Lady of America Franchise Corporation company franchises about 300 fitness clubs in 45 states across the US and about ten foreign countries. Lady of America offers members a workout alternative to the co-ed gym at its Lady of America and LOA Fitness for Women full-service gyms, or the smaller Ladies Workout Express, which is designed to get its members in and out in less than 30 minutes. The company allows men at its Workout Express and Health Clubs of America locations. Lady of America was founded in 1984 by Roger Wittenberns; it began franchising in 1989.

Since first opening our doors in 1964, Benihana has become, beyond a doubt, the longest running dinner show in the world. And what would an entertaining dinner show be without great food? Benihana restaurants are traditional Japanese hibachi steakhouses, which feature the Japanese cooking method known as "teppanyaki." From mouth-watering steak, tender chicken, succulent seafood and garden-fresh vegetables to a variety of sushi and other Japanese favorites, your meal is prepared fresh and served by a performing chef, right before your eyes.

John Ritter of Chicago, Illinois, had an after-school job working at a local ice cream shop. One of the best perks of the job was getting to eat ice cream just out of the machine—before it had been packed and frozen solid. The experience of tasting smooth, creamy, fresh-made ice cream made an indelible impression on young John. John joined the Navy and became an aerial photographer, and then started a career in film animation after leaving the service. John met and married Bonny, and together they built a life in Chicago where they raised six children. After 35 years in animation production, John decided to retire.

Pebble Beach is a golfer's idea of the perfect company. For those wanting to walk in the footsteps of Tiger and Jack, the firm (formerly Lone Cypress) owns and operates the Pebble Beach Golf Links, home to the famed golf course that has been the location of many historic tournaments such as the US Open and the US Amateur Championships. In addition, the company operates three other golf courses, as well as three luxury hotels and a full-service spa. The Lodge at Pebble Beach is located on California's Monterey peninsula where a single cypress tree juts out from a cliff, giving the company its former name.

Gators might come to mind first when you think of Florida sports, but these big cats have a following, too. The Jacksonville Jaguars joined the National Football League as an expansion franchise in 1995, along with the Carolina Panthers. The team quickly gained respect by securing playoff berths the following four years, but the Jags have struggled to be a consistent contender in the years since. The team plays host at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Wayne Weaver, chairman and majority owner of retailer Shoe Carnival, owns 48% of the team, while a group of local businessmen owns the rest.

This company is pinning its hopes on the flavor of the Big Island to draw a few mainlanders into its restaurants. Kona Grill operates about 20 upscale casual-dining restaurants offering both seafood and American dishes with an island twist. The restaurants serve both lunch and diner menus, and they offer a wide selection of sushi. In addition to dining, each location typically has a bar area for happy hour with margaritas and martinis. The restaurants are typically found near upscale shopping areas in Arizona, Texas, and about 20 other states. Former chairman and CEO Marcus Jundt and his family own about 20% of Kona Grill.

This Keg is filled with prime rib and filet mignon. Keg Restaurants operates and franchises more than 95 Keg Steakhouse & Bar restaurants in Canada and the US. The upscale casual chain offers appetizers (escargot and Mushrooms Neptune are favorites), salads, ribs, seafood, and several varieties of steak. Almost half the Keg's restaurants are company-owned, while the rest are franchised. The company also sells its cocktails and sauces in Canada through such retail stores as Safeway and IGA. Keg Restaurants was founded in 1971 and is owned by CEO David Aisenstat. Publicly traded Keg Royalties Income Fund owns the chain's trademarks and other intellectual property, which it leases to Keg Restaurants.

Livingston Football Club operates Livingston FC, a soccer team that competes in the Scottish Football League. Known to supporters as the Livi Lions, the team plays home games at Almondvale Stadium. Livingston FC was founded as Ferranti Thistle in 1943. A group led by Gordon McDougall and Neil Rankine acquired control of the club from Italian businessman Angelo Massone in 2009.

The Tiki gods command your attention at these dining spots. Trader Vic's oversees a chain of more than 30 licensed restaurants and lounges popular for their over-the-top Tiki bar decor and potent tropical beverages. Operating under the Trader Vic's and Trader Vic's Mai Tai Lounge names, the restaurants feature a menu of appetizers, Asian cuisine, and island-inspired eats, along with such traditional favorites as steak, pork, and seafood. Most Trader Vic's locations are found in and around resort hotels and other tourist destinations around the world. The company is controlled by the family of Victor Bergeron, inventor of the Mai Tai, who opened his first restaurant in 1934.

The Minnesota Twins Baseball Club owns and operates a professional baseball franchise that traces its root to 1901 when Ban Johnson started the Washington Senators. A charter member of the American League, the Major League Baseball team moved to Minneapolis in 1960. It boasts six American League pennants and three World Series championships (the last in 1991). The team's roster has featured such Hall of Fame players as Rod Carew, Harmon Killebrew, and Kirby Puckett. The Twins play host at Target Field in the Twin Cities. The family of CEO James Pohlad has owned the Twins since 1984.

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