Orlando, Fla. — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, celebrates the opening of its Operations Center of Excellence in downtown Orlando, Fla. The center provides franchisees with a hands-on place to train and creates an operational hub that helps support systemwide growth. “Great brands are built by great operators. This center gives our franchisees practical, hands-on training and stronger operational support,” said Libardi. “As Marco’s grows, that investment will help us protect consistency and improve performance across the system.” The approximately 14,030-square-foot center serves as a corporate …
Katie Lee
Columbus, Ohio — MINISO LAND is now open at Easton Town Center, marking the global lifestyle retailer’s first U.S. location and bringing a new retail experience to Columbus, Ohio. “We’re thrilled to partner with MINISO to bring MINISO LAND to Easton and introduce this exciting new concept to our regional guests,” says Spencer Jordan, senior vice president of retail real estate for Steiner + Associates. “With its popular collectibles and creative brand collaborations, it’s exactly the type of experiential retailer we look for, adding a unique shopping experience to Easton’s …
San Diego — Broken Yolk Cafe, a category-leading breakfast franchise based out of San Diego, has appointed Bodine Berger to serve as its director of franchise development. Berger will be the latest addition to a franchise sales team that has tripled in size over the last 12 months. Previously, Berger has held development roles with Eggs Up Grill, Steak ‘n Shake and Domino’s Pizza. In recent years, Broken Yolk Cafe’s franchise opportunity has expanded across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada and Texas, bringing it to a systemwide total of 42 cafe …
Chesapeake, Va. — Dollar Tree is marking 40 years is business with the opening of its 9,500th store in Suffolk, Va. Located at 6150 College Dr., Dollar Tree’s 9,500th store represents a meaningful homecoming for a company with deep roots in southeastern Virginia. “Forty years ago, Dollar Tree started right here in Hampton Roads with a simple promise to deliver unbeatable value, convenience and thrill-of-the-hunt discovery. Today, 9,500 stores later, that promise is stronger than ever,” says Mike Creedon, chief executive officer of Dollar Tree. From its beginnings in Norfolk, …
Denver — Tom’s Watch Bar has appointed Shannon McNiel as chief executive officer, effective immediately. McNiel, previously co-CEO and an experienced operator who has led the brand since November 2024 in close partnership with co-CEO Brooks Schaden, will now lead Tom’s Watch Bar as the brand continues to evolve and strengthen its position as a leading concept in the consumer entertainment and sports experience category. Schaden will return to his role as CEO at SIF Partners, the investment firm that owns Tom’s Watch Bar, and will continue to support the …
— By Katie Lee — Mellow Mushroom, the psychedelic pizza franchise known for its imaginative pizzas, hand-tossed stone-baked dough and unique atmosphere, projects a laid-back vibe but is anything but ‘mellow’ in its ambition. One year after marking its 50th anniversary, Mellow Mushroom spent 2025 not basking in the glow of its half-century of success but rather laser-focused on improving restaurant operations and rolling out a new store prototype. Today, those investments are paying off. “In 2026, our milestones have been about disciplined growth and evolution: 8 new locations signed …
Minneapolis — Nearly a year after opening the reimagined Target SoHo, Target Corporation unveiled its newly transformed lower level on Oct. 22, completing the store’s overall renovation. The new space features immersive experiences across home, wellness, toys, and food and beverage. “Our guests want more than just a place to shop — they want to feel inspired, discover something new and find great style, design and value in the products they shop for every day.” says Michelle Mesenburg, chief brand officer, Target. “With Target SoHo’s transformation complete, we’re bringing that …
Dallas — Pollo Campero, the Guatemalan-born quick-service restaurant known for its fried and roasted chicken, has named Julio Sánchez CEO of its U.S. business, effective immediately. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer of CKE International (Carl’s Jr.), and previously held leadership roles at Pizza Hut, Burger King and Church’s Chicken. With more than 25 years of experience, Sánchez has led operations, franchising, development and transformation across North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. As CEO, Sánchez will lead the next phase of profitable growth for Campero USA, …
Brentwood, Tenn. — Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has hired Fahim Siddiqui to join the company as executive vice president, chief technology and digital officer, effective Oct. 26, 2026. Siddiqui will report to Hal Lawton, president and chief executive officer of Tractor Supply, and serve on the company’s executive committee. He joins Tractor Supply from The Home Depot. Siddiqui brings more than three decades of business and technology leadership experience, including deep expertise in retail and digital transformation. Throughout his career, he has …
St. Louis, Mo. — Katsam Property Services, a St. Louis-based exterior property services company founded in 1986, is rebranding as Gateway Service Group, bringing six regional operations together under one commercial property services brand. Over the past 2 years, the company has expanded from a single-market sweeping and facility services business into a six-branch organization serving clients across 13 states. Gateway Service Group now operates from primary markets in Atlanta; Dayton, Ohio; Kansas City, Mo.; Philadelphia/New Jersey; St. Louis; and Washington, D.C. “For nearly 40 years, we have built our …