Author

Katie Lee

Industry Voicesrestaurants

Maximizing Your Space

by Katie Lee

— By Andrew Pudalov — How to make the most of restaurant spaces with less square footage. It’s natural in the restaurant industry to have the perception that more is more, such as more menu offerings or more seating options. While some concepts may function better with this approach, it’s important to look at the individual restaurant and examine what those target customers desire and what makes the most sense operationally. For square footage, Rush Bowls is guided by an efficiency-driven model that benefits each of its locations in many …

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Bealls Bets on Branding

by Katie Lee

— Interview with Matt Beall — How Bealls has streamlined its name and its brand identity, all while robustly growing its store count. Spanning more than a century and four generations, Bealls Inc. has been owned and operated by its founding family in Bradenton, Florida, since 1915. This year, the veritable scion of retail is undergoing a significant rebranding of two of its largest chains. The company’s 600 Bealls Outlet and Burkes Outlet locations in 23 states are uniting to become “bealls.” Bealls, Inc. also operates a retail chain that …

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Teriyaki Madness Continues to Grow, Bringing the Brand to New Markets

by Katie Lee

Denver — Teriyaki Madness, a leading fast-casual teriyaki concept with over 130 locations, is celebrating a successful first half of 2023 with significant growth and innovation. The brand has opened 10 new locations and awarded 45 units this year, marking a significant increase in its footprint across the United States. The company has also seen a 21% year-over-year systemwide sales increase. “We are thrilled with our mid-year momentum and the incredible growth we’ve experienced so far in 2023,” says Michael Haith, CEO of Teriyaki Madness. “Our success is a testament …

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Sprouts Farmers Market Opens 400th Store; Appoints New Chief Technology Officer

by Katie Lee

Phoenix — Sprouts Farmers Market, one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, has opened its 400th store. Its newest store opened on Sept. 8 in Haddon Township, N.J. As a part of Sprouts’ 5-year plan, it remains committed to a robust growth strategy, aiming to expand 10% year over year. “Following the unveiling of our 399th store in Rialto, Calif., and now, on the opposite coast, our 400th store celebrates its opening in Haddon Township, N.J.,” says Jack …

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Toast Launches New Tech Solution for Cafes and Bakeries

by Katie Lee

Boston — Toast, an all-in-one technology platform built for restaurants, has launched ‘Toast for Cafes & Bakeries’ — a new solution designed to help cafes, coffee shops and bakeries add new revenue streams, speed up service with faster workflows, meet guests where they are and grow their business. Catering Online Ordering and Restaurant Retail are among the new features that cafes, bakeries and all other restaurant types Toast serves can benefit from using. Toast for Cafes & Bakeries builds on recent launches from Toast that introduce functionality tailored for specific …

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Kroger, Albertsons Agree to Sell 413 Stores in Connection with $24.6 Billion Merger

by Katie Lee

Cincinnati and Boise, Idaho — Kroger Co. and Albertsons Cos. Inc. have agreed to sell 413 stores across 17 states and Washington, D.C., as part of the $24.6 billion merger between the two grocery giants. The buyer is C&S Wholesale Grocers, a New Hampshire-based grocery supply company overseeing brands including Piggly Wiggly and Grand Union. According to multiple news outlets including USA Today and Crain’s, the sales price is roughly $1.9 billion. In addition to the 400-plus grocery stores, C&S will also acquire eight distribution centers and two office properties …

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District Taco Signs 10-Unit Deal to Bring First Locations to New York and New Jersey

by Katie Lee

Washington, D.C. — District Taco, a premier authentic Mexican fast-casual restaurant, has signed a 10-unit development agreement with D3 Tacos LLC to bring new District Taco locations to Hudson County, N.J., and Richmond and Kings counties, N.Y. The brand is excited to bring its unique and fresh Yucatán style food to new guests as they expand into their first New Jersey and New York locations. District Taco is differentiated in the market by its Yucatán-inspired menu based on the family recipes of the brand’s co-founder, Osiris Hoil. “We cannot wait …

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SMG Appoints Vice President of Operations

by Katie Lee

Red Bank, N.J. — SMG, a leading name in the facilities management industry, has appointed Jordan Rochwick as its new vice president of operations. With over a decade of extensive experience in the facilities management and built environment space, Rochwick will play a pivotal role in supporting client success, sales and overall operational excellence at SMG. Rochwick brings to SMG a wealth of knowledge and expertise, having spent over a decade in the facilities management industry. In her new role, she will lead SMG’s operations team, driving the company’s mission …

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Princess Polly Opens First U.S. Store at Westfield Century City in L.A.

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — a.k.a. Brands Holding Corp., a brand accelerator of next-generation fashion brands, has opened the first U.S. Princess Polly store at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles — a major milestone in the brand’s global retail expansion. The Australian-born brand is beloved by Gen Z. The newly unveiled 3,370-square-foot retail space will feature approximately 200 on-trend Princess Polly styles at any given time and will foster an immersive and interactive experience that goes well beyond shopping. Complete with aesthetically pleasing digital displays, a glamorous media wall and personalized …

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Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Hire New Marketing and Financial Chiefs

by Katie Lee

Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc. (CKE), company of the brands Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s®, has appointed Jennifer Tate to the position of chief marketing officer and Mike Lenihan to chief financial officer, effective immediately. Tate comes from Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®, most recently serving as senior vice president and chief marketing officer. Lenihan comes from Yum! Brands®, most recently serving as vice president of planning and analysis and treasury. “I am thrilled to welcome Jennifer and Mike to the CKE leadership team and look forward to working …

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