Author

Katie Lee

— By Zayn King-Dollie — Utilizing mobile ordering and building design to capitalize on takeout trends. Last year, The National Restaurant Association estimated that 2022 would have record-breaking sales revenue of $898 billion, a 12.4% increase from 2021 and 3.9% above pre-pandemic sales. The predictions signaled an optimistic future, but instead, many businesses now are facing additional hardships brought on by inflation. Even with higher sales, the industry profit margins are 11.5% lower than in 2019. A third of all restaurant operators expect sales revenue outcomes to …

March 15, 2023

Industry Voices vendors

High Expectations

by Katie Lee March 15, 2023

— By Amanda Anderson — When is the last time you looked up? The day starts early with management opening the doors to prepare for incoming customers, following a routine checklist to ensure a successful day. There are drawers to fill, schedules to make, questions to be answered by associates and patrons. But when is the last time you looked up? Or down for that matter? In the blur of day-to-day operations, little details that can have a huge impact are often overlooked when it comes to …

March 15, 2023

construction and design franchise development News restaurants

Potbelly to Expand in NYC with Development Agreement and First Refranchise Deal

by Katie Lee March 15, 2023

Chicago — Potbelly Corporation, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop, has finalized a multi-unit development agreement along with its first refranchising deal in New York City. This agreement includes multi-unit development for 13 new shops over the next 8 years, and the refranchise of eight shops, the ownership of which has been fully transferred. “I am excited to announce Potbelly’s expansion in New York City, one of the premier markets in the U.S., and that this expansion includes our first refranchise transaction,” says Bob Wright, president and chief executive officer. “This …

March 15, 2023

News people retailers

Five Below Promotes CFO to COO

by Katie Lee March 15, 2023

Philadelphia — Five Below, Inc. has promoted Kenneth Bull, chief financial officer and treasurer, to the role of chief operating officer. The company will conduct a search for a new chief financial officer, and Bull will continue to serve in this role until a new CFO is appointed. “During his 17-year tenure with Five Below, including 11 years as chief financial officer, Ken deftly led our 2012 transition into a public company, successfully developed our finance function and team, and instilled a culture of discipline across the organization with an …

March 15, 2023

News people restaurants

Church’s Texas Chicken Names New U.S. Chief Operations Officer

by Katie Lee March 14, 2023

Atlanta — Church’s Texas Chicken® has hired Roland Gonzalez as U.S. chief operations officer. Gonzalez, who has held various senior executive roles in the quick-service industry, brings a wealth of experience in franchising, operations, P&L management, global business strategies and process improvement. Previous roles include executive vice president, operations at Virtual Dining Concepts and head of global operations standards and strategy at Restaurant Brands International. Managing and overseeing large teams of executives, he successfully led many global business initiatives and strategy for Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes. “Roland is …

March 14, 2023

green news News retailers

Williams-Sonoma Named to Barron’s List of 100 Most Sustainable Companies

by Katie Lee March 13, 2023

San Francisco — Williams-Sonoma, Inc., a digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, has been recognized by Barron’s as one of the 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2023. The annual list honors the top 100 of the country’s 1,000 largest publicly traded companies for their achievements and efforts related to various environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has been recognized by Barron’s every year since the inception of the list 6 years ago and is the only exclusive home-furnishings retailer to be included. “Our commitment to sustainability is one …

March 13, 2023

franchise development News restaurants

WaBa Grill to Expand in Arizona with 10 New Units

by Katie Lee March 13, 2023

Anaheim Hills, Calif. — WaBa Grill, one of the nation’s leading healthy rice bowl chains, has recently inked a multi-unit development deal that will significantly expand its presence in Arizona. Signed by longtime WaBa Grill franchisee Jerry Bajwa of Bajwa Group of Companies, the new Arizona development deal paves the way for 10 WaBa Grill locations to open throughout Maricopa and Pima counties within the next 7 years. Bajwa, who currently owns and operates 19 successful WaBa Grill restaurants in Southern California, plus the brand’s lone Arizona location in Tempe, …

March 13, 2023

News retailers

BJ’s Wholesale Club to Add 5 New Clubs in 2023, Including its First in Alabama

by Katie Lee March 13, 2023

Marlborough, Mass. — BJ’s Wholesale Club, a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs, is adding five clubs to its growing portfolio across the United States. The expansion includes plans for a new club in Madison, Ala., increasing BJ’s retail footprint to 20 states. BJ’s will also open clubs in Mt. Juliet, Tenn.; Johnson City, N.Y.; Lewis Center, Ohio; and North Jacksonville, Fla. These clubs add to BJ’s 2023 roster of openings, following the retailer’s newest locations in Davenport, Fla., and McDonough, Ga., as well as the recent announcement of BJ’s …

March 13, 2023

News restaurants signage software/technology vendors

Palmer Digital Group to Digitize Menu Boards for High-End QSR Chain

by Katie Lee March 10, 2023

Aurora, Ill. — Palmer Digital Group, a full-service supplier and installer of custom indoor and outdoor digital kiosks, display enclosures and drive-thru digital menu boards, has been selected by The Patio, a high-end QSR specializing in barbeque, sandwiches and salads, to digitize interior and exterior menu board systems at its six Chicago-area locations. PDG’s menu board solutions will completely modernize the in-store and drive-thru customer experience while accelerating the appearance of price adjustments, new menu additions, limited time offers and more across storewide menu board systems. PDG’s solution for The …

March 10, 2023

News retailers

Dick’s Sporting Goods to Open 75-100 New House of Sport Stores Over Next 5 Years

by Katie Lee March 9, 2023

Pittsburgh — Dick’s Sporting Goods plans to open as many as “75 to 100” new House of Sport stores over the next 5 years, according to Lauren Hobart, CEO of the Pittsburgh-based retailer. House of Sport is a retail concept that provides interaction and experiences including putting greens, rock walls, batting cages and turf baseball fields, along with sports-related apparel and equipment for sale. There are currently three House of Sports stores in Rochester, N.Y.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Minnetonka, Minn. “House of Sport will be a significant part of our …

March 9, 2023

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