Tuesday, July 22, 2025
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Katie Lee

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Church’s Texas Chicken and Texas Chicken Plan 900 New Units in Europe and Beyond

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken™, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant brands in the world, continues its international expansion into Europe while strengthening its presence in key global markets. The company has recently signed multiple development agreements, including one in Germany. With additional deals in other parts of Europe, this marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy. Building on this momentum, the company is setting its sights on the UK, France, Italy and Spain. “We are experiencing tremendous growth both domestically and internationally, with …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Big Lots Stores to Reopen Under New Ownership

by Katie Lee

Henderson, N.C. — Henderson, North Carolina-based Variety Wholesalers has announced the first wave of reopenings for its newly obtained Big Lots locations. After Ohio-based Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2024, Variety Wholesalers acquired 219 Big Lots stores. Beginning April 10, nine stores will reopen across six states including Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The remodeled stores will feature a selection of closeout deals, new merchandise categories, apparel and electronics. Variety Wholesalers will reopen the remaining acquired locations in subsequent waves. Approximately 55 …

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Newsrestaurants

Hooters Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Plans to Remain Open

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — HOA Restaurant Group, parent company of restaurant chain Hooters, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, entering into a Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA) that will facilitate the continued operation of the company’s restaurants under new ownership. A partnership between two existing Hooters franchises, Hooters Inc. and Hoot Owl Restaurants, reached an agreement with Hooters of America (HOA), to acquire more than 100 HOA-owned Hooters restaurants, which, when added with the franchisees’ existing holdings, will account for approximately 70% of Hooters’ domestic locations. Upon completion of the Chapter 11 …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsretailers

Batteries Plus Brings First Franchise Deal to Hawaii

by Katie Lee

Honolulu — Batteries Plus, the nation’s leading specialty battery retailer, is making its debut in Hawaii with a multi-unit franchise agreement. Local entrepreneur Pierre Parranto has signed on to open four stores across Hawaii’s four largest islands, starting with a location in Honolulu on Oahu. “As a business owner, I was a customer in need and I was actively searching for a dependable battery supplier when I came across Batteries Plus,” says Parranto. “The franchise model immediately stood out; it offers a strong support system and fills a critical need …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Dutch Bros Coffee Aims to Double Store Count to 2,029 Locations by 2029

by Katie Lee

Grants Pass, Ore. — A little over a month after unveiling its 1,000th retail location, drive-thru coffee chain Dutch Bros Inc. is expanding its operations with goals to reach 2,029 shops by 2029. Originating in 1992 as a pushcart by the railroad tracks in downtown Grants Pass, Dutch Bros opened its first franchise in 2000. Dutch Bros Coffee now has a significant presence in the Pacific Northwest and is expanding with more locations across the United States, moving eastward to Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and Georgia. Looking further out, Dutch Bros …

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construction and designNewspeopleroofingvendors

Duro-Last Names Key Leadership Promotions

by Katie Lee

Saginaw, Mich. — Duro-Last®, a member of Holcim Solutions and Products US LLC, has named several key leadership promotions and organizational enhancements aimed at fostering innovation, optimizing operations, supporting long term growth and creating more opportunity for their valued contractor partners. “Our contractors are at the heart of everything we do, and these leadership updates further enhance our ability to support their success,” says Darren Schulz, president of Duro-Last. “By evolving our structure and investing in strong leadership, we’re ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry — offering …

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franchise developmentIndustry Voicesrestaurants

Building A Legacy

by Katie Lee

— By Jim Myers — Why I chose to go into business with my family as a Rita’s franchisee. As a seasoned restaurant executive with 41 years at Burger King, where I led operations, franchising and development for North America, I was ready for a new experience that would make a meaningful impact in my community and my family. I was introduced to Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard by the brand’s CEO, Linda Chadwick, whom I had worked with at Burger King. After exploring the franchise opportunity, I knew …

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Industry Contentparking lotsVendor Spotlightvendors

Rose Paving: Signature Vendor Spotlight

by Katie Lee

— Interview with Jaron Srain — R&R: Where are you based and how long has Rose Paving been in business? Jaron Srain: Rose Paving, headquartered in the greater Chicago area, was founded in 1974 as a paving and sealcoating company serving the south side of Chicago. Over the past 50 years, we’ve grown significantly, expanding to 35 offices across the country through strategic growth and a dedication to quality service. R&R: What is your name and title, and how long have you been with Rose Paving? Srain: Jaron Srain, president …

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managementNewsretailersstore closingsvendors

Forever 21 Liquidation Sales Now Underway

by Katie Lee

  Northbrook, Ill. — Going-Out-of-Business sales are in progress at Forever 21, a leading fashion retailer, following the U.S. operating company F21 OpCo’s recent bankruptcy filing. The liquidation sales are happening both in-store and online. Hilco Consumer-Retail is managing these sales in a joint venture with Gordon Brothers and SB360. All inventory is significantly discounted, offering savings of up to 60% off the lowest marked prices. Gift cards are accepted through April 15, 2025. Store fixtures and equipment are also available for purchase. “Stores are fully stocked, and fresh inventory …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Jack in the Box Names New CEO

by Katie Lee

San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. and its board of directors has named Lance Tucker as the permanent chief executive officer for Jack in the Box, where he will also serve on the company’s board of directors. Tucker had served as interim CEO since February 2025 after being hired as chief financial officer for the company in November 2024, which followed a previous tenure as CFO of Jack in the Box from March 2018 to September 2020. “Lance brings decades of experience within the restaurant industry as well …

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