Author

Katie Lee

Industry Voiceslightingsignagevendors

The Silent Partner

by Katie Lee

— By Corey Perez — Why the world’s biggest brands trust us with their voice. There is a singular, electric moment in the life of a commercial development project. It happens just as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, when the construction dust has settled and the final punch list is cleared. It is the moment the switch is flipped. Suddenly, a pylon ignites against the twilight. A channel letter set glows with a precise, brand-specific hue. In that instant, a building transforms into a destination. For the …

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HTeaO Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointments in Store Development and Operations

by Katie Lee

Fort Worth, Texas — HTeaO, the nation’s leading iced tea franchise, has appointed two key executive leadership appointments: Jerry McClain as vice president of store development and Brian Aga as senior vice president of operations. These additions follow the recent appointment of a new chief financial officer, Chris Phillips. With more than 40 new store openings projected for 2026 and sustained double-digit growth, HTeaO continues to invest in leadership that supports franchise partners and protects the consistency of the brand experience. “As HTeaO continues to grow, building the right leadership …

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Saks Global to Close Additional Stores as Part of Portfolio Optimization

by Katie Lee

New York City — Saks Global Enterprises LLC, a leading multi-brand luxury retailer, is advancing its planned optimization across its store portfolio by announcing the closure of an additional 12 Saks Fifth Avenue and 3 Neiman Marcus locations. This builds on initial closures announced last month. “This strategic optimization is part of our ongoing transformation and rooted in our long term view of our business,” says Geoffroy van Raemdonck, chief executive officer of Saks Global. “Our go-forward store portfolio will comprise the best performing and most desirable locations in markets …

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Starbird to Debut in Texas with 36-Unit Franchise Deal

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Starbird, the Bay Area-based super-premium fast-casual brand, is launching its first Texas locations through a 36-unit franchise agreement with Mac Haik Restaurant Group. The partnership will bring locations to Houston, Austin and San Antonio beginning in 2027, marking a pivotal milestone in the 10-year-old brand’s broader national expansion strategy. The agreement represents the largest development deal in Starbird’s history and a significant step in the brand’s long term growth strategy as it enters its second decade. “This agreement reflects the strength of our business model and the …

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Greenrow Opens First Retail Store, Located in New York’s SoHo Neighborhood

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — GreenRow, portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., has opened the brand’s first-ever brick-and-mortar store, prominently located in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood. The new flagship store marks a major milestone for the brand taking GreenRow’s mission-driven approach to thoughtfully designed and responsibly crafted home furnishings into a physical retail experience. Located at 47 Howard St. in New York City, the new GreenRow SoHo store is designed to feel like a lived-in home rather than a traditional showroom — inviting customers to slow down, explore and experience GreenRow’s commitment …

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Marco’s Pizza Targets 80+ New Store Openings in 2026

by Katie Lee

Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, kicks off 2026 with deliberate development plans following a year of strategic expansion and systemwide investment. In 2025, Marco’s opened more than 60 new stores and this year, it plans to surpass 80 new store openings while continuing to accelerate growth across new domestic markets, international territories and non-traditional venues. Complementing its expansion, Marco’s is rolling out advanced digital tools, operational enhancements and menu innovations, strengthening franchisee support and setting the stage for sustainable, long term operations. In …

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Princess Polly Plans New U.S. Store Openings

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — a.k.a. Brands Holding Corp., a portfolio of next-generation fashion brands, has fully executed leases for eight new Princess Polly stores across the U.S. and expects to announce additional locations throughout the year. New locations set to open in the second half of 2026 include Houston; Frisco, Texas; Orlando, Fla.; and Edina, Minn., with locations in Jacksonville, Fla.; Nashville, Tenn.; Boca Raton, Fla.; and Charlotte, N.C., opening in early 2027. Princess Polly has strategically grown its U.S. retail footprint in recent years, and this next wave of openings …

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Shipley Donuts Names New COO, CDO and CFO

by Katie Lee

Houston — Shipley Donuts, the nation’s largest brand of fresh, handmade donuts and kolaches, has expanded its senior leadership team with the addition of a new chief operating officer, Matt Kafka; chief development officer, Todd Brin; and chief financial officer, John Feray. The three appointments follow the addition of its chief marketing officer, Bill Leibengood, who joined Shipley in late 2025. The expanded leadership team joins the brand as it celebrates its 90th anniversary this year and rapidly approaches the opening of its 400th location. Kafka brings nearly 30 years …

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Ollie’s Marks Entry into 35th State with Grand Opening in Minnesota

by Katie Lee

Harrisburg, Pa. — Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Inc. celebrates entering its 35th state with the grand opening of its new store in Austin, Minn. The new store is located at 1209 18th Ave. NW, next to the Hy-Vee Grocery in the former ShopKo. “Our first Minnesota store represents an important milestone in our Midwest expansion. We could not be more excited to enter our 35th state and bring Good Stuff Cheap® to the people of Austin and beyond,” says Eric van der Valk, president and CEO of Ollie’s. “If you have …

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Fresh Perspective

by Katie Lee

— By Rich Kilgannon — How retail and restaurant facility managers are leveraging tech-enabled painting partners to streamline projects and level up customer service. First impressions matter for restaurants and retail businesses. For restaurants, we know that customers eat with their eyes first. Before they ever see a plate of food, they will see the exterior of your building as they enter the restaurant. They will notice the entryway before speaking with the hostess. And they will take in the general atmosphere before they are ever seated. The same is …

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