Author

Katie Lee

construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii Adds New Store Models, Aims to Double Store Count by 2023

by Katie Lee

Denver — Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, a leading coffee franchise renowned for its premium sourcing, roasting and quality 100% Hawaiian coffees and international blends, unveils new prototypes that emphasize franchisee and customer flexibility, including double drive-thru lanes and streamlined order pickups. Debuting this year is the brand’s freestanding full café with drive-thru model, spanning approximately 1,650 to 1,800 square feet, that is slated to open in Hendersonville, Tenn., in late third quarter 2022. As an evolution of this model, that is gaining vast interest among prospective franchisees, the brand …

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green newsNewsretailers

Meijer Unveils New Renewable Solar Project as Part of Carbon Reduction Goal

by Katie Lee

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Midwestern retailer Meijer has launched a utility-scale solar project that will make significant strides toward its recently announced carbon reduction goal. Meijer signed a renewable energy power purchase agreement (VPPA) with developer Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions*, which states Meijer will purchase a portion of all energy generated by the project for the first 15 years of operation. The project broke ground in Navarro County, Texas, on 1,800 acres of land and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. “At Meijer, we are …

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Industry Voicesrestaurantssoftware/technology

Smart Decisions

by Katie Lee

— By Ahmed Abouelenein —   The benefits and drawbacks of introducing new technology into restaurant operations.   Restaurant industry professionals showcased an exceptional amount of resilience and resourcefulness in such a challenging time. One tool that has helped so many restaurant operators sustain, and even thrive, over the past 2 years is the adoption of smart technology. When used correctly and implemented appropriately, the benefits of technology can be business-changing. Technology offers the ability to increase productivity, address labor shortages, streamline operations and so much more. Being smart about …

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construction and designCover Storyfranchise developmentFrom The Magazinerestaurants

Quality Over Quantity

by Katie Lee

The Hummus & Pita Co., which marks its 10th anniversary this year, keeps its location count low and its bar for quality high.   — By Katie Lee —   With two years of pandemic-related upheaval in the rearview mirror, The Hummus & Pita Co. views 2022, the year of its 10th anniversary, as a chance to reset and refocus: a fresh slate to reenergize its Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food roots and not to stray from its core philosophy: “real food that’s real good.” And that goes for each …

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Newsrestaurants

Philly’s Best Celebrates 30th Anniversary

by Katie Lee

Irvine, Calif. — Philly’s Best, home of California’s most authentic Philly Cheesesteaks, is celebrating its 30-year anniversary. “What started out as a relentless craving for a taste of home turned into an incredibly rewarding journey, and I’m humbled as we celebrate 30 years of serving the most iconic Philly staple in all of its authentic glory to communities throughout California,” says Bob Levey, founder of Philly’s Best. “As we recognize in 2022 how far we have come, our monthlong anniversary celebration will center around our amazingly loyal guests who have …

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construction and designgreen newsNewsretailers

DHL Opens Fifth Mobile Pop-Up Store Near Washington, D.C.

by Katie Lee

Plantation, Fla. — DHL Express, the world’s leading provider of international express shipping services, recently expanded its vast network of U.S. retail locations with a new mobile pop-up store in Gaithersburg, Md. The 2,200-cubic-feet, 100% off-the-grid, mobile DHL ServicePoint offers a safe, easy-to-use shipping option for customers. Local consumer shipping needs have accelerated significantly, with many first-generation Americans shipping to their native countries in Africa. The new unit, located at 260 N. Frederick Ave. in Gaitherstowne Plaza, is the fifth location in the greater Washington, D.C., area, which also has …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Church’s Chicken and Texas Chicken Welcome VP of Company Restaurant Operations

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Church’s Chicken™ and Texas Chicken™, which combined make up one of the largest quick-service restaurant chains in the world, has hired Bill Mitchell as its new vice president of company restaurant operations, bringing immense industry and leadership experience in the QSR industry. Prior to joining Church’s Chicken™, Mitchell served as director of operations for Carrol’s Corporation, Burger King’s largest U.S. franchisee. He previously worked as general manager at Burger King, as well as district manager at several foodservice companies. Mitchell brings extensive expertise in maximizing sales performance, increasing …

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Newsvendors

Pentair Enters Definitive Agreement to Acquire Manitowoc Ice

by Katie Lee

London — Pentair plc, a leading provider of water treatment and sustainable solutions, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Manitowoc Ice, a leading provider of commercial ice makers, for $1.6 billion. When adjusted for approximately $220 million of expected tax benefits, the net transaction value is approximately $1.38 billion. Pentair expects to fund the acquisition with new debt that is anticipated to be investment grade. Subject to customary closing conditions and necessary regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in second quarter 2022 Manitowoc Ice, a portfolio …

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Newsretailers

Pet Supplies Plus Acquires Wag N’ Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming

by Katie Lee

Livonia, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest independent pet retailer in North America with over 600 stores in 39 states, has acquired Wag N’ Wash, an emerging natural pet food, self-wash and grooming franchise with over 15 locations. Each brand will continue to operate as separate entities, providing pet product knowledge, personalized service and a distinct playful, local shopping experience in their respective communities. All Wag N’ Wash corporate team members will remain at Wag Central and continue to be instrumental in growing the business. Pet Supplies Plus offers …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Jet’s Pizza Plans to Expand with 30 New Locations in 2022

by Katie Lee

Sterling Heights, Mich. — Jet’s Pizza®, known for its famous Detroit-style pizza, is growing its brand more than ever coming into 2022. This year, Jet’s plans to open 30 new locations. It will expand westward and introduce Jet’s in new states and markets, including Utah, Kansas, New Mexico, Washington and Las Vegas. Expansion also continues in existing markets, including Denver; Phoenix; Austin, Texas; New York City; Chicago; and Naples and Pensacola, Fla. “It’s truly incredible to see the love for our brand grow. People appreciate quality and that’s what sets …

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