BK Menu Gives Casual Dining Reason to Worry
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 04:34AM Advertising Age: Soon, the troubled casual-dining industry won't just be worrying about its nearest competitor - Burger King could be closing in as well with a new slate of premium items, including ribs and thicker burgers.
7-Eleven Continues To Convert Most Company Owned Stores To Franchise Operations
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 04:33AM Highlands Today (Tampa Bay): 7-Eleven, Inc., the world's largest convenience retailer and ranked among U.S. top franchisors, is continuing its plan to convert the vast majority of its company-operated stores into franchised operations in the U.S. by 2012.
The conversion of company-operated stores in some markets began in 2006. Approximately 4,100, or 75 percent, of 7-Eleven, Inc.'s more than 5,600 U.S. stores are now franchised.
McDonalds Franchise Well Placed in Face of Recession - CEO
Monday, November 17, 2008 at 09:42AM From Reuters: McDonald's Corp is shielded against recession and has hardly been hit by the international financial crisis, Chief Executive Jim Skinner was quoted as saying on Thursday.
"Worldwide turbulence is barely affecting our business," Skinner told Germany's Bild daily. "We are growing worldwide, especially in Europe we have significant gains at the moment -- also in Germany."
Five Star Painting Franchise a Major Help to Minorities
Monday, November 10, 2008 at 11:54AM 
The Five Star Painting franchise has been recognized by the National Minority Franchising Initiative (NMFI) as one of the 50 Top Franchises for Minorities.
Against stiff competition Five Star Painting received this distinguished honor and will appear in the November issue of USA Today – Franchising Today.
Factors contributing to its inclusion include the company’s objective to both recruit and advance minorities within its organization.
Additionally, the Five Star Painting franchise has proven successful in historic performance, brand identification, market dynamics, franchisee satisfaction and the level of initial training and ongoing support and financial stability.
Five Star Painting is the second largest painting franchise company and the fastest growing in North America.
More information on the Five Star Painting franchise opportunity >>
Sign Franchise Wins 'Best Overall Performance' Award
Monday, November 10, 2008 at 11:45AM 
Leading sign franchise FASTSIGNS International Inc. has won an award for lead generation, recruitment and industry-wide best practices in the franchise industry.
FASTSIGNS came first in the category of “Overall Performance” at the annual STAR (Speaking To And Responding) Awards.
The awards, held by industry resource for franchise development Franchise Update Media Group, are determined on the results compiled by mystery shoppers, who contact franchises by telephone and through the internet.