Author

Katie Lee

— By Gary Cohn — Is your retail or restaurant facility a candidate for adaptive reuse? With shifting consumer habits and an oversupply of traditional retail space in many markets, adaptive reuse has become a strategic solution for owners and operators in the retail and restaurant sectors. Repurposing an existing facility — whether it’s a former big box store, strip mall or standalone restaurant — can be faster, more cost-effective and more sustainable than ground-up development. But not every building is ready for a second act. A Property Condition Assessment …

January 29, 2026

construction and design facilities management franchise development kitchen equipment News remodels restaurants software/technology

Gong Cha 2.0: Bubble-Tea Leader Rolls Out New, Innovative, Efficient Store Model

by Katie Lee January 29, 2026

Boston — Gong cha, a leading worldwide bubble tea brand, has unveiled its global Gong cha 2.0 initiative: a comprehensive digital, operational and design refresh to optimize profitability, efficiency and scalability for franchisees — as well as improve the guest experience. This global rollout combines two key technologies — Super Wu beverage automation and self-order kiosks — with a modernized store design to streamline operations, reduce labor demands and improve throughput without compromising quality or hospitality. “Gong cha 2.0 is engineered for today’s operators,” says Geoff Henry, president of Gong …

January 29, 2026

News people retailers

The Buckle’s EVP of Stores and SVP of Sales to Retire

by Katie Lee January 29, 2026

Kearney, Neb. — The Buckle, Inc. has announced that Kari G. Smith and Michelle M. Hoffman will retire from their respective positions as executive vice president of stores and senior vice president of sales effective Feb. 13, 2026. Smith will also step down from service on the company’s board of directors on the same date. Smith and Hoffman have been a key part of building Buckle’s store experience while developing a culture of leadership and service to teammates and guests. Smith began working for Buckle in May 1978 as a …

January 29, 2026

construction and design franchise development News restaurants

Krystal to Debut in Northeast with First-Ever New Jersey Location

by Katie Lee January 28, 2026

Atlanta — After more than nine decades rooted in the South, Krystal is officially expanding north. The brand, known for its small, square Krystals served hot off the grill, will open its first-ever New Jersey restaurant at 2200 Route 22 East in Union. This marks Krystal’s debut in the Northeast and a major milestone in the brand’s 93-year history. The Union restaurant will open on March 2, 2026 and is led by brand partner Victor Cruz, a former New York Giants wide receiver, Super Bowl XLVI champion and sportscaster, who …

January 28, 2026

construction and design News retailers store closings

Amazon to Close Go and Fresh Physical Stores, Plans to Open 100 Whole Foods Locations

by Katie Lee January 28, 2026

Seattle — Amazon has unveiled plans to close its Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh physical stores, converting various locations into Whole Foods Market stores. The Seattle-based e-commerce giant states that it hasn’t “yet created a truly distinctive customer experience with the right economic model needed for large-scale expansion.” Customers can continue to shop Amazon Fresh online in available areas for delivery. At the same time, Amazon plans to open more than 100 new Whole Foods Market stores over the next few years, citing increased investment in “physical stores that are …

January 28, 2026

construction and design News Product Spotlight vendors

BILCO Celebrates 100th Year in Business

by Katie Lee January 28, 2026

New Haven, Conn. — From its inception as a small iron shop to manufacturing the first metal basement door to worldwide expansion as the industry leader in specialty access products, BILCO’s first 100 years have demonstrated innovation and engineering excellence. As it enters its second century in business, the long term horizon for BILCO, based in New Haven, Conn., promises more of the same along with renewed emphasis on growth, modernization and expanded market presence. Quanex, a publicly traded manufacturing company serving OEMs in construction and other industries, acquired BILCO …

January 28, 2026

construction and design franchise development News restaurants

Dog Haus Marks 15 Years and a New Era of Growth

by Katie Lee January 28, 2026

Pasadena, Calif. — Dog Haus, an acclaimed burgers, brats and brews concept, is entering 2026 with strong momentum and a robust growth outlook. As the Southern California-based craft-casual brand celebrates its first 15 years, a full development pipeline signals its most prolific year of new openings to date. “2025 was our best year yet, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and transformative years in Dog Haus’ proud history,” says CEO Michael Montagano. “As we celebrate our first 15 years, we’re pairing our strong brand …

January 28, 2026

construction and design News retailers

Boot Barn Opens 500th Store

by Katie Lee January 28, 2026

Irvine, Calif. — Boot Barn, the largest western and workwear retailer in the nation, has opened its 500th store, located in Huntington Beach, Calif. The milestone location represents a symbolic return to the area as the very first Boot Barn store opened its doors in Huntington Beach in 1978. From that single storefront, Boot Barn has expanded its nationwide presence to 500 stores in 49 states. “We’re proud and honored to be returning to our roots with the opening of our Huntington Beach store,” says John Hazen, CEO of Boot …

January 28, 2026

franchise development News people restaurants

Vicious Biscuit Names VP of Franchise Operations

by Katie Lee January 28, 2026

Mount Pleasant, S.C. — Vicious Biscuit, a fast-growing Southern brunch brand known for its bold flavors and genuine hospitality, has named Mike Ball as vice president of franchise operations. Ball, who previously served as vice president of operations, will now lead a newly defined, franchise-dedicated role focused exclusively on franchise partner success as the brand prepares for accelerated national expansion. The appointment comes as Vicious Biscuit enters its next stage of growth, with an expanding pipeline of franchise openings and a growing roster of multi-unit operators entering the system. The …

January 28, 2026

construction and design News retailers

Amazon Plans to Open First-of-its-Kind Retail Store in Metro Chicago Totaling 230,000 Square Feet

by Katie Lee January 27, 2026

Orland Park, Ill. — Amazonx has unveiled plans to open a first-of-its-kind retail store in the southern Chicago suburb of Orland Park. The planned brick-and-mortar store will occupy the long-vacant site of the former Petey’s II restaurant at the southwest corner of 159th Street and LaGrange Road. The Orland Park Village Board approved the project at its Jan. 19 meeting. Amazon’s plans call for a one-story building of approximately 230,000 square feet that will offer groceries, household essentials and general merchandise. The store would function similarly to a large-format retailer …

January 27, 2026

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