The Wire

SIDNEY, Mont. — Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:SHOS) opens its newest Montana Sears Hometown Store today, September 12, 2014 within the Trifecta Home Center location at 1051 S. Central Ave. in Sidney. The Sidney location marks the 11th opening of a new Sears Hometown Store this year and the 25th opening of a new store across all … New Sears Hometown Store Opens in Sidney

WACO, Texas — Military Times announced its Best for Vets: Franchises 2014-15 rankings. The organization comprising Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and Marine Corps Times focused on financial incentives, brand performance and policies that cater to veterans and reservists when conducting and scoring the Best for Vets: Franchises survey, a highly respected, nearly 110-question … The Grounds Guys among Top 10 Best for Vets Franchises

Greenwood Village, Colo. —  Maui Wowi has made its way to Cary, North Carolina, a thriving community just outside Raleigh. A new store and drive-thru is now open, serving Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s popular fruit smoothies and gourmet Hawaiian coffees. Franchisee Zach Dunbar, owner of the new location, relocated to Cary after retiring from a 24 year … Maui Wowi Cruises into Cary, North Carolina

Batteries Plus LLC, the Hartland, Wis.-based operator and franchiser of Batteries Plus Bulbs stores, said Monday that it has acquired privately held LED Hut Ltd., a European provider of light emitting diode (LED) lighting products, including bulbs and light fixtures. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Greenwood Village, Colo. — Maui Wowi Hawaiian franchisee is expanding her mobile business into a second state, growing her coffee and smoothie operation from San Diego, California to now include Orlando, Florida. Doreen Mejias has announced additional mobile Maui Wowi units will soon be available for events and catering throughout the Orlando area thanks to the franchise … Maui Wowi Franchisee Takes Advantage of No Territory Restrictions

MINNEAPOLIS — As consumers continue flocking to resale stores for greater discounts and to stretch their families’ budgets, Winmark Corporation’s resale brands are seeing the results and continuing to grow rapidly across the United States and Canada to meet demand. Winmark Corporation’s children’s resale franchise, Once Upon A Child®, has opened its 300th location, following swiftly in … Once Upon A Child Opens 300th Store

Virginia Beach, VA — On Thursday, September 11 at 11 a.m., the newest Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Virginia Beach is kicking off a three-day grand opening. The first 50 guests will receive gift cards worth up to $50.  On Friday guests get the chance to meet Roland Dickey, chairman and lead chef of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants when he stops by … Mr. Dickey Visits Virginia Beach for Grand Opening of New Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Beaverton, OR — Todd Saperstein grew up in Gresham and moved to Beaverton over 20 years ago. After working in the mortgage industry, Saperstein wanted to be his own boss leading him to open the first Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in the Portland area. On Thursday, September 11 at 11 a.m. Beaverton’snewest fast-casual option opens with a three-day grand … Franchisee Born and Raised in Oregon Brings First Dickey’s Barbecue Pit to Portland

Waco, Texas — Entrepreneur Magazine recently listed The Dwyer Group as one of their Top Innovative Franchises. The Dwyer Group, the parent company for seven home service brands, was recognized on the list for a program initiated by Dina Dwyer-Owens, Co-Chairman of The Dwyer Group. “It is an honor to be listed among the top innovative … The Dwyer Group® Named Among Top Innovative Franchises

Piscataway, N.J. — Rainbow Academy, a New Jersey-based early child care education franchise, announced that Gigi Schweikert has joined the company’s executive team as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. In this role, Schweikert will report directly to President and CEO Guy Falzarano, overseeing business development, sales and marketing, operations, education, and training.  “Over the past … Rainbow Academy Appoints New COO Ahead of Regional Growth