Tuesday, April 1, 2025
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Katie Lee

Newspeoplerestaurants

Panera Brands Promotes CFO to Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the iconic fast-casual concept Panera Bread, as well as Einstein Bros. Brands and Caribou Coffee, has appointed Paul Carbone as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Carbone previously served as chief financial officer for the company and was appointed to the role of interim CEO in January 2025. “Paul’s commitment and significant contributions to Panera over the past 2 years — coupled with his impressive track record of success with both public and private companies in the industry — demonstrate that he has …

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Newsretailers

Beyond Sells Majority Stake in Zulily Brand

by Katie Lee

Murray, Utah — Beyond, Inc., owner of Bed Bath & Beyond, buybuy BABY and Overstock, has agreed to sell its Zulily brand to Lyons Trading Company, the operator of leading online off-price retailer Proozy.com. Beyond will receive $5 million while maintaining a 25% stake in the brand. “We have made significant progress in improving the performance of Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock.com through sequential margin improvement, improved site experience, vendor consolidation and right-sizing our fixed expenses. With the recent acquisition of buybuy Baby, we want our team laser focused …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Cilantro Taco Grill Set for Nationwide Growth, Secures 110 Units Across 4 States

by Katie Lee

Chicago — After a record year of growth, Cilantro Taco Grill is set to open outside Chicagoland for the first time in April 2025, a significant milestone following the brand’s first franchise opening in November. The nation’s fastest-growing authentic Mexican fast-casual franchise secured six franchise agreements in 2024, bringing 110 units into development in its first full year of franchising. “As we continue to expand into new communities, it’s fulfilling to know more guests will taste the authentic flavors of Jalisco and the love my family has put into the …

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construction and designNewsretailers

The Vitamin Shoppe Unveils New Store Concept Featuring Shop-in-Shops

by Katie Lee

Secaucus, N.J. — The Vitamin Shoppe®, a leading omnichannel specialty retailer of nutritional products, is strengthening its brand partnerships while redefining the in-store shopping experience in select markets with the launch of its new ‘Hometown Stores’ concept. These retail collaborations pair a local The Vitamin Shoppe store with a top partner brand that has its company headquarters and deep roots in the same metro area — creating a one-of-a-kind destination for brand enthusiasts and the local wellness community. Each Hometown Store features an enlarged, custom-branded retail space within an existing …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Nathan’s Famous Opens Location Featuring New Freestanding Restaurant Design

by Katie Lee

Jericho, N.Y. — Nathan’s Famous, Inc., an American tradition serving New York favorites for more than 100 years, has opened a new franchised restaurant in Rock Hill, S.C.; the location features Nathan’s new freestanding restaurant design and its full menu. The new freestanding restaurant design features modern New York City loft-style elements next to classic features of historic architecture while boasting a state-of-the-art drive-thru experience with a double drive-thru and enhanced POS system. “We’ve opened and remodeled many new franchised and licensed locations in travel plazas, airports and other inline …

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green newsNewsretailersvendorswaste management/recycling

Petco Partners with TerraCycle to Launch First-Ever National Trade-In and Recycling Event

by Katie Lee

San Diego — In mid-March, Petco launched its first-ever national trade-in and recycling event in partnership with TerraCycle, an international leader in sustainability solutions, including giving hard-to-recycle materials a new life. In honor of Global Recycling Day on March 18 and just in time for annual spring cleaning, Petco is helping pet parents recycle their dogs’ old collars, leashes and harnesses for an upgrade and a safer, more comfortable fit. For a limited time, pet parents can bring old dog collars, leashes or harnesses into Petco locations nationwide for responsible …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Firebirds Promotes 2 Key Team Members to COO and Executive Chef

by Katie Lee

Charlotte, N.C. — Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a polished-casual American restaurant and steakhouse, has promoted Steve Sturm to chief operating officer (COO) and Andy Seiple to corporate executive chef. Both leaders have and will continue to play key roles in driving the company’s growth by enhancing operational efficiency and elevating menu offerings to deliver an exceptional guest experience. Sturm has been with Firebirds since its inception in 2000 and was the first executive chef at Firebirds’ first restaurant in Charlotte, where he played an instrumental role in the development and …

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managementNewspeopleproperty management

CBL Properties Promotes Several Officers

by Katie Lee

Chattanooga, Tenn. — CBL Properties has made several promotions including one promotion to senior vice president and five new vice presidents. “We are proud to recognize the significant contributions of these individuals with these well-deserved promotions,” says Stephen D. Lebovitz, chief executive officer of CBL Properties. “Their dedication, leadership and ongoing commitment to CBL have been instrumental to our success, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make in their new roles.” • Karen Walker was promoted to senior vice president – technology solutions. She …

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Newsrestaurantssnow and ice managementvendors

Yum! Brands to Accelerate AI Innovation with NVIDIA

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill, is partnering with NVIDIA to accelerate the development of innovative AI technologies for Yum! restaurants around the globe. Yum! Brands, the world’s largest restaurant company with over 61,000 locations, is NVIDIA’s first AI restaurant partner. This collaboration brings the two powerhouses together to integrate AI into the restaurant and retail industry at an unprecedented scale. Yum! Brands has begun piloting multiple AI solutions in select Taco Bell and Pizza Hut locations …

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Industry Voicesrestaurants

Need a Skilled Workforce?

by Katie Lee

— By George Lessmeister — Navigating staffing trends for 2025. As 2024 wound down and the new year came into view, we asked our managers across the country for their insights about what’s happening in staffing. They were asked similar questions that resulted in some consistent trends. The team also offered input about how retail and restaurant business owners can navigate the sometimes-tricky waters of staffing while continuing to provide high level customer service. While regional variations exist, these are the trends our managers identified most consistently. Budget Consciousness From …

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