Author

Katie Lee

franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Pollo Campero Names CEO of its U.S. Business

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Pollo Campero, the Guatemalan-born quick-service restaurant known for its fried and roasted chicken, has named Julio Sánchez CEO of its U.S. business, effective immediately. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer of CKE International (Carl’s Jr.), and previously held leadership roles at Pizza Hut, Burger King and Church’s Chicken. With more than 25 years of experience, Sánchez has led operations, franchising, development and transformation across North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. As CEO, Sánchez will lead the next phase of profitable growth for Campero USA, …

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Newspeopleretailerssoftware/technology

Tractor Supply Names EVP, Chief Technology and Digital Officer

by Katie Lee

Brentwood, Tenn. — Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has hired Fahim Siddiqui to join the company as executive vice president, chief technology and digital officer, effective Oct. 26, 2026. Siddiqui will report to Hal Lawton, president and chief executive officer of Tractor Supply, and serve on the company’s executive committee. He joins Tractor Supply from The Home Depot. Siddiqui brings more than three decades of business and technology leadership experience, including deep expertise in retail and digital transformation. Throughout his career, he has …

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exterior services/landscapingNewsproperty managementvendors

Katsam Property Services Rebrands as Gateway Service Group

by Katie Lee

St. Louis, Mo. — Katsam Property Services, a St. Louis-based exterior property services company founded in 1986, is rebranding as Gateway Service Group, bringing six regional operations together under one commercial property services brand. Over the past 2 years, the company has expanded from a single-market sweeping and facility services business into a six-branch organization serving clients across 13 states. Gateway Service Group now operates from primary markets in Atlanta; Dayton, Ohio; Kansas City, Mo.; Philadelphia/New Jersey; St. Louis; and Washington, D.C. “For nearly 40 years, we have built our …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Ford’s Garage Opens its First Tennessee Location

by Katie Lee

Chattanooga, Tenn. — Ford’s Garage, a one-of-a-kind dining concept inspired by the heritage of the Ford Motor Company, is officially open in Chattanooga, marking the brand’s first restaurant in Tennessee and its 36th in the U.S. Located near Hamilton Place Mall, the new 8,000-square-foot restaurant offers seating for approximately 250 guests. The restaurant joins one of Chattanooga’s busiest retail and dining corridors, near popular attractions including Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls and Rock City. Known for its immersive automotive-themed atmosphere, Ford’s Garage combines vintage 1920s service station décor and Ford memorabilia …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Toys “R” Us to Open 120 New Standalone Stores Across the Country

by Katie Lee

Braintree, Mass. — Toys “R” Us is opening 120 standalone stores across the country this holiday season, bringing its total U.S. footprint to 160 locations less than a decade after the chain shuttered its doors. The stores will cater heavily to adult collectors and teens, focusing on LEGO sets, trading cards and collectibles, alongside traditional children’s toys. One of the new stores will be located at South Shore Plaza, a 1.6 million-square-foot mall in Braintree, Mass., approximately 10 miles south of Boston. Simon Property Group owns the property, which features more …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Tropical Smoothie Cafe® Signs 40-Unit Deal for New York and Connecticut

by Katie Lee

New York City — Tropical Smoothie Cafe has signed a 40-unit franchise development deal across New York and Connecticut with franchisee Aurify Kingstar. The first location is planned to open in early 2027. With more than 1,750 cafes and a robust development pipeline, the brand is on track to open its 1,800th location by the end of 2026.  As part of its continued investment in franchise development, Tropical Smoothie Cafe recently appointed Joe Sieve to the position of chief development & growth officer. The 40-unit deal will expand Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s …

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construction and designNewsremodelsretailers

Jos. A. Bank Debuts New Store Design in Peachtree City, GA

by Katie Lee

Dublin, Calif. — On Oct. 14, Jos. A. Bank opened a new store in Peachtree City, Ga. — unveiling a completely reimagined store experience, from the design and merchandising to how customers browse, shop and engage with expert service. The store reflects the next chapter of Jos. A. Bank, inspired by the company’s origins as a tailor shop in 1905. Located in Kedron Village Shopping Center, the new 4,960-square-foot store introduces a more modern, intuitive environment designed to put product and personal service at the center. It offers more intentional …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsremodelsrestaurants

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Opens 600th Restaurant

by Katie Lee

Wichita, Kan. — Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has reached a major milestone by opening its 600th restaurant on Oct. 12. The new restaurant, which is owned and operated by long-time Freddy’s franchisee Charleston Custard, is located in Beaufort, S.C. The 600th restaurant is an endcap, no-drive-thru prototype as part of Freddy’s recent initiative to introduce more flexible development formats that can accommodate a wider range of real estate opportunities and support continued brand growth. Additionally, the new location features seating for 65 guests and an outdoor patio. “Opening our …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Nordstrom Rack to Return to San Francisco with New Store

by Katie Lee

Seattle — Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. plans to re-enter the San Francisco market with a new Nordstrom Rack store at 2 Stockton St. The new downtown store is scheduled to open in fall 2027. “Nordstrom has a long history in San Francisco, and we’re excited to bring Nordstrom Rack back downtown. The city has many wonderful assets, and it has clearly built momentum in making downtown a great place for customers. We look forward to welcoming new and returning Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack customers to our store,” says Erik …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Krispy Kreme to Open 30+ New Units Across New York Metro Area

by Katie Lee

Charlotte, N.C. — Krispy Kreme, Inc. has signed a franchise development agreement with Original Entrepreneurs LLC to open 33 Krispy Kreme shops across the New York metro area over the next 5 years. The shops will be developed in New York City and the surrounding region, including Long Island and New Jersey. The Original Entrepreneurs group, a long-time Krispy Kreme franchisee and experienced quick-service restaurant operator, currently operates 12 Krispy Kreme shops. “We’re pleased to continue growing with Original Entrepreneurs,” says Josh Charlesworth, CEO of Krispy Kreme. “This development agreement …

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