DTT Screen Shot

DTT Surveillance, a DDIFO Sponsor  and a provider of surveillance technology, managed services and loss prevention solutions for the restaurant industry, added more than 1,300 subscribers in the McDonald’s restaurant chain in 2011.

Rick Crady, McDonald’s owner/operator, said the DTT SmartAudit system unveiled fraudulent activity at the register when it was first installed.

“The amount of money we saved easily paid for our system and quickly convinced us to install DTT at all our stores. We soon caught theft at other stores and found that employees had stolen quite a large sum of money – much more than enough to pay for the systems,” Crady said.

DTT, which was founded in 1999, has installed more than 27,000 systems at various restaurants.

“Our long term partnership with the McDonald’s enterprise reinforces DTT’s marketplace value for hospitality locations. By focusing on those critical inspection areas for restaurant operations, we answer vital questions related to who, how, when and what occurs on a daily basis with video validation,” added Thomas Moran, EVP, DTT.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, DTT also provides Digital Video Surveillance solutions to brands such as Subway, Dairy Queen, Burger King, D unkin’ Brands, Taco Bell, KFC, Auntie Anne’s, Potbelly Sandwich Works and Pinkberry.

QSR Web

On July 1, 2011, Delphi Display Systems acquired the assets of Phase Research, including the Fast Track drive-thru timing systems. One of Delphi’s top priorities following this acquisition was to re-establish its relationship with Dunkin’ Brands and ensure delivery of the highest quality products and service. 

“Fast Track products were introduced at Dunkin’ Donuts stores when the drive-thru first became a key strategic initiative for the brand. As a pioneer in drive-thru timer technology, we helped Dunkin’ Donuts develop speed-of-service and drive-thru timer configuration standards and measure actual performance using Fast Track Timers,” said David Skinner, Vice President of Sales. “We are very pleased to have and continue our relationships with all Dunkin’ customers.”

Delphi provides turnkey site preparation and installation services throughout the US and serves major brands in 47 countries worldwide. With well over 20,000 timer systems installed in QSRs globally, Delphi is very proud that more than 2,300 of those are in Dunkin’ Donuts stores. Delphi continues to support all existing Fast Track timer systems. The company offers free video and webinar training as well as a toll-free customer service number manned by live technical support staff. When utilizing Delphi’s support staff, a striking majority of system problems—about 95 percent—are repairable by phone.

According to Delphi, its new Fast Track 3000 Series Drive-Thru Timer is the industry’s most accurate and reliable system. It is sleek and compact in design and network-ready for high-speed remote access. The system provides real-time speed-of-service data on LCD screens that are easy to read and easily customizable. Multi-colored graphs and other visual indicators allow you, your managers and crew to instantaneously see critical and detailed vehicle timing information as well as how your store is performing against benchmarks.

The Fast Track 3000 Series Drive-Thru Timer continually measures and logs service times and, with Fast Track PC software, makes generating corporate-required reports a snap. You can quickly download timer data; generate reports locally or remotely by daypart, shift, day or hour as well as month-to-month comparisons and weekly or quarterly reports; and automatically email reports. If you own multiple stores, an Enterprise edition enables you to download data from all locations into a single file to create customized reports and execute detailed performance analysis across all of your shops. Cost-effective upgrade packages and trade-in programs are available for Dunkin’ Donuts stores that already have a Fast Track timer but are looking to increase its functionality. 

 Delphi is looking forward to an order confirmation trial with Dunkin’ Brands and hopes to be able to offer its Order Confirmation Systems (OCS) to Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners in the future. Delphi says its OCS displays have the longest product life, highest reliability and lowest total cost of ownership, and they are field repairable. Delphi displays are also readable in direct sunlight, operate reliably in harsh weather and are energy efficient. 

“We remain committed to improving our customer service and doing a great job for Dunkin’ Donuts,” said Skinner. “We continue to evolve Fast Track products to help franchise owners increase their operational efficiency and profits.”

For more information, call Delphi Display Systems at 1-800-456-0060 or send an email to sales@delphidisplay.com. You can also learn more at www.delphidisplay.com.

The Globe’s research partner, WorkplaceDynamics, received 73,813 completed surveys from employers across Massachusetts. Each was asked to grade their organization’s performance according to 24 statements, ranging from “New ideas are encouraged at this company” to “It’s easy to tell my boss the truth.” To compile the ranking, each employer was measured according to six factors: direction from leadership; execution by senior managers; responsiveness of managers to employee concerns and needs; formal training and other opportunities to learn and grow; work.

Fidelity Bank believes in helping our clients and employees get where they want to be – it’s our LifeDesign difference and it is why we are so honored that our employees voted us one of Boston Globe’s Top places to Work.

Congratulations Fidelity Bank!

Download list of top 40 employers in Massachusetts

In just over a year, Sprint has seen tremendous growth in its Dunkin’ Donuts customer base, going from about 100 customers to 1,800. What accounts for this remarkable success? The carrier

Sprint signed its initial sponsorship agreement in June 2010 and immediately invested in optional promotional opportunities, advertising on the DDIFO website and in Independent Joe and sponsoring the 2010 National Members Meeting. Sprint also chose to spark off its new partnership by offering a 15 percent discount on select cell phone plans to any Dunkin’ Brands employee, whether a new or existing Sprint or Nextel customer. The carrier simultaneously implemented its own national marketing efforts to make sure Dunkin’ employees everywhere knew about the special offer.

“We were so excited to work with DDIFO that we wanted to hit the ground running, gaining immediate exposure through the Sponsor Program opportunities as well as creating a buzz with our own efforts,” said Account Manager Caroline Fedele.

In fact, the payoff has been so substantial that Sprint is now working towards offering a discount on Business Solutions to Dunkin’ franchise owners. Sprint offers Converged Solutions (moving from wired to wireless), Machine-to-Machine Technology and a host of other programs. Fedele says with Sprint, deploying a wireless network at multiple remote locations is easy and affordable.

“Sprint’s Business Solutions can be implemented in just days and often leverage existing infrastructure to minimize upfront costs. This enables franchise owners to rapidly and cost-effectively install wireless networks to deliver next-generation applications and services.”

Sprint is the only carrier to offer truly unlimited 4G data plans with no cap or overage charges and is continuing to improve customer service and satisfaction, investing $4 billion in network enhancements. Its Network Vision is an innovative plan to further enhance voice quality and data speeds nationwide. The carrier will consolidate multiple network technologies (4G, 3G and Nextel) into one, seamless network over the next couple of years. When completed, customers will enjoy enhanced service coverage areas and additional network capacity. Launching in late 2011, Network Vision mobile devices will incorporate all three technologies and automatically connect to the best available network.

To find out more or to sign up for discounts, contact Caroline Fedele at 781-367-1057 or caroline.fedele@sprint.com. You can also meet with Sprint representatives at DDIFO’s National Members Conference and is sponsoring a breakout session:

“Access to Capital –Financing Options” Moderated by: Thomas Colitsas, CPA, Edison, NJ DDIFO Director, Panel of Presenters: Scott Kantor, Business Financial Services; George Ziminski, Capital One Bank; Robyn Gault, Direct Capital Franchise Group; Sally Buffum, Fidelity Bank, and Ab Igram, GE Capital, Franchise Finance.

Neal worked for more than 25 years at BUNN, beginning in 1986 as a district sales manager for the southeastern United States. He was promoted to regional sales manager and later regional vice president for the southeastern U.S. In 1993 he served as senior vice president of U.S. sales and customer support. In 1999 he moved to the position of senior vice president of international sales, and most recently, he served as senior vice president of global projects.

Neal was well respected in the foodservice industry and received the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe lifetime achievement award in 2009. Throughout his career, he authored articles and was featured in many food and beverage publications, in which he gave insight from his leadership toward promoting best quality practices in the industry.

Neal will be greatly missed by his colleagues and the friends he made in his many years of service in the industry. Those wishing to send condolences may do so at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com under A. Neal Robinson.

QSR.com

“We are already a GE Capital customer, under another restaurant brand,” says Jim Taggart, principal, Pizza Project, LLC. “After our success with that brand, we were looking to diversify our portfolio. The Brand Management team at GE Capital introduced us to the Domino’s family, and we could not be happier.”

The current funds will help launch Pizza Project’s plan to become a 40+ unit Domino’s Pizza franchisee across northern California.

“GE Capital’s Brand Management team has relationships with a good cross-section of franchise brands. These relationships give us insight into each brand’s development plans and strategy,” said Dave Stansbery, vice president, GE Capital, Franchise Finance. “Our access to brands and to capital made us a perfect match for Pizza Project.”

Domino’s(R) Pizza was founded in 1960 and now has more than 9,000 stores in more than 60 countries around the world, making them the second-largest pizza chain in the United States. In January of 2011, Forbes named Domino’s Pizza as “The Top Franchise for the Money.”

About GE Capital, Franchise Finance

GE Capital, Franchise Finance is a leading lender for the franchise finance market via direct sales and portfolio acquisition. With more than 30 years of experience and $12 billion in served assets, we serve over 5,000 customers and over 22,000 property locations. We specialize in financing mid-market operators with multiple stores in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Our team of industry experts will work with you to help develop growth plans with access to our proprietary industry research and customized tools. More information is available at www.gefranchisefinance.com or by calling 866-GET-GEFF (438-4333).

In business for 75 years, Bederson is an award-winning, nationally recognized company whose staff possesses impressive credentials and a proven track record few can match. Not only does the firm have a rich history of serving small business and entrepreneurial clients; it also has a solid commitment to providing the highest level of personal service. As a client, you will have direct access to and interactions with a team of senior staff and partners who work with you based on your individual needs and their according areas of expertise.

“Our senior staff and partners are all incredibly hands-on, available and invested,” said Partner and CPA Steve Bortnick. “We care about the whole person and focus on his or her business and life goals. Our team works together to offer insightful, sound advice and financial strategies that are based on years of experience but customized to each individual.”

Chuck Persing and Steve Bortnick

Bederson is a full-service accounting and financial consulting firm headquartered in West Orange, NJ and offers services in such areas as:
• Accounting & Auditing
• Business Valuations
• Mergers, Acquisitions & Capital Financing
• Tax, Estate & Financial Planning
• Insolvency, Reorganization, Turnaround & Litigation

While Bederson just came on board last year as a DDIFO Sponsor, the company has worked with more than a dozen Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners in recent years. Throughout its history serving numerous franchisee clients, Bederson has developed a niche in franchisee/franchisor issues. Its staff understands the pressures of living up to franchise agreements and all of the financial intricacies those contracts involve. What’s more, partners Steve Bortnick and Chuck Persing have unique perspectives relevant to the DDIFO community: Bortnick helped to run a family business, and Persing is a former Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owner.

“Combining our own owner/operator experience, working with Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees to resolve disputes in and out of court, and preparation of valuations for estate planning and sales purposes makes Bederson an ideal partner to team up with DDIFO,” said Persing. “This experience, along with decades of having provided accounting and tax service to entrepreneurial family-run businesses, adds to the capability Bederson brings to the DDIFO community.”

When you engage Bederson’s services, the process typically begins with interviews and face-to-face meetings. The firm then gathers more concrete information such as prior tax returns and records, franchise agreements, litigation paperwork and history, and the like. Then an engagement letter is developed detailing the terms of your work together, including deliverables, timeframes, budgets and billing. Bederson’s staff works hand-in-hand with other involved entities like insurance agents, lawyers, other accountants and financial advisors, and lending and real estate agents and brokers.

Bederson has just re-launched its website to provide improved information and online services. In addition to the basics about each of the firm’s areas of service, you will find:
• practical financial tools (Events Calendar with important dates like state and federal tax deadlines, Tax Forms Library, IRS Tax Publications Library, Client Tax Organizer, interactive financial calculators)
• a downloadable company brochure
• a secure client login with file-share access
• live Reuters newsfeeds
• a press section with relevant articles and whitepapers
• a sign-up form for the Bederson e-newsletter (to launch later in 2011)

Whether analyzing your profitability and cash flow, preparing your business or individual tax returns, advising you on financing agreement terms or depreciation tax benefits, or providing dispute resolution services, Bederson has the experience and know-how you need to succeed.

“As newcomers to the DDIFO Sponsor program, my firm and I are energized by the commitment of the organization and its members to maximize the opportunities presented by this vibrant and iconic American brand,” said Bortnick. “We appreciate the opportunity to help support the success of the franchise owners in reaching their business and personal goals.”

For more information, contact Steve Bortnick at 973-736-3333 or sbortnick@bederson.com, or visit www.bederson.com. Bederson & Company will also be represented at the National Members Meeting in September and the Mid-Atlantic (IAFO) Meeting in December.

The main advantage Kensington Company delivers to Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees is the staff’s unique familiarity with Dunkin’ Brands. Franchise Advisors David Stein and Dave Ron used to sell territories for Dunkin’ and were extremely successful, earning multiple awards and other recognition from the Brand. They know firsthand how Dunkin’ Brands (DBI) works with regard to specific transaction processes, criteria for buyers, newer in-store technologies, products and franchise agreement requirements. When Kensington Company screens buyers, it performs a rigorous pre-approval process similar to that of DBI and presents only the cream of the crop to its clients, those who meet or surpass DBI standards (e.g., food service operations experience, amount of liquid capital). When determining a realistic financial valuation of an existing Dunkin’ shop or network of shops, that assessment is extremely thorough and accurate.

Based in Roslyn, New York (about 15 miles outside NYC), Kensington Company provides services nationwide and has 15 years of experience in national franchise sales. In the past three years, the firm has successfully sold 60 Dunkin’ stores. With a database of 50,000 qualified buyers—both existing and new franchisees—plus its use of a variety of marketing avenues, including website listings and email blasts, Kensington Company is confident it can identify the ideal buyer(s) for you. The staff also know what to look for operationally. They can pinpoint issues that potential buyers might not like and advise how you might address such concerns before engaging in a transaction process.

“Right now, there are so many people looking for a business they can invest in and run profitably,” said Stein. “The Dunkin’ concept stands out from the pack. We receive about twice as many calls for Dunkin’ listings as for any other franchise brand.”

Beyond the firm’s intimate knowledge of Dunkin’ Brands, it also offers services that many other business brokers do not. For example, Kensington Company completes buyer and seller riders and provides referrals to highly reputable, reliable transaction attorneys. It does not co-broker with other firms, instead bringing together sellers and buyers it determines are well-matched. What’s more, Kensington Company has the sophistication and experience necessary to identify potentially complex challenges early in the process and provide innovative and creative solutions that will help you accomplish the best transaction.

As Stein highlights in his presentations at DDIFO Members Meetings, the numbers speak for themselves:

• 97% of Kensington Company’s buyers have been approved by Dunkin’ Brands
• 85% of Kensington Company’s buyers were new franchisees
• 38% of all sales had no financing contingencies

“We are proud of our track record of service to Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners and are eager to bring our expertise and experience to benefit DDIFO members,” said Stein. “Kensington Company is no fly-by-night operation. We’re in it for the long-haul.”

For more information or a free consultation, contact David Stein at 718-490-2218 or dstein@kensingtoncompany.com, or visit www.kensingtoncompany.com. Kensington Company & Affiliates will also be represented at all remaining 2011 Members Meetings.

KK Insurance Agency is headquartered in New Jersey, but insures restaurants and other businesses in all 50 states. Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owner clients in New Jersey brought the DDIFO to the agency’s attention, and KK Insurance Agency President Kiran Sondhi immediately initiated conversations with DDIFO President Jim Coen and former Sponsorship Director Amy Levine. Since the agency operates on a convention-marketing basis—finding higher value in face-to-face interactions to grow its business as opposed to other means of advertising—Sondhi felt that working with the DDIFO could be a great fit.

While KK Insurance Agency has served Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees in the New Jersey area for more than three years, Sondhi and his staff are eager to expand services to other regions and believe sponsorship of Members Meetings is one of the best ways to achieve this goal. The agency began by sponsoring the New York/Mid-Atlantic members Meeting in December 2010. It has since signed on to sponsor all 2011 Members Meetings and advertise in Independent Joe. Most recently, Sondhi, Vice President Deepak Vaidya and Marketing Manager Ashish Vaidya staffed a table and met with franchise owners at the Northeast Members Meeting on March 3, 2011.

“We are looking forward to building relationships with each and every Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owner,” said Sondhi. “That’s why we’re sponsoring the meetings. It makes a huge difference to speak personally with the franchisees so they understand that they each matter to us.”

In business for more than 25 years, this agency has the know-how and experience to meet all of your insurance needs and prides itself on the highest level of personal service. In advance of soliciting Dunkin’ Donuts clients, KK Insurance Agency worked with a variety of insurance companies to first ensure they were willing and able to meet the needs and guidelines of Dunkin’ franchise owners. Some insurance companies can’t or don’t want to cover businesses that are open 24 hours, have cooking facilities and/or offer drive-through services. KK Insurance has built up a base of 35 insurance companies that can meet these, and all, Dunkin’ Donuts franchise requirements. What’s more, the agency is open six days a week and created a dedicated department of six staff members who work only with Dunkin’ Donuts clients.

KK Insurance Agency offers the following types of coverage:
• Commercial Property
• Fire Legal Liability
• Commercial Auto
• Hired & Non-owned Auto
• Workers’ Compensation
• EPLI
• Crime
• Umbrella

You can easily request a quote online or by phone. If you already have insurance, KK Insurance Agency additionally requests your current declaration page so it can accurately compare pricing, advocate for the best rates and/or discounts and ensure you have all the coverage you need. Once you agree to a recommended policy, the agency sends forms for signing via fax or email and offers secure electronic payment options. Your coverage becomes active upon payment. KK Insurance Agency has dedicated staff members who only process certificates for proof of insurance, so you can have this documentation immediately (in advance of the actual policy arriving in the mail) in case you need to share it with the bank, a landlord, etc. The process is that simple.

“Our goal in working with Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners is to offer a streamlined process to meet all of their insurance needs with the highest level of personalized customer service,” said Sondhi. “We enjoy the relationships we’ve already built with Dunkin’ franchisees and look forward to serving more of them in the future.”

For more information or to request a quote, contact Ashish Vaidya at 866-554-6799 or ashish@kkinsuranceagency.com or visit www.kkquote.com.

 Earlier this month, Joyal Capital Management (JCM) announced a Remodel Line of Credit program in conjunction with Northern Bank & Trust Company. The initiative, according to JCM Managing Partner Gary F. Joyal, was prompted by calls from their many Dunkin’ Donuts clients.

“It’s been a 911 call from the franchisees we represent,” said Joyal. “Franchisees were telling us that getting capital to fund these remodels was a top priority for them. It’s also been a hot topic at many of the recent advisory board meetings.”

The program allows for 30 days of interest-only financing after which franchisees can decide if they want the term of the note to extend for five, seven, 10 or 15 years. Joyal says Northern Bank & Trust will pre-approve remodel funds for qualified Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee owners based on the number of shops, their remodel schedule and estimated costs needed.

“Many banks that offer financing for remodels have terms and pre-payment penalties that are not franchisee friendly,” said Joyal. “What we’ve enjoyed about Northern Bank & Trust is that they were built on old school principles— treating customers the way you want to be treated.”

Before finalizing the program with Northern Bank & Trust, Joyal assembled a committee of Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners to determine how it could best fit their needs. That committee was comprised of Dinart Serpa, Mark Cafua and Mitzi Lawlor.

“Having a financing partner that understands our needs and makes the process easy gives you one less thing to worry about when remodeling a store,” said Lawlor. “With this program, Northern Bank & Trust will wire the money directly into your account to make sure you have cash on hand to cover expenses without forcing you to deplete your cash reserves.”

Owners who need to borrow for multiple remodels will only have to fill out the paperwork once—with the assistance of JCM. After that, JCM will process each loan request with the bank so franchisees don’t have to take time away from their business to prepare documents.

Franchisees interested in learning more can contact Kathy Rebello, who heads the banking department at JCM: krebello@joycapmgt.com or 1-800-56-JOYAL.