Author

Katie Lee

Newspeoplerestaurants

Sprinkles Promotes 25-Year Hospitality Veteran to COO

by Katie Lee

Austin, Texas — Sprinkles Bakeries and Picnik Restaurants has promoted Justin Murakami to chief operating officer, recognizing his exemplary contributions and leadership in steering operational growth and innovation. His promotion signals a pivotal phase in executing Sprinkles’ growth strategies domestically and internationally. “Justin’s strategic foresight and operational expertise have been instrumental in our company’s success, especially in expanding Sprinkles’ global footprint and Picnik’s domestic expansion,” says Dan Mesches, president and CEO of Sprinkles Bakeries and Picnik Restaurants. “We’re confident that under Justin’s leadership, we’ll continue to exceed expectations, scale efficiently …

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EVgo and Meijer Expand Fast-Charging Partnership in the Midwest

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — EVgo Inc., one of the nation’s largest public fast-charging networks for electric vehicles (EVs), will install new fast-charging stations in the Midwest in an expanded partnership with Meijer, a regional grocery retailer. The new EVgo stations will be built in Ohio and feature up to six stalls at select Meijer locations, equipped with high-power 350kW chargers so that EV drivers can quickly charge and get back on the road. The extended partnership builds upon EVgo and Meijer’s existing relationship and will help increase access to public charging …

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Hawaiian Bros Plans 116 New Franchise Locations

by Katie Lee

Kansas City, Mo. — Hawaiian Bros, an island-inspired, award-winning, quick-service restaurant concept, has signed its fifth multi-unit development agreement with Rock Hawaiian LLC since launching its franchise program in late 2022. Rock Hawaiian LLC is set to develop 18 Hawaiian Bros locations in the San Antonio, Texas, area in the coming years, starting with the acquisition of the Live Oak store this year. Rock Hawaiian owners Chris Aslam and Edith Diaz have a strong track record of developing successful multi-unit franchises. Since 2007, their restaurant group has been operating quick-service …

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LG Electronics to Enter U.S. EV Charging Market in 2024

by Katie Lee

Lincolnshire, Ill. — LG Electronics will enter the rapidly growing U.S. electric vehicle charger market in 2024 with the introduction of its first line of AC and DC EV charging stations. According to Nicolas Min, senior vice president of LG Business Solutions USA, the line will include Level 2 and Level 3 EV chargers, opening new opportunities for businesses, municipalities and other public places to support the electrification of America with independently owned and operated charging stations. “As a leader in the electrification movement, LG is committed to delivering systems …

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energy managementgreen building/LEEDIndustry Voicesrestaurantsvendors

Serving Up Sustainability

by Katie Lee

— By Sean-Paul Ferrera — The promise of energy efficiency for restaurant franchises. Today’s restaurant operators face a whole host of challenges, from increased competition and a tight labor market to rising commodity (i.e. food, packaging or cutlery) and energy prices. As a result of constantly juggling these contending pressures, owners have to carefully evaluate where they spend their time and money to ensure both happy customers and profitable margins. For restaurant owners, sustainability has traditionally taken a backseat to these more tangible day-to-day concerns, but ultimately, this amounts to …

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construction and designNewsparking lotsroofingvendors

Western Specialty Contractors Restores Rooftop Parking Deck at Luxury Mall in Palm Beach

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Western Specialty Contractors’ Fort Lauderdale, Fla., branch has completed restoration of the rooftop parking deck at The Esplanade shopping mall in Palm Beach, Fla. The project took 5 months. Located at 150 Worth Ave. just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, the luxury retail destination is home to some of the world’s most sought-after luxury brands including Carolina Herrera, Akris, Pucci, Hublot, Lugano Diamonds and Saks Fifth Avenue. Its on-site parking facility supports surrounding businesses, restaurants, hotels, beach visitors and events. Western’s craftsmen began work to restore …

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Jack in the Box Signs 123 New Commitments in New Markets; Del Taco Signs 138 New Deals

by Katie Lee

San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. signed 123 new restaurant commitments during its 2023 fiscal year. The brand also announced the signing of 138 new restaurant commitments for Del Taco. The news comes as the company announced its Q4 and fiscal year 2023 financial results. During 2023, Jack in the Box also entered four new states: Arkansas, Florida, Montana and Wyoming. The brand also signed a 22-unit commitment to enter Mexico. In mid-2023, Jack in the Box set a record for a restaurant opening in a new market, …

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Crate & Barrel Opens New Flagship Store in New York Home Design District

by Katie Lee

  Chicago — In mid-November, Crate & Barrel unveiled a New York City flagship location in the Flatiron district. The 23,000-square-foot, two-level store also mark’s the brand’s first-ever immersive design store. The historic location was carefully renovated by Crate & Barrel’s in-house architecture and design team with the goal to preserve much of the rich history of the circa-1868 building. Once home to the largest department store, the building was known as New York’s Palace of Trade. “This historic building embodies Crate & Barrel, blending classic and timeless design with …

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Shawarma Press Continues Expansion with its First Location in Georgia

by Katie Lee

Johns Creek, Ga. — Shawarma Press, the first authentic Shawarma franchise in the U.S., continues its expansion with the opening of a flagship restaurant in Georgia. Located in the Atlanta suburb of Johns Creek, the popular Mediterranean spot is the first of several franchise units planned throughout the state. The expansion to The Peach State follows seven well-established Texas locations in Irving, Plano, Georgetown, Arlington, Frisco, San Antonio and a recently opened flagship restaurant in the Dallas Arts District. Sawsan Abublan, CEO and co-founder, says expansion in Georgia is significant …

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MINISO to Open 100th U.S. Store in December

by Katie Lee

Guangzhou, China — Global lifestyle brand MINISO will open its 100th store in the U.S. Located in the Florida Mall in Orlando, Fla., the new store will officially open its doors on Dec. 9, promising a whimsical and festive pink Christmas shopping experience. The milestone opening marks another significant step in the China-based brand’s rapid U.S. expansion as it brings its signature fun, affordable and well-designed products to even more shoppers around the country.  The 2,080-square-foot store occupies a prime location, just minutes from Orlando International Airport, Disney World and …

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