DailyFranchiseNews.com

An Applebee's in Ridgecrest, California?

Ridgecrest, California city officials recently served up this juicy appetizer: Applebee’s could be coming to town.

The Daily Independent reported that the neighborhood grill and bar chain is one of four restaurants under consideration for a business park adjacent to a new SpringHill Suites hotel.

“The restaurants must be sit-down, full-service businesses to be considered,” said Gary Parsons of the community development department. “Applebee's is among them, but we have no confirmation on any of them at this time.”

Cyrus Commissariat of Golden West Restaurants, the Applebee's franchisee for Kern County, suggests that local residents shouldn’t get excited quite yet. While he believes the restaurant would do well in Ridgecrest, there are no plans in the immediate future.

“Maybe in a year or two we can open a place in the Ridgecrest area. We currently have a restaurant in Bakersfield, and we're definitely looking at expanding to the east,” said Commissariat. “Ridgecrest and Tehachapi have both fallen squarely on our radar as towns that would support an Applebee's restaurant.”

The company is actively looking at the area and working with local real estate agents regarding possible locations. Commissariat said the Indian Wells Valley definitely fits Applebee’s demographics.

Featured franchise executive: Jania Bailey of FranNet

Name:   Jania Bailey, President and COO

Company: FranNet

Number of Offices:   58

Historical Data: Founded in 1987, FranNet is a nationwide network of franchise consultants who provide no-cost guidance, information and support to individuals who are interested in purchasing a franchised business.

Bailey became the company's president and COO on August 21, 2006. Before joining FranNet, she worked in several different managerial capacities with Fantastic Sams International, a hair care franchise, most recently as regional manager in Texas.

Mission:  FranNet's vision is to be the first choice of both quality franchisors and potential prospective franchisees when seeking a franchise consultant. We will accomplish this by being the market maker for a select number of high quality franchisors utilizing our franchise consultants in local markets

Passion: Motorcycles, camping, my two grown sons and one grandson and my two Yorkies. I have twin grandsons due in December.

The Ideal Candidate for a FranNet Associate: Someone with strong business and sales background.  Must be comfortable in making contacts and developing referral sources.  Must be comfortable speaking in front of a group and have a strong professional presence. Past franchise experience is not necessary but can be helpful.

Three Tips You Would Give to a Startup Franchisee:

1. Follow the System
2. Listen to the Experts
3. Network with established Franchisees

Where Do You Hope to be in Five Years? At FranNet, running a thriving company.

Featured Franchise Executive: Jim Evanger of DOTI

This week we begin what we hope will be a weekly feature: Interviews with franchise company executives. Featured this week is Jim Evanger of DOTI Design Stores.

Name:   Jim Evanger, co-founder and CEO.

Company: DOTI Design Stores.  We are a home furnishings and interior design retail franchise.

Number of Locations:  30 open or soon to be open.

Historical Data: Not long after graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in interior design, Michele Evanger joined a small interior design studio in the Chicago suburb of Barrington called Designs Of The Interior. In 1993, two years after joining the studio, Evanger bought the business and later opened two additional studios in the Chicago area.

With Michele’s success, Jim and Michele Evanger realized the niche DOTI could fill by combining interior design services and home furnishing along with a retail storefront. Jim Evanger left his position as director of global account development with STERIS Corporation to join Michele in 1998 and help position DOTI for franchising. The first franchised location opened in Green Bay, Wis., in 1999.

Mission at the franchisor level:  To help people realize their dream of successful business ownership. 

Mission at the store level:  To help people create a home environment that brings more joy and happiness into their life.

Passion:  Passion is developing people to realize their full potential.  I enjoy doing this at work, on the playing field (I play and coach baseball), and at home with our children.

Ideal Franchisee Candidate:  Someone with strong management and people leadership skills.  They have been successful through OTHER people during their career.

Three Tips You Would Give to a Startup Franchisee: 

1. Find mentors who have walked in your shoes previously.
2. Follow the system that was developed and that you paid money to join.
3. Understand that business ownership is not easy and there will be bumps in the road no matter what you do.

Where Do You Hope to be in Five Years?  Overseeing a very large and successful brand (DOTI) and making a difference in people’s lives.  If it can be where it doesn’t snow, all the better!