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AAFD Welcomes the Independent Association of BurgerIM® Franchisees

Newest AAFD Chapter Organizing to Protect Franchisee Investments and Redress Serious Grievances

SAN DIEGO, January 2020 – The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) announced the formation of the Independent Association of BurgerIM® Franchisees (IABIMF).

In the wake of bombshell revelations (reported on January 20th in Restaurant Business Online, “The BurgerIM Disaster”) of hundreds of franchisees not receiving promised services and support, and serious allegations of fraud, mismanagement, and misappropriation of franchisee funds, scores of BurgerIM franchisees have launched the BurgerIM Franchisees Chapter of the AAFD. The association has quickly established a steering committee, a membership committee, and a bylaws committee. It is preparing to elect a board of directors and is rapidly increasing its membership. 

“The goal of IABIMF is to unite and unify BurgerIM franchisees, engage common legal counsel and aggregate franchisee resources to take immediate steps to protect and preserve franchisee investment.” said Joey McCullough, Interim Chairman of the chapter steering committee.

“Our BurgerIM franchisee members are very motivated and have quickly initiated strides to build a strong association,” said Robert Purvin, Chairman of the AAFD. “With the help of the AAFD, I believe this chapter will be able to create and enforce real and meaningful efforts to protect franchisee investments and address serious challenges to their brand. The AAFD is excited to support this effort.”

The new chapter was formed by concerned franchise operators after multiple reports of misappropriation of funds, a large number of sold franchises that are not being developed, lack of franchisee support, large vendor kickbacks to the franchisor, and reports of company vendors and employees not being paid. The franchisees intend to unite their common resources to address the serious challenges to their brand, and to protect their franchisee investments.

The AAFD acts as a catalyst in the franchisee chapter formation process by providing coaching, offering a vehicle for organization, helping franchisees build a leadership structure, and providing tools to support an effective franchisee association. The AAFD further helps chapters build effective leadership, define goals and objectives, build a compelling membership purpose, and open a constructive dialogue with their franchisor management team.   

BurgerIM is a gourmet quick service restaurant concept that features a variety of burger combinations of ground beef, ground lamb, salmon, vegetarian and more. The popular eateries have apparently grown faster than the company can support its franchise network and has led to serious financial and construction challenges. Reports estimate more than 1000 units sold, with nearly 300 restaurants that have opened and reports that over 100 have already closed. Franchisee owners have a strong confidence in the brand and its products and are intent on achieving strong goals for the brand and themselves.

The AAFD is the oldest, largest, and most respected direct member franchisee trade association in the United States.  The nonprofit organization has formed exclusive chapters for over 80 franchise systems and seeks to foster its vision of Total Quality Franchising—a collaborative franchise culture that respects the legitimate business interests of franchisors and franchisees.

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About the AAFD

The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. The AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising. Since its formation, the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised locations throughout the United States. The AAFD has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.

The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association’s recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.

For more information about the AAFD, please call toll free – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

For media information:

Robert Purvin

rpurvin@aafd.org

AAFD Welcomes the Independent Association of BurgerIM® FranchiseesRead More

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters Promote Long-Time Employee KayLyn Romeo to Multi-Media Franchise Manager

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters has grown from two brothers in a truck to 12 locations across the country and counting. As the operation evolves, so have the roles of some of their team members. KayLyn Romeo is one such team employee. Her title has been expanded from Franchise Marketing Associate to Multi-Media Franchise Manager.

A lifelong New Yorker, KayLyn was born in Long Island raised in Poughkeepsie – where she currently resides. This makes for a (relatively) easy commute to The Brothers That Just Do Gutters Headquarters in Arlington, NY. She received her bachelor’s degree in-state from SUNY Oneonta in Mass Communications with a concentration in production.

KayLyn also donates her time and expertise to a project she co-founded with fellow Brothers Gutters employee, Danielle Kolachik, called The dKol la femme Project. This non-profit focuses on healing through various modes of therapeutic artistic expression – including KayLyn’s own photography. They raise funds to support the telling of individual’s stories through artistic expression (free of charge to the participant) to foster healing and create awareness.

The specialized training she received in higher education and real-life experience is applied to every Brothers That Just Do Gutters Franchise and the entire company. She strategizes and deploys engaging multi-media awareness campaigns that comprised of blog posts, social media, video and most recently; podcasts. This engaging content raises visibility for individual locations and the brand as a whole. The most satisfying part of working at The Brothers That Just Do Gutters is for KayLyn is “the creative aspect of the job.”

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters Story

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters was born out of Ken Parson’s vision for a better contracting service. While working as a gutter installer for an independent company during summers between teaching history in the mid-1990’s, he determined exactly what qualities such an operation should embody. In 1999 his plans were solidified with the opening of what is now called The Brothers That Just Do Gutters.

Ken was able to recruit his brother Ryan, trained and educated as a graphic designer, to join him as Chief Solutionist of their growing operation. The siblings haven’t looked back since.

Fast forward to 2019. Ken and Ryan have helped dozens of other motivated individuals, partners and couples realize the American Dream by opening The Brothers That Just Do Gutters franchises of their own. Today, there are 11 Brothers Gutter franchise locations and one corporate own location including Hudson Valley, NY, New Milford, CT, Monmouth, NJ, Lehigh Valley, PA, Richmond, VA, Lynchburg, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, Jacksonville, FL, Seattle, WA, Dallas, TX, San Antonio, TX, South Charlotte, NC and Columbus, GA. Their proprietary system enables speedy growth and ample return on investment with direct training, ongoing consultation and strategic marketing. 

For more information about Brothers Gutter system, visit www.brothersfranchise.com or call (845) 705-7276.

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters Promote Long-Time Employee KayLyn Romeo to Multi-Media Franchise ManagerRead More

Lead generation. Finding the next franchisee.

Warm Zee prospects are the Holy Grail for franchisors.  But how do you find them, court them and onboard them?

Many lead generation sources have disappointed and underperformed. From online franchise portals to overly optimistic franchise brokers to informational seminars, lead generation often seems like a fleeting target.

But what if you were seen as “the authority”?

What if you were “editor” approved and receiving third-party credibility from achieve press coverage?

“Public relations gets new prospects to raise their hands for more details.  They are already enthusiastic about our story and business model,” noted Kevin Dubois of Lapels Dry Cleaning.

Between Rounds Bagel Café’s Jerry Puiia asserted, “Publicity has not only generated warm leads but supports Zee relations as well.”

How do you create news?

In a nutshell, news and coverage is about –

  • Taking a bow for community outreach
  • Rolling out a new product, service or way of doing business
  • Touting a new key staffer
  • Celebrating a new location (and coaxing interest from prospects from concentric regions)
  • Announcing capital raised
  • Alerting of milestones  (Examples – #s served, # lifestyles transformed, # Dreams attained)
  • Industry tips (Seasonal and more)

The challenge is to identify and develop newsworthy opportunities that can be merchandised to the press in the form of news releases, preferably on a twice-monthly or more frequent basis to keep your name in front of your various audiences.

News releases are often the catalyst to more expansive feature coverage.

In addition to sharing your news releases with both the traditional press and online media, this original content should be repurposed to social media, your website’s newsroom and/or blog.

Ready for headlines?  Ready for leads?

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Kicks Off Monthly “Storytelling in the Round” on April 17th

NamSense book IMG_0806Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café recently announced the launch of “Storytelling in the Round”, a new monthly program featuring readings by Connecticut’s own published (and aspiring) authors at their newly renovated Vernon store located at Vernon Circle Shopping Center, 243 Hartford Turnpike.

Arthur Wiknik, Jr., author of the brilliantly written Nam Sense: Surviving Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, is Between Rounds’ first featured author scheduled to appear on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. In his book, Mr. Wiknik’s shares his account of life and death in Vietnam while serving as a combat squad leader in the 101st Airborne Division.

One Sunday a month from September to May, Storytelling in the Round puts the spotlight on a different local author. During these FREE one-hour events, an author reads an excerpt from their work, which is followed by a question and answer session and book signing. Attendees may purchase copies of the author’s book during the event or bring their own copies and have them signed by the author.

“Connecticut is home to so many wonderful authors. Storytelling in the Round gives both the author and the reader an opportunity to connect – right in their own backyard at their local Between Rounds café,” noted Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds.

All Storytelling in the Round author appearances are arranged by Ron Farina, an author, nationally recognized speaker and veteran. Mr. Farina is the author of several short stories on Vietnam, including the award winning short story Unbreakable Embrace, published by the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy (2013).

For more information about future author events, email info@betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Announces Vernon Remodel

BR Vernon renovation 2016Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café has closed the doors of their Vernon store for renovation. The bakery café and bagel shop encourages customers to visit their Manchester store, which is just three miles away, at the Plaza at Buckland Hills, 1540A Pleasant Valley Road, Manchester, CT 06074. Customers can also visit the South Windsor store at 19 John Fitch Boulevard, Route 5, South Windsor, CT 06074 or the Tolland store at Citgo Express Gas Station, 206 Merrow Road, Tolland, CT 06084.

During Between Rounds Vernon renovation, staff will temporarily work in the Manchester store and all catering orders will be satisfied via the Manchester store.

Between Rounds Vernon is slated to reopen at the beginning of March. The store will have a new look, with upscale décor that boasts comfortable seating, carpeting, dedicated giftware displays and a more comfortable atmosphere overall. The redesign will facilitate faster customer flow.

Between Rounds is also hiring additional management, counter and baking staff for their Vernon store. Those interested in applying may download an application from betweenroundsbagels.com and bring it to any Between Rounds location.

For store hours and locations or for more information, visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Fast Casual Dining Franchise is Expanding – Between Rounds Announces Franchise Opportunities

Between Rounds 1 exteriorConsidering a career move? For anyone looking to begin a new chapter as a business owner in the fast casual dining segment – the fastest growing segment in the restaurant industry – Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is now offering two different franchise opportunities.

With locations in South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland, Between Rounds fast casual dining establishments have become the area’s favorite locale for fresh, baked-on site bagels and healthier, freshly prepared, high quality meals served in a clean, comfortable, upscale environment.

Two types of franchise opportunities are available: a Kiosk Gas Station/Convenience Market program and an Area Developer Program.

The Kiosk Gas Station/Convenience Market franchise is a non-traditional convenience store/gas station model that offers gas station customers the ability to purchase Between Rounds specialty coffee, fresh made breakfast and lunch sandwiches, fresh baked bagels and assorted bakery items from a clean, well-designed store adjacent to the filling station. The kiosk store has low start-up costs and requires an overall investment of approximately $120K for a standard store with no drive-thru.

The Area Developer Program is unique in its franchise offering, as it encompasses the operation of three retail bakery sandwich café locations as well as a manufacturing commissary in a protected territory. This development strategy allows the franchisee to maximize efficiencies in labor, food, and energy costs while providing a solid investment return.

Off to a Successful Start

Between Rounds helps franchisees start off successfully with site location, construction assistance and extensive staff training prior to opening and after the launch. Every detail regarding safe, clean and successful food service is reviewed and demonstrated. Between Rounds corporate ensures there are field representatives on hand to work with your staff, and once the store is operating smoothly, they continue to offer organizational support and guidelines for successful programs.

According to Between Rounds  co-founder and franchisor, Jerry Puiia, “Fast Casual Dining is the fastest growing segment in the restaurant industry. We are always looking out for new franchise locations and the right people to run it. It’s an ideal time for franchisees in the fast casual market.”

Between Rounds is family owned and operated in Connecticut since 1990. Unlike their competitors that require high initial investment and multiple franchises, the Between Rounds Kiosk Gas Station/Convenience Market opportunity is a reasonable initial investment with no minimum number of franchises required. The company has also secured three financing companies, Benetrends, FranchiseLeasing.com and The Stratford Group, to help new franchisees with financing of KioskGas Station/Convenience Marketoperations.

Puiia continued, “A Between Rounds franchise offers the appeal of a locally-owned, community gathering place; the quality of freshly made bagels and other baked goods, sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, and specialty coffees; and excellent unit financial performance and wholesale distribution opportunities.”

For more information about the Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café opportunities, visit http://franchise.betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

 

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Hires New Baker

BR Phyliss Dombrowski copyBetween Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with four locations in Connecticut, has recently appointed Phyliss Dombrowski as a full time Baker in their Vernon café.

Ms. Dombrowski will be responsible for baking bagels, rolls, breads and a variety of pastries and desserts daily for the Vernon location. She has more than a decade of baking, cooking and food service experience gained while working for Sodexo and Starbucks in Bloomfield, CT as well as for the City of New York Board of Education in NY, and Baxter Retirement Village and Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, AR.

A native of Glendale, NY, Ms. Dombrowksi completed college coursework in medical coding and terminology while studying to become a medical assistant.

She resides in Manchester, CT.

“Phyliss is a dedicated and efficient baker with a wealth of experience. We’re very pleased to have her on our team,” said Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds.

For store hours and locations or for more information, visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Unveils Unique Giftware Line

BR Logo from Andy smallLooking for a special gift for a friend, family member, teacher or co-worker? Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café now carries unique giftware in their Manchester, South Windsor and Vernon stores.

In addition to fresh, baked-on site bagels, sandwiches, salads, soups and specialty coffee, patrons can now shop for holiday and hostess gifts at Between Rounds fast-casual dining establishment. Between Rounds’ unique gift line ranges from mugs and platters, to ornaments, frames and more. Many of the gifts are geared towards an occasion, theme or the recipient and include Christmas, Hanukkah and other holidays, as well as birthday, retirement, get well, military, pet, new parent, teacher and more.

Between Rounds’ line of affordable giftware is available year-round, and the selection changes with the seasons and holidays.

“Our extensive collection of holiday giftware has been well-received so far. Customers who stop in for coffee and select a gift for someone, often end up purchasing a themed mug or an ornament for themselves as well,” said Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds.

For store hours and locations or for more information, visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Announces New Fundraising Program

BR Logo from Andy smallBetween Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with four locations in Connecticut, has recently announced their unique Between Rounds Fundraising Program.

The Between Rounds Fundraising Program simplifies the fundraising process for youth athletic teams, schools, theaters and other groups. Essentially, Between Rounds designates a specific week where a portion of sales goes directly to the fundraising group.

How it Works

The team or group leader makes arrangements with Between Rounds’ corporate office for a fundraising week. The team/group leader is provided with a Between Rounds Fundraiser Week Flyer (PDF), which they are able to share with supporters as handouts or via email and social media.

Supporters spend a minimum of $10 on food/beverages at any Between Rounds location during the scheduled fundraiser week, and Between Rounds donates $1 per sale to the team/group.

The Between Rounds Fundraiser Week Flyer must be presented at time of purchase to ensure that a portion of the supporter’s purchase goes to the appropriate team/group.

“This is an innovative way to raise funds for your team, group, or school,” said Jerry Puiia, co-founder of Between Rounds. “Our program is easy to implement, and easy to promote via social media.”

For more information, contact Jerry Puiia of Between Rounds 860-291-0323.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café Announces New Fundraising ProgramRead More