Author

Katie Lee

Industry Voicesrestaurants

Legal Considerations for Restaurants Following the Biden Vaccine Mandate

by Katie Lee

Like broader society, the restaurant industry must contend with the 3-way collision of economic reality, medical ethics and societal health concerns. More specifically, on September 9, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for federal employees. As part of the order, the U.S. Department of Labor was instructed to require all employers with more than 100 employees to mandate vaccinations or require its employees to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. The restaurant industry has been forced to contend with innumerable, and often times confusing, municipal and state government …

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Cover Storyfranchise developmentFrom The Magazineretailers

Dog Days

by Katie Lee

— Interview with Neil Gill —   As the leader in dog daycare, Dogtopia is on track to open 50 new locations this year through robust retail franchising and a business model that focuses on overall wellness — for the dogs and their humans.     As the saying goes, “Pets are people too.” And lucky are the dogs who get to experience day care at Phoenix-based Dogtopia, which currently operates 166 locations across 35 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, when …

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James Avery Artisan Jewelry Opens Store Inside H-E-B in Texas

by Katie Lee

Kerrville, Texas — James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a Texas-based and family-owned jewelry retailer, opened its second of three stores in H-E-B. The new store is a 352-square-foot space at the H-E-B in Portland, Texas. The H-E-B location will offer customers many of their favorite classic designs as well as new releases and services, including charm soldering and jewelry cleaning. “Like many Texans, we love H-E-B and are excited to partner with this iconic brand to make shopping even more convenient for our customers,” says Lindsey Avery Tognietti, James Avery’s director …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Wing Zone Sign Agreements for 39 New Stores

by Katie Lee

Las Vegas — Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Wing Zone have signed 16 area development agreements in the third quarter, which will bring an additional 39 new stores to communities across the U.S. The 39 units sold — 25 Capriotti’s shops and 14 Wing Zone locations — follow the signing of 89 units in the first two quarters of the year, bringing the total new shop count to 128 for the year. Third quarter signings for Capriotti’s include: Austin/Houston, Texas N. Dallas, Texas Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas Fresno, Calif. Louisville, Ky. Maryland …

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Meijer Recognized by EPA for the Lowest Corporate-Wide Refrigerant Emissions Rate Nationwide

by Katie Lee

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Meijer has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency’s GreenChill Program for having the lowest corporate-wide refrigerant emissions rate out of all GreenChill Partners over the past year. The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based grocer has focused on reducing its refrigerant leak rate for at least 12 years and is now 18.2% below the industry average. “Refrigeration plays a vital role in ensuring foods are stored at the proper temperature before they’re purchased by our customers, but many people don’t realize it makes an impact on the environment,” …

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Brooklyn Dumpling Shop Signs First Franchise Deal in Florida

by Katie Lee

New York City — Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, the nation’s fastest growing dumpling automat concept, has a signed multi-unit franchise deal to make the brand’s first appearance in Florida. Florida-based franchisee Marc Silverstone closed on a deal with Brooklyn Dumpling Shop to bring at least five units to Orlando, Miami and surrounding areas. “From the moment I entered the East Village location, I knew this was the right fit for me and for Florida. I’m so excited to be part of the Brooklyn Dumpling Shop family and make this amazing concept …

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Newsrestaurantssecurity/loss preventionvendors

WKS Restaurant Group Selects Interface to Deploy Video Verified Alarms Across 380+ Restaurants 

by Katie Lee

Earth City, Mo. — Interface Security Systems, a leading managed service provider delivering business security, managed network, UCaaS and business intelligence solutions to distributed enterprises, has partnered with WKS Restaurant Group, one of the fastest-growing multi-brand restaurant franchisees in the U.S. WKS is relying on Interface’s managed video verified intrusion alarm monitoring to eliminate false alarm costs and standardize security operations across over 380 restaurants. WKS  is a licensed franchisee of El Pollo Loco, Wendy’s, Denny’s, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Blaze Pizza and Corner Bakery Cafe. Before Interface, WKS was incurring about …

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JCPenney Selects First 10 Store Locations for New Inclusive Beauty Experience

by Katie Lee

Lewisville, Texas — JCPenney has unveiled additional details on the retail strategy and product offerings for JCPenney Beauty. The retailer’s new, inclusive in-store and online experience will open at 10 JCPenney store locations across the country beginning in mid-October, and on jcp.com starting Oct. 15. Featuring 170+ beauty brands, the assortment will span makeup, skincare, haircare, styling tools, fragrance, nailcare, and bath and body products at varying price points. “Rooted in inclusivity, JCPenney Beauty grew out of direct feedback from our customers,” says Michelle Wlazlo, executive vice president and chief …

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Papa John’s Signs its Largest Domestic Development Deal

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky., and Dallas — Papa John’s International, Inc. has signed its largest domestic franchisee development agreement in the company’s history with top U.S. franchisee operator Sun Holdings, Inc. Under the terms of the deal, Sun Holdings will oversee the opening of 100 new stores in high-growth markets across Texas by 2029. Founded by Guillermo Perales, Dallas-based Sun Holdings supports more than 1,000 locations across 12 states. “Papa John’s development flywheel has started to take off,” says Amanda Clark, Papa John’s chief development officer. “With industry-leading paybacks and our key …

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Casey’s to Acquire 40 Convenience Stores from Pilot for $220 Million

by Katie Lee

Ankeny, Iowa — Casey’s General Stores, Inc., a leading convenience store chain in the United States, has agreed to acquire 40 Pilot convenience stores from Pilot Corporation in an all-cash transaction for $220 million. The 40 Pilot stores will extend Casey’s presence in Tennessee and Kentucky with well-established locations primarily in the Knoxville, Tenn., market. “These stores have a track record of strong performance, and are high quality assets that will be a great fit for Casey’s fresh food program, especially our handmade pizza,” says Darren Rebelez, president and chief …

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