Staples files last plea for justices’ review of Md. tax
In a final plea that the Supreme Court hear its appeal, office supply giant Staples Inc. has argued states will seek to tax more business conducted outside their borders if the justices do not void as unconstitutional Maryland’s taxation of fees the Massachusetts-based company collects from its Maryland franchisees. Staples filed its argument last week […]
Justices show interest in Staples’ challenge to Maryland tax
The U.S. Supreme Court has shown some interest in hearing office supply giant Staples Inc.’s argument that Maryland’s tax assessment on fees that the Massachusetts-based company collects from its Maryland franchisees violates the Constitution’s Due Process and Interstate Commerce clauses. The justices in August asked the Maryland comptroller’s office to respond to Staples’ argument that [...]
After abandonment of Rehoboth restaurant, Hooters sues franchisee
ATLANTA (AP) — Two Hooters restaurants on the East Coast, including one in Rehoboth Beach have been abandoned, and one was operated in filthy conditions, turning off customers and damaging the national brand, the Georgia-based parent company of Hooters restaurants says in a federal lawsuit. Hooters of America is suing Hoot Owl Restaurants LLC, which […]
Court: Franchisee can’t blame bank for bad investment
Don’t expect a bank to save you from yourself, the Court of Special Appeals said in rejecting a franchisee’s claim that Sandy Spring Bank negligently loaned him the money to invest in The Coffee Beanery Ltd. in Annapolis.
Annapolis-area McDonald’s owner says job has many rewards
ANNAPOLIS— Don’t ever make a disparaging comment about flipping burgers for a living within earshot of Gerry Gimelstob. He’ll be quick to correct you, explaining that in his 21 years as a McDonald’s franchisee, he’s seen dozens of workers spin part-time jobs as cashiers and cooks into well-paid management positions with room to grow. “One […]
Marriott to spin off timeshare business
Marriott International Inc. is splitting into two publicly traded companies. The Bethesda-based company said as it reported on its earnings Monday that it will spin off its timeshare development and management company later this year. The remaining business will concentrate on its lodging management and franchising business. Marriott said the move will help both companies […]
Sylvan Learning Inc. gets TRO against former Ohio franchisee
A federal judge in Baltimore has ordered a former Sylvan Learning Inc. franchisee in Ohio to shut down operations until further notice. Judge Richard D. Bennett granted Sylvan’s motion for a temporary restraining order at precisely 12:10 p.m. Wednesday after a hearing that lasted all morning in U.S. District Court. Despite the blizzard bearing down […]
Former Pizza Boli’s franchisee enjoined
A federal judge in Baltimore has granted in part a motion for a preliminary injunction against a former Pizza Boli’s franchisee in Washington, D.C., prohibiting him from using the company’s trademarks and operating the franchise restaurant. Baltimore-based franchisor Prosperity Systems Inc. terminated Nadeem Ali’s franchise agreement in July after he violated the contract by delivering [&hel[...]
Pizza Boli wants D.C. franchisee to go
A federal judge in Baltimore is likely to order a former longtime Pizza Boli’s franchise in Washington D.C., to significantly change the way it does business and may even shut it down for a time. Presiding over a preliminary injunction hearing in the trademark infringement case Wednesday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake appeared […]