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Franchises Cautiously Reopen as Restrictions Begin to Lift

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Franchises Reopen

Franchise locations across the United States are cautiously reopening as state executive orders begin to lift. As of Tuesday, 26 states, (as well as Guam, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico) have stay-at-home orders in place. While the number may appear low, many local governments in states that don’t have restrictions have issued similar orders.

State and local governments are enacting restrictions to minimize how often people come within six feet of one another. The restrictions, in turn, reduce the spread of the coronavirus and “flattens the curve” so healthcare systems aren’t overwhelmed.

Loosening Restrictions

So far, nineteen states have loosened their restrictions to allow some businesses to reopen. Those states are Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

The reopening plans for these states still incorporate social-distancing measures. For instance, Alaska, limits restaurant operations to reservation-only and restrictions seating to 25% capacity. Similarly, South Carolina is permitting retail stores to operate 20% capacity. In Georgia, businesses screen workers for fevers before their shifts and must stay six feet apart.

Planning for Opening

Georgia businessman and owner of Alloy Personal Training franchise, Rick Mayo, was among the first to open his doors. Mayo has owned and operated Alloy with two locations in Georgia for 30 years and began franchising late last year. Alloy opened one Georgia location on April 27th and the other on May 3rd .

Alloy initially anticipated smaller numbers upon return, but the company says schedules are quickly returning to normal. The brand’s “Alloy for Women facility” opened with capacity reduced to 4 people per hour (down from eight). The company booked all available hours. The brand’s flagship location also reduced spaces and training numbers to maintain social distancing requirements.

According to Mayo, “The general sentiment has been really positive, and people are slowly returning to normal activities, 50% of our members have already returned in the first week. One firmly stating that the Alloy facility was “50 times cleaner than the produce department.”

The brand emphasized the importance of transparency. “Messaging on how you are going to open is important. It gives clients the ability to make an informed decision based on knowing things like how many people will be allowed in each session, handling of the equipment, and what is expected of members and coaches. This communication lets them know that you are thinking ahead to take care of them by limiting their exposure to other,.” says Anthony Wilkins , Co-Owner of the Alloy for Women location in Suwanee, GA.

Cabin Fever

North Carolina is in “Phase 1” of reopening, which restricts most businesses, but allows childcare facilities and day camps to operate. Businesses in the state are readying for the green light. Yogi Bear’s three Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts in the state are preparing to welcome families this weekend.

“There’s a huge pent-up demand among parents and kids to get outside,” said Trent Hershenson, vice president of Marketing. He noted that Jellystone Park is helping resort owners open safely. “Our goal is to do everything we can to make sure everyone has a fun experience and feels comfortable staying at a North Carolina Jellystone Park.”

The company noted that some services and amenities are not available right now in keeping with social distancing guidelines. Pools and splashgrounds, are currently closed, but locations hope to open them in the coming weeks. Depending upon the resort, Jellystone encourages guests to hike, fish, bike and participate in activities various activities.

“Camping and glamping are really about families spending time together outdoors,” Hershenson said. “Hiking, making s’mores around a campfire and just relaxing in a luxury cabin or your own RV are great ways to unwind and bring back a sense of normalcy to life.”

The parks are following federal, state, and local authorities’ directives. In addition, the company indicates they have been provided with best practices and recommendations from the nation’s leading health organizations. Besides social distancing requests, guests can expect enhanced sanitation procedures throughout the parks.

As state and local jurisdictions begin to ease restrictions, more and more franchises will be seeking guidance on best practices for opening. Emphasizing social distancing procedures and increased sanitization will likely be the new norm and a significant trend for franchises in the coming weeks and months.

For all your franchise industry news, guides, and more, check out FranchiseHOW.

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The 10 Best Cleaning Franchises to Buy

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Best Cleaning Franchise

The COVID-19 pandemic may have instilled a bleak perspective on the economy. However, as several countries start to flatten the curve, many business opportunities are trudging to get back up. And if there’s one industry that will emerge amidst this pandemic, it’s the cleaning business. 

Regardless of what the economic situation is, a cleaning service will continue to thrive in the market. In fact, the cleaning business market size is estimated at around $74,299 million in 2022. And if you want to gain traction in this industry, a cleaning franchise would be an excellent idea. 

Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best cleaning franchises to buy this year. 

1. ServiceMaster

As with any other business, ServiceMaster aims to provide exceptional customer service. Their core responsibilities are floor, carpet, janitorial, and upholstery cleaning services. ServiceMaster’s franchising system comes with extensive research, comprehensive training programs, specially developed products, ongoing support, and more. ServiceMaster offers three different franchise models: Disaster Restoration Services, Janitorial Services, and Recovery Management Services. Each model varies in startup costs.

Estimated Initial Investment: $76,500 – $86,500 (Janitorial Services; $144,500 – $189,500 (Disaster Restoration Services); and $165,150 – $274,150 (Recovery Management Services)
Royalty: 5% (not applicable for Recovery Management Services)

2. Jan-Pro

Jan-Pro offers various franchise options. But whatever you choose, the esteemed company boasts of the Jan-Pro Guarantee. Jan-Pro believes that for a cleaning service to thrive, it must have a seamless system in place. The Jan-Pro Guarantee includes three systems that they consider as the core of their business:

  • Signature Clean
  • Technics
  • Tracker

Franchisees may also choose from three options: International Master Franchise, Executive Business, and Home-Based Franchise. 

Estimated Initial Investment: $127,500 – $768,000
Royalty: 4%

3. Molly Maid

When choosing a cleaning franchise, opt for a company that has a decades-long experience. Molly Maid has been servicing clients for over 30 years. Molly Maid provides home cleaning services on a weekly schedule. The company never fails to adhere to the CDC sanitization guidelines as well. In fact, their professional-grade products are EPA-approved against the Coronavirus. 

Estimated Initial Investment: $110,200 – $155,200
Royalty: 3 – 6.5%

4. Vanguard Cleaning Systems

Vanguard Cleaning Systems takes pride in its unparalleled service, which centers on integrity, trust, execution, and quality. Since 1984, Vanguard Cleaning Systems has been providing commercial cleaning services to businesses and corporate clients in North America. You can depend on their customer support staff, and account liaison for a seamless partnership.

Estimated Initial Investment: $147,375 to $460,750
Royalty: 5%

5. College Hunks Hauling Junk 

College Hunks Hauling Junk is the cleaning franchise for you if you find gold in moving and hauling junk. They are a tech-enabled, purpose-driven, values-based, and a socially conscious team of junk haulers. Plus, the company promises an enthusiastic and fun culture for franchisees and clients alike. Join a team of HUNKS, which means Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable, Service.

Estimated Initial Investment: $95,700- $231,200
Royalty: 7%

6. Maid Simple

Maid Simple boast of cleaning services that are “made simple.” By letting clients customize their cleaning services, they ensure all needs and preferences are met. The company offers cleaning services to both residential and commercial clients. Here are the services they provide:

  • General maid services
  • Home or residential cleaning
  • Apartment and condo cleaning
  • Small office cleaning
  • Green cleaning

Estimated Initial Investment:
Royalty:

7. Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning

If you want to focus on carpet cleaning solely, this company is an excellent choice. You can tell from over the 125,000 world-class reviews on their website alone. Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning takes pride in oxygen-powered products, an hour of dry time, and sustainability. Their commitment to the environment means the company supports Water.org to resolve the global water crisis. 

Estimated Initial Investment: $45,465 – $75,690
Royalty: N/A

8. Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning

Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning has over 35,000 franchises in more than 53 countries. It’s deemed as the biggest cleaning franchise the world over. Moreover, Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning is the best upholstery and carpet cleaning franchise in more than 30 decades. In fact, the company’s bottom line is experiencing a fast growth of three percent year on year. 

Estimated Initial Investment: $67,645 – $185,757
Royalty: N/A

9. Renew Crew

Another specialty cleaning service will gain traction in the next years, and it’s the outdoor cleaning business. Renew Crew is the name to count on when it comes to cleaning, protecting, and sealing the outdoor surfaces. The company caters to both commercial and residential properties. Plus, they use a pressure washer system that provides these three unique services:

  • Exclusive eco-friendly products
  • Unique three-step process
  • Extensive services for every homeowner’s needs

Estimated Initial Investment: $39,175 – $92,625
Royalty: 7% ($1,000 monthly minimum)

10. Buildingstars

Since its inception in 1994, Buildingstars has been providing commercial cleaning services in Houston, Austin, Tampa Bay, Chicago, Charlotte, New York, and more. They offer services such as green cleaning, nightly cleaning, floor care, carpet maintenance, and even consulting services. 

Estimated Initial Investment: $2,200 – $53,200

Wrap Up 

If you want to venture into an industry that will survive amidst any pandemic, try out the cleaning business. Opting for a cleaning franchise means you’ll have a turnkey opportunity to start a lucrative business without the heavy lifting.

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Jersey Mike’s Tailgate Tour With Fox Sports

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Jersey Mike's Tailgate Tour

Jersey Mike’s Kicks Off College Football Trivia Game and Tailgate Tour with Fox Sports

MANASQUAN, N.J., Aug. 30, 2021 – College football season is here and Jersey Mike’s Subs is teaming up with FOX Sports to celebrate by offering a College Football Trivia and Rose Bowl Stadium Sweepstakes when it hits the road this fall for the multi-city Jersey Mike’s Tailgate Tour.

After a year off due to the pandemic, the 14-week, 14-stop mobile tailgate tour is back, kicking off with the Ohio State vs. Minnesota game on Thursday, Sept. 2 in Minneapolis, Minn., which will be aired on FOX.

Partnering with FanHub, Jersey Mike’s will celebrate its return by releasing trivia games for 49 participating NCAA football schools, including five questions for each developed by team insiders. Fans can download Jersey Mike’s app to play. 

Upon completion of the trivia quiz, fans will be automatically entered in a sweepstakes for a chance to win a VIP trip for four to Rose Bowl Stadium to celebrate America’s New Year’s Celebration®, which includes game tickets, round trip airfare, hotel, Rose Parade® presented by Honda tickets, pre-game hospitality area and private tour of the FOX Studios in Los Angeles. In addition, trivia players will be rewarded with six Shore Rewards points to redeem in store, in-app or online. 

What the Team Has to Say

“We are looking forward to working with FOX Sports and connecting with hungry college football fans across the county,” said Rich Hope, Chief Marketing Officer, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “Our goal is to deliver a fun, interactive game day experience and introduce fans to our mobile app.” 

FOX Sports will air 30-second commercial spots promoting the sweepstakes. The Jersey Mike’s Tailgate Tour will also visit local FOX affiliates in tour locations, providing staff members with a free lunch and a chance to participate in the tailgate experience in the days leading up to select games. In-store display signage will remind guests to download the app and play the sweepstakes/trivia game.

“We are thrilled to team up with Jersey Mike’s for what promises to be an exciting college football season,” said Robert Gottlieb, Executive Vice President, Marketing, FOX Sports. “As we welcome fans back into stadiums and tailgates, we are eager to elevate the college football fan experience in unique ways across this multi-city tour.”  

Jersey Mike’s Tailgate Tour

In addition to its first stop at the University of Minnesota, the 14-week college tailgate tour will make stops at Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, Rutgers, Texas Tech, Tennessee, Florida State, Clemson, Arizona State, Texas, USC and Washington, culminating in the final stop at Rose Bowl Stadium on Jan. 1, 2022.

The fully customized tailgate trailer will give football fans a chance to sample Jersey Mike’s authentic fresh sliced subs, download the app to enter Jersey Mike’s College Football Trivia and Rose Bowl Stadium Sweepstakes, and experience other game day fun including:

·      Outdoor lounge with Adirondack chairs and picnic benches

·      “The Juice” mobile device charging station

·      Corn hole lawn games

·      Interactive kiosk display

·      Giveaways

·      FOX Sports “Cleatus” character appearances and live game action on outdoor TV

The branded trailer will be placed in high traffic locations on each campus near tailgaters and stadium entrances for up to five hours before kickoff.

Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment is the production agency for the tour.

About Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jersey Mike’s Subs, with more than 2,000 locations nationwide, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflected in its mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com  or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/jerseymikes), Instagram (instagram.com/jerseymikes), and Twitter (twitter.com/jerseymikes.com).

For all your franchise industry news, follow FranchiseHOW.

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Choice Hotels Reveals Next Milestone For Flagship Brand: The Comfort® Rise & Shine™ Prototype

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Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. unveiled the new Comfort Rise & Shine prototype as the next milestone for its flagship, upper midscale brand. The prototype celebrates the successes of the iconic brand as Comfort marks its 40 th anniversary this year, and positions the brand for continued performance and system growth. The first new construction Rise & Shine prototype hotels are expected to open in 2023.

“At Choice, we’re always building, innovating and evolving, with guest satisfaction and owner return at the forefront of what we do,” said Pat Pacious, president and chief executive officer, Choice Hotels. “After finishing Comfort’s multi-year, $2.5 billion transformative journey, which resulted in upgraded guest rooms and public spaces, as well as a new logo and signage, the ongoing success of the brand is proof positive that we invest for the long term. Over the last 40 years, our strong franchisee collaboration and guest loyalty has built one of the industry’s leading brands in the upper midscale segment — a brand that has time and again shown its strength and resiliency through dynamic economic climates. Now that the Comfort refresh is complete, we are introducing the next milestone for our flagship brand: an exciting, new prototype that is designed to maximize return on investment.”

The new Comfort Rise & Shine prototype builds on the features that have made the brand a long-time favorite of developers in the upper midscale segment including:

An efficient footprint : With reduced square footage, the Rise & Shine prototype delivers elevated fit and finish while maintaining Comfort’s efficient, cost-effective operating advantage.Innovative functionality : From a welcoming outdoor porch to an innovative new flex room that easily transforms from additional breakfast space to meeting and event space, the new prototype offers versatile spaces that can create additional revenue opportunities.Flexible and fresh design : Backed by extensive consumer research and developer feedback, the Rise & Shine design package comes in three color schemes, allowing developers to customize their choice to fit the needs of their local market, all while retaining the warm and welcoming personality for which Comfort is known. Developers can choose among the following:

City – bold yet approachable with rich wood tones and an energized color palette. Sea – calm and soothing with muted colors and light wood tones. Sun – vibrant and cheerful with a relaxed yet optimistic feel.

“Upper midscale and midscale are Choice Hotels’ sweet spots, and no one knows these segments better than we do,” said David Pepper, chief development officer, Choice Hotels. “More than ever, developers and guests are gravitating towards established brands they know and trust — brands like Comfort. Whether looking to build new construction or convert existing businesses, the Comfort Rise & Shine prototype was flexibly designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of investment opportunities coupled with access to Choice’s industry-leading resources and technology. As owners look to build for tomorrow, they will be well served by building Comfort.”

The new prototype was designed in response to evolving guest needs with tailored spaces for travelers to relax, work, sleep and get ready for their day. New and existing elements of the design combine to maintain connective threads to the best of the current offering, while adapting to meet the changing needs of today’s traveler. Some of these updates include:

Outdoor patios anchored by an indoor/outdoor fireplace, designed to give guests a warm welcome and make them feel at home.Open, airy and active public spaces with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize natural lighting.A multi-purpose flex room that seamlessly converts to serve a variety of uses.Guestrooms featuring upgraded fixtures and furniture, including semi-open closets and new “on the go” stations at the door.Functional yet uplifting lighting throughout the prototype including the front desk welcome wall, public space millwork shelving, exclusive up-lighting on the guest room headboard wall and media panel and on the prototype exterior.

“As the name ‘Rise & Shine’ suggests, light is integral to the new design, inspired in part by our refreshed brand identity and new signage serving as a beacon for the brand,” said Megan Brumagim, vice president, brand management, design and compliance, Choice Hotels. “The prototype combines the features, design and amenities that guests want, with the efficiency, functionality and flexibility that developers expect. It offers spaces that can transform from day to night and serve a broad range of guest stays, whether business or leisure. The new prototype reinforces the brand’s strong value proposition with guests and owners by blending form and function to help optimize the guest experience and developers’ investment.”

Whether hosting a family on a road trip or a business traveler with an important client meeting, Comfort guests will continue to enjoy the spacious guestrooms, complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 100% smoke-free facilities that they expect from the brand.

Comfort has more than 1,600 hotels coast to coast in the U.S. and a pipeline of nearly 300 properties, about 80% of which are new construction. Choice Hotels listened closely to guests and owners when developing the new Comfort Rise & Shine prototype, and it has already received enthusiastic reviews from existing Comfort franchisees, who are eager to invest in the future of Choice Hotels’ flagship brand.

“It’s not every day you can say that you directly influenced a brand’s new product, but the Comfort prototype is a great example of how Choice Hotels’ collaboration with owners and developers ensures a win for everyone,” said Azim Saju, chief executive officer and president, HDG Hotels, and owner of 10 Choice-branded hotels. “I’m always looking for ways to optimize returns from my investments. I know Choice is too. I’m proud to have been a part of an incredible project that will be a game changer in the market for current and prospective owners as well as our guests.”

For all your franchise industry news, follow FranchiseHOW.

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