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Katie Lee

franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Blaze Pizza Names New Chief Development Officer and COO

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Blaze Pizza has named industry veterans Kevin Moran and Johnny Tellez to its executive leadership team. As the newly appointed chief development officer (CDO) and chief operations officer (COO), respectively, they arrive during a pivotal phase of advancement for the dynamic brand, keen to enrich the customer journey, pioneer operational initiatives and expand its domestic and global footprint. “We are pleased to announce the addition of Kevin and Johnny to our executive team at Blaze Pizza. Their outstanding qualifications and proven track record of success assure us …

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Newspeopleretailers

Academy Sports + Outdoors Promotes SVP to EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer

by Katie Lee

Katy, Texas — Academy Sports + Outdoors, Inc. has promoted Matt McCabe to executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, effective June 25, 2023, succeeding Steve Lawrence, who recently transitioned to chief executive officer. McCabe will report directly to Lawrence. McCabe has served as Academy’s senior vice president, general merchandise manager, footwear since September 2017. He joined the company in December 2016 as vice president, divisional merchandise manager, athletic and licensed apparel. Prior to joining Academy, he served as vice president at Golfsmith International. He has also held various merchant …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Savvy Sliders Names New Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

Detroit — Michigan-based Savvy Sliders has named QSR veteran Bryon Stephens as chief development officer. Stephens brings 35 years of industry knowledge to the Savvy Sliders brand.  With 35 stores open today, and another 30 in development, Stephens will guide the 3-year-old brand to a growth trajectory of more than 500 stores over the next 48 months. “With Bryon’s leadership and knowledge, this unique partnership will lead us to explosive growth throughout the world,” says Happy Asker, founder and CEO of Savvy Sliders. While at A&W Restaurants, Stephens spearheaded the …

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fire protectionNewsretailersvendors

SMG Launches New Life Safety Company

by Katie Lee

Red Bank, N.J. — SMG Holdings, LLC marks the official launch of SMG Fire, a pioneering life safety company dedicated to providing comprehensive safety solutions to multi-site retailers nationwide. With its cutting-edge technologies, industry expertise and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, SMG Fire is set to transform the landscape of retail safety. The retail industry faces unique challenges when it comes to ensuring the safety and well-being of guests and team members. Recognizing this critical need, SMG Fire has emerged as the trusted partner for large retailers, offering a wide …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Dollar General’s First Montana Store Now Under Construction

by Katie Lee

Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General plans to open its first store in Montana in fall 2023, which will give the major retailer a presence in its 48th state and complete its continental U.S. presence. Dollar General’s expansion to Montana comes after the company’s recent first international store opening in Mexico and complements its fiscal 2023 real estate plans. “Breaking ground on each new Dollar General is meaningful…[but] announcing plans for Montana has an extra element of excitement because our expansion in the Treasure State will complete our presence throughout the …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Pizza Hut Celebrates the Opening of its 3,000th Store in China

by Katie Lee

Shanghai — Yum China Holdings, Inc. (“Yum China”) has celebrated the opening of Pizza Hut’s 3,000th store in China, located in Qinhuangdao, a coastal city in Hebei province. It marks a significant milestone in Pizza Hut’s 33-year growth journey in China. The new restaurant enjoys a sweeping view of the sea. Not only does it provide a contemporary dining experience, but also showcases advanced sustainability solutions, including an IoT-based intelligent energy management system and outdoor solar lamps. The restaurant also incorporates renewable and recycled materials in its decoration and layout, …

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REI Co-op to Open Re/Supply Store in Oregon in August 2023

by Katie Lee

Seattle — Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open a Re/Supply store dedicated to used gear and apparel in Clackamas, Ore., in late August 2023. Located in Clackamas Town Center, the 16,113-square-foot store will open a few doors down from the co-op’s existing store that has served the outdoor community since 2007. The new location will join the co-op’s Re/Supply store in Manhattan Beach, Calif., which opened in 2020. “As a member-owned co-op, we have a responsibility to preserve the long-term health of the planet,” says Bob Cagle, REI regional …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Smokey Mo’s Welcomes New CFO

by Katie Lee

Austin, Texas — Popular family-friendly Texas restaurant Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ has named Martin Hornsby as its new chief financial officer. “Bringing Martin to Smokey Mo’s will support more financial opportunities for franchising and corporate strategy,” says Craig Haley, president of Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ. “Smokey Mo’s is in the beginning stages of a substantial growth plan and we are very excited to add Martin’s financial and franchising expertise to our team.” Having worked as chief financial officer for companies such as Alamo Drafthouse and Sport Clips Haircuts, Hornsby’s experience, …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Buc-ee’s To Break Ground on First Virginia Location

by Katie Lee

Richmond, Va. — Buc-ee’s New Kent, LLC has purchased 27.686 acres in New Kent, Va., from Kent Farms Holdings Company, LLC for $6.5 million to build a new Buc-ee’s Super Center. Nathan Shor is the exclusive tenant representative for Buc-ee’s in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and also represented the seller in this transaction. Construction on the New Kent location is expected to be completed within 24 months. The new Buc-ee’s Super Center will be comprised of more than 75,000 square feet of retail space, 120 fueling positions, multiple EV chargers …

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Industry Voicesrestaurantsretailersvendors

Next Generation

by Katie Lee

— By Michael Spataro — Why intelligent automation will be key for successful workforce management in 2023 and beyond.   Throughout 2022, many businesses were left scrambling to fill shifts, properly serve customers and attract and retain hourly employees. In 2023, businesses in the retail, hospitality and restaurant industries will need to find new ways to manage their hourly workforce, find ways to streamline their labor operations and operate more effectively — while also delivering a better experience for their frontline employees and customers. The solution: intelligent automation powered by …

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