DDIFO President Jim Coen Welcomes You to DDIFO
Jim Coen, DDIFO President, welcomes you to DDIFO and discusses the powerful synergies created by franchising, as well as the power utilized when franchise owners independently organize to enhance and protect their own business interests. [flv:http://www.ddifo.org/movies/LeadershipPage/JimCoen300.flv 300 170]
Franchise Owner Rob Branca Discusses DDIFO’s Research and Legal Capabilites
Rob Branca, Franchise Owner/Operator, in four states: Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Florida, discusses the Research and Legal Capabilities of DDIFO and its value to the franchise owners as well as the unit economics different DDIFO Members face: [flv:http://www.ddifo.org/movies/FeaturedContent/RobBrancaFeaturedPart2.flv 300 170]
DDIFO Director Pat Kaufmann Discusses the Dynamics of Franchising
Pat Kaufmann, Clerk, DDIFO Board of Directors; Chairman of the Marketing Department, Boston University, discusses franchising and how franchisor operated stores play an important role in establishing credibility with franchise owners. [flv:http://www.ddifo.org/movies/FeaturedContent/PatKaufmannDynamic.flv 300 170]
Franchise Owner Chris Prazeres on the Power of the Brand
Chris Prazeres, Franchise Owner with shops in Rhode Island, talks about the power and value of the Dunkin' Donuts Brand. [flv:http://www.ddifo.org/movies/FeaturedContent/ChrisPrazeresFeatured.flv 300 170]
General Counsel Carl Lisa on the BAC Profitability Subcommittee
Carl Lisa, DDIFO General Counsel, provides perspective on the creation of the Profitability Subcommittee of the Brand Advisory Council (BAC) and the value the Profitably Subcommittee has to Dunkin' Donuts franchise owners. [flv:http://www.ddifo.org/movies/FeaturedContent/CarlLisaMacroPerspective.flv 300 170]
DDIFO Chairman Kevin McCarthy Discusses Franchise Relations
Kevin McCarthy Chairman of DDIFO Board of Directors discusses franchise relations from a historical perspective up to today. He elaborates on the value of the resources DDIFO has available for the members. [flv:http://www.ddifo.org/movies/FeaturedContent/KevinMcCarthyDDChanges.flv 300 170]
Latest DDIFO Announcements
Negotiating Success with AAFD Fair Franchising StandardsIn an atmosphere of increasing regulation and the rise of franchisee associations the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers created the Fair Franchising Standards Committee. They wanted to make the franchising system work better for everyone, believing that a spirit of communication and negotiation led to better relations and business results.
Read this article Rewarding Exceptional Service is Upheld in CaliforniaOver the years, tipping became as much of a ritual as a steaming cup of morning coffee. But, today new laws aimed at protecting wait staff in restaurants and bars threaten that practice. Read an opinion piece by DDIFO Communications Director, Matt Ellis.
Read this article DDIFO Associate Member Program is a Win-Win-WinThe DDIFO Associate Membership program continues to grow, offering numerous benefits to Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners, DDIFO members, and to the participating businesses and vendors.
Read this article More DDIFO AnnouncementsLatest Brand News
Dunkin’ Stops Selling Hot Chocolate as a PrecautionThe Boston Globe reports that Dunkin’ Donuts, the Canton-based coffee-and-baked-goods chain, said that it will temporarily stop selling hot chocolate and Dunkaccino beverages as a precautionary measure after one of its suppliers learned that some of its equipment might be contaminated with Salmonella.
Read this article The Latest Scoop on Baskin-RobbinsBaskin-Robbins has had 31 flavors of ice cream for decades, but until recently it’s only had one kind of store. In an increasingly splintered consumer marketplace, the Canton-based ice cream chain now is hedging its bets. It’s trying out two new store concepts designed to appeal to value-conscious customers and more of an upscale demographic.
Read this article ‘Dunkin’ Run’ Helps Coordinate Your Donut and Coffee OrdersTired of scooting around the office, writing down everyone’s order in a piece of scrap paper before making that run to Dunkin’ Donuts? Dunkin’ Donuts has unveiled an online application to help companies more easily take group orders for its products.
Read this article More Brand NewsCompetitor News
Tim Hortons Set to Open in Big AppleJanet Whitman of the Financial Post writes that after a 25-year battle to make inroads in the biggest fast-food market in the world, Tim Hortons Inc. is set to open up a new U. S. front in August when it takes its double-doubles into the heart of New York City’s coffee wars. The iconic Canadian coffee-and-doughnut chain plans to have three stores up and running in the Big Apple, including a location in Times Square — its first foray into Manhattan — the Financial Post has learned.
Read this article Starbucks Sets Eco-Friendly Goals for New StoresNot just the logo will be green at Starbucks’ new stores. On Thursday, Starbucks announced that the company aims to earn LEED certification on all new company-owned stores beginning in 2010.
Read this article Seeking the Best Coffee in a Popularity ContestThe survey results caught the eye of Nate Silver, the baseball-numbers analyst turned political-numbers figured that if the food-guide makers used their usual methodology, it might not mean that Starbucks is favored head to head over runner-up Dunkin’ Donuts, or third-place finisher Peet’s.
Read this article More Competitor NewsFranchise Owners News
Dunkin’ Donuts Serves Up Another $100,000 in ScholarshipsAttleboro resident Katherine Potter, North Attleboro resident Benjamin Chagnon, and Plainville resident Jessica Brooks were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Dunkin’ Donuts Franchisees of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts recently, during a reception at the Rhode Island State House celebrating the 14th Annual Dunkin’ Donuts Scholarship Program.
Read this article Hendersonville-based Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins franchisee files Ch. 11A pair of Hendersonville-based operators of seven local Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins sites filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Thursday.
Read this article Moline man bringing Dunkin’ Donuts back to the Quad-CitiesDunkin’ Donuts will return to the Quad-City market with a new store in Moline this fall and plans calling for more than a dozen stores in the future.
The new Moline shop will occupy a former KFC restaurant at 3501 Avenue of the Cities. The KFC was replaced by a new restaurant at SouthPark Mall.
Read this article More Franchise Owners NewsLegislative Updates
The Costly Card-CheckThe Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 has franchises lobbying politicians to block the legislation that could ‘dramatically increase labor costs.’ Take Action today!
Read this article Mandatory Franchise Dispute Arbitration Under AssaultThe Federal Arbitration Act, enacted more than 80 years ago, sets the ground rules for the use of arbitration and generally pre-empts state franchise laws that address how legal disputes should be resolved. But there are loopholes, and state courts are increasingly citing them to overturn restrictive arbitration clauses in franchise agreements.
Read this article DDIFO joins Lobbying Efforts to Protect Franchise OwnersOn May 20 and 21, members of the Coalition of Franchise Associations (CFA)—representing about 50,000 franchise shops throughout the country—gathered for a meeting in Washington, D.C. (DDIFO is one of the founding members). DDIFO sent two representatives to Washington for the meeting.
Read this article More Legislative UpdatesBusiness Smarts
Maintaining Compliance with State Labor LawsThe purpose of labor laws is to make certain that employers treat their staff fairly. There are federal and state laws that protect the welfare of employees and promote relationships between employers and employees that are stable and beneficial to all involved.
Read this article SBA Alters Loan Refinance TermsSmall businesses looking to expand are now able to refinance existing loans to buy real estate and other fixed assets as a result of permanent changes to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 504 Certified Development Company loan program.
Read this article Low Values Provide a Gift for Some Business OwnersIt can be depressing for business owners to see the value of their companies decline dramatically. But financial advisers and consultants point to a silver lining. Lower valuations may present a great opportunity for business owners to reduce future estate taxes by transferring some ownership to the next generation now.
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