Franchises

In a bid to stay one step ahead of its competitors, International Franchise Inc.'s website, www.franchiseek.com, has launched a mobile site to cater to the investor on the go.

California-based smoothie shop business Jamba Juice Co. hopes to have 125 franchised stores in Canada in 10 years. The San Francisco company signed a deal - albeit a non-binding one - with International Franchise Inc., which is based in Nova Scotia.

Canadian Tire Corp. says it's boosting dividend after third-quarter profits rose 21 per cent, despite a previously announced restructuring charge. The big hardware and home goods retailer said its quarterly dividend payments would increase to 27.

Fastsigns International Inc., a sign and graphics franchisor that provides visual communications and marketing solutions, is now helping businesses, organizations and events connect with people by adding Quick Response codes (QR codes).

The new A&W Restaurant on the 700 block of Robson street in Vancouver shows off the company's new, "urbanized" interior and environmentally friendly concept - including self-ordering kiosks that harken back to the original automats.

Canadian Tire, Canada's largest hockey retailer, and the National Hockey League (NHL) have signed a partnership agreement that will see Canadian Tire becoming the league's official sporting goods retailer in Canada.

Mr. Lube Canada, a B.C.-based quick lube and preventative automotive maintenance provider, has sold 23 corporately-owned stores across Canada as the company focuses on its successful franchise business.

The Canadian Franchise Association has named the winners in its annual competition for the best in the country for 2010.

Aussie Pet Mobile, the world's largest mobile pet-grooming service, recently signed two franchise agreements that will bring its mobile units to Victoria and Calgary.

Canadian hockey superstar Sidney Crosby, widely known as "Sid the Kid," has signed a five-year promotional deal with the Forzani Group Ltd.