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Katie Lee

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AllPoints Hires Senior Vice President of Sales

by Katie Lee

Mt. Prospect, Ill. — AllPoints, a global foodservice parts and supplies provider, recently hired Jim Nelson as senior vice president of sales. In his new role, Nelson will be responsible for leading the AllPoints sales team in driving new market penetration and for spearheading customer relationships. Nelson has over 20 years of experience driving company revenue and improving sales and operational performance. In his most recent role, Nelson was responsible for all brand sales in both retail and commercial channels and led his team to significantly increase both sales and …

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facilities managementIndustry Voiceskitchen equipmentrestaurants

“Tech”-tonic Shift

by Katie Lee

— By Daniel Estrada — The new frontier for restaurants in the back of the house.   If it feels like the restaurant industry has been in the headlines for the last year — it’s because it has. Restaurants are all over the news cycle, with stories ranging from closings to openings, pivots to changing businesses, and a pandemic-inspired boom for tech platforms and digital innovation across all aspects of the industry. From apps that streamline takeout orders and table assignments to staff scheduling and invoice collection, the front-of-house is …

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David Graves Promoted to Pizza Hut U.S. President, Effective January 1, 2022

by Katie Lee

Plano, Texas — Pizza Hut has promoted David Graves to president of Pizza Hut U.S., reporting to Pizza Hut division CEO Aaron Powell, effective January 1, 2022. Graves currently serves as general manager of Pizza Hut U.S. and will succeed the interim president of Pizza Hut U.S., Kevin Hochman. “David has a well-deserved reputation for delivering results, repeatedly demonstrating his expertise in identifying solutions to business challenges that not only enhance the experience for customers, but also benefit restaurant economics, and I couldn’t be more pleased by his promotion,” says …

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franchise developmentNewsretailers

Batteries Plus Signs Agreements for 20 New Stores in Third Quarter

by Katie Lee

Hartland, Wis. — The nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, key fob and repair franchise, Batteries Plus, has seen significant third quarter growth with the signing of 20 new store agreements, bringing the brand’s total signings for the year to 66. Included in the 20 new store agreements was a 10-unit signing which will expand the brand in Nevada and Utah, a three-unit signing in Philadelphia and multiple two-packs set to expand Batteries Plus into Sacramento, Calif., and Wichita, Kan. Additional single-unit signings will grow the brand in Georgia, Texas, …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Harrison Partners with Fogo de Chão to Design Fort Lauderdale Restaurant

by Katie Lee

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Dallas-based global design consulting firm Harrison has been enlisted by Fogo de Chão to apply its branding, interior design and architectural expertise to several of the brand’s new restaurants across the country, including its upcoming Fort Lauderdale, Fla., location. Harrison will oversee the interior design and architecture for the restaurant, slated to open in 2022. Fogo first announced plans to open its fifth Florida location on the corner of Southeast Third Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale earlier this year. “We are delighted to …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Hudson Transforms Brookstone Experience in North American Airports

by Katie Lee

East Rutherford, N.J. — Hudson, a Dufry company and travel experience leader with more than 1,000 stores in airports, commuter hubs, landmarks and tourist destinations across North America, has shared the vision for its next-generation Brookstone airport stores, reflecting Hudson’s commitment to reinvigorating the powerhouse brand after becoming its exclusive airport retailer in 2019. Now with a sleek, ultra-modern store design and expanded product assortment, Brookstone celebrates a differentiated shopping experience for the traveler — driven by robust industry insights, built on brand accessibility, and positioned as an innovative, one-stop-shop. …

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Biscuit Belly Signs Area Development Deal in Georgia and 5-Unit JV Deal in Nashville

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — Biscuit Belly, a chef-driven fast-casual breakfast and brunch concept, has signed development agreements for 10 franchised units, five of which will be located in the Atlanta metropolitan area, with an additional five units to be built in the Nashville DMA. These two agreements are in addition to the 10 units signed earlier this spring, resulting in commitments for a total of 20 units in the first 9 months of 2021. The brand also plans to expand with additional company-owned restaurants in the Louisville and Southern Indiana markets. …

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Kmart to Close its Last Store in State of Michigan

by Katie Lee

Marshall, Mich. — Discount retailer Kmart is closing its final store in the state of Michigan, according to local media reports. The last remaining store is in Marshall, which is located about 45 miles south of Lansing. The store is expected to close in November. Kmart opened its first location in Garden City, Mich., in 1962. In its prime in the 1990s, Kmart operated more than 2,300 locations in the United States. The current parent company of Kmart, Transformco, also owns Sears, which recently unveiled plans to shutter its final …

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construction and designNewspeople

Westwood Contractors Names New Director of Operations

by Katie Lee

Fort Worth, Texas — Westwood Contractors has added Michael Roop as director of operations, effective October 4. From its headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, Roop will be directly responsible for supervising the company’s project management team and the general field superintendent. His key accountabilities include developing and monitoring operations, project management, field, administrative processes and procedures, and ensuring compliance. Roop has 27 years of experience in the construction industry, including positions with Trademark Property Company and Bridgestone Retail Operations. Throughout his professional career he has successfully led a variety of …

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Wetzel’s Pretzels Offers Franchise Opportunities with Phillips 66®

by Katie Lee

Pasadena, Calif. — Wetzel’s Pretzels is offering a unique franchise opportunity with the Phillips 66 family of brands. Operators will now have the opportunity to open a hot, fresh Wetzel’s experience at Phillips 66®, Conoco® and 76® branded convenience stores. “We’ve been incredibly impressed with the early success of Wetzel’s Pretzels locations at the 76® convenience stores and the benefit this initiative will provide for both brands’ growth,” says Frank Gonzales, director of non-traditional development at Wetzel’s Pretzels. “Our team is excited to provide the convenience and ease of operations …

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