Author

Katie Lee

facilities managementNewssoftware/technologyvendors

Vixxo Facility Solutions Wins ConnexFM 2026 Supplier of the Year Award

by Katie Lee

Scottsdale, Ariz. — Vixxo Facility Solutions was named the 2026 ConnexFM Supplier of the Year after receiving multiple client nominations telling a consistent story of partnership. “Vixxo exemplifies what this award is all about, a supplier that raises the bar for the entire industry,” says Bill Yanek, CEO of ConnexFM. “Their commitment to innovation, accountability and execution is exactly the kind of excellence we are proud to recognize.” That recognition reflects real results in the field. Each nomination described the same experience: a partner that shows up, solves problems and …

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construction and designNewsrestaurantsretailers

Sprouts Farmers Market to Open Buddy Brew Coffee Cafes Inside 10 Stores

by Katie Lee

Phoenix — Sprouts Farmers Market has formed a new partnership with Buddy Brew Coffee, a Tampa, Fla.‑based specialty coffee company, to open 10 Buddy Brew Coffee cafes this summer inside select Sprouts stores across the Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida region. Launching inside select Sprouts stores across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Sarasota counties, the cafes expand Sprouts’ in‑store coffee program, building on successful launches with local coffee roasters in Southern California (Klatch Coffee) and Arizona (PRESS Coffee). The partnership introduces Buddy Brew Coffee to Pinellas and Pasco counties for the …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

PJ’s Coffee Signs 7-Unit C-Store Agreement in Kentucky

by Katie Lee

Lexington, Ky. — PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans has signed a 7-unit license agreement with Steve Estepp, founder of Estepp Energy and Coffee Dudes LLC, to expand the New Orleans-born coffee brand throughout convenience stores in Central Kentucky. A locally owned and family-operated business, Estepp Energy has built a strong reputation throughout Kentucky’s convenience store industry over the past 50 years by emphasizing operational excellence, customer service and strategic growth. Today, the company operates more than 13 convenience stores across Central Kentucky and continues expanding its portfolio with complementary brands …

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facilities managementNewsProduct Spotlightproperty managementsecurity/loss preventionsoftware/technologyvendors

Interface Systems Introduces Digital Keys to Simplify Access Control

by Katie Lee

St. Louis, Mo. — Interface Systems, a leading provider of AI-powered security and expert remote video monitoring for restaurants, retailers and commercial businesses, has launched Digital Keys, a mobile credential solution for Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) access control systems. Digital Keys enables businesses to replace traditional cards, fobs and physical keys with secure mobile credentials stored directly in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Designed for retailers, quick-service restaurants and other distributed enterprises, Digital Keys simplifies access management by allowing administrators to issue, update, schedule and revoke employee, contractor and vendor …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Ollie’s Opens First Store in New Mexico

by Katie Lee

Harrisburg, Pa. — Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Inc. is entering its 36th state with the June 10 grand opening of its first store in New Mexico, located in Clovis. As America’s fastest growing retailer of closeouts and excess inventory, Ollie’s sells brand name merchandise at prices up to 70% below the fancy stores every day. The new Ollie’s is located in Rockridge Plaza, in the old Big Lots location. “Our first location in New Mexico represents the next big step in our westward expansion,” says Eric van der Valk, president and …

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construction and designIndustry Voicesretailers

From Click to Brick

by Katie Lee

— By Tom Lekometros — Successfully transitioning online retail brands into brick-and-mortar stores takes design strategy. Transforming an online retail business into a brick-and-mortar store is a considerable step that comes with a great deal of strategy, planning and preparation to achieve success. Despite the popularity and seeming dominance of online shopping, more than 80% of retail sales still occur in physical stores, according to Capital One Shopping Research. While most consumers still prefer the in-person shopping experience, many devoted online shoppers visit physical stores to see, test or experience …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Chicago-born Portillo’s Plans to Open Landmark Michigan Avenue Restaurant

by Katie Lee

Oak Brook, Ill. — More than six decades after opening as a small hot dog stand in suburban Chicago, Portillo’s is headed to Chicago’s famed Michigan Avenue with a new flagship restaurant. The Chicago-born fast-casual restaurant — known for its Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs and legendary chocolate cake — plans to open the new restaurant at 304 North Michigan Ave., just south of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. “Chicago is where the Portillo’s story began, and opening in the heart of the city is not only an incredibly proud moment …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Abercrombie & Fitch Expands Retail Presence in SoHo

by Katie Lee

New Albany, Ohio — Abercrombie & Fitch, a division of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., has opened its new SoHo store in New York City. Located at 520 Broadway between Spring and Broome streets, the store reflects the brand’s 134-year-old history in New York, from its original South Street storefront in the 1890s to its past iconic Madison Avenue location, to its Fifth Avenue store today. The store also debuts Abercrombie & Fitch’s first “Heritage Meets Modern” design concept. “We are proud to open our doors in the heart of one …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Felice Opens New Flagship Location in New York City’s Flatiron District

by Katie Lee

New York City — Felice has opened its new flagship restaurant in the Flatiron District, bringing the family-run Italian brand to one of Manhattan’s most design- and culture-driven neighborhoods. Located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 26th Street, the space is designed to feel embedded in the neighborhood from the start, less like a new opening, more like a place that has always been there. Since 2007, the restaurant brand has grown to 14 locations across New York, Connecticut, Florida and beyond, building its identity around rooms that feel …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Meta Lab @ Best Buy to Open in More Than 50 Stores

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — In partnership with Meta, Best Buy is bringing Meta Lab @ Best Buy to more than 50 of its stores this summer. These 900-square-foot experiential spaces give customers a hands-on way to explore Meta’s AI glasses and VR headsets through interactive demos and displays, smart mirrors, personalized fittings and more. “Our customers are passionate about experiencing what’s next and they turn to Best Buy to bring it to life,” says Patrick McGinnis, chief merchandising officer at Best Buy. “Meta Lab @ Best Buy is an experience customers can’t …

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