock). Thank you veterans!
45th Infantry Resources:
• The 45th Infantry Division Museum
• 45th Infantry WWII Reenactors & Venturing Crew
• The Rock of Anzio, by Flint Whitlock
• Bill Mauldin, WWII Cartoonist
• History of the 45th Infantry Division
• U.S. Holocaust Museum, 45th Infantry Division
45th Infantry Division Reunion!
The 45th Infantry Division Association Reunion will be held September 24 to September 26, 2009 at the Biltmore Hotel Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK. For more information contact the Association at 405-424-5313 or curator@45thdivisionmuseum.com.
Please visit one of our sponsors Veteran Franchises.
Posted by Gus at 2:01pm
Posted in 2009, Uncategorized, current events, holiday | No Comments »
Growth in Home Services Franchises Reported for First Quarter of 2009
May 19, 2009
Clockwork Home Services today announced franchise growth for the first quarter of 2009. As it’s name implies, Clockwork deals in the home services industry, especially nationally branded home services companies. The report covers the time period of January to March of this year. Clockwork reportedly added new plumbing franchises, air conditioning & heating businesses, electronics and other onsite home franchises.
“…the essential home services sector helps to make our franchisees’ businesses more recession‐resistant than many others.”, said Tab Hunter, president of franchise operations for Clockwork Home Services, Inc.
For the full report, follow this link.
Posted by Gus at 5:12pm
Posted in 2009, current events, franchise growth, franchise industry, franchising information, home improvement, home services | No Comments »
Monster Mini Golf, a Monster Themed, Glow-in-the-Dark, Miniature Golf Franchise
May 13, 2009
A sign reading “Enter at Your Own Risk” hangs above the cast iron gated entrance to the cemetery. Black lights and 3-D theatrical visual effects set the mood along with life-like possessed trees, fog, laser lights, and a DJ who is spinning music and giving away prizes. Bright glowing colors and unique, one-of-a-kind monster images surround you. You might think you’re in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland or a lavish Halloween party, but this is Monster Mini Golf, an 18-hole miniature golf course that is fun for family members of all ages.
We first met Christina & Patrick Vitagliano, the founders of Monster Mini Golf at the International Franchise Expo in Washington DC earlier this year. They had one of the most unique booths at the expo (see the picture to the left) that, not surprisingly, attracted large and enthusiastic crowds. We’d like to congratulate Christina & Patrick for their successful sports franchise, but after seeing them bowl we’re wondering if Monster Bowling is coming next!
Check out this video I found posted on YouTube to get a sense of the fun and exciting environment that you will experience once you pass under the “Enter at Your Own Risk” warning…
Posted by Gus at 5:02pm
Posted in childrens services, franchise for sale, franchise opportunities, sports franchises | No Comments »
Top 10 Franchise List for April 2009
May 01, 2009
Here’s the monthly list of the top ten franchises for April, 2009. The Top Ten Franchise page is formulated from the franchise company pages that have received the most attention on the Franchise Solutions Directory. Note: the top ten franchises are not necessarily the most profitable franchises on our site, they are simply the franchise companies that web visitors have searched for and viewed in April 2009.
The Top Ten Franchise Company List for April 2009:
- Subway - Serving healthy fast casual foods, sandwiches, subs and sandwiches
- American Billing Systems - Outsource your billing tasks utilizing this electronic business to business billing system
- DVD Now Kiosks - Automated DVD rentals with easy-to-use and convenient DVD dispensing kiosk machines
- 7-Eleven - The nations leading franchise and the most recognized convenience store franchise in the world
- Mood Distributors** - High Definition (HD) DVDs that turn any television into a lifelike fireplace, ocean, aquarium, rain forest, and more.
- Little Caesars - Little Caesars pizza is outpacing the food franchise industry
- Return a Pet - The fastest growing segments of home based businesses are in the pet care industry
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit - A fast-casual barbecue restaurant that generates great potential profits and is easy to operate
- DotComGuy** - Own an IT business that’s designed to thrive in a challenging economy
- Knockout Vending - A unique, action-packed, sports-related opportunity vending one-of-a-kind boxing machines
For todays top ten franchise list (recounted daily with a 7-day running total) go to Todays Top 10 Franchises.
Posted by Gus at 12:05pm
Posted in franchise for sale, franchise opportunities, top franchises, top ten franchise list | No Comments »
New Franchise Website Offers Opportunities Available in Your Home State
April 24, 2009
Here’s a sneak preview of a “soon to be launched” franchise website, US Franchise Opportunities & Small Business Directory. This new franchising site has a separate directory of franchises and business opportunities for each state in the U.S. Have you ever thought you found the perfect franchise opportunity only to learn that it was not available in your home state? My favorite part of the new site is that it brings you local weather, news, links and images from each state. Another great feature is the ability to easily page through each franchise opportunity that meets your criteria.
Of course, it is not unusual for a franchise directory to include a state filter. In fact, Franchise Solutions offers a several methods to filter your franchises by location. Use the first-of-its-kind Franchise Finder to filter your franchise search by industry, investment, and state. There is also the “3 Step Franchise Finder” to guide you through your selection process. Or you can visit our USA Franchise Directory and select the state you are interested searching for your dream business.
Posted by Gus at 4:02pm
Posted in business opportunities, franchise for sale, franchise opportunities, franchise resources, franchising information | 2 Comments »
Happy Earth Day!
April 22, 2009
Environmentally friendly franchises are one of our fastest growing segments here at Franchise Solutions. Earth friendly and low carbon footprint franchises are springing up across almost every franchise industry. So much so, that Franchise Solutions has put together our own “Green Team“. They’ve already come up with several suggestions to help our company be more environmentally conscious.
The top recommendation is a more efficient recycling program. This is not just for paper products, but the recycling, reselling, and reuse of old computer parts and equipment. Also replacing our incandescent bulbs for energy efficient fluorescent lighting and using two sided printing when appropriate.
Here’s a few more ideas from the Green Team interoffice memo:
1. Turn off your monitor at the end of each work day. This will save a surprising amount of energy.
2. If you are a coffee drinker, be prepared to bring in your own mug! Or be prepared to use one of the mugs in the kitchen cupboards, the company is not going to purchase any more disposable coffee containers.
3. Be prepare to bring in a glass or other container for your water. The company is not going to purchase any more plastic cups.
4. Use the window blinds more efficiently to aid in cooling/heating the building.
Here are some web sites that you may find useful in your own quest to help our planet:
Check out this 2 hr PBS special on Frontline about our poisoned waters. It aired 4/21 but will be replayed and
online,.
Here’s a brief history of Earth Day and has many links to earth friendly sites.
Here’s a site to view tours of our Earth and see the our impact through Google Earth gallery.
We want to thank our “Green Team” of Paul, Ian, Don and Elaine for all their efforts!
Posted by Gus at 1:48pm
Posted in current events, earth friendly, environmentally friendly, green businesses | No Comments »
Dominos Pizza Uses YouTube.com to Respond to “Hoax”
April 17, 2009
There was a great example this week why companies (large and small) should be involved in social media, when two usavory Domino’s employees exploited the company for their 15 minutes of fame (notoriety?). Kristy Lynn Hammonds, 31, and Michael Anthony Setzer, 32, of Conover, NC uploaded a video to YouTube of disgusting things being done to a take-out order from the pizza franchise. The point here is, if these two geniuses can manage to use a social media site like YouTube to damage a big brand like Dominos, shouldn’t your company be able to use social media to respond to such acts? Patrick Doyle, President, Domino’s U.S.A did a great job of responding with this YouTube video.
Here’s the original video from the employees (WARNING: this video may make your skin crawl!).
Remember, social media is an opportunity for your company to be out on the ‘front lines’, and to catch bad press before it snowballs into a larger problem. And if something similar to this Dominos incident occurs, you will be in a position to diffuse and counter the allegations before there’s a media disaster.
Posted by Gus at 5:44pm
Posted in current events, fast food, pizza, social media, video | No Comments »
