New Frozen Yogurt Franchisor Sells 2 Franchises in First Month

Sarasota, FL based frozen yogurt chain SunniBunni just announced the launch of its new franchise program – and proceeded to sell 2 franchises in its first month.

According to its press release: “As one is never enough, SunniBunni Frozen Yogurt has sold their first two franchises within the first month of offering franchises. A testament to the concept and its owners Vic and Alex Van Wie, the frozen yogurt industry and SunniBunni are growing with the trend of eating healthy without sacrificing taste or quality. Focusing on customer satisfaction and a hip, vibrant appeal, SunniBunni has made itself the place to be in Sarasota, Florida and soon-to-be two other franchise locations.

SunniBunni has an extreme focus on product quality as they use only the highest quality yogurts and organic toppings. With dozens of toppings from fruits to candies and more, SunniBunni has a flavor and a topping for everyone…”

The company slogan is “SunniBunni… The Ten Minute Spa for your Tummy.”

In addition to frozen yogurt, SunniBunni also sells a retail line of “BunniWear” clothing, described as “cute tops and sportswear which will show that, you too, can be a SunniBunni!”

For more information, visit the SunniBunni frozen yogurt website.

Garth Snider, FranchiseOpportunities.com

2009 wrap-up, 2010 franchise predictions FranchiseOpportunities.com is one of the leading franchise advertising portals catering to individuals seeking franchise opportunities.

As President, Garth Snider has a unique view of the franchise marketplace and the shifting behaviors and interests of franchise buyers.

Garth shared the following observations, insights and predictions with FranBest.com.

FranBest:  What types of franchises attracted the most interest in 2009 ?

Snider: As far as categories, Food still receives the most inquiries.  But business services is coming on strong.  Senior care and in-home health care continue to do well and will probably for the foreseeable future.  Child related franchises and auto related franchises (products and services) seem to have given up some ground in 2009 vs. 2008.

In terms of investment level, franchises that have an “all-in” cost below 100k are far and away doing the best.   80% of our franchise inquiries are for concepts with an initial investment below $100,000.  These concepts are less likely to need financing and thus are more in demand.   Businesses that can be run from home and/or run as a second source of income are also doing very well.   Vending concepts are very popular right now as well as they fit both of these profiles.

FranBest:  Can you name a few FranchiseOpportunities.com advertisers are attracting strong interest?

Snider: The Drug Test Consultant and Yo Naturals vending.   As to the former, this company sold 10 deals from FranchiseOpportunities.com alone this month.  The owner is doing 15 deals a month.  Both companies have increased their advertising spending with FranchiseOpportunities.com recently as well- a good sign of profitability.

FranBest: How is the credit crunch affecting franchise selection?

Snider: There is still a lot of interest in the food franchises but the entry point is prohibitive for many given the credit crunch.  Coffee franchises continue to draw a lot of interest and new concepts continue to come on the scene.   This is an industry that I think is one to keep an eye on.  The bloom is off the rose a bit for Starbucks, I would argue, and I think the challengers (i.e. smaller coffee franchises) can make some good headway in the years to come.

FranBest: Is the aging baby boomer demographic still creating opportunities?

Snider: Definitely.  In-home senior care is doing very well.   They are mostly under 100k and they have a product that many people need, not just want.   There is demand for this product and the supply (number of concepts) has increased more than any other industry that we have in the last two years.  These too have increased their spending with us.  The best example is Right at Home.

FranBest: Thanks for sharing your observations.

Snider: Thanks for the opportunity.

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Vintners Circle Wine Franchise Approved for SBA Registry

Wine making franchise Vintners Circle Franchising LLC has been approved for SBA Franchise Registry.

Vintner’s Circle is a franchised winemaking shop operating five franchised stores and one corporate store throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  Vintner’s Circle announced today it has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration for listing on the SBA Franchise Registry, which will expedite the process for franchisees to get loans to start or expand their businesses with Vintner’s Circle.

Fewer than 30 percent of all franchise systems qualify for listing on the registry, which is an online national registry of franchise systems. Applicants must submit their franchise contracts to ensure compliance with strict SBA criteria.

“We wanted to give our prospective franchisees every advantage to secure financing for their new winemaking shops in this challenging credit environment,” said Vintners Circle Franchising president David Schmeltzle. “We believe getting on the SBA Registry is a major step in our franchise development plans.”

Vintner’s Circle has targeted a number of markets for growth, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Vintner’s Circle winemaking shops enable friends and family to spend time together while making great tasting wine during four easy steps. With more than 80 varieties to choose from, you will be able to handcraft that perfect wine. Guaranteed.

About Vintners Circle

Devoted to providing a fun and enjoyable consumer winemaking experience, Vintner’s Circle is a market leader providing franchised winemaking shops that include exceptional wine education, operational support and customer marketing programs.

For more information:

Interview with Vintner’s Circle founder David Schmeltzle.

Vintner’s Circle franchise listing.

Vintner’s Circle FanWall (fan comments)

Franchise Scouting Report: Mosquito Squad

The Mosquito Squad franchise caught our eye, and may be invited to be featured in the upcoming Top New Franchises guide.

According to the company, “Mosquito Squad offers an affordable, proven and effective way to control mosquitoes and other insects within the perimeter of your property. Part of Outdoor Living Brands’ franchise company based in Richmond, VA, Mosquito Squad keeps families, residences, and special events insect-free by applying an approved barrier spray around a property, killing the harmful pests within it.”

According to Mosquito Squad, a key advantage to their franchise program are the multiple potential revenue streams. There are three different revenue opportunities available as a franchise owner: the Barrier Spray Program, Misting System and Special Event Spraying. Each one has a different price point designed to appeal to homeowners in need of an outdoor pest management solution.

Another advantage is quick start-up.  The company claims that, in most cases, you can be up and running within 30 days. The initial three-day training takes place in Richmond, Virginia.

Mosquito Squad began franchising in 2005 and has a start-up investment between $32,000 and $57,000.

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH THE MOSQUITO SQUAD FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY?  FEEL FREE TO COMMENT OR SUGGEST ANOTHER TOP NEW FRANCHISE BELOW.

Roll-Your-Own-Cigarettes Franchise

Custom Blends farm fresh tobacco…


If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you DO smoke, smoke smart.

That’s the unlikely motto of an unconventional retail chain that’s not hurting from the recession one bit. In fact, you could say they’re on a roll.

7 Valleys Custom Blends is a pioneer in the RYO (Roll Your Own) and MYO (Make Your Own) cigarette market. By making available their Custom Blends Farm Fresh Tobacco and the widest selection of supplies, 7 Valleys Custom Blends’ customers save half or more off the cost of pre-manufactured cigarettes while making their own cigarettes at home with fresh all natural tobacco.

Why the huge savings? Because their 7 Valleys Custom Blends stores do not have to charge customers onerous cigarette taxes on their bulk tobacco products.

Started in 1993, and franchising since 2005 7 Valleys Custom Blends currently has 1 company owned store and 3 franchises all located in Pennsylvania.

Custom Blends Franchise Services LLC recently announced the addition of 4 new franchise locations in Lancaster County PA with the awarding of an Area Development Agreement to Jamak Liberty Enterprises, Inc., a PA based company.

The first 7 Valleys Custom Blends store located in the Woods Edge Plaza in Manor Township is scheduled to open its doors in late July with the other stores expected to come online over the next 2-3 years as the market requires says Mark Tucci, Managing Partner of Custom Blends Franchise Services LLC from the company headquarters in Hilton Head Island, SC.

Custom Blends Franchise Services LLC offers individual franchises, Area Developments, and Master Franchise opportunities nationwide.

For more information, visit the 7 Valleys Custom Blends Top New Franchises listing, 7 Valleys Custom Blends blog, Custom Blends website, or contact Mark Tucci directly at 843-681-3966

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Image credit: Custom Blends