How to Keep Your House Cool Without AC

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Want summer comfort but hate the AC? Follow these tips on how to keep your house cool without frosty air conditioning.

You don’t have to switch on the air conditioner to get a big chill this summer. These tips will help you keep your house cool without AC, which will save energy (and avoid AC wars with your family).

Block that Sun!

When sunlight enters your house, it turns into heat. You’ll keep your house cooler if you reduce solar heat gain by keeping sunlight out.

  • Close the drapes: Line them with light-colored fabric that reflects the sun, and close them during the hottest part of the day. Let them pillow onto the floor to block air movement.
  • Add awnings: Install them on south- and west-facing windows to reduce solar heat gain by up to 77%, says the U.S. Department of Energy. Make your own by tacking up sheets outside your windows and draping the ends over a railing or lawn chair.
  • Install shutters: Interior and exterior shutters not only reduce heat gain and loss, but they also add security and protect against bad weather. Interior shutters with adjustable slats let you control how much sun you let in.
  • Apply high-reflectivity window film: Install energy-saving window films on east- and west-facing windows, which will keep you cool in summer, but let in warming sun in the winter. Mirror-like films are more effective than colored transparent films.

Open Those Windows

Be sure to open windows when the outside temperature is lower than the inside. Cool air helps lower the temps of everything – walls, floors, furniture – that will absorb heat as temps rise, helping inside air say cooler longer.

To create cross-ventilation, open windows on opposite sides of the house. Good ventilation helps reduce VOCs and prevents mold.

Fire Up Fans

  • Portable fans: At night, place fans in open windows to move cool air. In the day, put fans where you feel their cooling breezes (moving air evaporates perspiration and lowers your body temperature). To get extra cool, place glasses or bowls of ice water in front of fans, which will chill the moving air.
  • Ceiling fans: For maximum cooling effect, make sure ceiling fans spin in the direction that pushes air down, rather than sucks it up. Be sure to turn off fans when you’re not in the room, because fan motors give off heat, too.
  • Whole house fans: A whole-house fan ($1,000 to $1,600, including install) exhausts hot inside air out through roof vents. Make sure your windows are open when you run a whole-house fan.

Power Down Appliances

You’ll save money and reduce heat output by turning off appliances you’re not using, particularly your computer and television. Powering down multiple appliances is easier if you connect them to the same power strip.

Don’t use heat- and steam-generating appliances — ranges, ovens, washers, dryers — during the hottest part of the day. In fact, take advantage of the heat by drying clothes outside on a line.

Plant Trees and Vines

These green house-coolers shade your home’s exterior and keep sunlight out of windows. Plant them by west-facing walls, where the sun is strongest.

Deciduous trees, which leaf out in spring and drop leaves in fall, are best because they provide shade in summer, then let in sun when temperatures drop in autumn. Select trees that are native to your area, which have a better chance of surviving. When planting, determine the height, canopy width, and root spread of the mature tree and plant accordingly.

Climbing vines, such as ivy and Virginia creeper, also are good outside insulators. To prevent vine rootlets or tendrils from compromising your siding, grow them on trellises or wires about 6 inches away from the house.

Speaking of shade, here are smart, inexpensive ideas for shading your patio.

Want more tips for staying cool this summer? Substitute CFL and LED bulbs for hotter incandescent lights.

Also, try insulating your garage door to prevent heat buildup.

What are your favorite ways to stay chill in the summer? Shout ’em out in the comments section!

Source: HouseLogic Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Photo Credit: “Blue Shutters” by Myles Jeffries © 2012 (CC BY 2.0)

Summer Solstice Celebrations Around the U.S.

It’s the day many of us have anxiously been awaiting since September of last year: the first day of summer 2016! Here in the Twin Cities, we can officially declare the new season has arrived at 5:34 PM CDT. Of course, the longest day of the year calls for some longstanding unique celebrations, many of which focus on local art and music, environmental awareness, and family festivities. Check out our list to see how people across the nation mark summer’s arrival.

Downtown Days & More (Anchorage, AK)

With over 22 hours of daylight on this special day, you know Alaska has to have plenty of fun planned. Activities include a parade, half marathon, concerts, sports – basically, anything you can think to do outside to soak in the sun is happening in Anchorage.

Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Event (Santa Barbara, CA)

This solstice celebration represents the largest, three-day arts event in Santa Barbara County, and draws crowds of over 100,000 people annually. Each year, the festival has a different theme, and 2016 has been designated the year of “Legends.” We don’t think there’s a more unique way to ring in the new season!

Solstice in Times Square (New York City, NY)

Are you a burgeoning yogi? Make sure to join this Times Square event anytime between sunrise to sunset (in person or via webcast). And since today has been dubbed the International Day of Yoga by the UN General Assembly, expect to see many more public yoga gatherings throughout the country (like this one in Russellville, AR).

Night at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (Cambridge, MA)

Countdown the minutes to the beginning of summer, while taking in some entertainment and education! Children of all ages can enjoy a fun evening with circus performers, music, dance, food trucks, and hands-on activities, with free evening admission to several local museums. Is there a better way to welcome summer? We think not.

Fremont Solstice Music Festival (Seattle, WA)

If your idea of greeting the summer sun involves a bit more free-spirited fun, then this is the event for you. Featuring more than 25 entertainers, along with shopping, art, and food, this fest will definitely get your summer off on the right foot.

How do you plan to say hello to summer? Let us know in the comments!

Photo Credit: “Santa Barbara 2007 Summer Solstice Parade” by William © 2007 (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Fixer-upper or move-in ready home?

Shows like HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” have popularized the idea of buying and renovating the worst house on the best block. Homes that need major remodeling, however, aren’t for everyone. Sometimes a move-in ready house is a better option. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each.

Pros of Fixer-Uppers

  • Lower price — Homes that require some updating tend to be priced lower, and many renovations can quickly add value to your home.
  • Creative control — When you’re the one in charge of updating your home, you can customize it however you choose.

Cons of Fixer-Uppers

  • Delayed move-in — The planning and work involved to fix it up can significantly delay your move-in date.
  • Unexpected costs — No matter how well you plan, major renovations are always subject to unforeseen expenses.

Pros of Move-In Ready

  • Quick move-in — Can’t wait to begin nesting? With a finished home, you can start moving in as soon as you get your keys.
  • Energy-efficient technology — New and renovated homes are often outfitted with the latest energy-efficient options when it comes to kitchen appliances and heating and cooling systems, which can save you money over time.

Cons of Move-In Ready

  • More expensive — To recoup the costs of updating, sellers often price move-in ready homes much higher. These homes also don’t allow for easy customization.
  • Questionable quality — When you’re not there to oversee the update process, you’re unable to ensure that high-quality work and materials are used for your home.

Still not sure which approach is right for you? Take this quiz to help you decide if you’re ready for a fixer upper.

Have you bought a fixer-upper? What was the process like? Share in the comments!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Photo Credits: “house updates” by mazaletel © 2011 (CC BY 2.0) | “Dining Room with Recycled Wood Ceiling” by Jeremy Levine © 2009 (CC BY 2.0)

Powered by OutboundEngine

Find a Lake Home Bargain in One of These Six Minnesota Towns

While the Twin Cities metro area’s real estate market is hot, hot, hot (and only getting hotter this summer), the same can’t be said for some of Minnesota’s waterfront cities. Slower to recover than much of the state, lake homes are remaining on the market longer and selling for less than the original list price (whereas it’s a general trend that homes are going for more than asking in the Twin Cities). With that in mind, if you’re on the hunt for a vacation home on one of Minnesota’s more than 10,000 lakes, you can’t go wrong looking in one of the six cities on this list. These cities currently have more inventory of single-family seasonal homes (everything from mobile homes to luxurious log cabins), which are selling for around 90% of the original asking price. Check them out, and let us know if you’re interested in more information.

1. Aitkin (Aitkin Co.)

#  of active homes*: 17 | Price Range: $75,000 – $414,000 | Median Sale Price: $209,000 |Median DOM: 217

Aitkin is a historic Mississippi Riverboat Town, about two hours from Minneapolis, known for hunting, fishing, and their annual Riverboat Scramble. While the largest local lake is Mille Lacs Lake, there are plenty of smaller bodies of water (365, in fact) nearby that would make for the perfect summer getaway retreat.

2. McGregor (Aitkin Co.)

#  of active homes: 12 | Price Range: $84,000 – $229,900 | Median Sale Price: $209,000 |Median DOM: 217

A city with less than 400 full-time residents, McGregor is great for vacations and visitors – it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise! Most of the current seasonal inventory in McGregor can be found by the Big Sandy Lake Reservoir or on Lake Minnewawa. This city is also home to the Minnesota National Golf Course.

3. Crosslake (Crow Wing Co.)

#  of active homes: 12 | Price Range: $47,000 – $535,000 | Median Sale Price: $385,000 |Median DOM: 253

Crosslake has the highest median sale price for vacation homes on this list for a reason. Spacious log cabins and other seasonal homes with majestic waterfront views dot the city’s more than 121 miles of shoreline. Permanent and seasonal residents enjoy the wonderful small town charm while maintaining convenient access to the Lakes Area amenities.

4. Longville (Cass Co.)

#  of active homes: 12 | Price Range: $79,900 – $377,900 | Median Sale Price: $234,250 |Median DOM: 242

Home to no more than 200 full-time residents at the moment, you’ll certainly get to know your neighbors in Longville. From charming cottages to dockside dream homes, there’s a summer house to fit any of your needs. While you’re in town for the summer, you might also want to check out one of the city’s iconic Turtle Races.

5. Hackensack (Cass Co.)

#  of active homes: 11 | Price Range: $99,900 – $359,000 | Median Sale Price: $232,000 |Median DOM: 183

Less than an hour north of Brainerd, Hackensack is a small town known for one big resident (the statue of Paul Bunyan’s girlfriend, Lucette, to be exact). With inventory ranging from mobile homes to cabins on notable lakes including Big Deep Lake, Ten Mile Lake, and Kid Lake, it’s not too hard to find your ideal family vacation spot.

6. Park Rapids (Hubbard Co.)

#  of active homes: 11 | Price Range: $87,500 – $399,900 | Median Sale Price: $287,250 |Median DOM: 247

One of the larger city’s on this list, Park Rapids has a population of almost 4,000. Many of the vacation homes currently for sale can be found along the shores of Potato Lake. Probably most famous for being home to the Mississippi River Headwaters, residents choose to call this city home for many other reasons too, such as quality fishing, water sports, and a scenic downtown area. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin in the woods or new construction, you can probably find it in Park Rapids.

*All data sourced from NorthstarMLS on 6/14/16.

Photo Source: “Cabin in the Trees, Lake Tahoe, CA 8-10” by Don Graham © 2010 (CC BY-SA 2.0)

6 Tips for Choosing the Best Offer for Your Home

By: G. M. Filisko

Have a plan for reviewing purchase offers so you don’t let the best slip through your fingers.

You’ve worked hard to get your home ready for sale and to price it properly. With any luck, offers will come quickly. You’ll need to review each carefully to determine its strengths and drawbacks and pick one to accept. Here’s a plan for evaluating offers.

1. Understand the process.

All offers are negotiable, as your agent will tell you. When you receive an offer, you can accept it, reject it, or respond by asking that terms be modified, which is called making a counteroffer.

2. Set baselines.

Decide in advance what terms are most important to you. For instance, if price is most important, you may need to be flexible on your closing date. Or if you want certainty that the transaction won’t fall apart because the buyer can’t get a mortgage, require a prequalified or cash buyer.

3. Create an offer review process.

If you think your home will receive multiple offers, work with your agent to establish a time frame during which buyers must submit offers. That gives your agent time to market your home to as many potential buyers as possible, and you time to review all the offers you receive.

4. Don’t take offers personally.

Selling your home can be emotional. But it’s simply a business transaction, and you should treat it that way. If your agent tells you a buyer complained that your kitchen is horribly outdated, justifying a lowball offer, don’t be offended. Consider it a sign the buyer is interested and understand that those comments are a negotiating tactic. Negotiate in kind.

5. Review every term.

Carefully evaluate all the terms of each offer. Price is important, but so are other terms. Is the buyer asking for property or fixtures – such as appliances, furniture, or window treatments – to be included in the sale that you plan to take with you?

Is the amount of earnest money the buyer proposes to deposit toward the down payment sufficient? The lower the earnest money, the less painful it will be for the buyer to forfeit those funds by walking away from the purchase if problems arise.

Have the buyers attached a prequalification or pre-approval letter, which means they’ve already been approved for financing? Or does the offer include a financing or other contingency? If so, the buyers can walk away from the deal if they can’t get a mortgage, and they’ll take their earnest money back, too. Are you comfortable with that uncertainty?

Is the buyer asking you to make concessions, like covering some closing costs? Are you willing, and can you afford to do that? Does the buyer’s proposed closing date mesh with your timeline?

With each factor, ask yourself: Is this a deal breaker, or can I compromise to achieve my ultimate goal of closing the sale?

6. Be creative.

If you’ve received an unacceptable offer through your agent, ask questions to determine what’s most important to the buyer and see if you can meet that need. You may learn the buyer has to move quickly. That may allow you to stand firm on price but offer to close quickly. The key to successfully negotiating the sale is to remain flexible.

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has survived several closings. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Source: HouseLogic (Published: February 10, 2010) Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

St. Louis Park, MN

Welcome to St. Louis Park, aka the hometown of RNR Realty! A first-ring suburb of Minneapolis, this popular city has also been called home by the likes of Senator Al Franken, the illustrious Coen Brothers (of Fargo fame), and Nordic Ware (inventor of the Bundt cake pan). There are many reasons these diverse residents have decided to settle in St. Louis Park, including its proximity to downtown Minneapolis.

St. Louis Park Watermarked018

Besides small businesses and movie-making visionaries, 46.5k people currently call St. Louis Park home. It’s a great choice for married couples, especially those with children, as School District 283 is one of the best in the state. Indeed, it is the only district in the state to have all public schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools. SLP High School has been ranked among the top senior highs in the country. At the end of this school year, the distinguished district will celebrate its 125th anniversary.

IMG_7610 St. Louis Park Watermarked028

St. Louis Park has a wide variety of housing options, with a mixture of single-family homes, condos, and apartments. The median estimated home value is around $251k (up nearly 4% from the previous year), and about 57% of SLP residents own their home rather than rent. The median home listing price is about $350k, a good $50k more than Hennepin County as a whole.

St. Louis Park Watermarked019

Each June, over Father’s Day weekend, St. Louis Park puts on its “splash into summer” festival, Parktacular. This community celebration has been around since the early 1900s (undergoing a few name changes along the way), and currently draws annual crowds in the thousands. It includes events such as the Grand Day Parade (a local favorite), food truck faire, business expo, and Kidtacular. A majority of the events will take place at Wolfe Park, located near the Rec Center.

Long after the Parktacular festivities are over, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis Park. There is certainly no shortage of shopping opportunities – large retail centers include West End and Shoppes at Knollwood. Excelsior & Grand and Miracle Mile also have a broad selection of shops and dining options. From small boutiques like Mama’s Happy to the ever-popular Opitz and Annex outlet stores, everyone in the family will find something to fit their needs.

St. Louis Park Watermarked012

If you’re feeling hungry, the city has plenty of unique restaurants to whet your appetite. Park Tavern is a good choice if you want a casual setting that offers delicious food and bowling. Want something a little sleeker? Look no further than The Loop at West End or McCoy’s Public House. Craving something sweet? Then be sure to try out Honey & Rye Bakehouse, Muddy Paws Cheesecake, or Yum! Kitchen & Bakery.

St. Louis Park Watermarked016

For those interested in taking a step into the past, there’s the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting, which holds one of the largest collections of vintage radio and television equipment. Looking for some fun that involves a bit more action? For that, there’s the hotspot Roller Garden, at the junction of W Lake St and Minnetonka Blvd or the Rec Center, featuring a skate shop, aquatic park and two ice arenas (photos above).

The city’s main thoroughfares are Highways 100, 169, 394, and MN-7. Also served by multiple bus routes, many of which travel through the Louisiana Avenue Transit Center, St. Louis Park is easily accessible from downtown Minneapolis and several surrounding suburbs via public transportation. There are even plans to extend the light rail’s Green Line through the city on its way to Eden Prairie, which would connect the cities even better. The extension is projected to be completed by 2020.

If you’re looking for a city with the comforts of suburban living and the convenience and amenities of being near Downtown Minneapolis, then St. Louis Park might be the right choice for you!

Neighborhood Resources

Neighborhood Schools

Faith Communities
 St. Louis Park School District   Aldersgate United Methodist
 Bais Yaakov High School Anchor  Bible Church
 Benilde-St. Margaret’s The Gate Church
 The French Academy of Minnesota Giving in Grace at Soul’s Harbor
 Groves Academy Holy Family Catholic Church
 Holy Family Academy Knollwood Church of Christ
 Metropolitan Open School Lutheran Church – Reformation
 Minneapolis Jewish Day School Park Assembly of God
 Talmud Torah of Minneapolis Park Community Church
 Timothy Lutheran School Peace Presbyterian Church
 Torah Academy Prince-Peace Lutheran Church
 Academy of Whole Learning Slavic Church Light of the World
Spirit of Christ Community Lutheran Church
 St. George’s Episcopal Church
Timothy Lutheran Church
Westwood Lutheran Church

Public Parks & Attractions

Local Restaurants
 Aquila Park Bluefox Indian Bar & Grill
Oak Hill Park Bonefish Grill
Rotary Northside Park Bunny’s Bar & Grill
Wolfe Park Cooper Pub
More Neighborhood Parks Gael’s Gourmet
Pavek Museum of Broadcasting Honey and Rye Bakehouse
The Shops at West End Kip’s Irish Pub
Showplace Icon Theatre The Loop West End
Steel Toe Brewing McCoy’s Public House
Westwood Hills Nature Reserve Mill Valley Kitchen
Muddy Paws Cheesecake
Muffin Man Cafe & Bakery
Nelson’s Meat Catering Deli
Park Tavern
Thanh Do
Vescio’s Cucina
Vitali’s Bistro
Wok in the Park
Yangtze
Yard House
Yum! Kitchen & Bakery

Custom Outdoor Kitchen

Essential Summer Grilling Tips

Summer’s almost here, and it’s time to start grilling! Whether you’re an old pro or new to the game, our essential guide will prepare you for the grilling season to come.

Choosing a Grill or Smoker
There are a variety of grilling options available, and each has its pros and cons.

  • Charcoal grills take longer to heat up, but they also achieve hotter temperatures, making them perfect for searing meat. And purists love charcoal for the flavor it produces.
  • Gas grills are a favorite among recreational grillers, largely because they’re easy to use and heat up quickly. They do cost more than charcoal grills up front, but they’re less expensive to operate over the long term.
  • Electric grills are portable and compact, providing a practical, affordable alternative for people living in apartments that restrict outdoor grilling. But critics of electric grills argue that they won’t give you that smoky barbecue flavor.
  • Smokers slow cook meat to achieve the distinct flavor connoisseurs love, but the process does take more time.

Gathering Gadgets for Grilling
Before you start cooking, make sure you have these grilling essentials:

  • Tongs
  • Skewers
  • Basting brush
  • Rubs and marinades
  • Heat-resistant grilling gloves
  • Wire basket for vegetables and seafood
  • Grill brush for cleaning

Finding the Best Recipes
Not sure what to cook? Check out The New York Times’ Summer Barbecue Essentials for an ample list of grilling recipes organized by category, including sauces, marinades and rubs.

What’s your favorite summer meal to cook on the grill? Share in the comments!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Photo Credit: “Custom Outdoor Kitchen by Paradise Restored Landscaping” by Media Director © 2011 (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Powered by OutboundEngine

Lake Harriet Band Shell

Celebrate Memorial Day 2016 in the Twin Cities

Memorial Day is right around the corner, which means summer can’t be far behind. If you need some last minute ideas on how to celebrate summer’s unofficial kickoff, then you’re in luck. We’ve put together a list of the best places in the Twin Cities to spend some time this long holiday weekend. Whether you’re a history buff, sports fan, or just want to relax with some good music, we’ve got an idea for you.

Historic Fort Snelling: Travel through the past to discover what life was like for early Minnesotans and learn about our country’s military history. Afterwards, enjoy games, historical reenactments, and a scavenger hunt.

Lakewood Cemetery: Pay your respects to American soldiers, while enjoying some family-friendly fun. Activities include a Memorial Day ceremony, live music, tours of the cemetery, drawing, poetry and photography classes, art and history exhibits, refreshments and more.

Lake Harriet Band Shell: Memorial Day marks the annual re-opening of the Band Shell for the summer Music & Movies in the Parks series, which runs through Labor Day. Up first is All the Islands, a Minneapolis based folk-pop band. While you’re there, you can enjoy a picnic in the picturesque Lake Harriet Park or rent a paddle board to take out on the water.

The Landing: It’s Wild West Weekend at this Shakopee venue. You’ll be able to experience reenactments of popular western legends, learn how to cook over an open campfire, and finish the memorable weekend with an 1880s Memorial Day ceremony on Monday afternoon.

CHS Field: The Twins are away for the weekend, so why not head on over to St. Paul to catch the Saints play the Kansas City T-Bones on Sunday? Make sure to stick around afterward for the Memorial Day Celebration Fireworks Super Show, which is sure to delight baseball fans of any age.

Crayola Experience at Mall of America: Just in case the weekend weather isn’t ideal for spending time outside, consider heading to the largest mall in the U.S. for this brand new, hands-on attraction which just opened May 25th. The Crayola Experience features 25 one-of-a-kind attractions (including a crayon factory, glow-in-the-dark coloring stations, and create-your-own puzzle area), Café Crayola, and the Crayola Store.

How will you be celebrating Memorial Day? Let us know in the comments!

Selecting the Right Window Treatment

Is it time to replace your window coverings? If they’re worn, damaged or dated, it’s probably time to start “window” shopping for something new. The good news is that now more than ever there are endless styles and colors to choose from. Find the right window treatment by considering your various options.

Determine Your Style — Take a look at your decor and decide if a traditional or more modern style of window coverings would suit your home. Nowadays window coverings come in a wide variety of finishes, colors and styles.

Choose Your Material — Determine what type of material fits your budget and maintenance preferences. Options include fabric, vinyl, aluminum, wood and even faux wood. You could frame your windows with curtain panels, opt for pleated or Roman shades, hang asymmetric swags, or mount horizontal or vertical wooden shutters.

Assess Your Functional Preferences — Think about your light control and privacy concerns. For example, you may require blackout blinds for a media room or bedrooms but not for the less private areas of your home where sunlight is welcome.

Choose Custom or Off-the-Shelf — Decide if you want to go with custom window coverings that are manufactured to fit the interior dimensions of your windows, or if an off-the-shelf window treatment will suit your needs.

Consider Energy Efficiency — Think about your heating and cooling needs. Cellular shades help regulate heat loss or gain in addition to controlling the light. If you’re likely to forget shade adjustment as a means of temperature regulation, consider upgrading to motorized shades.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Photo Credit: “Roman Shades in Breakfast Area.” © 2011 by PoshSurfside.com (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Powered by OutboundEngine

Most Popular Restaurant Chains in the US

There is a great variety of chain restaurants in the US from drive-thru’s to sit down restaurants. They are very popular in the areas where there are many tourists and travelers. Here is a top 5 list of most popular fast food restaurant chains.

1. Chick-fil-A is an Atlanta based, family owned restaurant. They have more than 1,950 restaurants and 41 US states. They specialize in chicken sandwiches and they are known to be the first restaurant hat is trans-fat free.

2. Dairy Queen is another US favorite restaurant and is know for their variety of delicious ice creams. They also have milkshakes, malts, and banana splits. Later on they added a variety of hamburgers.

3. Wendy’s was founded in 1969 in Ohio; they also expanded their operations globally and opened in New Zealand, Greece, Mexico, etc. They are the third largest hamburger chain after Burger King and McDonald’s.

4. Subway is one of the fastest growing franchises globally. Subway is known for it’s fresh sub sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Although, their menu varies from region to region. Some Subway franchises have introduced gluten-free bread option.

5. Ihop is known as a breakfast place focusing on pancakes, french toasts and omelettes. Even though the focus on breakfast, they offer lunch and dinner as well. The first restaurant was open in 1958 and they have 1,650 locations in the US and Canada.

 

Flickr Creative Commons: m01229 (CC BY 2.0)
All photos used under this license.