Author

Katie Lee

Industry Voicessecurity/loss preventionsoftware/technologyvendors

Embracing the Future

by Katie Lee

— By Patrick Chown — The future of retail and restaurant facilities should embrace IoT and connectivity for smarter operations. The retail and restaurant industries are undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer expectations. In this dynamic landscape, the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced network connectivity are emerging as pivotal elements. These technologies are not just reshaping how businesses operate but are also redefining the customer experience. By integrating IoT solutions, retailers and restaurateurs are unlocking new potentials in operational efficiency, customer engagement and data-driven …

Continue Reading
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
green newsNewsretailers

REI Co-op Outlines Progress on Climate Goals; Plans to Open New Texas Store this Fall

by Katie Lee

Seattle — As part of REI Co-op’s recently released 2023 Impact Report, REI has made significant progress toward reaching its aggressive climate goals, with 2023 emissions coming down 10% compared to 2022 and 6% lower than emissions in its 2019 baseline year. This year marks the first time REI is reporting a decrease in its emissions alongside an increase in revenue over its baseline year. The co-op is achieving its ultimate goal of growing its business while lowering emissions. Also in 2023, REI celebrated its 11th year of powering U.S. …

Continue Reading
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
green newsNewssupply chainvendorswaste management/recycling

Quest to Provide Waste, Recycling and Food Waste Diversion Services to UNFI

by Katie Lee

The Colony, Texas — Quest Resource Holding Corporation, a national leader in environmental waste and recycling solutions, has announced that its Quest Resource Management Group subsidiary has entered into an agreement with United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), the largest publicly traded wholesale distributor of health and specialty food in the United States and Canada. UNFI is North America’s premier grocery wholesaler delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded and owned brand products to more than 30,000 locations throughout North America, including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, e-commerce …

Continue Reading
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designfranchise developmentkitchen equipmentNewsremodelsrestaurants

Burger King to Invest $300 Million to Remodel 1,100 U.S. Restaurants by 2028

by Katie Lee

Miami — Burger King plans to invest $300 million to modernize 1,100 U.S. restaurants by 2028, according to parent company Restaurant Brands International Inc. Each restaurant will be renovated in a new layout, called Sizzle, that emphasizes flexibility as well as the digital, pickup and drive-thru experiences. In addition to the planned renovations, the investment will also cover cash incentives for top-performing operators. “We are committed to giving our guests the very best experience in all our restaurants and that includes a modern, exciting restaurant image and digital experience that …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newsretailerssoftware/technology

Sam’s Club Deploys AI-Powered Exit Technology at 120+ Locations

by Katie Lee

Bentonville, Ark. — Sam’s Club® has made significant progress in its rollout of technology that resolves a key member concern: waiting in line for receipt verification to exit the club. The retailer’s first-of-its-kind application of artificial intelligence and computer vision technology has been deployed in more than 120 clubs since first unveiling it at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2024. Sam’s Club plans to deploy the exit technology to all of its clubs by the end of 2024. Sam’s Club’s rapid deployment of its exit technology represents the …

Continue Reading
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Daddy’s Chicken Shack Promotes 2 Executives to CEO and President

by Katie Lee

Castle Rock, Colo. — Daddy’s Chicken Shack has made two new promotions within its executive team. Tony Adams, who previously served as the vice president and chief of staff for Area 15 Ventures, will now be taking on the role of president for Daddy’s Chicken Shack, while Dave Liniger Jr. transitions from president to CEO. Adams and Liniger Jr. have been a part of Daddy’s Chicken Shack through Area 15 Ventures, the private equity firm that acquired the brand last year amidst a major growth surge. Area 15 Ventures is …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newsretailers

WHP Global to Bring Toys”R”Us® Shop-in-Shops to 30 WHSmith Stores in the UK

by Katie Lee

New York City — WHP Global (WHP), parent company of Toys”R”Us®, has signed a long term license agreement with leading global retailer WHSmith as the exclusive shop-in-shop partner for Toys”R”Us in the United Kingdom. WHSmith will have the exclusive license for Toys”R”Us shop-in-shops in its High Street stores, including opening 30 new shops this summer. Following the successful launch of Toys”R”Us shop-in-shops in select WHSmith stores last year, this partnership is part of WHP Global’s mission to expand the presence of Toys”R”Us across the UK retail landscape. “We’ve got off …

Continue Reading
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Blackstone Agrees to Acquire Tropical Smoothie Cafe for Nearly $2 Billion

by Katie Lee

Atlanta and New York City — Private equity giant Blackstone has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a franchiser of fast-casual restaurants, from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners. The deal values the Atlanta-based smoothie chain at around $2 billion, including debt, according to The Wall Street Journal. Tropical Smoothie Cafe began as a single location in Destin, Fla., in 1997. The chain has grown to more than 1,400 locations in 44 states today. The company opened more than 175 locations in 2023, 70% of which were …

Continue Reading
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designexterior services/landscapingIndustry Voicesvendors

Not Up to Code

by Katie Lee

— By Scott Smith — Better understanding issues of exterior code infractions ­at retail and restaurant facilities. Retail locations often struggle with handling issues of code compliance, rightfully so as they can be challenging and lengthy to navigate. Hopefully this article can give some insight as to how to tackle and navigate through local code compliance issues. The focus will be on exterior landscaping issues to not only curtail fines but to keep your local community happy while not disrupting your core business. Many times, retail or restaurant management teams …

Continue Reading
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designCover Storyfranchise developmentFrom The Magazinerestaurants

Smalls Sliders Joins the Big Time

by Katie Lee

— Interview with Maria Rivera — In its innovative small spaces, the young slider brand is going big places — with 200 modular “Cans” open or under development in 16 states. The only thing “small” about Smalls Sliders is the unique space it inhabits. Utilizing a creative “Can” buildout, the expanding burger brand operates out of a 750-square-foot shipping container — keeping construction costs down and clearing the way for easy, efficient openings almost anywhere. Last year, Smalls Sliders began further positioning itself as a disruptor in the ‘big burger’ …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts