Atlanta — Ted’s Montana Grill, an Atlanta-based company inspired by the American West, will add new restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, Charlotte, N.C., and Christiana, Del., in the next 12 months. To support its growth, the restaurant has hired Jeff Heath as vice president of operations.
New York City — Foot Locker, Inc., the New York-based specialty athletic retailer, has promoted Stephen D. (Jake) Jacobs to executive vice president and CEO, North America, and Lewis P. Kimble to executive vice president and CEO, International, both effective February 29, 2016.
Cincinnati — The Kroger Co.’s Jay Cummins, president of the company's Smith's division, and Marnette Perry, senior vice president for retail operations and strategic initiatives, plan to retire on April 29, 2016 after 44 years with the company.
Oak Brook, Ill. — Federal Signal Corporation, a leader in environmental and safety solutions, has promoted Matthew B. Brady to the position of senior vice president of its Safety and Security Systems Group (SSG). In this new role, Brady will lead all aspects of SSG's businesses based in North America. Brady joined the company in 2006, serving most recently as vice president and general manager of the Integrated Systems Division within SSG.
Tampa, Fla. — Bloomin' Brands, Inc. has appointed Mike Kappitt as president of Carrabba's Italian Grill. In this role, Kappitt will be responsible for leading the operations and development of the Carrabba's brand in the United States. Kappitt most recently served as the senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Bloomin' Brands.
Richardson, Texas — Crest Foods Inc., the franchisor of Nestle® Toll House® Café by Chip®, has promoted Patrick Hummel to the role of vice president of franchise development, effective immediately. He replaces Scott McIntosh, who left to pursue a similar role with another restaurant chain.
Omaha, Neb. — After a record-breaking year of expansion in 2015, Scooter's Coffee is positioning itself for even more growth in 2016. The national franchise has made significant changes to its executive team, which will equip the company with the industry expertise and resources it needs to accelerate its strategic growth plan.
New Albany, Ind. — FireKing Security Group has hired Jim Poteet as executive vice president – sales and marketing, reporting to CEO Mark Essig. With more than 24 years of experience, Poteet will have over-arching sales and marketing responsibility for all safe product and commercial service activities at FireKing.
Denver — Ice-O-Matic, a Colorado-based manufacturer and established global supplier of ice machines, storage bins and dispensers, has appointed Scott Meyer and Mark Costner as new national accounts managers.
San Jose, Calif. — Togo's Eateries, LLC has promoted two senior vice presidents to c-level positions. Susan Koch, former senior vice president of finance, has been named chief financial officer, and Todd Peterson, former senior vice president of franchise development, has been named chief development officer. Koch and Peterson will continue to play instrumental roles in the revitalization and expansion of Togo's.
Denver — Smashburger, the rapidly expanding better burger restaurant, has named Michael J. Nolan as its new executive vice president – chief development officer. Nolan will oversee the company's development (real estate, construction, design, facilities), franchise sales and IT departments, effective immediately.
Los Angeles — The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® has appointed Jeff Harris as chief financial officer. A veteran finance executive with nearly 30 years of experience, Harris will oversee all financial functions of the company, as well as the supply chain, human resource, risk management and legal teams. He will report directly to President and CEO John Fuller.
Wyomissing, Pa. — Egan Sign, a national sign management and corporate rebranding company, has appointed John Dever as its new president.
Scottsdale, Ariz. — Massage Envy, the national leader in massage and skincare services, has hired Joseph C. Magnacca as its new chief executive officer. Former CEO Dave Crisalli will continue to serve the business as a member of its board.
Cincinnati — Lynn Gust, the president of Portland, Ore.-based Fred Meyer Stores, plans to retire and Jeff Burt has been promoted to succeed him. Burt currently serves as president of The Kroger Co.’s central division.
Oak Brook, Ill. — Let’s Pave, a leading national provider of specialized paving services and solutions, has named executive managers Mike Rosen and Michael Zator as joint partners, joining C.B. Kuzlik, president and founder.
Indianapolis — Sam Sato will succeed Glenn Lyon as chief executive officer of The Finish Line, Inc., effective February 28, 2016. Lyon, who currently serves as CEO and chairman of the board, will serve as executive chairman of the board through the end of calendar year 2016. At the beginning of 2017, Lyon will transition to the role of non-executive chairman of the board.
Georgetown, Texas — Gordon Edward Logan has been named vice president of operations for Sport Clips Haircuts. Prior to joining the company’s executive leadership, Logan served as senior director of operations for Sport Clips under Connie Boltinghouse, who previously served as vice president of operations and is retiring after a long and successful career in the franchise industry, having held positions with The Barbers, as well as Regis Corporation, prior to working at Sport Clips.
Cincinnati — LSI Industries Inc., a leading provider of IMAGE-enhancing interior and exterior LED lighting fixtures, lighting controls and graphic solutions, has named several key personnel appointments.
Minneapolis — Target Corporation has promoted Janna Potts to executive vice president, chief stores officer. Potts will be responsible for the leadership of Target’s 1,805 stores across the United States. Potts will replace Tina Tyler and will assume the position effective immediately. She will serve as a member of Target’s leadership team and will report to Target’s chief operating officer, John Mulligan.
Los Angeles — Formerly The Promenade at Howard Hughes Center in Los Angeles, HHLA is undergoing a $30 million renovation spearheaded by developer and operator The Festival Companies. The project…
New York City — ShopKeep, the top-rated tablet-to-cloud payments and point-of-sale platform chosen by over 25,000 independent retailers and restaurants, has closed a $65 million round of equity and debt…
Garden City, N.J. — Eight-time James Beard Award-winner and “Top Chef” head judge Tom Colicchio opened his newest restaurant, Small Batch, on December 12, 2018 at Roosevelt Field in Garden…
Norcross, Ga. — Hera Lighting has hired Joshua White as the new national sales manager for Canada.
Columbus, Ohio — Easton Town Center is undergoing a significant expansion that will feature local and national retailers, breweries, restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels and public event space. The expansion will…
Atlanta — NCR Corporation’s global headquarters in Midtown Atlanta has been awarded two Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certifications, for Building Design and Construction: Core & Shell…
New Hartford, N.Y. — Savneet Singh, a member of PAR Technology Corporation’s board of directors since April 2018, has been appointed interim chief executive officer (CEO) and president of the…
Colorado Springs, Colo. — Confluent Development, a Denver-based real estate investment and development firm, plans to develop Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers’ first location in Colorado Springs, marking the brand’s entrance…
Houston — Mattress Firm, Inc., the nation's leading specialty mattress retailer, has successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11. The company has closed more than 600 stores…
San Francisco — RB American Group LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flynn Restaurant Group LP, has acquired 368 Arby’s® restaurants throughout the U.S. from United States Beef Corporation (US Beef)…
Conshohocken, Pa. — IKEA U.S. is opening its first city center store in the U.S., marking the company’s ongoing transformation and commitment to bringing IKEA into the heart of urban…
Chicago — Cushman & Wakefield has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Quality Solutions, Inc. (QSI), one of the nation’s top facilities management firms specializing in on-demand facility maintenance and…
San Diego — San Diego's fastest-growing, non-franchised breakfast eatery, Breakfast Republic, has grown exponentially since the opening of its first location in 2015, now boasting seven locations around San Diego…
DeWitt, Mich. — Scott Milnes, president of DENTCO®, the first Exterior Services Management® (ESM) company in the U.S., has announced new features available on the DENTCO Verified (DV) mobile application.
Charlotte, N.C. — Diversey, a customer-centric, global leader in the hygiene and cleaning industry, today announced the appointment of Mark S. Burgess as its new chief executive officer, effective December…
Toledo, Ohio — OptimalLED Inc. is growing as it adds new lighting representatives and lighting manufacturers to its already impressive lineup. Founded in 2008, the Toledo, Ohio-based lighting company has…
St. Louis — Construction is complete for the $3 million historic renovation of the former Langenberg Hat Building in Washington, Mo., at 330 West Front St. As general contractor, Knoebel…
Honolulu — Billabong, one of the surf industry's most iconic brands, is celebrating the grand reopening of its flagship store at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach on December 1, 2018…
New York City — On November 16, 2018, FAO Schwarz opened its doors to a new flagship location in New York City. The beloved toy store spans 2.5 levels with…
Hartford, Conn. — Express Kitchens, a fast-growing kitchen cabinet and countertop retailer in the Northeast, celebrated the grand opening of three new store locations in Southington, Conn.; Springfield, Mass.; and…
Washington, D.C. — CAVA Group Inc., a privately held and fast growing Mediterranean culinary brand, has completed its acquisition of Zoe’s Kitchen, Inc. November 22, 2018 was the first day…
Los Angeles — Beautycounter, a Santa Monica, Calif.-based leader in safer skin care and cleaner cosmetics, will open its first brick-and-mortar store at 51 Prince St. in New York City…
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Louisville, Ky. — Brian C. Cornell, chairman and CEO of Target Corporation, has been appointed by the Yum! Brands board to serve as non-executive chairman of the board. Cornell has…
Conshohocken, Pa. — On November 19, 2018, David's Bridal took the expected next step of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Doing so will reduce the company's debt by more…
North Plainfield, N.J. — Levin Management Corporation (LMC) has appointed Stephanie Harris as vice president of leasing, according to Matthew K. Harding, president. This key addition augments LMC’s executive leadership…
Raleigh, N.C. — Golden Corral, the nation’s largest grill-buffet chain, has hired restaurant industry veteran Van Ingram as vice president of franchise development. He joins the company from Taco John’s.
Los Angeles — Kitchen United, a Los Angeles-based virtual restaurant provider, is opening its next kitchen center in Chicago’s River North neighborhood — its first location outside of California. Kitchen…
Washington, D.C. — The past seven decades have seen Harry Kotlar's rise to become one of the world's most revered jewelry design houses. On November 8, 2018, Harry Kotlar celebrated…
Milwaukee, Wis. — Marcus Theatres®, a division of The Marcus Corporation, has hired Greg Creighton to the newly-created position of executive vice president and chief operating officer. Previously, he served as…
Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs opened at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on November 6, 2018. Operated by Crews, the new Jersey Mike’s restaurant is located in the Terminal 2…
Memphis, Tenn. — Terminix Commercial, a division of ServiceMaster, has released its first-ever Pest Perceptions Report, an in-depth study of the pest problems businesses such as hotels, restaurants, retailers and…
Philadelphia — Bryon McCarthy, who joined Cuhaci & Peterson's Philadelphia office in 2015, has been promoted to principal. Previously, McCarthy held the title of project manager working with one of…
New Orleans — Ballard Brands, a Covington, La.-based restaurant and hospitality group whose brands include PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, WOW Café and New Orleans Roast Coffee & Tea, has…
Scottsdale, Ariz. — Vixxo, a facilities management leader focused on providing a seamless, intuitive experience for a vast portfolio of brands across the United States and Canada, will provide facilities…
Chicago — Englewood Construction’s restaurant group has started work on four projects including a Bartaco location in Deerfield, Ill.; a new BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Sterling Heights, Mich.; an…
Mooresville, N.C. — Lowe’s Cos. Inc. has unveiled its plans to close 20 underperforming stores in the United States as part of its ongoing strategic reassessment. Additionally, the company will…
Oak Brook, Ill. — Let’s Pave, a national provider of specialized paving services and solutions, is opening an office in Duluth, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta. Mike Zator, vice president…
Atlanta — Mamoun’s Falafel, the fastest growing Middle Eastern fast-casual restaurant in North America and oldest falafel restaurant in New York City, has secured a lease for its first of…
Toronto — DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse has launched a shop-in-shop boutique called ‘What's the Occasion?’ to deliver a unique, year-round destination for special-event shopping. The concept opened in the greater…
Charlotte, N.C. — Bojangles’, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Durational Capital Management LP and The Jordan Company, L.P. in an all-cash transaction. Bojangles’ stockholders…
San Francisco — On October 23, 2018, Southern California-inspired Vuori Clothing opened its latest brick-and-mortar store at 2070 Union St. in San Francisco. Vuori's expansion to San Francisco follows tremendous…
Long Island, N.Y. — Dickey's Barbecue Pit franchisee Jerry Stephan plans to bring 21 Dickey's locations to New York. As a new member of the Dickey's family, Stephan plans to…
Mooresville, N.C. — Lowe's Companies, Inc. has appointed Seemantini Godbole as chief information officer, effective November 12. Godbole currently serves as senior vice president, digital and marketing technology, at Target…
Chicago — Z Modular, a division of Zekelman Industries, has entered into an agreement with Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc., one of the largest drive-thru restaurant chains in the United States…
Orangeburg, N.Y. — Daikin America has partnered with TOPS Friendly Markets LLC to complete the first refrigeration conversion of a U.S. supermarket from R-22 to Creard R-407H. At the TOPS…
Garden City, Kan. — Pie Five Pizza Co. has opened a new restaurant — its first with the company’s new ‘Goldilocks Project’ prototype — in Garden City, Kan. The fast-casual…
St. Louis — Just in time for the holidays, Build-A-Bear Workshop® is bringing its signature Make-Your-Own experience to a variety of locations with new permanent shops inside the flagship FAO…
Auburn, Ala. — Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only Southern inspired, fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, will open its 100th restaurant on November 8, 2018 just outside Lexington, Ky., in…
West Palm Beach, Fla. — USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL), the official licensing arm and national broadcaster of the United States Polo Association (USPA), notes that U.S. Polo Assn. has…
Las Vegas — Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, an award-winning Las Vegas-based concept with more than 100 locations, has a new restaurant design prototype. The new prototype, featuring reclaimed wood, exposed brick…
Latham, N.Y. — DWM's growth of existing accounts has led to the spin-off of a new client support team. The new facilities maintenance support team will be led by 3-year…
Neuhausen, Switzerland — Tyco Retail Solutions has been recognized for its innovation and technology leadership in developing and delivering a portfolio of RFID-enabled solutions, providing retailers with real-time in-store visibility…
New York City — David Yurman, America's premier jewelry designer, plans to open a New York flagship on 57th Street at Madison Avenue. The new flagship is scheduled to open…
Minneapolis — American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) has added Julie Davis to the corporate team as the brand's new franchise development director. For nearly 20 years, Davis has held franchise…
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — RV Retailer, LLC has signed an agreement to acquire RV One Superstores from Don Strollo, who will continue to lead RV One Superstores and will retain…
Santa Monica, Calif. — Veggie Grill, the go-to destination for plant-based, chef-inspired food, will launch its first-ever restaurant in New York City. Now operating 31 locations in California, Oregon, Washington…
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Grand Rapids, Mich. — For the first time, Meijer has been named a SmartWay® Excellence Award winner in two categories simultaneously — as a shipper and a carrier — by…
Atlanta — GPS Hospitality, one of the country’s fastest growing franchisees of BURGER KING® and Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen restaurants, has named its newest class of Partner Program inductees:
Davenport, Iowa — On October 13, 2018, Von Maur opened a new department store at the Rosedale Center in Roseville, Minn. The 140,000-square-foot store is the company's second location in…
Iowa City, Iowa — Fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain Pancheros Mexican Grill has reappointed restaurant industry real estate expert Nanette Beiner as director of real estate. She last worked for Pancheros…
Kansas City, Mo. — Service Management Group (SMG), a global customer experience, employee engagement and brand research partner to more than 500 brands, has partnered with leading book retailer Books-A-Million.
Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Claire's Stores, Inc. has successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 as the company's court-confirmed plan of reorganization went into effect on October…
Charlotte, N.C. — Diversey, a customer-centric global leader in the hygiene and cleaning industry, plans a transition of executive responsibilities. Dr. Ilham Kadri will resign from her position as Diversey’s…
Dallas — CEC Entertainment, Inc., a nationally recognized leader in family dining and entertainment, has appointed Mahesh Sadarangani to president of Peter Piper Pizza, effective immediately. Sadarangani joins a strong…
San Diego — Petco has appointed accomplished sales leader and retail veteran Justin Tichy as chief stores officer (CSO) to oversee all operations and execution for Petco's 1,500+ retail locations…
Dallas — Boston's Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar, a national casual dining brand, has named two franchise industry veterans to its leadership team. Ryan Reeves will assume the role of…
Hoffman Estates, Ill. — On October 15, 2018, Sears Holdings Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief. Effective immediately, the company’s chairman…
Canton, Mass. — Dunkin’ continues to focus on growth and development efforts outside of the Northeast, recently signing six development agreements for nearly 20 new units in Colorado. Over the…
Dublin, Calif. — Ross Stores opened 30 Ross Dress for Less® and 10 dd's DISCOUNTS® stores across 19 different states in September and October. These new locations complete the company's…
North Canton, Ohio — Diebold Nixdorf has appointed Jeffrey Rutherford as interim chief financial officer, effective immediately. He replaces Chris Chapman, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.
Toledo, Ohio — Marco's Pizza, one of the fastest-growing pizza franchises in the United States, has a new growth initiative to expand in strategic DMAs across the country, introducing 30…
Houston — Charming Charlie has made several changes at the executive level — including COO — designed to position the company for long term growth and success.
Cancun, Mexico — Grupo Anderson's, a Mexican hospitality industry leader, plans to sell its iconic fun themed restaurant brand Señor Frog's in the U.S. The group owns and operates restaurants…
Denver — Restoration Management Company, a California-based restoration services company, has opened its 13th location in Littleton, Colo. The expansion is a direct result of the tremendous growth Restoration Management…
New York City — The famous FAO Schwarz is announcing its international expansion plans as well as November 16, 2018 as the official opening date of the New York City…
Lexington, Ky. — Fazoli's has signed two multi-unit development agreements for eight new locations in Georgia and Arkansas; additionally, the company has welcomed franchise and foodservice veteran Kathy Davidson as…
Plano, Texas — J. C. Penney Company, Inc.’s board of directors has appointed Jill Soltau as chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective October 15, 2018. Soltau…
East Moriches, N.Y. — According to CEO Scott Crennan, Solutions Management, Inc. (SMI) has named its vice president of operations, Michael DiTaranto, to serve as the chief operating officer of…
New York — FM Restaurants HoldCo, LLC, an affiliate of Z Capital Group, LLC, a leading alternative asset manager of opportunistic, value-oriented private equity and credit funds, has appointed Randy…
Los Angeles — As electric vehicle (EV) automakers launch their 2019 models and announce their plans for 2020-2022, EVgo, the largest public electric vehicle (EV) fast charging network in California…
Stamford, Conn. — vineyard vines, the lifestyle apparel brand best known for its smiling pink whale logo, debuts a new store at the Aventura Mall, a premier lifestyle shopping center…
Fort Worth, Texas — Fuzzy's Taco Shop, the Baja-style taco joint founded near the TCU college campus in 2001, has named industry veteran David Catalano as chief operating officer. Most…
Dallas — KONE Americas has chosen AT&T as an Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and service management provider for KONE 24/7 Connected Services, which enables monitoring and analysis of real-time…
Seattle — Nordstrom, Inc. recently opened Nordstrom Local Brentwood (214 26th St.) on September 28. Nordstrom Local Downtown Los Angeles (The Bloc, 750 W. 7th St., Suite S200) will open…
St. Louis — Construction is complete for the new $2 million HopCat restaurant and craft beer bar in the Delmar Loop in St. Louis, with Knoebel Construction serving as the…
New York City — BIRKENSTOCK has opened its first company-owned retail store in the United States. The store is located in the historic SoHo neighborhood of lower Manhattan. Celebrating over…
Miami, Fla. — Focusing on the Miami River and breathtaking views of downtown Miami and the sunset, River Landing has unveiled plans for a ‘restaurant row’ along the river. The…
Plano, Texas — Jeffrey Davis has informed J. C. Penney Company, Inc. that he is resigning from his position as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective October 1…
Denver — Perfumania Holdings, Inc., a leading retailer and destination for designer fragrances, has launched a new concept store. Located inside the newly constructed Denver Premium Outlets in Thornton, Colo…
Saint Louis Park, Minn. — To demonstrate the effectiveness of its loss prevention and labor efficiency solution in Taco Bell franchises, Delaget analyzed key operational metrics of high-adoption users of…
Dallas — RAVE Restaurant Group, the parent company of Pizza Inn and Pie Five Pizza Co., has made some internal promotions including Bob Bafundo to president of RAVE and Andrea…
Minneapolis — On September 21, 2018, Global sports entertainment leader Topgolf® opened its first Minnesota location in Brooklyn Center in Minneapolis. The new three-level, 65,000-square-foot venue is the company's 46th…
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Oklahoma City and Atlanta — On September 25, 2018, Sonic Corp. and Inspire Brands, Inc. entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Inspire will acquire Sonic for $43.50 per…
Davie, Fla. — Energy Control Consultants, Inc., a leading provider of building management systems to the retail industry, has joined ServiceChannel's solution partner ecosystem to provide building control system integration…
Nashville, Tenn. — Kirkland's, Inc. is strengthening its senior management team with the addition of Steve "Woody" Woodward as chief executive officer. Woodward, who is currently president and chief merchant…
Boston — Hyde Park Ventures, a private investment management company, has acquired 16 Five Guys Burgers & Fries franchises across New England, making it the third largest Five Guys franchisee…
Cincinnati — One year ago, on September 19, 2017, The Kroger Co. launched Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, its bold social impact plan aimed at ending hunger in the communities…
Lancaster, Pa. — Armstrong Flooring has reached a milestone — recycling more than 100 million pounds of post-consumer flooring materials, and keeping 50,000 tons of materials out of landfills.
Chicago and Denver — Filippo Berti, CEO of the Ali Group, has named Gary Mick as president of Ice-O-Matic, an Ali Group Company, as of September 10, 2018. In this…
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Tampa, Fla. — After seeking expansion opportunities across the West Coast, elevated craft beer bar franchise The Brass Tap plans to expand in the Golden State, signing a five-unit deal…
Cincinnati — CR architecture + design has hired a former vice president of construction at Macy’s, Bruce Quisno, to join its leadership team as vice president of retail market, while…
Nashville, Tenn. — Kirkland's has reopened its Brentwood, Tenn., location at 1624 Galleria Blvd. after a month-long closure for remodeling. The new, reimagined store design has been carefully planned to…
Silver Spring, Md. — PJ's Coffee of New Orleans, a New Orleans-based coffeehouse, has signed a multi-unit agreement to bring five locations to Maryland, northern Virginia and Washington D.C. within…
Overland Park, Kan., and Deerfield, Ill. — Walgreens and Sprint plan to expand the collaboration they had announced earlier this year, which will include 80 new locations. All of the…
Frederick, Md. — Roy Rogers® Restaurants has signed an agreement with Burger Brothers Restaurant Group, a multi-brand franchise developer with locations throughout Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens, to open seven…
Scottsdale, Ariz. — DISCOUNT TIRE, the world's largest independent tire and wheel retailer, has opened the franchise's 1,000th tire store, located in Phoenix.
Windham, Me. — KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, has acquired the service and repair business of Maine Elevator Specialists Inc. in Windham, Me., including its…
Dallas — CEC Entertainment, Inc., which operates Chuck E. Cheese's and Peter Piper Pizza restaurants, has appointed James "Jim" A. Howell as chief financial officer, effective September 17, 2018. Howell…
Huntsville, Ala. — REI Co-op will open its first location in the state of Alabama at MidCity Huntsville in fall 2019. With more than 150 stores across the U.S., REI…
Dodgeville, Wis. — On September 10, 2018, Lands’ End opened a new store at Chimney Rock Crossing in Bridgewater, N.J. The opening marks the classic apparel brand’s first standalone store…
Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs opened two non-traditional restaurants the last week of August. The first opened on August 27 on the campus of Seton Hall University in South…
Chicago — SMS Assist, one of Chicago’s fastest-growing technology companies, has opened a second area office in suburban Naperville, Ill. The expansion will allow SMS Assist, based in downtown Chicago…
Austin, Texas — Austin, Texas-based fashion and lifestyle brand Kendra Scott opened its newest store location and East Coast flagship on September 5 in New York City's SoHo neighborhood. After…
Greensboro, N.C. — Biscuitville FRESH SOUTHERN® will enter the Fayetteville, N.C., market — its first new market expansion in 10 years — with two restaurants to open mid-year 2019 followed…
Pittsburgh — DICK'S Sporting Goods has named Vidya Jwala as chief e-commerce and supply chain officer. In this role, Jwala will be responsible for the company's digital integration of e-commerce…
Fayetteville, Ark. — Slim Chickens, a leader in the "better chicken" segment of fast-casual restaurants, has enjoyed organic growth since taking the brand from co-founder Tom Gordon's garage to its…
Cincinnati — The Kroger Co. will phase out single-use plastic bags and transition to reusable bags across its family of stores by 2025. Seattle-based QFC will be the company's first…
Plano, Texas — At Home Group Inc.’s CFO, Judd Nystrom, will be leaving the home décor superstore after a transition period. The company is naming Jeffrey R. Knudson, currently senior…
Miami — FRONTIER Building has broken ground on a brand-new Krispy Kreme Doughnuts located at 530 Northeast 167 St. in Miami. The iconic doughnut shop’s new location is being built…
Dallas — Pizza Inn has chosen Thrive for its first company-approved POS system. Thrive is a state-of-the-art system that has the capability to handle the complexity and numerous business models…
Greensboro, N.C. — Publix Super Markets Inc. plans to build a refrigerated distribution center in Greensboro, N.C., as part of a multi-phase project. The company plans to invest up to…
Canton, Mass. — Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, continues its aggressive expansion in Ontario, specifically in the Greater Toronto Area with the signing of 18…
Saginaw, Mich. — Duro-Last®, Inc. has promoted multiple employees throughout its leadership team. Mike Tracey now serves as vice president of operations; Thomas Jenkins is now the vice president of…
Grand Rapid, Mich. — On August 27, 2018, Meijer opened a newly-designed convenience store and gas station adjacent to the retailer's Grand Rapids, Mich.-based headquarters. The new 5,500-square-foot convenience store…
Morristown, N.J. — Primo Hoagies, the Philadelphia-born Italian specialty sandwich franchise, has signed an agreement with Christopher Amico for the North Jersey area. The new hoagie franchise location will be…
Mooresville, N.C. — Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will close all 99 of its Orchard Supply Hardware stores by February 1, 2019. Founded in San Jose, Calif., in 1931 and acquired by…
Greensboro, N.C. — Biscuitville FRESH SOUTHERN® has named Anne Goldman, CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member), as the company’s chief development officer. Goldman is replacing Tim Hegarty, who recently retired from…
Columbus, Ohio — Bruce K. Thorn, a well-respected retail industry executive, has been named chief executive officer and president of Big Lots, Inc. Most recently, he was the president and…
Baton Rouge, La. — Rotolo’s, the Baton Rouge, La.-based pizzeria, has hired Ryan Brach as chief operating officer. He is a former Rotolo’s franchisee.
Atlanta — According to its new CEO, Mike Rotondo, Edible Arrangements® plans to relocate its corporate headquarters to Atlanta. Edible will maintain a small office in Wallingford, Conn., with approximately…
Saginaw, Mich. — Duro-Last has achieved certifications for each of its roofing membranes under the NSF American National Standard for Sustainable Roofing Membranes — NSF/ANSI 347. Duro-Last is one of…
Neuhausen, Switzerland — JOANN Stores, LLC, a leading fabric and craft retailer, will be rolling out Tyco Retail Solutions’ ShopperTrak in-store traffic analytics solution to provide insights for the company's…
New York City — The L'OCCITANE Group, a leading natural cosmetics manufacturer and retailer, continues to redefine in-store shopping experience by opening a brand new L'OCCITANE en Provence concept store…
Orange, Calif. — Fork & Salad, the Maui-based eatery with a mission to make healthy, farm-to-table cuisine accessible to the masses, plans to open its third corporate location and first…
Cleveland — Forest City Realty Trust, Inc. has earned three significant sustainability recognitions from prominent organizations. Along with other real estate companies committed to green development and management, Forest City…
Mooresville, N.C. — Lowe's Companies, Inc. has appointed David M. Denton as executive vice president, chief financial officer. Denton currently serves as executive vice president and CFO of CVS Health…
Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Café, LLC is opening its 700th location in the system, which will open on August 24, 2018 in Hurst, Texas. This milestone showcases Tropical Smoothie Cafe's…
New York City — Safari Energy, a leading commercial and industrial solar developer, has inaugurated its solar rooftop system at Francis Scott Key Mall in Frederick, Md. The 2,056 kilowatt…
Los Angeles — 99 Cents Only Stores LLC has appointed Ashok (Ash) Walia as chief financial officer, effective August 27, 2018. He joins the company from Starbucks.
Dublin, Ohio — The Wendy's Company has accepted an offer from Inspire Brands (owner of Arby's®, Buffalo Wild Wings® and R Taco®) to sell its 12.3% ownership interest in the…
Quincy, Mass. — J.Jill, Inc. has appointed two new executives to the company's senior leadership team. Brian Beitler will join the company as executive vice president, chief marketing and brand…
Burlington, Vt. — Ben & Jerry's, the progressive ice cream maker from Vermont, has a new chief executive officer. Matthew McCarthy, a 21-year veteran at Ben & Jerry's parent company…
Essential fire safety checklist for new restaurants.
How summer weather can affect your facility’s roof.
Designing more aesthetic emergency lighting systems.
One easy-to-use control & automation system transforms both the customer and staff experience in two popular Nashville bars.
Managing roof portfolios for lowest total cost of ownership.
All restaurants have the ingredients for one thing in common: fires.
At your shopping mall, take steps to prevent a serious incident and cooresponding negligent security lawsuit.
Roof and gutter cleaning: How important is it?
Enhancing customer-product interaction and theft deterrence often requires customizing equipment to meet retailers’ unique needs.
Longwood, Fla. — Sean Jennings has been elected president of Waste Pro USA by the company's board of directors. Waste Pro is the third largest privately owned waste company in…
Minneapolis — Target Corporation has hired John Bauer to join the company as senior vice president, global inventory management, effective August 20. In this role, Bauer will lead the teams…
Chicago — McDonald’s and its franchisees plan to invest approximately $186 million to modernize 240 restaurants located across Florida. The initiative is part of the fast food giant’s aim to…
Camp Hill, Pa., and Boise, Idaho — Rite Aid Corp. has called off its previously announced merger with Boise, Idaho-based grocery chain Albertsons Cos. The integrated company would have operated about…
Atlanta — McAlister's Deli® is rolling out a new prototype restaurant in Atlanta this September that will be accompanied by a deeper, more community-centric brand positioning that guests can experience…
Batavia, Ill. — With more than 1,800 stores across the country, ALDI is in the midst of an accelerated growth plan, investing more than $5 billion to remodel and expand…
Cincinnati — Cincinnati-based Buffalo Wings & Rings has hired industry veteran Joe Dominiak as the brand's new chief operations officer. Most recently executive vice president and managing partner at Skyline…
Orlando, Fla. — Sol Shades is now open at Orlando International Airport. The api(+) design team designed this brand new concept, continuing its relationship with national airport retailer Stellar Partners.
Los Angeles — The Pie Hole, a fast growing gourmet pie and coffee shop, has solidified a multi-unit franchise agreement to bring its signature specialty pies to Saudi Arabia. The…
Tuscaloosa, Ala. — AFFLINK, a leading sales and marketing organization for the distribution and packaging industry, has added John “Bo” Mountain as sales manager for the company’s Southwest region.
Greensboro, N.C. — The Fresh Market, Inc., a leading specialty grocer, has appointed Oded Shein as chief financial officer. Past retail positions include senior financial roles at Stage Stores, Belk…
Hollywood, Fla. — Hard Rock International (HRI) is starting to eliminate plastic straws at properties worldwide, effective September 1, 2018, in addition to existing green initiatives already in place at…
Merrimack, N.H. — Brookstone Co. Inc. has filed for bankruptcy and will close its remaining 101 mall locations. The Merrimack, N.H.-based retailer filed for Chapter 11 protection on August 2…
Brookfield, Conn. — The Hummus & Pita Co., one of the country’s leading and fastest growing Mediterranean fast-casuals, will mark the official start of national expansion with the opening of…
Columbus, Ohio — DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse has opened its newest store on the Las Vegas strip. Located in the Showcase Mall on S. Las Vegas Boulevard, the store is…
Irvine, Calif. — Potbelly Sandwich Shop has selected a location for its first California shop. Currently slated to open in early 2019, the brand’s first shop in the Golden State…
Mooresville, N.C. — Lowe's Companies, Inc. has named Donald E. Frieson as executive vice president, supply chain, effective August 8, 2018. He will be responsible for the company's distribution centers…
Atlanta and Frisco, Texas — Focus Brands Inc. (FBI) and Jamba, Inc. have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which FBI will acquire Jamba for approximately $200 million.
Seattle — Leading fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. has hired Edmond Mesrobian as chief technology officer (CTO). In this role, Mesrobian will help Nordstrom continue to bolster its strategy of leveraging…
Wyomissing, Pa. — Egan Sign, a recognized leader in national sign management and corporate rebranding, has made three new hires. Vi Phan has joined the organization as graphic designer, and…
Fairbanks, Alaska — Firehouse Subs is opening its first Alaska location in Fairbanks on August 8, 2018, under the ownership of Greg and Catharine Persinger. This is the first restaurant…
Fort Worth, Texas — Westwood Contractors has expanded its executive team with the addition of David Kimberly as director of operations. He will be directly responsible for supervising the company’s…
Cincinnati — Twin Peaks is continuing its commitment to crank up expansion and has signed yet another franchise deal, with plans to open seven additional stores in Ohio.
Secaucus, N.J. — Vitamin Shoppe, Inc., an omni-channel, specialty retailer of nutritional products, has named David Mock, who has served as a consultant to the company since January 2018, as…
Lexington, Ky. — Fazoli's has successfully opened over seven new restaurants in the first half of the year, with plans to open up to five additional locations by the end…
Providence, R.I. and Minneapolis — Natural and organic products distributor United Natural Foods Inc. has agreed to acquire Supervalu Inc. for $2.9 billion.
Cincinnati — The Kroger Co. has promoted Ken DeLuca to president of the Michigan division, effective August 1, 2018. DeLuca, currently vice president of operations for the Dillons division, succeeds…
Atlanta — Saladworks, the nation's leading salad-centric franchise brand, has opened its first Atlanta-area location, with extensive plans to develop the market, perhaps with at least 20 locations. Atlanta-area markets…
The cost of parking lot procrastination.
SONIC finds masonry block and veneers to be the perfect recipe for new buildouts.
We tried it. Here’s why, for facilities maintenance, it’s a rocky relationship.
Expect the best, but plan for the worst-case scenario when hurricane season begins.
How to modernize and cut the cord of old-fashioned lighting: Metaphorically speaking, it’s time to replace your rotary phone with a smartphone.
Honolulu — Alexander & Baldwin (A&B) is welcoming acclaimed beauty retailer Ulta Beauty to Hawaii. The company opened its first store in the islands at A&B’s Pu`unene Shopping Center in…