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Katie Lee

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Darden Restaurants to Acquire Ruth’s Hospitality Group in $715 Million Transaction

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Darden Restaurants, Inc. and Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. have entered into a definitive merger agreement in which Darden will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Ruth’s in an all-cash transaction with an equity value of approximately $715 million. Ruth’s, owner and operator of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, will complement Darden’s portfolio of differentiated brands which currently includes Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V’s. Ruth’s Chris was founded in 1965 in New Orleans by …

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Dollar Tree Names New Chief Supply Chain Officer

by Katie Lee

Chesapeake, Va. — Dollar Tree, Inc. has named a key executive leadership addition, with Mike Kindy joining the organization as chief supply chain officer. He has more than 34 years of management experience in retail logistics and operating distribution centers. “Improving our overall operating efficiency is contingent on a strong, resilient supply chain,” says Rick Dreiling, chairman and CEO of Dollar Tree, Inc. “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to work with high-caliber leaders like Mike and the rest of our expert leadership team to drive improved supply chain performance, …

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Atomic Wings Has 10 New Stores Under Construction; Launches 2023 Remodel Program

by Katie Lee

New York City — Atomic Wings, a 15-unit brand specializing in flavorful chicken wings, is starting off 2023 with significant Q1 growth. The New York-based wing franchise has 10 locations under construction, with plans to open throughout the year. The new growth will bring Atomic Wings to new states, including Arkansas, Nevada, Indiana and Texas. Atomic Wings will also launch its first two drive-thru locations — in Houston and Joliet, Ill. — later this year. The company is also thrilled to launch its Atomic Wings 2.0 remodel program later this …

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Tuesday Morning Is Going Out of Business and Closing All Stores

by Katie Lee

Chicago — Going out of business sales have begun at all of Tuesday Morning’s approximately 200 stores in 25 states. This news follows the recent bankruptcy filing by Bed Bath & Beyond, less than 10 days prior. According to CNN, Tuesday Morning’s first bankruptcy happened in May 2020, during the height of the COVD-19 pandemic. Select fixtures, furnishings and equipment will also be available for sale in closing locations. Gift cards will be honored through May 13, 2023. Merchandise purchased prior to April 28, 2023, may be returned within 14 …

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Wingstop Names SVP, President of International as Brand Aims for 7,000+ Units Globally

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Wingstop, the global chicken chain with nearly 2,000 restaurants worldwide, has appointed Raj Kapoor as senior vice president, president of international. Kapoor will be responsible for driving Wingstop’s growth and development strategy for markets outside of the U.S. and oversee the performance of the brand’s existing international markets. Kapoor joins Wingstop from 7-Eleven, where he spent 28 years in a variety of leadership roles including vice president of international; senior vice president and chief information officer; and, most recently, senior vice president of fresh food, beverage and restaurants. …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsretailers

The Athlete’s Foot Launches New Neighborhood Concept Store in Midtown Atlanta

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — The specialty footwear and lifestyle chain, The Athlete’s Foot (TAF), launched its most anticipated project of 2023: the introduction of its “neighborhood” concept store, located at Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta. The Athlete’s Foot is focused on elevating the consumer experience while continuing to drive hyper-localized product assortment and community engagement efforts. The grand opening events, which took place at the end of April, included a sneaker customization class, live performances, and custom art pieces and murals. The Athlete’s Foot partnered with Adidas to provide swag bags filled …

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Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Names Executive Leadership Appointments

by Katie Lee

Englewood, Colo. — Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a full-service restaurant chain, under its North Star growth plan, has made a series of key appointments toward the completion of its executive leadership team. This includes the appointment of Kevin Mayer to chief marketing officer and Mark Simpson as interim chief people officer, effective May 1. In addition, Jason Rusk has been promoted to chief business development officer. “With these crucial leadership positions in place, we are well-positioned to deliver on our goal to establish Red Robin as a most loved …

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Weis Markets to Invest Over $160 Million in New Growth in 2023

by Katie Lee

Sunbury, Pa. — Weis Markets, Inc.’s chairman, president and CEO, Jonathan H. Weis, recently updated shareholders on the company’s plans to invest more than $160 million in its growth in 2023. Included in this plan will be record investments in new stores, remodels, fuel centers, information technology upgrades and thousands of smaller store improvement projects. “In 2023, we plan to invest more than $160 million in our capital expenditure program,” says Weis. “Our budget includes 20 remodels, six fuel centers, one addition and one new store, which will open in …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

The Melting Pot to Open a Remodeled Restaurant Each Week Through 2023

by Katie Lee

Tampa, Fla. — The Melting Pot, the 94-unit fondue concept that provides a unique, experiential dining atmosphere, has been carefully considering its growth efforts in recent months, launching a campaign to remodel all restaurants and embracing what it has coined ‘Melting Pot Evolution.’ This year, the company will open one remodeled restaurant each week. “2021 and 2022 were both tremendous years for the brand in terms of increasing traffic — real growth,” says Bob Johnston, CEO. “In other words, we had growth that came not just through price increases, but actual …

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Academy Sports + Outdoors Plans Leadership Succession

by Katie Lee

Katy, Texas — As a result of a planned succession process, the following changes to the executive leadership team of Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. will be effective as of June 1, 2023. Ken C. Hicks, chairman, president and CEO, will transition to executive chairman of the board. Steven (Steve) P. Lawrence, executive vice president (EVP) and chief merchandising officer (CMO), will become CEO and a member of the board; he will continue to serve as CMO until a successor is appointed. Michael P. Mullican, EVP and chief financial officer, …

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