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RUSH BOWLS PoiseD for groWTh in heaLThY fasT-casuaL sPace
Rush Bowls—a fast-casual concept known for its fresh and healthy mealsin-a-bowl—is poised to continue its national expansion in 2021 and build off the continuing popularity of healthy food options.
Rush Bowls is meeting the increasing demand for all-natural, healthy, graband-go food with its blended fruit and veggie bowls and smoothies, opening eight locations across the U.S. in 2020.
Rush Bowls’ success also earned the brand a spot on QSR’s 40/40 List for 2021: America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals, which recognized fast-casual concepts poised for growth.
“People may not have been familiar with the healthy fruit and veggie bowls concept when Rush Bowls was first founded 16 years ago and now to be recognized on QSR’s 40/40 list is a huge achievement for the brand,” said Andrew Pudalov, founder and CEO of Rush Bowls. “In 2021, we aim to continue to be a leader and pioneer in our industry.” Rush Bowls plans on opening 14 to 16 new locations across in Minnesota, Indiana, Texas, Connecticut, Washington, Florida, California and Idaho in 2021.
Rush Bowls was launched in 2004 when Pudalov left a successful career in New York City’s financial sector to pursue his passion for healthy living. Today, Rush Bowls offers the perfect blend of all-natural fruits and veggies topped with delightfully crunchy, organic granola, a drizzle of honey, and your choice of fresh fruits and toppers. Rush Bowls are fully customizable and can be blended with protein, vitamins and other nutritious ingredients while remaining low in calories and fat content.
www.rushbowls.com/franchise
FranConnect, the leading provider of franchise management solutions for driving success in franchise sales, operations, and marketing, has established a new Consulting Alliance Partnership Program.
Franchises will now be able to tap into the expertise of industryleading consultants that have partnered with FranConnect to offer their guidance on implementing the technology in their business.
“As the franchising market continues to adopt technology more aggressively, we are committed to partnering with the best in the business to improve the user experience and help franchisors get the most out of these solutions,” said Keith Gerson, president of franchise operations for FranConnect. franchise management platform experts with customers who will benefit from their expertise in adopting and engaging with our technology. Our customers gain access to the best practices and domain expertise of our partners, and our partners have an opportunity to develop tighter, ongoing relationships with leading franchisors.”
One of the first industry experts to join FranConnect’s program is Franchise Performance Group (FPG). FPG works with over 120 franchisors — including Marco’s Pizza, Sport Clips, Christian Brothers Automotive, and College Hunks Hauling Junk — to transform their franchisee recruitment by improving their lead generation and franchise sales process and providing outsourced franchisee recruitment services.
“FPG helps our clients close 200-400 deals annually. This new consulting alliance allows FranConnect customers to tap into our deep expertise — particularly how to use FranConnect to drive results for franchise development,” said FPG CEO Joe Matthews.
GODDARD SYSTEMS, INC. ceo Dennis r. maPLe aPPoinTeD chairman
Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the franchisor of The Goddard School, announced Chief Executive Officer Dennis R. Maple has been appointed to the additional position of Chairman of the Board. Maple has been a member of the GSI Board and CEO since 2019.
“During a time of unprecedented change in the early childhood education industry, Dennis has demonstrated a steadfast ability to lead the Goddard System forward,” said Robert Strouse, President of Goddard’s parent, Wind River Holdings. “Combining the roles of Chairman and CEO will further enable Dennis to drive the efficient execution of our long-term strategic imperatives. Dennis’ leadership style, his vision and passion for early childhood education, and his focus on culture and process excellence uniquely positions him to serve as GSI’s new Chairman.” Maple’s 39-year career includes executive leadership and general management experiences with well-known companies such as First Student, Aramark Education, The Quaker Oats Company, PepsiCo, Inc., Kraft General Foods, Inc., and Coors Brewing Company. In January of this year, Maple was elected to the International Franchise Association’s Board of Directors. Maple is also on the Descartes Systems Group board of directors, where he serves as a member of the Compensation Committee and as chairman of the Nominating Committee.
www.goddardschool.com
DUNKIN’ ceLeBraTes 1000Th neXT generaTion resTauranT oPening
Three years after the launch of the first Next Generation store model, Dunkin’ has hit their milestone 1000th location with the opening of a restaurant in Woodstock, GA. a small ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Scott Murphy, Head of Inspire Brands Beverage-Snack Category and President of Dunkin’, and Mathias Piercy, Regional Vice President at Dunkin’, as well as a free coffee giveaway and multiple charitable donations from the company to local organizations.
The Next Gen model is categorized by a modern, innovative design catered to the on-the-go lifestyle of the typical Dunkin’ customer, with features such as a dedicated mobile order pick-up area, a digital order status board, and a mobile order-exclusive drive thru lane at select stores. The Next Gen model also boasts sophisticated elements such as innovative tap systems that pour premium cold drinks and a front-facing bakery case that displays a full range of bakery options.
Dunkin’ specifically designs all Next Gen stores to meet the brand’s DD Green Achievement specifications which allow for increased energy efficiency. Like other DD Green Achievement stores, the new Woodstock location is equipped with LED lighting, high-efficiency mechanical equipment, and additional features that contribute to sustainability.
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MY SALON SUITE names 11 BeauTY enTrePreneurs as iTs 2021 suiTe eLiTe feaTureD memBers
Eleven beauty salon owners from across the nation have been selected as part of MY SALON Suite’s 2021 Suite Elite Featured Member program. This program celebrates the winners’ accomplishments and unique styles with personalized rewards and promotions and positions them for continued success through once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to elevate their businesses.
The chosen stylists are members of MY SALON Suite, a co-working style space where salon professionals provide beauty services to their clients in private, fully equipped, custom suites. There are more than 200 franchised MY SALON Suite locations across the U.S. and Canada with more than 5,000 beauty professional members, collectively called the Suite Elite. “Every year, we are amazed by the determination, enthusiasm, and sheer talent of our Featured Members but this year has made their accomplishments even more astounding as they worked day in and out to exceed their clients’ expectations in a safe, welcoming environment,” said Ken McAllister, MY SALON Suite’s CEO and President.
The 11 winners will enjoy luxury experiences and rewards, will be featured throughout the year in national marketing campaigns, and will secure opportunities for each Featured Member to promote their business locally and receive recognition for this honor in their communities.
Aligning with this year’s theme ‘Make It Yours: Next Level’, the Featured Members will participate in a virtual session with a team of national design consultants who will offer expert advice and practical recommendations to make their visions for their suite and branding a reality.
www.mysalonsuite.com
THE DRIPBAR DeBuTs firsT coLoraDo LocaTion
THE DRIPBaR, a Rhode Island-based health center focused on administering preventative healthcare IV infusions, has opened its first location in Colorado, owned and operated by husband-andwife Joshua and Rebecca Fulenwider.
A Colorado native and an independent living director, Joshua is truly invested in helping others live better. The husbandand-wife duo was first introduced to the IV infusion concept after exploring recovery options for a close family member post brain cancer surgery. The business has since developed into a passion project as the couple strives to help their community live healthier lives, both mentally and physically.
“After trying the IV drips first hand, we truly became believers,” said Joshua. “I woke up the next morning with more energy than I’ve ever had, in a better mood and feeling physically and mentally refreshed. We knew we just had to bring this concept to our local community here in Fort Collins.”
The couple has plans to soon partner with local non-profit organizations and want to use their business to spark change in the community. “This endeavor is not just business it’s personal,” said Rebecca. “We want to play an active role in our community behind the scenes, and with our location right across from the UC Health Campus, we want our DRIPBaR to serve as the model of successful preventative healthcare.”
As the first franchisees for THE DRIPBaR in Colorado, the couple is looking to set a new standard for IV drip therapy and increase awareness of THE DRIPBaR’s brand and mission throughout the state.
ALPHAGRAPHICS reVeaLs BranD refresh anD neW WeBsiTe
AlphaGraphics, leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, has recently undergone a full brand refresh. The company, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020, has made several changes to reflect the brand’s overall growth as a company.
Along with the brand refresh, AlphaGraphics rolled out a new website geared toward telling the company’s story With more than 285 locations in six countries, AlphaGraphics was the first U.S. printing franchise to expand internationally, as well as the first retailer in desktop publishing. In 2019, AlphaGraphics was named to the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 and the Franchise Times Top 200+. In 2020, AlphaGraphics was named one of the largest printing operations by Printing Impressions.
www/alphagraphics.com
high-enD Women’s consignmenT BouTiQue To oPen firsT franchise
The Closet Trading Company®, which operates four high-end women’s consignment boutiques in Southern California, today announced the grand opening of its first East Coast boutique in Plantation, Florida. The company began franchising in 2019, and the new South Florida store will be the company’s first franchise location to open.
The Closet Trading Company sells preloved contemporary designer clothing, shoes, and accessories for women, and specializes in current, on-trend styles from designer and premium labels. The company’s existing locations include Santa Monica, Agoura Hills, Santa Barbara, and Woodland Hills, California.
New owner Gabriela Hernandez will operate the Florida franchise location. “I’m thrilled to be launching this new business that combines my love of fashion with my drive to contribute positively to the environment, by giving pre-loved, high-end garments a new life. I’m looking forward to bringing my passion to the South Florida community and welcoming shoppers to my boutique for an exciting and potentially habit-forming shopping experience,” said Hernandez.
In the South Florida boutique, shoppers will find mainstream brands like Lululemon, Free People, and Rag & Bone, as well as an extensive selection of luxury pieces from Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and more. Items can be purchased for about 70% off retail prices.
Founded in 2003 and franchising since 2019, The Closet Trading Co. is a highend resale and consignment store that specializes in contemporary to luxury designer clothing, shoes, and accessories while also helping it become a marketing execution partner. The website showcases the company’s full services offerings: print services, signs, marketing and technology.
“The website is a direct representation of our move toward the future and how AlphaGraphics continues to modernize and expand after so many years of service,” said Ryan Farris, COO and president of AlphaGraphics. “The website is a celebration of who we are as a franchise. It showcases how much we have grown over our 50 years of existence.”
for women. There are four boutiques open throughout Southern California and one franchise location in Plantation, Florida.
