HOODZ Grows to 50 Locations in 4 Months of Existence

HOODZ, Nation’s Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Leader, Grows to 50 Locations in 4 Months of Existence
Company Holds Inaugural Franchise Training Class; Poised to Reach 150 Locations by 2011  
Ann Arbor, MI – HOODZ, the nation’s largest and most reputable kitchen exhaust hood cleaning franchise, has quickly become the nation’s largest and most reputable franchise in the industry by growing to more than 50 franchise locations in 26 states in just four months.

Having launched the franchise in July 2009, HOODZ has already opened locations in markets such as Atlanta, Tampa, Raleigh and Houston. With more than 50 HOODZ locations now in development as part of its strategic expansion, the company is anticipating even more explosive growth in 2010, and is poised to reach 150 total franchise locations by 2011.

HOODZ is owned by the newly created BELFOR Franchise Group, a privately held, multi-concept franchise system of BELFOR International, the world’s largest property restoration company. To fuel the growth and new franchise system, HOODZ recently held its inaugural franchise training class at its company headquarters in Ann Arbor, MI. With a first training class of 30 trainees, these HOODZ professionals are now ready to fill a void and become the recognized leaders in the kitchen exhaust cleaning segment.

“The recent downturn of the economy has potential franchisees looking toward sustainable concepts like HOODZ, which continues to adapt and thrive in the growing kitchen exhaust cleaning market,” said John Rotche, President of HOODZ International and the BELFOR Franchise Group. “We’ve created a business model that continues to flourish, regardless of the economic conditions, because commercial kitchens and restaurants need their kitchen hoods cleaned and maintained in accordance with local health inspectors as well adhering to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 96.”

Not just for fast-food and quick-service restaurants, HOODZ can service family and fine dining restaurants, reception halls, healthcare facilities, and corporate and industrial kitchens, as well as school, church, and stadium kitchens. In addition, all of these commercial customers must remain compliant with building and fire protection codes in order to remain in operation. HOODZ services also reduce overhead costs by offering consolidated billing, single transaction costs, and central points of contact.

As a unique and specialized needs-based franchise, HOODZ is attractive to new franchisees looking to diversify their portfolio with a new, low-cost endeavor. Franchisees can run their locations through an investor model, where the franchisee keeps their job and hires a staff to run the day-to-day operations.

“New franchisees enjoy protected territories, expansion opportunities, and have the corporate backing to handle national commercial accounts, something small, less established companies can’t handle,” said Rotche.

Rotche even points out that franchisees enjoy repeat, predictable business with repeat, predictable revenue, as well as the opportunity to benefit from nationwide accounts. He said that in cases where national or regional commercial relationships are established, new franchisees can even have business on their first day of operation.

To assist in the purchasing of the franchise, HOODZ offers in-house financing. During the franchise’s first year of business, if for whatever reason they determine Franchising may not be for them, HOODZ guarantees to purchase back both their service vehicle, as well as operational equipment. HOODZ also created an in-house equipment distribution company that offers favorable terms.

HOODZ franchisees and their employees go through extensive training and certification programs at the 18,000 sq. ft. national training center in Ann Arbor, MI. HOODZ professionals learn to clean the entire system from roof-top to cook-top, ensuring that complete service and compliance is achieved.  HOODZ professionals are trained, qualified and certified, adhering to the National Fire Protection Association Standard 96, and all federal, state and local laws.

About HOODZ
HOODZ, the nation’s largest and most reputable Restaurant kitchen exhaust Cleaning franchise launched in July 2009. Since it began franchising, HOODZ has become the first recognizable national leader in the kitchen exhaust cleaning industry, now operating more than 50 franchise locations in over 26 states. HOODZ cleans restaurant kitchen hoods from roof-top to cook-top, adhering to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard-96, devoted exclusively to ventilation control and fire protection of commercial cooking operations. HOODZ is owned by the BELFOR Franchise Group, a privately held, multi-concept franchise system of BELFOR International, the world’s largest property restoration company.