PFIP (better known as Planet Fitness) is counting on the bare bones (and muscles) of the fitness center model. The company (not to be confused with the Planet Fitness chain purchased by Bally in 2002 and mostly converted to Crunch Gyms) doesn't offer group exercise classes, daycare, or swimming pools at its facilities; instead, it depends solely on selectorized, free weight, and cardio equipment to get members in the door. Because of its no-frills approach, PFIP is able to charge less for memberships, which typically average about $10 per month. Planet Fitness has more than 250 clubs in about 30 states.

Luminar lights up the UK dance scene as the country's leading nightclub operator. The company has about 90 clubs catering to a variety of tastes and operating under a small portfolio of brands. Its estate includes Liquid, a chain of discos known for stimulating visual effects, and a multi-roomed concept called Oceana. Luminar also operates Lava & Ignite, a dance club format featuring two differently themed rooms. Other club formats include Life, a pub-style concept designed for smaller markets, and The Jam House, a live music venue developed by musician Jools Holland. In addition, Luminar operates a number of local clubs under a variety of names.

Pubs and bars are in full bloom at this company. The Orchid Group is a leading operator of pubs, bars, and restaurants in the UK with about 300 locations. Its portfolio includes a large number of local bars and pubs operating under a variety of different names, as well as such chains as The Living Room, Prohibition Bar & Grill, and the Dragon Pub Restaurants. Orchid also owns about a dozen Asian-themed restaurants operating primarily in London (the Oriental Restaurant Group). The company was founded in 2006 with backing from private equity firm GI Partners.

La Quinta...Spanish for "Next to Denny's?" LQ Management is owner of the La Quinta (which is Spanish for the villa) hotel brand. The company has hotels throughout the US (about 45 states), Canada, and Mexico under the La Quinta Inns and La Quinta Inn & Suites brands. LQ Management franchises the majority of its properties. The growing company has more than 750 hotels, which encompass some 65,000 guest rooms; in addition, it has some 250 properties in the development pipeline. La Quinta hotels operate in the limited service, midscale segment. It targets a mix of corporate and leisure travelers. LQ Management is owned by investment firm The Blackstone Group.

China Travel International Investment Hong Kong is a holding company that owns and operates businesses specializing in tourist infrastructure. Through various subsidiaries, the company owns hotels and resorts, travel agencies, theme parks, passenger transportation services, and golf courses. While most of its business is conducted in Mainland China and Hong Kong, China Travel also has overseas operations (about 10% of sales). China International Tourism Holdings Ltd. is owned by China National Travel Service (HK) Group Corporation, a PRC state-owned enterprise.

The Texas Lottery Commission hopes to have the eyes of Texans watching the lotto jackpot. The Texas Lottery Commission oversees one of the country's largest state lotteries, which has pumped more than $15 billion into state coffers since its inaugural in 1991. More than 60% of lottery sales are paid out in prize money, while almost 30% goes to the state's Foundation School Fund; the remainder goes to retailer commissions and administrative costs. The lottery offers numbers games and several instant-win games sold through grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores. In addition, Texas participates in Mega Millions, a multistate lottery game.

This company brings Tex-Mex flavors to the wild Midwest. Tumbleweed operates and franchises about 60 Tumbleweed Southwest Grill locations in five states, primarily Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. The casual-dining locations feature burritos, chimichangas, and enchiladas, as well as mesquite-grilled steaks, ribs, and chicken. Other menu items include sandwiches, burgers, and seafood. Most of the restaurants are corporate-run. Founded in 1975, the company was taken private in 2003 by a group led by former CEO Terry Smith and majority investor Gerald Mansbach. It filed for bankruptcy in 2009.

Minnesota Wild Hockey Club owns and operates the Minnesota Wild professional hockey franchise. The team joined the National Hockey League in the expansion of 2000 (along with the Columbus Blue Jackets), filling the void left after the Minnesota North Stars moved to Texas in 1993 to become the Dallas Stars. An investment group led by Robert Naegele Jr. helped bring hockey back to the Twin Cities. Former Nashville Predators owner Craig Leipold acquired control of the team from Naegele in 2008.

Smoothie King is a privately held New Orleans, Louisiana- area based franchise company and is the premier Smoothie Bar and Nutritional Lifestyle Center in the industry. Smoothie King centers offer their guests the industry’s first and original nutritional fruit and function-based, fresh blended smoothies. Each “Lifestyle Center” also offers healthy retail product solutions in sport beverages, energy bars, healthy snacks, vitamin supplements, herbs, minerals, and sports nutrition products. Smoothie King has been named #1 franchise in their category 16 times. Smoothie King has over 600 locations operating in the continental US and Seoul, Korea and is currently developing additional stores across the United States.

President and CEO Gloria Nino-Monacelli founded Nino Corporate Lodging in 1984. Nino Corporate Lodging helps companies house its helpers. The corporate relocation firm offers short and long term fully furnished accommodations nationwide, including condos, town homes, and single-family homes. Nino Corporate Lodging also operates a commercial laundry facility in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Nino Corporate Lodging company started out as an apartment locating and residential leasing company, but has expanded to provide "buyer brokerage" home purchase services in Houston and its surrounding areas through sister firm Nino & Associates.

Inviting Real Estate Agents, Job Placements Agents, Educational Institutes, Software Service Providers, Real Estate Builders, Marriage Bureaus, Travel Agents, Restaurant Owners, Health & Fitness Centers and other Local Businesses to Post a FREE Classified Advertisement on Cootera.com Classifieds Website.