Thanks to an influx of innovation through advanced business processes and systems, Meineke says it has been generating momentum behind its modernized franchise model. In 2017, the brand opened 50 new locations and completed 65 resales of existing Meineke locations, the vast majority of which have a renewed presence in their markets following updating, renovations and operational upgrades.
Early 2018 indications call for even broader expansion, according to the company. “The time is now… we’ve designed the Meineke of today and the future to be one that both leverages our iconic status and taps into a dynamic, tech-forward business model meant for today’s discerning franchise investors,” said Ed Pearson, vice president of franchise sales and development for Meineke Car Care Centers Inc. “We’ve mapped out a winning strategy and it all starts with our process and systems – a more dynamic enterprise built for individuals and ownership groups that want to be part of a forward-thinking concept.”
Under the guidance of Danny Rivera, president of Meineke Car Care Centers Inc., the brand has introduced multifaceted analytical techniques that measure and assess key performance indicators all centered around three key objectives: convenience, reliability and transparency. The company aims to to advance its concept into one tailored for franchise owners who want to manage teams and potentially multiple units versus day-to-day operations.
An additional 200 Meineke locations also are slated for the update this year – with a new look to reflect the modern business model with new lighting and repainted interiors and exteriors. Further, Meineke Rewards, the company’s customer rewards program, provides convenient, mobile-device access to redeem points earned through services and maintenance bonuses, adds the company. Points are used for free service visits and the mobile app can be used to book appointments online, track points and store maintenance information.
“We’re at a pivotal point in the history of Meineke,” added Rivera. “If you consider the extent to which we have gone to accelerate Meineke’s franchising initiative, and blend that with the reputation we have established over the past five decades, the value proposition is unmatched in our category and among other concepts targeting talented franchisees.”
In 2018, Meineke has plans in place to open 55 new locations. Nearly 75 percent of the growth planned for 2018 already has solid franchise agreements behind them. The balance of the expansion in 2018 will come from fresh franchise agreements with new and existing franchisees. Already in 2018, a new franchise location has opened in Baldwin, New York, a residential community in Nassau County on Long Island.
In addition, Meineke has signed a franchise agreement in early 2018 to bring a new location to the Salt Lake City, Utah, market, joining four others in the region. Territories targeted for expansion this year include Nashville and Tampa in the Southeastern portion of the country, Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix in the Southwest, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., in the Pacific Northwest and Minneapolis and Detroit in the Midwest, among others. Available franchise territories can be found on the company’s website.
Moreover, Meineke has another 100 existing units with ongoing cash flow that are prepared for resale. Key resale markets range from Houston to New York and Atlanta to Chicago.
