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Gotta Love It!!!

Just when I was afraid to go back in the kitchen ala Jaws, I see this fabulous post: http://www.thegoodstuffguide.com/organizing-2011-meet-shelfgenie/ and say, 'hey maybe I can redo this kitchen' AND actually find a place for everything once it’s done.  I had vowed to knock out a wall but then, where to put all the excess stuff that was in the cabinets on THAT WALL?

Well, if you are this organized it’s no worry.  Also a great franchise opportunity - Shelf-Genie is rocking it all over the country.  They currently have more than 100 locations and expect to grow to 150 to 175 franchises by the end of 2011.

First Watch restaurant chain plans expansion

 

First Watch is growing far beyond its Florida roots. Last week Nation’s Restaurant News reported on the chain’s nationwide expansion plans including recently inked deals for Nashville and Milwaukee.

The country’s largest and fastest-growing, privately owned, daytime-only restaurant company in the United States plans to grow to 115 restaurants, with about a dozen franchised locations open and more than 30 in various stages of development by the end of 2012. 

The chain of casual eateries, known best for inspiring menu items such as carrot cake pancakes and the signature, Crepeggs, has enjoyed positive same-store sales growth for 25 consecutive years. Total sales were $83 million in 2009 and $89 million in 2010. Average unit volume is approximately $1.2 million per year.

While annual sales for First Watch have continued to grow despite the recession, other concepts have been hit hard by a decline in the lunch daypart. Packaged Facts said that after a 4% decline in 2009 and another 3% decline in 2010, lunch daypart sales are set to pick up in 2011 which bodes well for the continued success of First Watch.

Businesses Turn To LED Lighting

 

Businesses all over the country are opting to install LED lighting in their establishments in an effort to "go green." As a result, Wellington, Fla. based-LED Source, a national and international supplier of LED lighting that specializes in full-scale evaluations and retrofits, is at the top of its game! Bedonna Flesher, owner of Nature’s Table also in Wellington, consulted with LED Source after her employees were complaining about the excessive heat from the halogen bulbs in her café.  Ultimately, she decided to replace 60 percent of the halogen bulbs in her business with LED lights.

According to AMEX OPEN Forum, LED lights are 300 percent more efficient than compact fluorescent bulbs and 1,000 percent more efficient than incandescent bulbs. LEDs also last an
average of 60,000 hours and use 90 percent less energy. This means business is booming in the LED industry.

LED Source has opened three franchises and has over 20 in various stages of development.  President and CEO Marcel Fairbairn explains, “LEDs are one of the very few things that you can buy that makes a huge difference and makes you money. If the entire world would convert to LED, the number of power plants and nuclear plants needed would be substantially reduced.” 

 According to AMEX OPEN Forum, LED lights are 300 percent more efficient than compact fluorescent bulbs and 1,000 percent more efficient than incandescent bulbs. LEDs also last an average of 60,000 hours and use 90 percent less energy. This means business is booming in the LED industry.

LED Source has opened three franchises and has over 20 in various stages of development.  President and CEO Marcel Fairbairn explains, “LEDs are one of the very few things that you can buy that makes a huge difference and makes you money. If the entire world would convert to LED, the number of power plants and nuclear plants needed would be substantially reduced.” 

Money Mizer Franchisees Find Success In Auburn

Brothers-in-law team Hank Richards and Rick Snell decided to go into business for themselves after being affected by downsizing in their respective companies.  Snell heard that Northside Pawn owner Robbie Whitten in Phe0nix City, Ala. was looking to expand his business and the idea took off from there.

The Money Mizer Pawn Shop opened in March 2010 at 1027 B-Opelika Road in Auburn, Ala. and has experienced great growth in spite of the recession according the The Corner News.  Richards says the best selling items are electronics and firearms and there are some more unique items that pass through the shop including war memorabilia, football rings and even a book of old currency. Future plans may include expanding to an additional location in Alabama. Richards adds, “We don’t yet have one year under our belt, and we are real pleased with the progress.” 

Money Mizer currently has three corporate-owned locations in Columbus, Ga. and Phenix City and Dothan, Ala., in addition to the franchised location in Auburn, Ala. The chain expects to sell 10 to 15 franchises in 2011, with 150 locations open by the end of 2015. Prime territories include cities with populations of at least 50,000, as well as college towns and military bases.

Did You Miss us? A New Look and Blog for 2012

We were down but not out! We are currently reworking and updating this blog to be better than ever with guest columnists and more artwork and fun like "Guess the Name of This Franchise Exec" and win a post and pic on here all about you, your company, your family, whatever you want!! This should all be ready by the end of the year, or more simply, in a week or two. Until then please have a safe and healthy, happy holiday season from all of us at Daily Franchise News!