Continued:

In fact, Steak-Out is not only expanding out of its Southeast U.S. hub, but it is also beginning to consider a few international markets. Active efforts are in place in Puerto Rico and Steak-Out receives about 10 requests a week for international franchising from Asia, Europe, Central and South America.

Steak-Out's menu of high quality food features such American cuisine as rib eye steaks and filets, grilled chicken breast filets, cheeseburgers, steak and chicken sandwiches and a variety of fresh entree salads. Meals, delivered hot and fresh to the home or office, are served with a steaming baked potato, a freshly tossed salad, and a dinner roll.

Visit their web site:
www.steakout.com

Decode COMPARATIVE CLAIMS.
Basic Rates: An ad promising "50 percent off the basic rate" isn't a good deal because the "basic" rate is another term for the highest rate available.

Comparable Services: When ads compare calling rates, are the services comparable? Is the information on both sides of the comparison as current as possible?

Look for the FINE PRINT. Read it.
Advance Work: Offers and restrictions vary. Each long distance provider has their own deals. Read the details from all the companies you are considering before you sign up. If you have questions, call the company for an explanation.

Look at your MONTHLY BILLS carefully.
Pay attention to your bill, checking to make sure you are being charged exactly what you expected. If you think there's a mistake, or if you just don't understand your bill, call your provider for an explanation.

Visit their web site:
www.ftc.gov

What is Cross Franchising?

With the continuing success of franchisees, the evolution of the seasoned franchisee was inevitable. If you possessed a talent and penchant for both automobiles and childcare, you would find it difficult if not impossible to juggle both of these careers and do justice to either one in the conventional work place. But, if you owned a mature automotive franchise successfully, that franchisor might be receptive to you purchasing a child care franchise. You are likely to be well received by the child care franchisor since you have successfully adapted to overall generic franchising philosophy. The best of both worlds is attainable for the seasoned franchisee that exercises due diligence.

The SCORE Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE Association volunteers serve as "Counselors to America's Small Business." Working and retired executives and business owners donate their time and expertise as volunteer business counselors and provide confidential counseling and mentoring free of charge.