SopraCapital News Feedshttp://www.sopracapital.com/news.phpen-us2012-05-202012-05-2005/20/2012SopraCapitaldale@soprabrands.comhttp://hillsborough.patch.com/articles/snacking-for-the-rainforest-earthfruits-yogurt-opens-in-hillsborough#photo-9856977For a while, residents and yogurt enthusiasts have been waiting for EarthFruits Yogurt to open up at its location in the Woods Tavern Plaza, located at 438 U.S. 206 in Hillsborough. Those who have been waiting patiently got their wish on Thursday, when the frozen yogurt shop officially opened for business. The franchise location, owned by Jim Ciampa and managed by Katy Hentenaar, presents an interesting way for its customers to give back to the environment while enjoying a healthy, all-natural snack.05/08/2012Gerard Longohttp://hillsborough.patch.com/articles/snacking-for-the-rainforest-earthfruits-yogurt-opens-in-hillsborough#photo-9856977http://hillsborough.patch.com/articles/snacking-for-the-rainforest-earthfruits-yogurt-opens-in-hillsborough#photo-9856977http://sopracapital.com/assets/images/news/2012.05.09.efy.pnghttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120325111105The company signs franchise deal with EarthFruits Yogurt to meet UAEs frozen yogurt appetite Dubai - Al Aroud Group, the leading business conglomerate that includes airline, information technology, financial services, and travel solutions, announced today, its expansion into the food and beverage industry in the UAE through its new F&B arm "Dynamic Hospitality". The new company will look after the groups investments into the F&B industry which aims at bringing leading multinational brands into UAE and the region to leverage market opportunities.03/25/2012zawya.comhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120325111105http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120325111105http://sopracapital.com/assets/images/news/efy.2012.03.26.pnghttp://www.franchiseupdate-digital.com/franchiseupdate/2012Q1/?pg=20&pm=2&u1=friend#pg20Welcome to the final installment of Anatomy of a Franchise Start-Up. EarthFruits Yogurt, which began its journey in mid-2010, now has one and a half years under its belt. Over the course of this series, I have done my best to give you a transparent glimpse into our new system. In this last article, you might begin to draw your own conclusion.02/01/2012Keith Gersonhttp://www.franchiseupdate-digital.com/franchiseupdate/2012Q1/?pg=20&pm=2&u1=friend#pg20http://www.franchiseupdate-digital.com/franchiseupdate/2012Q1/?pg=20&pm=2&u1=friend#pg20http://sopracapital.com/images/news/2011.06.09-efy.jpghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqY8GYGx4rQHouseMasters Kathleen Kuhn discusses the state of the housing market on Fox Business.01/09/2012Fox Businesshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqY8GYGx4rQhttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://universe.byu.edu/index.php/2012/01/05/find-fro-yo-in-provo/Earth Fruits\' mission is about health, prosperity and well-being. They believe in giving the freshest ingredients from all over the world to awaken your five senses and restore your soul. In fact, their ingredients are exported from the Amazonian rainforest. This is what makes Earth Fruits stand out. They have planted more than 300,000 trees throughout the rainforest to give back to the beautiful world that gave them the ingredients in the first place.01/01/2012Holland Mathesonhttp://universe.byu.edu/index.php/2012/01/05/find-fro-yo-in-provo/http://universe.byu.edu/index.php/2012/01/05/find-fro-yo-in-provo/http://soprabrands.com/assets/images/news/2012-01-12-efy.pnghttp://www.americanownews.com/story/15963138/inexpensive-house-maintenance-can-save-you-moneyIf you could trade $20 for $2,000, you would right? Well, here are six easy things that you can do at your house that all cost under $20 that can - over time - save you thousands.01/01/2012americanownews.comhttp://www.americanownews.com/story/15963138/inexpensive-house-maintenance-can-save-you-moneyhttp://www.americanownews.com/story/15963138/inexpensive-house-maintenance-can-save-you-moneyhttp://soprabrands.com/assets/images/news/2012-01-23-hm.jpghttp://soprabrands.com/assets/images/news/Anatomy_Startup_3_FranchiseUpdate_2011Q4.pdfIt is not our products. It is not our price. Pay attention as I am about to lay out our secret competitive weapon right here for all to see. Are you ready? 12/16/2011Keith Gersonhttp://soprabrands.com/assets/images/news/Anatomy_Startup_3_FranchiseUpdate_2011Q4.pdfhttp://soprabrands.com/assets/images/news/Anatomy_Startup_3_FranchiseUpdate_2011Q4.pdfhttp://soprabrands.com/assets/images/news/efy.2011.12.23.jpghttp://newsgroup4.com/Digest/HouseMasters.phpTodays cost conscious home owner is focused on two things; reducing costs and protecting the value of their home. The first and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America, provides homeowners with simple tips on how to maintain and update their homes with fixes that they can inexpensively do on their own.11/17/2011NewsGroup4http://newsgroup4.com/Digest/HouseMasters.phphttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://soprabrands.com/images/news/PE_Player_Sopra_Brands.pdfDavid Leoncavallo saw franchises grow, especially those in which he had helped brin in talented senior management. And as the founder of executive recruitment firm FranSearch, he had an opportunity to build a huge network of contacts who were successful in the industry. But after he grew FranSearch to a certain point, he wanted to move on and start another challenge.11/07/2011Restaurant Franchise Monitorhttp://soprabrands.com/images/news/PE_Player_Sopra_Brands.pdfhttp://sopracapital.com/images/sopracapital_news_logo.jpghttp://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/03/idUS160540+03-Oct-2011+MW20111003GreenSaver, Canada's oldest non-profit organization, with more than two decades of experience in the residential energy efficiency sector, is proud to announce the acquisition of HouseMaster's Canadian franchise operations. HouseMaster, established in 1979, is North America's oldest and one of the largest home inspection organizations, with 30 locations across Canada and over 350 in the U.S10/03/2011Reutershttp://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/03/idUS160540+03-Oct-2011+MW20111003http://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://www.franchiseupdate-digital.com/franchiseupdate/2011Q3/?pg=10&pm=2&u1=friend#pg10In this issue we will glimpse into a franchise start-up, I will share the challenges and the victories I have encountered in attempting to differentiate our emerging EarthFruitsYogurt brand within its red-hot category and the resultant commoditization occurring within the space.09/08/2011Keith Gersonhttp://www.franchiseupdate-digital.com/franchiseupdate/2011Q3/?pg=10&pm=2&u1=friend#pg10http://www.franchiseupdate-digital.com/franchiseupdate/2011Q3/?pg=10&pm=2&u1=friend#pg10http://soprabrands.com/images/news/efy.2011.09.08.jpghttp://www.brighthub.com/money/home-buying/articles/123804.aspxWhile you may not be ready to give your house away or auction it off on eBay, you are probably frustrated with trying to get it sold in the current poor market. Here are seven innovative ways to sell your home without losing your shirt.08/27/2011Donna Cosmatohttp://www.brighthub.com/money/home-buying/articles/123804.aspxhttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://www.fox2now.com/news/contact2/ktvi-contact-2-foreclosure-risk-20110824,0,7979403.storyCertified and trained home inspector Rick Bryant from HouseMaster Home Inspections has seen it all. "Foundation issues, electric, plumbing, heating, air conditioning," says Bryant. These are standard things any home inspector should check, but it is especially important in a foreclosed house.08/24/2011Fox2Nowhttp://www.fox2now.com/news/contact2/ktvi-contact-2-foreclosure-risk-20110824,0,7979403.storyhttp://www.fox2now.com/news/contact2/ktvi-contact-2-foreclosure-risk-20110824,0,7979403.storyhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/2011.08.24.HM.jpghttp://tapinspect.wordpress.com/2011/08/08/to-franchise-or-not-to-franchise/New inspectors have a choice to make-to get their business off the ground as quickly as possible, is it better to buy into a home inspection franchise or simply go at it alone. Kathleen Kuhn, President of HouseMaster, a home inspection company with 169 franchises across the US and Canada, and Curtis Niles, the current President of the National Association of Home Inspectors who started his own inspection company, Armored Home Inspections, LLC in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania 12 years ago, present both sides.08/08/2011Tap Inspecthttp://tapinspect.wordpress.com/2011/08/08/to-franchise-or-not-to-franchise/http://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/slideshow/starting-a-business/2011/08/03/top-low-cost-franchises-under-100000/#slide=11Check out 10 low-cost franchises that have thrived through the aftermath of the recession and proved to be stable and are positioned for strong growth as the economy recovers.08/03/2011Fox Businesshttp://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/slideshow/starting-a-business/2011/08/03/top-low-cost-franchises-under-100000/#slide=11http://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/slideshow/starting-a-business/2011/08/03/top-low-cost-franchises-under-100000/#slide=11http://www.soprabrands.com/assets/images/news/hm.2011.08.03.jpghttp://blogs.reuters.com/reuters-money/2011/07/05/luxury-real-estate-how-to-snag-a-deal-on-a-foreclosure-or-short-sale/Opportunities to buy foreclosed - or soon-to-be foreclosed - luxury homes are on the rise. But watch out for the pitfalls that could sour what seems like a sweet deal.07/05/2011Reuters Moneyhttp://blogs.reuters.com/reuters-money/2011/07/05/luxury-real-estate-how-to-snag-a-deal-on-a-foreclosure-or-short-sale/http://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://www.franchiseupdate-digital.com/franchiseupdate/2011Q2/m2/Page.action?lm=1306212129000&pg=11It was my first week as COO of Sopra Brands. My job was to oversee the company's existing franchise brands (no small task), and to oversee the development and implementation of a brand-new frozen yogurt franchise from its inception - in a crowded category, during a full-blown recession, for an opening date that was already months behind schedule.06/09/2011Keith Gersonhttp://www.franchiseupdate-digital.com/franchiseupdate/2011Q2/m2/Page.action?lm=1306212129000&pg=11http://www.franchiseupdate-digital.com/franchiseupdate/2011Q2/m2/Page.action?lm=1306212129000&pg=11http://sopracapital.com/images/news/2011.06.09-efy.jpghttp://www.sopracapital.com/images/news/2011.06.01.hm.entreprenuer.pdfSometimes the best ideas for launching a business can start right at your kitchen table - and stay there.If you are thinking about starting a home-based franchise, take heart; It is very likely your franchisor knows all about the challenges you will face. Many of the companies on our Top Home-based Franchises list got their start in somebody's home, too. Look for their success stories throughout our listing.06/06/2011Entrepreneurhttp://www.sopracapital.com/images/news/2011.06.01.hm.entreprenuer.pdfhttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://video.foxbusiness.com/v/963708936001/Housemaster Home Inspection CEO Kathleen Kuhn and Long Island Housemaster President Matt Kaplan on why you should have your home professionally inspected before you plan to sell it.05/27/2011Fox Businesshttp://video.foxbusiness.com/v/963708936001/http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/963708936001/http://sopracapital.com/images/news/2011.05.27-hm-fox.jpghttp://www.franchise-update.com/article/1418/It was my first week as COO of Sopra Brands. My job was to oversee the company's existing franchise brands (no small task), and to oversee the development and implementation of a brand-new frozen yogurt franchise from its inception--in a crowded category, during a full-blown recession, for an opening date that was already months behind schedule.05/25/2011Keith GersonFranchiseUpdatehttp://sopracapital.com/images/earthfruitsyogurt_news_logo.jpghttp://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/housing_market/foreclosure-shopping-what-to-look-for-5-23-2011PHOENIX - Our housing market could go from bad to worse, according to some experts. New numbers show a million foreclosed homes in this country are just waiting to hit the market.05/23/2011myFOXphoenix.comhttp://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/housing_market/foreclosure-shopping-what-to-look-for-5-23-2011http://soprabrands.com/images/news/myfox10.2011.05.23.jpgmyfox10 ride along with HouseMaster Home Inspectorhttp://soprabrands.com/images/news/myfox10.2011.05.23.jpghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFeuWQhbrcc&feature=youtu.beHouseMaster McKennis Allen educates homebuyers about common conditions found in foreclosure properties in Jacksonville, FL. This segment notes that it is crucial for homebuyers to have an inspection performed when purchasing a home so that all issues within the property can be determined before closing in on a purchase. The host, Jason Law, asked McKennis the benefits of purchasing a foreclosed property, the cost of a home inspection and about the common condition photos featured in the segment.05/23/2011WJXT TVhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFeuWQhbrcc&feature=youtu.behttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFeuWQhbrcc&feature=youtu.behttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/2011.05.23-wjxt-tv.jpghttp://video.foxbusiness.com/v/3883760/the-business-of-home-inspectionsHousemaster President and CEO Kathleen Kuhn discusses how the home inspection sector is doing during the housing crisis with an increase in foreclosures.05/04/2011Fox Businesshttp://video.foxbusiness.com/v/3883760/the-business-of-home-inspectionshttp://video.foxbusiness.com/v/3883760/the-business-of-home-inspectionshttp://www.soprabrands.com/assets/images/news/hm.2011.05.04.jpghttp://www.franchise-update.com/article/1371/The housing market is having a dramatic impact on new home sales, which our brand has been highly dependent upon. At the same time, the foreclosure market is creating a mirrored opportunity and these homes tend to be in the worst shape and more in need of an expert evaluation. There are, however, numerous opportunities with secondary services, such as radon testing and energy audits, which are top of mind and in the news on a regular basis.04/26/2011Franchise-update.comhttp://www.franchise-update.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://www.stltoday.com/business/local/article_f6508e23-da25-5987-ad01-df5465363c8f.htmlWith the large inventory of foreclosed properties in the St. Louis area, this is a good time to buy homes at significantly reduced prices. But before making such a purchase, buyers should be aware of five physical conditions often found in foreclosed properties.04/15/2011http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/article_f6508e23-da25-5987-ad01-df5465363c8f.htmlhttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://manhattan.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/real_estate/137180/inspector-offers-tips-on-buying-a-foreclosed-homeIf you've ever thought about buying a foreclosed home or short sale, real estate experts recommend following some simple tips to avoid getting a raw deal. NY1's Jill Urban filed the following report. A foreclosed home or short sale may look like a great deal, but without a proper inspection beforehand, buyers could end up getting a raw deal.04/11/2011Jill Urban (Manhattan.ny1.com)http://manhattan.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/real_estate/137180/inspector-offers-tips-on-buying-a-foreclosed-homehttp://manhattan.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/real_estate/137180/inspector-offers-tips-on-buying-a-foreclosed-homehttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/matt_kaplin.gifhttp://digg.com/news/business/housemaster_inspects_jacksonville_for_growthBound Brook, NJ - After a close inspection of the Jacksonville market, HouseMaster, the first and oldest home inspection franchise system, is moving in. With multiple factors indicating the real estate market is well on its way to recovery - including rock bottom interest rates, federal homebuyer incentives and mortgage assistance - HouseMaster is answering the growing demand for its services with plans to open at least two locations in the next 18 months, entering a market it says is ripe for more home inspectors.04/08/2011jacksonville.comhttp://jacksonville.com/business/press-releases/housemaster-'inspects'-jacksonville-growthhttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpgsopracapital.com/images/news/2011.04.01.GIJobs.pdfWhen the housing bubble burst a couple of years ago, thousands of homeowners lost their homes to foreclosure. Driven by rage, many of them found creative ways to lash out when the banks seized their houses. Just ask Wendy Rogers, who owns a HouseMaster Home Inspections franchise and saw much of the damage first-hand.04/04/2011Warren Duffiesopracapital.com/images/news/2011.04.01.GIJobs.pdfhttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/entrepreneurs/2011/03/17/save-faltering-franchisee/#ixzz1Lb4PvHgoAfter five years of consistent growth, Kathleen Kuhn knew one of her franchisees was in trouble when his numbers started going down. Kuhn, CEO of HouseMaster, a home inspection services operator and franchisor, reached out to the franchisee hoping to find out what sparked the decline.03/17/2011Cindy Vanegas (Fox Business News)http://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/entrepreneurs/2011/03/17/save-faltering-franchisee/#ixzz1Lb4PvHgohttp://smallbusiness.foxbusiness.com/entrepreneurs/2011/03/17/save-faltering-franchisee/http://sopracapital.com/images/news/HM_and_Fox_Business.gifhttp://www.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com/page/content.detail/id/522960.html?nav=5004With U.S. foreclosure filings continuing to rise across America, the housing crisis has begun to extend into 2011 and is signifying a great time for first-time buyers to buy a home. However, if buyers are considering properties in various stages of foreclosure, property inspections are critical in making the right investment and getting the best deal.03/09/2011cape-coral-daily-breeze.comhttp://www.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com/page/content.detail/id/522960.html?nav=5004http://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://studio5.ksl.com/index.php?nid=71&sid=13606219EarthFruits Yogurt (www.earthfruitsyogurt.com), an imaginative new self-serve frozen yogurt concept providing healthy and eco-friendly products, recently opened its flagship cafe location at 44 East 1230 North, on the corner of University Avenue and Bulldog Boulevard in Provo. EarthFruits Yogurt sources the freshest super fruits directly from rainforests around the world to bring health and wellness to customers.12/13/2010Studio5http://studio5.ksl.com/index.php?nid=71&sid=13606219http://studio5.ksl.com/index.php?nid=71&sid=13606219http://sopracapital.com/images/efy_studio5.gif189113http://blogs.knoxnews.com/flory/2010/11/home-inspection_firm_eyes_knox.htmlHouseMaster, a New Jersey-based home-inspection franchise, is looking to open at least three locations in the Knoxville market within the next eight months. In a news release, the company said it conducts new construction, commercial property and foreclosure inspections, and is looking for franchisees.11/11/2010Josh Floryhttp://blogs.knoxnews.com/flory/2010/11/home-inspection_firm_eyes_knox.htmlhttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://utahbusiness.com/issues/articles/10360/2010/11/lunchboxers_signs_four_new_schools?from=c9508f1ad7192bf3948f06a2b7bfa048778fbbdaLunchboxers (www.lunchboxers.com), a healthy alternative to traditional school lunches, has signed four additional schools to its healthy lunch program. Lunchboxers will provide nutritious meals for Maria Montessori Academy, City Academy, Legacy Preparatory Academy's elementary campus and Legacy Preparatory Academy's secondary campus. 11/10/2010UtahBusiness.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/lunchboxers_news_logo.jpghttp://www.sopraCapital.com/images/news/2010.11.11.lunchboxers.pdfLuchboxers, a provider of healthy alternatives to traditional school lunches, has hired a new executive chef, opened a new headquarters facility in Orem and plans to launch a new kitchen location in Salt Lake City.11/09/2010Enterprisehttp://sopracapital.com/images/lunchboxers_news_logo.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/2010.11.3.hm_USAToday.pdfBased in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sopra Brands also acquires companies and provides management and consulting services to companies in the franchise industry. Boasting an executive team with nearly 100 years of combined franchise experience. Sopra Brands has built several franchise organizations since it was founded four years ago.11/03/2010Kelly HornUSAToday.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/2010.11.3.hm_USAToday.pdfhttp://www.sopraCapital.com/images/news/housemaster_usatoday.gif18980http://www.sopracapital.com/images/news/2010.11.1.LunchBoxers.Growth.Final.pdfSALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 1, 2010) - Lunchboxers (www.lunchboxers.com), a healthy alternative to traditional school lunches, today announced the hiring of its new executive chef and the opening of a new headquarters facility in Orem and a new kitchen location in Salt Lake City. Lunchboxers' new 4,000-square-foot headquarter facility, located at 48 West 300 North, will enable the company to significantly increase its production capabilities and to further expand its nutritious and innovative lunch menu offerings for schools across Utah. The facility is being custom-designed to better serve schools and will include a new self-contained baking station for Lunchboxers to provide fresh-baked goods for all meals.11/01/2010http://www.sopracapital.com/news.phphttp://sopracapital.com/images/lunchboxers_news_logo.jpghttp://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news21456/respa-technology-compliance-could-outside-source-be-answerIn the ever-changing world of regulatory compliance, lenders and mortgage professionals are constantly being subjected to new requirements, and as a result, continue to seek clear guidance and interpretation of lending regulations. Despite the fact that mortgage professionals and lenders are continually taking extensive measures to meet these changing regulation requirements-including investment and commitment in technology, training and quality control-the fight never ends.10/27/2010David LeoncavalloNational Mortgage Professionalhttp://sopracapital.com/images/gfeazy_news_logo.jpghttp://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/good_day/do-it-yourself-home-fixes-102110One of the most troubling realities for any homeowner? What to do when your house gets sick. A big mistake many homeowners make is letting the small problems turn into big ones. There are plenty of ways to take care of those small problems, and cheaply. Home inspector Robert Southard joined Good Day from a Land O Lakes house that just underwent inspection, and he showed us what he found and how to make the fixes without spending a ton of money.10/21/2010www.myfoxtampabay.commyfoxtampabay.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://www.homegoesstrong.com/4-ways-prevent-water-damageIt doesn't take a major flooding event or even a nasty storm to cause water damage in a home. This I know first hand. In my old house our foundation was built on a spring. So even though we lived on top of a hill, our sump pump ran constantly. Until one day it didn't anymore.10/12/2010Leah Ingramwww.homegoesstrong.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/2010.10.12.TryonDailyBulletin.pdfHouseMaster home inspection business is now open in Polk County. Robert Talbert of Tryon, who has extensive experience in construction, says he was inspired to open a HouseMaster franchise after his daughter had a negative experience with home inspectors when buying her first home. He saw a definite need in the marketplace and answered the growing demand for home inspection services by opening HouseMaster.10/12/2010Tryon Daily BulletinTryon Daily Bulletinhttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/earthfruits_grand_opening_provo.pdfSALT LAKE CITY (September 18, 2010) - EarthFruits Yogurt (www.earthfruitsyogurt.com), an imaginative new self-serve frozen yogurt concept providing healthy and eco-friendly products, celebrated the official grand opening today of its flagship location by partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Utah County to make 50 healthy meals and 100 yogurt desserts made with real fruit for the Food & Care Coalition. 09/18/2010http://sopracapital.com/images/earthfruitsyogurt_news_logo.jpghttp://iutah.tv/event/view/167815EarthFruits Yogurt (www.earthfruitsyogurt.com), an imaginative new self-serve frozen yogurt concept providing healthy and eco-friendly products, is celebrating the official grand opening of its flagship location and worldwide training center, located at 44 East 1230 North (corners of University Avenue and Bulldog Boulevard) in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 18. 09/18/2010iUtahiUtahhttp://sopracapital.com/images/earthfruitsyogurt_news_logo.jpghttp://www.vanillajoy.com/weekend-giveaway-earthfruits-yogurt.htmlI went to EarthFruits Yogurt in Provo last night and tried them out for the first time. I've been to a few frozen yogurt places around Provo and the frozen yogurt here was the best. They have really fruity and exotic flavors like papaya, asian tart, fruit, acai blueberry, mango, pomegranate, raspberry, and a few others I'm forgetting. I love fruity stuff, and this frozen yogurt was really fruity and delish. 09/17/2010www.VanillaJoy.comwww.VanillaJoy.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/earthfruits_employees.9.20.2010.gifhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/earthfruits_employees.9.20.2010.gifhttp://www.abc4.com/content/news/blogs/story/Don-Hudson-How-much-healthy-yogurt-is-unhealthy/q9fX_ihmckCnhTWr9LKDlA.cspxA new yogurt shop came by the ABC 4 on Friday and now I am filled with sweet, cool, tasty, healthy, goodness. Maybe too much healthy goodness. The folks from EarthFruits Yogurt (www.earthfruitsyogurt.com)tell me how natural and healthy their yogurt and toppings are so I tried it all. 09/17/2010www.abc4.comwww.abc4.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/abc_earthfruits_9.17.2010.gifhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/abc_earthfruits_9.17.2010.gifhttp://www.utahdealdiva.com/2010/09/earth-fruits-yogurt-free-yogurt-for.htmlEarthFruits Yogurt, a healthy new self-serve frozen yogurt shop in Provo, is celebrating the official grand opening this Saturday, 9/18 at 10am. To kick off the grand opening festivities, EarthFruits Yogurt will be giving away a year's supply of yogurt to the first 100 people in line! EarthFruits Yogurt will designate its parking lot as an urban campground for any fans who would like to camp out to be first in line. The shop is located at 44 East 1230 North on the corner of University Avenue and Bulldog Boulevard in Provo. 09/17/2010UtahDealDiva.comUtahDealDiva.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/earthfruitsyogurt_news_logo.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/utah_business_earthfruits.9.16.2010.pdfEARTHFRUITS YOGURT, a frozen yogurt concept that focuses on healthy and eco-friendly products, opened its first location at 44 E. 1230 North. EarthFruits Yogurt offers a self-serve model that allows customers to choose from 18 exotic and classic flavors and more than 80 toppings choices. With its focus on eco-friendly products, EarthFruits Yogurt uses packaging and utensils that are entirely compostable. 09/16/2010UtahPulse.comUtahPulse.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/earthfruitsyogurt_news_logo.jpghttp://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_092d0dcf-6779-5ff5-a19c-73b87af3ff29.htmlEAGLE MOUNTAIN -- The Ranches Academy has chosen to go with an innovative lunch system called 'Lunchboxers.' Children or their parents can pay and order from a menu online that provides a choice of two different meals each day. The system can also cater to children's allergies. Deadline for orders are 8 a.m. the day the meal is needed. 09/16/2010Daily HeraldDaily Heraldhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/dailyherald_lb_9.16.2010.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/dailyherald_lb_9.16.2010.jpghttp://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment/50246696-81/salsa-sukkah-news-yogurt.html.cspEarthFruits Yogurt, a new self-serve yogurt shop in Provo, will give away a year's supply of frozen yogurt to the first 100 people in line on Saturday, Sept. 18. The grand opening celebration also includes children's activities, live music, dance performances and an exotic creature encounter. The store, 44 E. 1230 North, offers 18 flavors, including açai, mangosteen and cacao, and 80 toppings. Details at www.earthfruitsyogurt.com. 09/16/2010The Salt Lake TribuneThe Salt Lake Tribunehttp://sopracapital.com/images/earthfruitsyogurt_news_logo.jpghttp://www.heraldextra.com/business/local/article_326ff279-5ae7-5b80-a53f-e35135d570bd.htmlChildren from the Boys and Girls Club in Utah County will participate in a service project to help make a healthy lunch and yogurt dessert made with real fruit for individuals who rely on meals from the Food & Care Coalition. EarthFruits Yogurt, at 44 E. 1230 North in Provo, is hosting the service project as part of its grand opening day festivities to demonstrate its commitment to giving back to the community and providing opportunities for community members, especially children, to work together to make a difference. EarthFruits Yogurt will donate $1 from every yogurt sale on Saturday during its grand opening festivities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the Boys and Girls Club. EarthFruits Yogurt will also provide free yogurt to the Boys and Girls Club members. 09/16/2010Daily HeraldDaily Heraldhttp://sopracapital.com/images/earthfruitsyogurt_news_logo.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/deseret_news_earthfruits.9.14.2010.pdfPROVO -- EarthFruits Yogurt, a self-serve frozen yogurt company, plans to celebrate the grand opening of its flagship location Saturday. This EarthFruits cage is located at 44 E. 1230 North on the corner of University Avenue and Bulldog Boulevard. The grand opening will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with children's activities including Brazilian face painting from 10 a.m. to noon; a demonstration of Brazilian martial arts, acrobatics and dancing from 11-11:30 a.m.; and from noon until 2 p.m. an exhibition of exotic animals and live music. 09/14/2010Deseret NewsDeseret Newshttp://sopracapital.com/images/earthfruitsyogurt_news_logo.jpghttp://www.cityweekly.net/utah/article-12160-fall-dine-oround-free-yogurt-for-a-year.htmlEarthFruits Yogurt will celebrate its grand opening in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 18, with a chance to win free yogurt-lots of it. To kick off the grand-opening festivities, EarthFruits will be giving away a years supply of yogurt to the first 100 people in line. The total value of the giveaway is $26,000, based on 52 yogurts per customer for the year. EarthFruits will designate its parking lot as an urban campground for any fans who would like to camp out to be first in line. In addition, the festivities will include Brazilian face-painting, a capoeira demonstration, a hands-on Amazon 'Creature Encounter' featuring exotic, rare animals from around the world, including a Blue Front Amazon parrot, a pink cockatiel, an albino Burmese python, an 8-foot boa constrictor and South American tarantulas, as well as live music by Abraxas and an appearance by BYU's mascot Cosmo the Cougar. Earthfruits Yogurt is at 44 E. 1230 North in Provo. EarthFruitsYogurt.com 09/13/2010www.CityWeekly.comwww.CityWeekly.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/earthfruitsyogurt_news_logo.jpghttp://www.simplythesweetlife.com/2010/09/local-earthfruits-yogurt-and-giveaway.htmlDid you happen to see the new yogurt place in Provo? It's EarthFruits Yogurt just near BYU and across from Provo High. Several good things are happening at EarthFruits Yogurt. 09/13/2010www.SimplyTheSweetLife.comwww.SimplyTheSweetLife.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/simplythesweet.9.14.2010.gifhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/simplythesweet.9.14.2010.gifhttp://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/good_day_atl/Selling-Your-Home%3F-Inspect-It!-20100910-gda-sd-Kathleen Kuhn -- President and CEO of HouseMaster -- a home inspection company, tells us if you're selling your house - one of the most important decisions you make is getting a house inspection! 09/10/2010MyFoxAtlanta.comMyFoxAtlanta.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/09.4.2010.SanGabrielValleyTribune.print.pdfTom Thayer jumped into the construction industry right out of high school. It was a summer job and he didn't figure he'd be sticking around long. But that job ultimately lead to a successful 25-year career in the industry. 09/04/2010San Gabriel Valley TribuneSan Gabriel Valley Tribunehttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://utahbusiness.com/issues/articles/10110/2010/08/lunchboxers_selected_by_utah_state_office_of_education_to_provide_free_and_reduced_lunches?from=c9508f1ad7192bf3948f06a2b7bfa048778fbbdaLunchboxers (www.lunchboxers.com), a healthy alternative to traditional school lunches, was selected by the Utah Office of Education Child Nutrition Program to provide free and reduced lunch to children who qualify in schools throughout Utah. 08/31/2010UtahBusiness.comUtahBusiness.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/lunchboxers_news_logo.jpghttp://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2010-08-31-closingcosts31_ST_N.htmA new federal rule this year requiring mortgage lenders to give borrowers reliable estimates of closing costs appears to be working - whether it's also costing borrowers more money is uncertain. 08/31/2010USAToday.comUSAToday.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/usatoday_sold.gifhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/usatoday_sold.gifhttp://utahpulse.com/featured_article/lunchboxers-selected-utah-state-office-education-provide-free-and-reduced-lunches-sLunchboxers, a healthy alternative to traditional school lunches, today announced it was selected by the Utah Office of Education Child Nutrition Program to provide free and reduced lunch to children who qualify in schools throughout Utah. 08/27/2010UtahPulse.comUtahPulse.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/lunchboxers_news_logo.jpghttp://video.foxbusiness.com/v/4320916/closing-costs-on-the-rise/?playlist_id=87185David Leoncavallo, President of GFEazy.com breaks down why good-faith estimates are leading many homebuyers astray. 08/25/2010www.foxbusiness.comwww.foxbusiness.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/gfeazy_fox.8.25.2010.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/gfeazy_fox.8.25.2010.jpghttp://www.heraldextra.com/business/local/article_4f8c2158-dac3-5914-b2eb-ee6508d08096.htmlEarthFruits Yogurt, an imaginative new frozen yogurt concept providing healthy and eco-friendly products, opened its first location at 44 E. 1230 North in Provo on Friday. 08/04/2010Daily HeraldDaily Heraldhttp://sopracapital.com/images/earthfruitsyogurt_news_logo.jpgNEEDS A NEW LINKSALT LAKE CITY (August 4, 2010) - Sopra Brands, a privately held, multi-concept franchise system with worldwide headquarters in Salt Lake City, experienced in growing small and large companies in the franchise industry, announces the appointment of franchise marketing expert Melissa Hallenbeck as Vice President of Marketing.08/04/2010http://sopracapital.com/images/soprabrands_news_logo.gifhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/national_mortgage_professionals.8.2010.pdfIn the ever changing world of regulatory compliance, lenders and mortgage professionals are constantly being subjected to new requirements and, as a result, continue to seek clear guidance and interpretation of lending regulations. Despite the fact that mortgage professionals and lenders continually take extensive measures to meet the always changing regulation requirements - including investment and commitment in technology, training and quality control - the fight never ends. 08/01/2010GFEazy.comGFEazy.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/gfeazy_news_logo.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/Familycirclemag8-2010.pdfHelp your wallet-and the earth-by making your home more energy efficient. Even small tweaks can make a major dent in your monthly bills. And if you decide to do major improvements, you could earn government rebates of up to $3,000, thanks to President Obama's new Homestar program. Kathleen Kuhn, president of HouseMaster, one of the largest home inspection companies in North America, shares how homeowners can make DIY upgrades. 08/01/2010Family Circle MagazineFamily Circle Magazinehttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://utahpulse.com/event/earthfruits-grand-opening-and-celebrationEarthFruits Yogurt (www.earthfruitsyogurt.com), an imaginative new self-serve frozen yogurt concept providing healthy and eco-friendly products, is celebrating the official grand opening of its flagship location and worldwide training center, located at 44 East 1230 North (corners of University Avenue and Bulldog Boulevard) in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 18. 08/01/2010UtahPulse.comUtahPulse.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/earthfruitsyogurt_news_logo.jpghttp://www.sopracapital.com/images/news/2010.08.01.NMP.pdfIn the ever-changing world of regulatory compliance, lenders and mortgage professionals are constantly being subjected to new requirements, and as a result, continue to seek clear guidance and interpretation of lending regulations. 08/01/2010National Mortgage ProfessionalNational Mortgage Professionalhttp://sopracapital.com/images/gfeazy_news_logo.jpghttp://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/neighborhood/utahcounty/49935207-138/lunchboxers-academy-chicken-schools.html.cspGreasy potato nuggets, canned fruit soaked in sugary syrup and dry, bite-sized chicken. School lunch doesn't exactly have the best reputation. But Lunchboxers, a Provo-based company that caters meals for almost 40 charter and private schools from Ogden to Santaquin, says it is part of a 'revolution' to change that image. 07/21/2010The Salt Lake Tribunehttp://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/neighborhood/utahcounty/49935207-138/lunchboxers-academy-chicken-schools.html.csphttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/lunchboxers_nik.gifhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/lunchboxers_nik.gifhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/2010_06_01_Utah_Business_com.pdfWith the majority of lending institutions unable to comply with the biggest reforms to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act(RESPA) in more than 30 years, GFEazy is helping ease the challenges and reduce liability under these sweeping changes. 07/20/2010UtahBusiness.comUtahBusiness.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/gfeazy_news_logo.jpghttp://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20107200337After a close inspection of the Indianapolis market, HouseMaster is moving in. The New Jersey-based home inspection franchisor will open at least five locations in the next 18 months, entering a market it says is ripe for more home inspectors. "If you look at how many houses are still selling in Indianapolis, there is significant market share still to be had," said Kathleen Kuhn, president of the 30-year-old company, which has 371 locations nationwide, including two in Indiana -- Fort Wayne and Richmond. "The locals may be nervous about us coming in, a company that has been in business as long as we have been in business. But it's about competition and survival of the fittest." 07/20/2010Indy StarIndy Starhttp://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20107200337http://sopracapital.com/images/house.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/7-15-10_Utah_Business_com.pngBusinesses members of Utah's Own, an organization established to create a consumer culture of choosing Utah products everywhere consumers shop, met for a Utah Business roundtable discussion Wednesday, July 14, 2010. These business experts concluded that educating consumers remains a priority, in order to build the Utah's Own brand, to continue providing quality local products to consumers and to boost Utah's economy. 07/15/2010UtahBusiness.comUtahBusiness.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/lunchboxers_news_logo.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/7-13-10_Des_News_(web).pdfTeriyaki Stix is celebrating its 15-year anniversary by adding new menu options to its 22-plus locations. The Salt Lake City-based Japanese fast food chain was founded by brothers Mike and Rick Clayton, both Brigham Young University alumni. 07/13/2010Deseret NewsDeseret Newshttp://sopracapital.com/images/teriyakistix_news_logo.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/7-2010_Utah_CEO_pg_18.PDFSalt Lake-based firm that consults franchise-oriented companies. A 30-year franchise veteran who most recently served as president and COO of PuroClean, Gerson will oversee the day-to-day operations of each of Sopra Brands' franchise and business concepts - including HouseMaster Home Inspection Services, Teriyaki Stix, Hogi Yogi, Yoasis, LunchBoxers and GFEazy - and will play an integral role in introducing new Sopra-owned brands. 07/01/2010Utah CEOUtah Ceohttp://sopracapital.com/images/soprabrands_news_logo.gifhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/7-7-10_Daily_Herald_com.pdfTeriyaki Stix, a Utah-based Japanese quick service restaurant, today announced new sides, veggie and combo meal options at its 22-plus locations. The new specialty menu items feature a variety of authentic and healthy Japanese side dishes at an affordable price. 07/01/2010Daily HeraldDaily Heraldhttp://sopracapital.com/images/teriyakistix_news_logo.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/6-25-10_UtahBusiness_com.pngLunchboxers(http://www.lunchboxers.com), a healthy alternative to traditional school lunches, today announced it has signed a one-year agreement with Intermountain Christian School and Grace Lutheran School to provide nutritious and affordable school lunch options to students. 06/25/2010UtahBusiness.comUtahBusiness.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/lunchboxers_news_logo.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/2010.06.16.FranchiseWorks.pdfA Franchise Opportunity Worth 'Inspecting'. Recovering Real Estate Market Puts Home Inspection Franchise HouseMaster at Forefront of the Home Inspection Industry. 06/16/2010FranchiseWorks.comFranchiseWorks.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/housemaster_news_logo.jpghttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/6-14-10_Utah_Pulse_com.pngSopra Brands, a privately held, multi-concept franchise system with worldwide headquarters in Salt Lake City, experienced in growing small and large companies in the franchise industry, announces the appointment of franchising expert Keith Gerson as Chief Operating Officer. 06/14/2010UtahPulse.comUtahPulse.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/soprabrands_news_logo.gifhttp://sopracapital.com/images/news/2010_05_24_SLCEnterprise.pdfThe biggest changes to home loan disclosures since 1974 took effect on Jan. 1 and Salt Lake City-based GFEazy, a division of housemasters, is helping some of the nation's largest and most influential banks comply with the new guidelines. 05/24/2010The EnterpriseThe Enterprisehttp://sopracapital.com/images/gfeazy_news_logo.jpghttp://gfeazy.com/USA_Today.phpMay 1st RESPA Guarantee* to Chase CEO Jamie Dimon 04/26/2010www.usatoday.comwww.usatoday.comhttp://sopracapital.com/images/gfeazy_news_logo.jpghttp://localhost/sopraCapital/images/news/sopra_acquires_hogi_yogi.pdfSalt Lake City, UT (June 4, 2009) - Sopra Capital II, LLC announced today its acquisition of the Hogi Yogi, Teriyaki Stix, and Yoasis Brands. Sopra Capital II is a private equity and management firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah, which focuses on the acquisition and development of established and profitable franchise brands that are poised for growth. Collectively, Hogi Yogi, Teriyaki Stix and Yoasis currently have over 40 locations franchised in three states throughout the U.S. SopraCapital06/04/2009http://localhost/sopraCapital/images/news/sopra_acquires_hogi_yogi.pdfhttp://sopracapital.com/images/sopracapital_news_logo.jpg