Author

Katie Lee

Industry Voicesrestaurantssoftware/technology

From Kitchen to Customer

by Katie Lee

— By Eric Symon — Keeping restaurants connected to enhance the customer experience.     One of the biggest challenges that restaurant owners face is implementing technological advancements to stay current with customer demands. According to a recent survey conducted by Panasonic, 100% of foodservice operators found that the COVID-19 pandemic intensified their sense of urgency to adopt transformational technology. As the industry experiences challenges with labor and an increase in customer preferences for touchless options, adopting such technologies is even more important. Additionally, today’s customer has new priorities whether …

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Industry Voicesroofingvendors

Routine Roof Maintenance

by Katie Lee

— By Michelle Grojean — Did you know the Number 1 cause of premature roof failure is lack of regular roof inspections?   Let’s talk about the necessary protection of one of the largest assets of your commercial building: your rooftop. For the sake of story time, let’s say you recently had a brand new commercial roof installed. What you’re probably thinking here is, “My roof is brand new. Why would I need a roofing contractor to look at it regularly so soon?” You could also be thinking, “Hey, I …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Papa John’s Promotes Max Wetzel to Expanded Role as EVP, Chief Commercial Officer

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Papa John’s International, Inc. has promoted Max Wetzel to executive vice president, chief commercial officer. Wetzel joined Papa John’s in November 2019 as its chief commercial and marketing officer; in his new, expanded role, he will add North America restaurant operations, technology and insights to his responsibilities. “Over the past 2 years, Papa John’s has fully transformed itself from a turnaround story to an innovation-driven growth business with enormous development whitespace,” says Papa John’s president and CEO, Rob Lynch. “Over the same period, the pandemic also accelerated changes …

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construction and designNewsparking lotsvendors

Belgard Paves the Way for Final Construction Phase on Alton Town Center

by Katie Lee

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. — Belgard, which manufactures commercial pavers, has been leading the way on the final phase of construction of Alton Town Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The 350,000-square-foot mixed-use retail project, which welcomed its first stores and restaurants in 2018, complements an adjacent housing development by providing residents with a variety of stores, restaurants and other amenities within walking or biking distance from home. Located within a high-traffic area and intended to be a pedestrian-friendly plaza, the design of the roads and walkways within Alton Town …

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green newsNewsretailersvendors

Volta Partners with Floor & Decor to Provide Electric Vehicle Charging

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Volta Inc., an industry leader in commerce-centric electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, is partnering with Floor & Decor, a leading specialty retailer of hard-surface flooring, to make EV charging accessible to its customers at Floor & Decor’s warehouse stores across the United States. The charging stations are slated to be in place for customers at eight Floor & Decor locations by the end of 2021, with more stations nationwide in 2022. “Floor & Decor strives to make a positive impact in the communities where we live and …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

CKE Restaurants Strengthens Operating Structure, Announces Management Promotions

by Katie Lee

Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE), owner, operator and franchisor of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, recently announced a new operating structure that combines restaurant operations and supply chain under John Dunion, a 25-year company veteran (pictured). The new structure drives focus on brand operations, accountability, ownership and execution across the U.S. business. “John is an excellent leader with a penchant for team building and moxie for driving successful business outcomes,” says CEO Ned Lyerly. “John knows our business inside and out, has an excellent rapport with our franchisees …

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Newsretailers

Kroger, Ocado Plan 5 New Customer Fulfillment Centers Around the Country

by Katie Lee

Cincinnati — The Kroger Co., the largest grocery store chain in the country, has announced five new customer fulfillment centers (CFCs) that the company will operate along with UK-based delivery logistics partner Ocado Group. The new Kroger Delivery facilities include a distribution center in the Northeast, as well as two centers in Southern California and a pair of facilities in South Florida. The vertically integrated CFCs will utilize machine learning and robotics and serve both Kroger customers and regional stores. The locations, size and construction timelines for these fulfillment centers …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

McHugh Construction Begins Historic Restoration of Ramova Theater in Chicago

by Katie Lee

Chicago — McHugh Construction has begun the highly anticipated historic renovation of Chicago’s Ramova Theater, a 36,000-square-foot project that includes restoring the theater and building out adjacent space for a new brewery and restaurant on Halsted Street. Originally built in 1929, the Ramova Theater has been vacant since 1985. In August, McHugh began selective demolition and investigation of existing conditions in the building, which will once again be a community anchor for the Bridgeport neighborhood following completion of construction in late 2022. “We’re honored that the public-private partnership of the …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Caribou Coffee Launches Domestic Franchise Program

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Caribou Coffee®, a national premium coffeehouse and Panera Brands portfolio concept, has launched its domestic franchise program. Since its inception in 1992, Caribou Coffee has grown to more than 718 locations systemwide including 314 company-owned coffeehouses primarily across the Midwest. Caribou Coffee’s domestic franchise launch marks the first time interested candidates in the U.S. have an opportunity to own and operate coffeehouses which were previously only available internationally, through non-traditional or licensing. Industry-leading innovations in restaurant design have further positioned Caribou Coffee for nationwide expansion, including the 2019 …

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Newsretailers

Ashley Stewart Opens 2 New Extended Pop-Up Stores in South Florida

by Katie Lee

Miami — Ashley Stewart, the leading American plus-size retailer and lifestyle brand, has opened two new retail experiences in the South Florida market at two of the country’s premier outlet retail shopping centers: Dolphin Mall and Sawgrass Mills. “We’ve been in the business for 30 years, and throughout that time, we’ve continued our commitment to body diversity and inclusion,” says Gary Sheinbaum, CEO of Ashley Stewart. “We believe we have the best fit in the world for plus-size women and pride ourselves on boldness, individuality, color and pattern.” Proud to …

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