Author

Katie Lee

construction and designCover Storyfranchise developmentFrom The Magazinerestaurants

Out To Brunch

by Katie Lee

— Interview with Jeff Sturgis —   Another Broken Egg Cafe understands that people crave more in-person, meaningful experiences post-pandemic — and its new “New South” prototype meets people exactly where they want to be.     Even before the pandemic, Another Broken Egg Cafe had a sense of where the industry was headed, and what its customers would want. In 2019, it launched a new prototype designed to elevate the in-person brunch experience, with an expanded outdoor patio, as well as a more robust off-premise dining business. The decisions …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewspeopleretailers

Spotless Brands Taps 4 New Executives to Optimize Growth Strategy

by Katie Lee

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. — Spotless Brands, a leading car wash platform in the United States, has hired four new executives in an effort to further develop the brand’s growth strategies. George Alexandris has joined the senior leadership team in the role of senior vice president of development and construction; Jake Harrison will take on the role of vice president of market development; DeeDee Hanc joins Spotless as senior vice president of human resources; and Fahad Chaudhary is now the senior vice president, corporate controller – finance. With two new additions …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay Names New President

by Katie Lee

Charlotte, N.C. — Bobby’s Burgers, the ultimate burger experience by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, has named Michael McGill as president of its franchising company. Beyond overseeing all departments, McGill’s responsibilities include management of the strategic brand expansion, which is to franchise more than 500 locations worldwide. The franchising initiative McGill is leading stems from the formation of Intelligration Capital BB, LLC, which is the franchisor company for Bobby’s Burgers. McGill and the board of directors, made up of best-in-class executives from the restaurant and franchise industries, respected investors and experienced …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Meijer Selects Opening Date for New Meijer Grocery Store Concept

by Katie Lee

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Meijer has selected Jan. 26, 2023 as the opening day for its first two Meijer Grocery stores in Orion Township and Macomb Township, both in Michigan. “By opening Meijer Grocery stores, we’re introducing a new way for our customers to shop that provides convenience, value and the great quality our customers have always come to expect from Meijer,” says Rick Keyes, president & CEO of Meijer. “Our customers’ needs are always evolving, and we’re committed to meeting them where they are. That’s why we’re excited to …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Dine Brands to Acquire Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

by Katie Lee

Glendale, Calif. — Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar® and IHOP® restaurants, has agreed to acquire Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® from Experiential Brands LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NRD Holding Company, for $80 million in cash. Fuzzy’s is a fast-casual restaurant concept serving Mexican favorites with a Baja twist. Net of tax benefits, the purchase price is approximately $70 million. Founded in 2003 in Fort Worth, Texas, Fuzzy’s is a category innovator, offering a new twist on Mexican favorites at a value price …

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construction and designNewsremodelsretailers

Tractor Supply Completes 500th Project Fusion Store

by Katie Lee

Brentwood, Tenn. — Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has completed the 500th store in its Project Fusion initiative, a remodel effort that creates a more contemporary customer experience. The store is located in Thompson’s Station, Tenn. Project Fusion outfits new stores and retrofits existing Tractor Supply stores with an improved layout for convenient and accessible shopping, including a Customer Service Hub with upgraded digital tools and an expanded assortment of apparel, tools, hardware, pet food, animal feed and more. As part of the …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

REGO Restaurant Group Names New Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

Denver — REGO Restaurant Group has hired quick-service industry veteran Vanessa Fox as chief development officer, a new role in which Fox will utilize her extensive industry expertise to support the continued transformation of the Quiznos and Taco Del Mar brands. On the heels of several recent Quiznos development deals to expand across the U.S., Fox brings to the company more than 20 years of experience as an ROI-driven leader with vast knowledge in strategic planning, market growth, portfolio management and business development. In this new role, Fox will aim …

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franchise developmentNewsretailers

Plato’s Closet® Hits Milestone with 500th Store

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Winmark Corporation, North America’s leading franchisor of sustainable resale brands, has opened the 500th store of its industry-leading teen and young adult resale concept, Plato’s Closet®. The landmark new store opened on December 1, 2022, in Windsor, Ontario. “500 Plato’s Closet locations is a huge accomplishment and a testament to our collective efforts with our franchise partners, their employees, and the team at Winmark to achieve this milestone. To see the impact that this brand has had on our franchise partners and their communities is inspiring,” says Renae …

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Rubio’s Coastal Grill Partners with SMG

by Katie Lee

Kansas City, Mo. — Service Management Group (SMG), a global customer, employee and brand experience management partner to more than 500 brands, has formed a new partnership with Rubio’s Coastal Grill. The fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in Baja-inspired Mexican food selected SMG to improve real-time, prescriptive feedback across its guest journey. Based in Carlsbad, Calif., Rubio’s has more than 150 locations across California, Arizona and Nevada. Co-founder Ralph Rubio opened the first location as a walk-up taco stand in 1983 in San Diego’s Mission Bay, and the brand’s reputation and …

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Industry Voices

Gig Economy

by Katie Lee

— By George Lessmeister —   6 reasons to ‘go gig’ — and give hourly workers the flexibility they want.     Sitting at a restaurant we’ve all become more patient. We know staffing is tight. And we know the people who are working…are working hard. Still, there’s no doubt you’ve asked the question — where has everyone gone? Back in 2019, headlines were all about low unemployment, the gig workforce was growing, and things were great. Then came COVID. Our world got smaller. First, we all had to stay …

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