1851's Vet 100: #4 - Aaron's
4. Aaron's Aaron's, Inc., the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has more than 1,800 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 195.....
4. Aaron's
Aaron's, Inc., the nation's leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has more than 1,800 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by R. Charles Loudermilk Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's has been publicly traded since 1982. Aaron’s has taken a leadership role in VetFran’s Operation Enduring Opportunity program with a goal to employ and provide ownership to 75,000 veterans and spouses by 2014. In November of 2011, Greg Tanner, Aaron’s National Director of Franchising, along with his team, introduced the Operation Enduring Opportunity program initiative at the Georgia State Capitol. Additionally, Tanner was the only franchisor invited to the White House to witness President Obama sign the American Jobs Act bill that offers tax credits to businesses that hire veterans, showing the company’s commitment to the cause. Tanner believes veterans make great employees because they are loyal and committed to the company. “Where else are you going to find employees, like veterans, who were willing to take a bullet for their last employer,” he said. Aaron’s cites it’s “esprit de corps” within the company, along with the opportunity to advance and to lead others, as well as the benefits that the company offers as a NYSE listed company as just a few of the benefits a veteran can look to when becoming part of the Aaron’s family. Over the last year, Aaron’s has made a commitment to several military groups, including The Wounded Warrior Project and the Armed Forces Foundation, in addition to the VetFran Operation Enduring Opportunity program. This ensures that veterans who were willing to sacrifice for our freedoms are not given a hand out, but, as Tanner puts it, “a hand up to live their American dream.”5. 7-Eleven
Based in Dallas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 9,200 7-Eleven stores in North America. Globally, there are more than 46,800 7-Eleven stores in 16 countries. During 2011, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales close to $76.6 billion. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. For veterans looking to franchise with 7-Eleven, the company continues to offer qualified veterans a 10% reduction in the franchising fee. Additionally, 7-Eleven recently added a former Air Force recruiter to the company’s board to help recruit veterans, we all as to help other company leaders better understand what it’s like for military personnel to transition back into civilian life. All of this has resulted in an increase in veteran interest over the past year, with the company citing close to 100 franchise candidates with military backgrounds, when, in previous years, 7-Eleven would only see 12-15 candidates. The company continues to invest in the remodeling of 7-Eleven stores to help franchisees retain and attract even more customers, in addition to providing franchisees with a successful business system, proprietary retail information and technology, as well as robust promotion and advertising campaigns. And, with continued expansion in the U.S., 7-Eleven has evolved into one of the most attractive franchising opportunities for veterans.6. CiCi Enterprises, LP
Coppell, Texas-based CiCi's Pizza opened its first restaurant in Plano, Texas in 1985, and is now one of the nation's fastest growing pizza chains. The family-oriented restaurant, known for its pizza, pasta, salad, soup and dessert buffet, has about 600 restaurants in 35 states. In 2011, Zagat recognized CiCi's on its list of most child-friendly fast-food chains, and Entrepreneur named CiCi's first in its category on the Franchise 500 list. In 2010, CiCi's was named to Inc. Magazine's top 5,000 list, and to Parents' list of top family-friendly restaurants. Nation's Restaurant News ranked CiCi's No. 1 in sales and unit growth among pizza chains for the past four years. Accolades aside, CiCi’s also happens to be one of the most veteran-focused franchise opportunities around, launching the CiCi’s Patriot Program that waives the franchise fee for the first restaurant on top of offering a 50 percent royalty fee reduction for the first full year in operation for all qualified veterans. According to CiCi’s, this equals approximately $58,000 in savings. Chief Development Officer Bill Spae said in a statement that the company is “very thankful to the brave soldiers who put their lives at risk and sacrificed so much to serve and protect our country,” and that the Patriot Program was developed “to express our gratitude and deepen our brand’s commitment to veterans.” In addition to their own Patriot Program, CiCi’s also supports Springster’s Boost a Hero program, which is the nation’s only crowdfunding platform that helps veterans raise the necessary money to start their own business. With plans to open 500 new locations by 2020, CiCi’s presents one of the strongest opportunities for veterans looking to open their own business.7. Checkers* Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.
Checkers/Rally’s Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. is the largest double drive-thru restaurant chain in the United States. The company develops, owns, operates and franchises both Checkers and Rally’s restaurants. Based in Tampa, Florida, it has more than 800 restaurants open across the U.S. In recent years, the brand has been awarded several of the industry’s most prestigious awards including: “Best Drive-Thru in America” by QSR Magazine and the “Hot! Again Award” from Nation’s Restaurant News. Checkers has been a participant in the VetFran program for several years, offering a $5,000 discount on the franchising fee to veterans opening their first restaurant in the company’s system, and prominently displays the VetFran logo on all marketing materials and on its franchise website. Owning and operating a Checkers location is attractive to veterans as the company offers a variety of building formats at compelling returns. With a strong system and a vibrant brand, Checkers says veterans would be hard pressed to find another sales-to-investment ratio that is higher among those in the burger business. With the recent launch of the Cold Creations line of ice cream treats in addition to the continued development of new menu items, becoming part of the Checkers family ensures you always have something new to offer customers and to bring in business. Additionally, veterans are viewed by Checkers as excellent at both taking and giving direction, and leaders within their communities. “Veterans also have a competitive fire that is fundamentally important in the QSR business,” said Jennifer Durham, Vice President of Franchise Development.8. Big Boy Restaurants International, LLC
Headquartered in Warren, Michigan, Big Boy Restaurants has more than 149 Big Boy Restaurants in the United States and Japan. Founded in 1936 by Bob Wian, Big Boy became famous for its double decker hamburger, also known as the Big Boy. With over 75 years of heritage in the restaurant industry, Big Boy is “rooted in traditions of craveable food and lasting memories.” Big Boy is also a participant in the VetFran program, offering a whopping 50% off of the franchise fee to qualified veterans. Veterans can also feel proud to be a part of one of the most iconic fast food franchises in history. As an established, successful franchise system, Big Boy provides proven support, training and communication tools. New prototype store designs have created lower investment opportunities. In addition, multiple territories remain available for development in the United States. Big Boy also supports its franchisees with quarterly limited time offer promotions, as well as marketing materials like television and radio ads and billboard placement. David Crawford, Senior Vice President of Marketing, cites the iconic Big Boy statue places outside of each location that creates the emotional connection between the consumer and the brand. Big Boy looks for passionate people when it comes to their franchisees, and we believe veterans are some of the most passionate people out there, making Big Boy a great franchise opportunity.9. Arby's Restaurant Group
10. Goddard Systems, Inc.
*This brand is a paid partner of 1851 Franchise. For more information on paid partnerships please click here.
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