Spa franchise Hand & Stone continues to expand since moving corporate offices in Hamilton

By Mike Davis/The Times 
Follow on Twitter 
on February 16, 2014 at 7:10 AM

HAMILTON — They started out in towns near the Jersey Shore, small day spas offering massages to people on the go.

Within a few years, they’d become hot spots in the New York and Philadelphia markets.

Now, there are nearly 150 Hand & Stone locations throughout the United States and Canada. Like many other businesses looking to spread their name far and wide, Hand & Stone operates as a franchise business, allowing individual investors to own and operate one or more stores.

“Using a franchise model for development of a brand is tremendous for a business with low capital,” Hand & Stone president and chief executive officer Todd Leff said last week. “You have franchisees use their capital to help grow the distribution and breadth of the brand.”

“And of course, they profit from that. It’s their own business,” Leff said.

In 2005, chief operating officer John Marco founded Hand & Stone in Toms River after years as a physical therapist. Within five years, the business expanded to more than 40 franchise locations and has more than tripled that number since then, operating 145 locations.

Leff, who became CEO in 2010 after working as CEO for Cottman and AAMCO Transmissions, attributed the success to a changing business model to attract a changing customer base. As the job market went south, Leff said, the company switched from a long-term membership contract to smaller month-to-month commitments and began offering simple day services, such as facials and waxing. Facials quickly became the fastest growing sector of Hand & Stone’s business, Leff said.

“We positioned the brand as a health and wellness business,” Leff said. “People wouldn’t spend $2,000 or $3,000 on a vacation where they could get a massage, but they might spend $50 or $60 on health and wellness. We had to make adjustments.”

Continued strategic growth is the goal in the future, Leff said. He projected between 50 and 60 new spas to open up each year but only with thoroughly vetted franchisees and in areas prime for growth.

New Jersey has been one of the fastest growing markets for Hand & Stone, which hit more than $90 million in sales in 2013, but the brand also has taken off in Houston, Dallas, Denver and south Florida.

But it takes a lot of scouting before opening up in new markets, Leff said. For example, before committing to bringing Hand & Stone to the Atlanta area, the company will seek a franchisee willing to open between five and 10 locations. With multiple locations, the company can advertise on television and ensure viewers have a Hand & Stone within driving distance.

“It’s hard to support locations that are far out in the field and we need to have a concentration of stores in any given TV market,” Leff said.

In 2015, the business could grow even more with the help of a $10 million “franchise fund” from Benetrends, a firm that provides loans and consults with small business owners on how to develop or expand their business and how to fund it.

The “franchise funding” will streamline the process for franchisees looking to open a Hand & Stone location, having already pre-approved the Hand & Stone product and business model.

“One of the biggest concerns of people deciding whether to buy a franchise is having sufficient capital and getting funded,” Leff said.

“This takes a lot of the worry away from them. If the candidate meets some pretty objective requirements, they’re basically guaranteed funding. That takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process and a lot of fear away from the franchisees.”

Contact Mike Davis at (609) 989-5708 or mdavis@njtimes.com.

http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2014/02/spa_franchise_hand_stone_continues_to_expand_since_moving_corporate_offices_in_hamilton.html 

San Antonio Express News: Retailers rush to fill empty Blockbusters

By Neal Morton

January 17, 2014

SAN ANTONIO — Less than a week after Blockbuster closed its remaining stores, businesses hoping to make their debut or expand their footprint in San Antonio have targeted the newly vacant — and apparently prime — commercial real estate space.

Blockbuster officially closed its last 10 locations here Sunday, just two months after the embattled video-rental company announced it would walk away from the few hundred remaining stores it operated across the country.

During the holidays, bargain hunters scoured the bins and shelves at area Blockbusters, hoping to score a cheap movie from the latest victim of online competition.

Already, a First Choice Emergency Care clinic has started moving into one of the now-empty stores, at 13434 Nacogdoches Road.

Other Blockbuster locations across the city have appeared on the radar of fast-growing franchise chains, including Frisco-based Mooyah, a fast-casual burger and shake chain that opened its first restaurant here two years ago.

Similarly, spa company Hand & Stone and 24-hour gym operator Workout Anytime might consider some of Blockbuster's old digs to establish an initial presence in San Antonio.

“It's kind of an irony or, I guess, just an evolution of business that Blockbuster disrupted the video industry by changing the way people watch movies,” said Todd Leff, president of Hand & Stone. “And then business evolved again: Blockbuster's out, and now we're coming to change the way massages and facials are delivered.”

Since 2012, the New Jersey-based franchiser has opened 14 spas in Austin, the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston, with six more locations in the works.

Leff wants to open at least three spas in San Antonio and has paid attention to Blockbuster locations in the city.

Blockbuster officially closed its remaining 10 locations in San Antonio, opening real estate space for other retailers. This location is 2951 Thousand Oaks Drive.

“We've done some investigation into the real estate there, and things like Blockbuster are a key component for us to be able to get into big-box anchored shopping centers at a reasonable rate,” he said. “We've identified some key locations, but it's all about finding the right developer at this point.”

Businesses like Leff's have waited months for Blockbuster to vacate its space.

The company operated more than 9,000 retail locations less than a decade ago. But crippling pressure from online streaming services and video rental kiosks pushed Blockbuster's owner, Dish Network Corp., to announce in November that it would close its remaining stores.

The official closure last weekend cleared the way for opportunistic retailers looking to find a home here.

“With the real estate climate being what it's been the last few years, we haven't seen much” new construction, said Alan Hixon, vice president of development for Mooyah. “Availability is what really drives your real estate.

“So without a lot of projects coming out of the ground, you're going to need second-generation space,” he added.

Mooyah franchised its first location here at 22502 U.S. 281 near Stone Oak, but the owners hope to debut as many as 20 more restaurants in the city.

Like Hixon, Randy Trotter, vice president of development for Georgia-based Workout Anytime, described the newly vacant Blockbusters as attractive places to open the company's first San Antonio gyms.

“They are normally in grocery-anchored shopping centers, with great visibility, access and parking,” Trotter said. “A large company like (Blockbuster) did their homework back in the day and really picked quality real estate.”

http://www.expressnews.com/business/local/article/Retailers-rush-to-fill-empty-Blockbusters-5150380.php

Hand & Stone is proud to be the first to receive $100 Million to fuel growth!

Benetrends Announces New $100 Million Fund To Fuel Franchise Growth

Hand & Stone Secures $10 Million in Initial Funding to Drive its Expansion Across U.S.

NORTH WALES, Pa., Jan. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Benetrends, the trusted leader in franchise funding, announced today the creation of a new proprietary $100 million franchise financing program. The new franchise lending program was created to help International Franchise Association franchisor members provide qualified candidates with direct access to capital for new store development. Hand & Stone, a rapidly growing spa franchise, is the first franchisor selected by Benetrends to participate in the new fund. Hand & Stone has been provided $10 million in initial capital to assist with its franchise growth.

"Benetrends is excited to now provide franchisors and their franchisees access to the critical funding needed to expand their current operations or purchase their first franchise," said Rocco Fiorentino, president & CEO, Benetrends, Inc. "We're pleased to award Hand & Stone the first $10 million from the new fund as they look to meet their future development needs following their record-setting growth in 2013."

Franchisors and franchisees selected to participate in the program benefit from:

• Direct access to capital
• Simplified qualification process
• Dedicated loan officer from application to closing
• Loan proposals within 48 hours of receiving initial application
• Loan commitments within 10 business days of receiving loan package
• Consistent communication with lender and single point of contact
• Experienced PLP SBA lender

"Capital access challenges are going to affect every franchise system's unit expansion for the next few years," said Bob McQuillan, Hand & Stone vice president of franchise development. "The days of building relationships with preferred lenders in advance of expected loan applications are gone and we're now experiencing a paradigm shift in the ways franchisors and lenders interact. A fund like Benetrends will continue to allow brands such as ours to grow organically and bring in best-in-class franchisees and operators." 

In addition to the new franchise financing program, Benetrends also offers a full suite of funding options to help entrepreneurs secure the capital needed for their small business or franchise. The company originated the 401(k)/IRA tax-deferred and penalty-free rollover process more than 30 years ago and has created more than 85,000 jobs with $4 billion in retirement assets invested in America's small businesses. Additionally, Benetrends features a wide range of loan options covering every type of business need, including SBA loans, equipment leasing, merchant cash advances, securities-backed lines of credit, and more.

"Part of ensuring sustained franchise growth across the country includes offering access to strong, franchise-focused lending programs such as Benetrends new $100 million fund," said Steve Caldeira, president and CEO, International Franchise Association. "In doing so, we are providing both existing and prospective franchisees with the tools and financial resources they will need for long-term growth and success."  

Hand & Stone Featured in the Tampa Bay Times

Entrepreneurs bring Hand & Stone Massage to Brandon

·         By Eric Vician, Times Correspondent

Friday, November 8, 2013 12:12pm

Eric Vician | Special to the Times

Manager Katie Beasley, left, stands with Rene Tirado, who along with business partners Jim and Connie Weaver opened Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa at 11009 Causeway Blvd.

Rene Tirado and Jim Weaver know a few things about retail and franchising. They went into business together in 2001, opening Plato's Closet in Carrollwood, and have since opened four more of the consignment stores in Tampa, Brandon, Lakeland and Wesley Chapel.

But their latest franchising venture can be attributed to Jim's wife, Connie, who bought Jim a gift certificate to the Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. The present, a three-hour massage, went unused for a year and a half. Then, after Connie threatened to regift it, Jim grudgingly redeemed it.

"He was blown away by the whole process," Tirado said.

Within hours, the business partners had researched the company and were on a flight to Hand & Stone's corporate office in New Jersey. They were sold on massages and opened a new location last month at 11009 Causeway Blvd. They also bought the existing Hand & Stone location in Palm Harbor.

"When we went up there, we were looking for why not to do it," Tirado said of the trip to Hamilton, N.J. "We felt great about it."

Hand & Stone specializes in massages with smooth river stones that are heated to 120 degrees. But unlike other spas that simply place the hot stones on your back, the Hand & Stone massage therapists implement them as part of the massage process.

A one-hour hot stone massage costs $59.95 for new clients. Other introductory offers include a one-hour massage for $39.95 or facial from an esthetician for $49.95. Or you may choose to become a member and for $49.95 a month, you can enjoy any massage or facial once every 30 days at any of the more than 140 locations nationwide.

The 2,200-square-foot spa has eight rooms for massages and facials, including couples rooms. The Brandon location is the 14th in Florida and is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Call (813) 409-3848 for an appointment or visit handandstone.com.

If you know of something that should be Everybody's Business, email Eric Vician at ericvician@yahoo.com.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/entrepreneurs-bring-hand--stone-massage-to-brandon/2151484

Hand & Stone featured on NorthJersey.com

Our Hand & Stone in Franklin Lakes is now open for business and just celebrated the grand opening with the Mayor of Franklin Lakes, Frank Bivona, spa manager, Daisy Merejo and the two owners, Jeff and Ken Silbert. The team is excited to be in the new community and this marks the fourth opening by brothers and business partners, Jeff and Ken, who plan to develop another six in Northern New Jersey. The spa was featured in a write up by NorthJersey.com for the grand opening.

See article on NorthJersey.com here.

Hand & Stone opens in Franklin Lakes

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

FRANKLIN LAKES - OAKLAND SUBURBAN NEWS

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Style opened in style at 828 Franklin Ave. in Franklin Lakes with an official ribbon-cutting that included Jeff Silbert, owner, Frank Bivona, Franklin Lakes mayor, Daisy Merejo, spa manager, and Ken Silbert, owner, joined by several spa staff members. Open daily, the spa offers Swedish, deep tissue and sports massages, as well as its signature hot stone massage. Additional services include facials, aromatherapy, hair removal and scalp massages. Hand & Stone may be reached at 201-848-8300, and further information is available at www.handandstone.com. 

See article online here. 

Hand & Stone Developer of the Year Erik Bostrom Drives Expansion in Colorado

Massage and Facial Franchise Strengthens Presence in Colorado with Eight Locations Expected to be Open by End-of-Year

Hamilton, NJ – Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa (Hand & Stone), one of the fastest growing spa franchises in the country, is proud to announce the plans to have a total of eight spa locations open in Colorado by the end of 2013. The new locations will be owned by a series of local owners throughout the Denver-area and the development is through the hard work of regional developer Erik Bostrom, winner of the brand’s 2013 Developer of the Year Award.

Bostrom, Regional Developer for Hand & Stone’s Colorado market, exemplifies the brand’

s ability to attract passionate entrepreneurs who are eager to grow the franchise and expand the reach of its health-focused services. To date, Bostrom, who joined the brand in 2008 to focus on growth, has already helped to opened six spas and has signed a total of 13 units.

“We’re on target to exceed our growth plans for the Colorado region. Our goal was to open three locations this year – we have already doubled that number and will triple it by the end of 2013,” said Bostrom. “Colorado is home to many residents who live active and healthy lifestyles, which has been conducive to our growth.”

At only 34 years old, Bostrom has been instrumental in Hand & Stone’s franchise development in Colorado. As Regional Developer, he is responsible for working with potential franchisees to help them become acquainted with Hand & Stone and walk them through the process of opening a spa in the state.

The new Colorado openings will contribute to Hand & Stone’s overall growth for 2013. System wide sales are expected to reach $90 million and a total of 25 more spas are expected to open across the nation by year-end.

“We want to continue to seek out the most aggressive entrepreneurs to help us expand in new and existing markets, create more jobs and provide opportunities to those who dream of running a successful business,” Todd Leff, President and CEO of the brand, said. “Our business is one that provides peace and tranquility to clients who want to detach from their often stressful lives. We are able to help our customers achieve this relaxation because of the passionate franchisees that we have on board at Hand & Stone.”

Leff also credits the company’s positive progress with the franchise’s emphasis on quality customer service and extensive menu of healthy lifestyle options. Hand & Stone has set itself apart from competitors by offering customizable and affordable massages and facials.

ABOUT HAND & STONE
Hand & Stone is a 125-plus unit massage and facial spa with a mission to bring massage and facial services to the masses. Launched in 2005 by a passionate physical therapist, John Marco and now led by franchise veteran Todd Leff, Hand & Stone now has locations in 17 states and Canada. For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.com.

Hand & Stone Celebrates Strong Growth and Outstanding Franchisees

Massage and Facial Franchise Wraps Up First Three Quarters of 2013 with Stellar Growth Figures and Celebrates Top-Performing Franchisees

Hamilton, NJ – Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spas (Hand & Stone), one of the fastest growing spa franchises in the country, continues its momentum of solid growth with system wide sales projected to hit $90 million for 2013 and 15 more stores expected to open by year-end. The chain now has 125 open locations and has awarded 60 new franchises so far this year – a company record.

Proving that the thriving brand has made a name for itself as a top leader in the industry, Hand & Stone has established four or more stores in 12 different markets. The franchise’s presence is particularly strong in the Philadelphia DMA, with 31 locations currently in full operation, and in the New York DMA, which is home to another 29 Hand & Stone spas.

Todd Leff, President and CEO of the brand, credits the company’s positive progress with the franchise’s emphasis on quality customer service and the extensive menu of healthy lifestyle options. By offering customizable and affordable massages, facials and hair removal, Hand & Stone has continued to set itself apart from competitors and positioned itself for success in 2014. 

“Our unstoppable growth can be attributed to our ability to attract quality franchisees who share our passion for delivering the highest level of service we offer customers,” Leff said. “Despite tough economic times, our numbers show that people love our services. With our affordability and convenience we are actually growing the demand for services in each new market we enter.”

While Americans across the nation are increasingly embracing healthier lifestyles, the fastest growing markets for the Hand & Stone brand have been in Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Chicago, IL; Dallas/Ft Worth, TX; South Florida, and New Jersey.

In recognition of the franchisees that have contributed to the successful expansion of the health-focused franchise, with over 300 franchisees and team members in attendance, Hand & Stone recently honored its leading franchisees at its 2013 National Conference held in Atlantic City NJ October 15-17^th.

Hand & Stone 2013 Conference Awards winners include:

·         Rookie of the Year Award (First Year Highest Achievement): Langhorne, PA

·         Face Forward Award (Leading Facial Service Space): Huntington, NY

·         Fast Track Award (Top Performing New Spa): Phoughkeepsie, NY

·         Stoney Award (Leading Hot Stone Massage Spa): Puyallup, WA

·         The “Spa-tacular” Spa of the Year (Highest  Achieving Hand and Stone Spa): Marlton, NJ

·         Founders Award (Passion for Excellence): Paul and Maria Cermatori (Spring Lake, NJ) and Skip Papanikolas and Maggie Brown (Scottsdale, AZ)

“These awards showcase our tremendous franchisees and the achievements that Hand & Stone team members have made,” Leff said. “We value each and every one of our franchisees and want to show our appreciation of their commitment to the brand.”

Leff, a 54-year-old franchise veteran, became President of Hand & Stone in July of 2009 and immediately embarked upon an ambitious nationwide expansion, attracting more and more potential franchisees with his palpable enthusiasm for the brand. Since taking over, the company has opened 100 new locations in just four years and expanded into new territories such as Maryland, Missouri, Virginia, Texas, Illinois, South Carolina, and California.

“We want to continue to seek out the most aggressive entrepreneurs to help us identify and expand into new markets, create more jobs and provide opportunities to those who dream of running a successful business,” Leff said. “Our business is one that provides peace and wellness to clients who want to detach from their often stressful lives. We are able to help our customers achieve this relaxation because of the passionate franchisees that we have on board at Hand & Stone.”

ABOUT HAND & STONE
Hand & Stone is a 125-plus unit massage and facial spa with a mission to bring massage and facial services to the masses. Launched in 2005 by a passionate physical therapist, John Marco and now led by franchise veteran Todd Leff, Hand & Stone now has locations in 17 states and Canada. For more information on Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstone.com.

Hand and Stone Featured in The Courier Post

Hand and Stone was recently featured in an article in The Courier Post! The article discusses how husband and wife Kelly & Joe Harris will expand on their backgrounds and on their new Hand & Stone opening at 694 N. Delsea Drive, Suite 35, Glassboro, NJ. Kelly and Joe explain why they wanted to go into business together and why they specifically wanted to bring the Hand & Stone brand to the Glassboro area. Kelly and Joe also explain their future development plans for the area.  

To be or not to be? In business, that is. It’s a nagging question that haunts entrepreneurs and the following statistic doesn’t help: According to experts, more than half of self-owned start-ups close within five years. Washington Township’s Joe Harris says he always knew he wanted to be his own boss and he has proved to be an exception to the failure rate rule. Harris started his own disc jockey entertainment company when he was 15. In 2000, he founded Harris Enhancements, a home-remodeling firm. And two weeks ago, the 43-year-old and his wife, Kelly, opened a Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa franchise on Delsea Drive in Glassboro. The store is minutes away from Rowan University, Joe’s alma mater. “My father taught me from an early age it was better to be your own boss,” Harris recalls. “He would ask, ‘Why make money for a company when you could work for yourself?’ “He said the best way to be successful was to own your own business.” Harris says his DJ and remodelingbusinesses are doing well, and the fledgling Hand & Stone spa franchise has opened with higher-than-expected membership and revenues. Is Harris just lucky? “Maybe,” he responds. “But I really believe you make your own luck. I know it may be a cliche, but with me, it’s all about my customers. From the time I started my DJ business, I’ve always made sure the customer was happy.

“I’ve been very blessed and fortunate, and I have an incredible family to whom I owe a lot.” Family includes his 29-year-old wife, who until November worked in the medical field. Partnering with her husband is Kelly’s first venture into the business world, although she’s familiar with the entrepreneurial spirit. “My mother has had her own wedding invitation business since I was a little kid,” says Kelly, who started her career as a medical laboratory scientist at Kennedy Health Center in Cherry Hill. Most recently she managed the laboratory at Kennedy University Hospital in Stratford. “I went to school for medical technology and had a very good job at Kennedy. So leaving that job and starting this with Joe is a very big step for me.

To read the full story, click here. 

Hand & Stone featured in the Eastern Pennsylvania Business Journal

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Eastern Pennsylvania Business Journal in an article titled, "Hand & Stone to open two Lehigh Valley spas." The article features Hand & Stone franchisees, Clayton Cox, John Krafty and Bonnie Horwith and discusses how even with this down economy, setting aside time and money is beneficial for everyone's whole health. Read the full article below.
H&S_EasternPennBusinessJournal_012312

Hand & Stone featured in Newsday

Hand & Stone was recently featured in Newsday in an article titled, "Hand & Stone spa to open in Levittown." The article features Todd Leff and franchisee Paul Mahler and discusses the 70^th location of Hand & Stone opening in the Nassau Mall in Levittown at the end of March. Paul, the owner of Hand & Stone Levittown, discusses why he decided to transition from his law job at Malen & Associates to owning his own massage business. In addition, Todd shared the development goals for Long Island, with 10 outlets planned to be open in the next two years. Click here to view the entire article.

Hand & Stone spa to open in Levittown
By: James Bernstein
Hands-on businesses are growing on Long Island these days,especially the massage business.

Two companies -- Hand & Stone and Massage Envy -- are opening franchise operations, one after another, their executives say.

The newest to come to town is a Hand & Stone spa that will open at the end of this month at the Nassau Mall in Levittown. Paul Mahler, 40, an attorney and Melville volunteer firefighter, paid $39,000 for the franchise, which will operate in a 2,250- square-foot space and employ 17 people, including eight massage therapists. Mahler gave up a law job at the Westbury firm Malen & Associates, where he had worked 11 years.

Did he have butterflies?

(Read More)
 

Hand & Stone featured in the Fairfield County Business Journal

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Fairfield Business Journal in an article titled, "Women's entrepreneurship is climbing." The article features Hand & Stone franchisee Pam Wallace who left the corporate world after 20 years. Pam discussed what factors led her to decide on her business investment in Hand & Stone. The article also mentions that this is the state’s first Hand & Stone location, and that Pam was able to leave the corporate world behind in order to become an entrepreneur. Click here to view the entire article.

Women's entrepreneurship is climbing
By: Alexander Soule

Pam Wallace left the corporate world knowing a lot about consumer marketing and next to nothing about massage – when it came to trying her hand at her own spa in Stamford, she says that corporate training worked out the kinks that would have otherwise given her some sleepless nights.

The owner of Connecticut’s first Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa franchise was able to secure a U.S. Small Business Administration loan in just three weeks, allowing her to leave behind – for good she thinks – a corporate career that took her to Harvard Business School and through JPMorgan Chase & Co. among other stops.

“You get a good training at big companies,” Wallace said, “but I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart.”

(Read More)

Hand & Stone featured on NorthJersey.com

Hand & Stone was recently featured on NorthJersey.com in an article titled, "Tending to Business: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa." In the article, the new Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, owned by brothers Jeff and Ken Silbert, is recognized as the first location in Bergen County. Jeff talks about the goal of Hand & Stone, which is to bring affordable massages and facials to everyone in the community. He also talks about the relaxed setting of the spa and the way in which they put guests at ease from sound to lighting. The Mayor of Emerson attended the grand opening and cut the ribbon in front of the store. Click here to read the entire article.

Tending to Business: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

By:  Aimee La Fountain

Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa

bringing affordable massage and facial services to everybody.

Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa held their grand opening on Dec. 22 in Emerson. "We're proud that this is the first Hand and Stone in Bergen County," said owner Jeff Silbert.

Emerson was a natural choice for Silbert when deciding where to locate Hand and Stone. "My business partner and brother, Ken, loved the town of Emerson and its location. Emerson and the surrounding [areas] are great northern New Jersey family towns," he said. "The look and feel of the Pascack Valley Shopping Center with great co-tenants made it an easy decision for us."

(Read More)

Hand & Stone was featured on Miami.com

Hand & Stone was recently featured on Miami.com in an article titled, "Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa." In the article, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is recognized for their signature hot stone massage as well as being open seven days a week. Hand & Stone franchisee Rick Griffiths talks about the convenience of the new spa and the warm and inviting setting that they offer. Click here to read the full article. 

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
By: Maria Tettamanti

The lowdown: Feeling knotty by nature? Then a jaunt to recently opened Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spais in order. The spa offers wallet-friendly massages, facials and waxing services. “We are open seven days a week, so there is always a convenient time to come in and have a stress relieving massage or a signature facial,” Owner Rick Griffiths says.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone featured in Greenville Business Magazine

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Greenville Business Magazine titled, "Hand and Stone Massage." The article features Hand & Stone franchisee Will Dennis. In the article, Dennis discusses why he decided to franchise with Hand & Stone and what he likes most about the business as well as the health and wellness industry. The article also focuses on the major career change that Will made when he transitioned from being the president of Consolidated Tires to a business where he can help people and work with professionals in a completely different way. The article also features some of the signature massages and facials Hand & Stone offers as well as specialty massages and facials, like ones given for medical reasons such as craniosacral and oncological reasons. Click here to view the entire article.

Hand and Stone Massage

By: Katrina Daniel 

Will Dennis is the poster child for radical career changes. In the space of a couple of years, Dennis swerved from serving as head of the family’s tire business, Consolidated Tires, to owning a radical new personal care business, Hand and Stone Massage, which is between Trader Joe’s and Target on Woodruff Road.  

Dennis, born and raised in Greenville, graduated from USC and went on to work at Consolidated Tires. “In 2004, upon my father’s retirement, I became president and was responsible for the day to day operations. In February 2009, we decided to sell the business and to search for a new opportunity,” he says.  

(Read More)

Hand & Stone featured in Pascack Press

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Pascack Press in an article titled, "Welcome to town." The article talks about the Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony held in Emerson on Thursday, December 22. The Mayor of Emerson, Carlos Colina, attended the event as well. The article goes on to discuss that the spa is the first Hand & Stone in Bergen County and Jeff and Ken’s plans to open nine more locations in North Jersey. Jeff and Ken also mention the reasons that they chose to open the franchise in Emerson and their dedication to being a solid part of the community. Read the full article below.

HandandStone.PascackPress.12.26

Hand & Stone featured on the Westwood-Washington Township Patch

Hand & Stone was recently featured on the Westwood-Washington Township Patch in an article titled, " Hand & Stone Grand Opening in Emerson." The article features Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa's grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony held in Emerson on Thursday, December 22. The Mayor of Emerson, Carlos Colina, attended the event as well. The article discusses Jeff and Ken Silbert and the 10-unit development plan they have with Hand & Stone, opening their next store in Aberdeen, as well as the combined business experience that they both bring as entrepreneurs. Click here to view the entire article. 


Hand & Stone Grand Opening in Emerson
By: Arielle From

Brothers Jeff and Ken Silbert held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their massage and facial spa, Hand & Stone, in Emerson Thursday at 11 a.m. Emerson Mayor Carlos Colina attended the grand opening.


(Read More)

Hand & Stone Massage And Facial Spa Donates To Joy Of Sharing

Todd Leff, President and CEO of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa stopped by Talk Philly to donate toys his company collected for the Joy of Sharing campaign. Participating Hand & Stone New Jersey and Pennsylvania locations were the drop points for people to bring new, unwrapped toys for under-privileged children.

Watch the segment below.

CBS 3, CW PHILLY 57 DEDICATE FULL DAY TO ‘JOY OF SHARING’ CAMPAIGN FINALE

Day starts at 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19^th with live toy drop-off event;

Concludes 3 to 8 p.m. with on-air fundraiser benefitting Salvation Army

Donate at 1-877-KYW-3ASK (1-877-599-3275) or text JOY to 80888

CBS 3 and The CW Philly 57 will wrap up the stations’ 23^rd annual Joy of Sharing toy campaign benefiting the Salvation Army with a full day of toy collections and fundraising for families in need in our region.  

The campaign, which kicked off on Black Friday, November 25^th, will conclude this Monday, December 19^th as the stations encourage viewers and businesses to drop off new, unwrapped toys at its lobby entrance at 1555 Hamilton Street (entrance on 16^th Street between Callowhill and Spring Garden Streets) in Philadelphia. CBS 3 and The CW Philly personalities will be on hand to personally collect donations from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day.  CBS Radio sister station 98.1 WOGL will provide holiday music for the event.

In addition, CBS 3 and The CW Philly 57 will hold its third annual fundraiser for the Salvation Army, its holiday partner, to raise money for the neediest of our neighbors.  Anchors Susan Barnett, Pat Ciarrocchi and Erika von Tiehl will spearhead the fundraising effort from 3 to 8 p.m. on-air along with Jim Donovan and Beasley Reece.  Local celebrities including CBS Radio’s 98.1 WOGL’s Breakfast Club team of Ross Brittain, Valerie Knight and Frank Lewis , Talk Radio 1210 AM’s Chris Stigall and volunteers will staff the phone bank to take donations.  Viewers can participate by calling 1-877-KYW-3ASK (1-877-599-3275).  And, viewers can also donate $10 to the cause by texting JOY to 80888.  Also for the first time, there will be two remote toy collection sites featuring a dispatched Salvation Army truck at the Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa locations at Concordville Town Centre in Glen Mills, PA and the Hartford Corners Shopping Center in Delran, NJ.

There will also be various fundraising incentives during the on-air fundraiser such as tickets to the Pennsylvania Ballet’s Nutcracker, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Blue Cross River Rink at Penn’s Landing, the National Constitution Center, the Franklin Institute, the Please Touch Museum, the Eastern State Penitentiary and Longwood Gardens.  Additional items include packages featuring the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Sixers.  Other offers include a Radio Flyer Wagon, 32” LCD TV, a complimentary package from the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia and Herr’s chips for a year.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will enable The Salvation Army to not only provide new toys and food for needy families during the holidays, but support such programs as emergency shelters, child development programs, substance abuse programs, transitional housing and other forms of support on which so many depend. 

For more information on Joy of Sharing and a complete list of drop-off locations, go to www.cbsphilly.com or call 215-977-JOYS. 

CBS 3 and The CW Philly acknowledge the support of their partners in this campaign: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Herr’s, Ashley Furniture Home Store, The Blue Cross River Rink at Penn’s Landing and The Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.

CBS 3 (KYW-TV) and The CW Philly (WPSG-TV) are part of CBS Television Stations, a division of CBS Corporation. KYW Newsradio 1060, 98.1 WOGL, SportsRadio 94 WIP, SportsRadio 610 WIP and Talk Radio 1210AM WPHT are CBS RADIO stations. 

Hand & Stone featured on East Windsor Township Online

Hand & Stone was featured on the East Windsor Township Online in an article titled, "Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Opens in East Windsor Township." The article details the ribbon cutting ceremony attended by the mayor of East Windsor, Janice Mironov, as well as Hand & Stone Corporation CEO Todd Leff, Founder and COO John Marco and Vice President of Operations Debbie Worton and Mercer Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Michael Cano. In the article, Mayor Mironov states, “Hand & Stone is a well known successful business franchise with several locations statewide, and we are very pleased that, after looking at several possible locations in New Jersey, they chose East Windsor. We wish Umesh and Archana Bhatia much success in their new endeavor here in our community.”


Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Opens in East Windsor Township


Mayor Janice Mironov joined store owners Archana Bhatia and Umesh Bhatia to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, in the East Windsor Village Shopping Center, located on Princeton-Hightstown Road west of Lanning Boulevard. Also attending the ceremony were Hand & Stone Corporation CEO Todd Leff, Founder and COO John Marco and Vice President of Operations Debbie Worton and Mercer Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Michael Cano.

(Read More)

Hand & Stone featured in Times of Trenton

Hand & Stone was recently featured in the Times of Trenton in an article titled, "Massage spa opens in East Windsor." The article details the ribbon cutting ceremony that the mayor of East Windsor, Janice Mironov, attended as well as the services that Hand & Stone provides and information about Umesh and Archana Bhatia’s store location. Click here to view the entire article.

Massage spa opens in East Windsor

Township officials gathered recently to welome the newest business, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, at the East Windsor Village Shopping Center.

The business is one of 60 massage and facial spas run by the Hand & Stone Corp. of Hamilton, which has 19 spas in New Jersey.

(Read More)