The 8 | October 14, 2016

8.  The Buzz: “Crain’s Cleveland Business: Lube Stop is Acquired by Charlotte-Based Driven Brands Inc.:” Roark Capital Group and Driven Brands Inc., recently acquired Lube Stop. Across three Midwest states, Lube Stop operates 51 quick oil change locations. This acquisition will grow the Driven Brands’ Quick Lube Division, which also includes Pro Oil Change, Take 5 Oil Change, and Driven Florida Lubes.

7. Brand of the Week: K-9 Resorts

Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine recently outlined the benefits of buying into a pet care franchise. In the article, K-9 Resorts co-founders Jason and Steven Parker explain the advantages that come with buying into an established franchise system as opposed to starting from scratch.

As the demand for K-9 Resorts' services grows, the brand is continuing its growth along the East Coast. Most recently, the New Jersey born-and-bred pet care franchise announced that it would be targeting Connecticut as its next growth market.

KRQE News recently interviewed K-9 Resorts Co-Founder and Co-CEO Jason Parker to discuss the brand’s expansion plans in the Albuquerque, New Mexico market.

As the pet care industry continues to grow (the American Pet Products Association predicts that people will spend $62 billion for their pets by the end 2016), niche business offerings are reaping the benefits. K-9 Resorts in particular is experiencing incredible growth in the pet care segment.

Backed by a partnership with private equity firm Navigator Partners and a multi-million-dollar investment, K-9 Resorts announces plans to grow throughout the country.

6. People: This week in our Franchisee Voices series, we featured Ted Fisher of Miracle Method. Fisher joined the Miracle Method team nine years ago and has since expanded his business to six territories in three states. This construction industry vet’s success has inspired the brand to focus on expansion in the Boston market in 2016. They plan to add 10 additional locations and 500 jobs in the community.

5. Profits: QSR Magazine recently reported that late night and early morning customers make up a considerable amount of foot traffic for quick-service restaurants. White Castle brought the largest portion of its diners late at night with 21.5 percent of customers stopping in from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

4. Places: Farm Stores is preparing to open its first Houston-area location, with a lease expected to be finalized in the coming days. The Houston Business Journal recently spoke with area representative Robert Betts about the concept and his development plans.

3. Columns: With only 12 weeks left in the year, now is the time to plan. Lauren Moorman, No Limit Agency*’s Vice President of Digital, says it’s important to take stock, reset, look ahead and share.

2. In the Media: The IFA Smart Brief reported on Military Times’ rankings of the best franchises for vets. The list includes 43 of the best franchises for veterans, with travel franchise CruiseOne earning the top spot. All of the companies on the list provide some sort of discount for veterans, and more than four-fifths of them participate in IFA’s VetFran program.

1. Power Rankings: Through October 8, Smoothie King holds onto the top spot for the second week in a row; Famous Toastery jumped a spot to tie for No. 1; Buffalo Wings & Rings held onto No. 2; Checkers & Rally’s came in at No. 3; Pita Pit ranks No. 4; and Sport Clips* rounds out the top five.