Lots of people who want to be small business owners decide to open a franchise, because it comes with a set system, training and a recognizable brand name.

But even then, the stores are not guaranteed to succeed.

In Cary, the Triangle's first Christie Cookie gourmet cookie store opened about six months ago. This weekend, it will become a Smitty's Homemade Ice Cream shop. Smitty's, based in Burlington, will be familiar to Tar Heel fans, because its treats are served at UNC sporting events.

Even though he has given up the benefits of a franchise, owner Andy Yowell is hoping a more recognizable, family-friendly product will boost sales.

Yowell said the store always sold cookies and ice cream, but that it was emphasizing the wrong product.

"The public saw us as a small bakery," he said. "People see ice cream shops as a destination."

The economic slump hasn't helped, with people reluctant to pay $28 for a gift tin of cookies.

"For Mother's Day, we sold four, maybe five," he said. "We were kind of counting on more of those $28 sales."

The new shop opens today and will give away free ice cream tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. It is at 3639 S.W. Cary Parkway, next to Char-Grill.

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The area's 17 Bruegger's bakeries finished an areawide remodeling of their stores this week. In addition to an updated look and free Wi-Fi service, Bruegger's is planning two stores in the next six months: at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and the 222 Glenwood building.

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In Raleigh, the site of the former Hardee's at Capital Boulevard and Millbrook Road will become a Rite Aid in mid- to late 2009. The acquisition of Eckerd by Rite Aid last year delayed construction, but things are back on track.

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Here are a few things in Cary:

* Planet Beach is opening Contempo Spa, a hybrid of a spa and tanning salon, at 1130 Green Level to Durham Road. The store has private rooms with automated equipment that allows customers to oversee their own treatments.

* Fitness facility LA Boxing opened its first North Carolina location at 935 N. Harrison Ave.

* A Goodnight Sleepstore is opening this weekend in Crossroads Plaza off Walnut Street.

* Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits is open at 8111 Tryon Woods Drive.

* Crown Trophy opened at 683-D Cary Towne Blvd., selling personalized trophies, plaques and awards.

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Other items: In Youngsville, Free-Flo is open at 894 Holden Road, selling water-recycling tanks and systems. ... In Wakefield, Front Row sports bar at 13200 New Falls of Neuse Road has new owners and is aiming to be more family-friendly. ... In Raleigh's North Hills, AT&T is open. ... Family Eyecare Center is open at 7530 Louisburg Road in Raleigh. ... In Raleigh, Stonewood Grill off Falls of Neuse Road in Falls Village has closed. ... In Durham, Green Tango Fresh Chopped Salads will open this fall in Pavilion East on Erwin Road at LaSalle Street.