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Katie Lee

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Minority-Owned RReal Tacos Eyes New Growth Across the Southeast

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Entrepreneurs Miguel Hernandez and Damian Otero have created a marriage of the authentic flavors of Mexican street food along with the experience of a modern, high-energy taqueria at Rreal Tacos. Hernandez and Otero acquired the restaurant’s original Midtown Atlanta location in August 2021 from Adrian Villarreal, the brand’s founder and namesake. Since the purchase, they have expanded to three additional locations in West Midtown, Chamblee and Sandy Springs, growing their business with a 1,200% increase in sales, all without shouldering the burden of debt. “We’re completely debt-free. All …

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The Home Depot Names EVP of Merchandising

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — The Home Depot has named William “Billy” Bastek as executive vice president of merchandising, effective immediately. He is a 33-year veteran of The Home Depot and brings tremendous experience to the role, having served in several leadership positions across the merchandising organization. Most recently, Bastek was senior vice president of hardlines, where he was responsible for merchandising and marketing strategies for the hardware and garden departments. Prior to that role, he was merchandising vice president (MVP) of hardware and tools, where he oversaw the growth and transformation of …

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Industry Voicesrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendors

From Layout to Takeout

by 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 …

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High Expectations

by Katie Lee

— 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 …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

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

by Katie Lee

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 …

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Five Below Promotes CFO to COO

by Katie Lee

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 …

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

by Katie Lee

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 …

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

by Katie Lee

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 …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

WaBa Grill to Expand in Arizona with 10 New Units

by Katie Lee

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, …

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

by Katie Lee

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 …

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