Author

Katie Lee

Industry Voicesjan/san

Spray, Fog or Clean

by Katie Lee

— By Robert Kravitz — Exploring three cleaning technologies that have taken center stage since the pandemic began.   An entire floor of a high-rise office building in Chicago is rented out to a global, “virtual” office company. Most of the tenants rent office space weekly or monthly, and according to the management company, virtually all the spaces on the floor have been rented out. However, anyone walking on that floor would hardly know that. Virtually every door is closed and locked. Walking in the hallways, it almost feels like …

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Newspeopleretailers

Staples CEO to Step Down

by Katie Lee

Framingham, Mass. — Staples, Inc., the owner and operator of the Staples North American Delivery business, has mutually agreed with J. Alexander (Sandy) M. Douglas, Jr. that Douglas will step down as chief executive officer. John A. Lederer, executive chairman of the board, will be appointed interim CEO. These changes will be effective on June 18, 2021. The company’s board of directors has commenced a search process to identify a permanent CEO. “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Sandy for his commitment and dedication to the …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Starbucks Promotes 3 Executives

by Katie Lee

Seattle — Starbucks Corporation has made several leadership promotions to advance the company’s strategic business goals and position Starbucks on a clear growth path for the future. The company promoted John Culver as group president, North America and chief operating officer; Michael Conway to group president, international and channel development; and Michelle Burns to executive vice president, Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa. These changes are effective as of June 28, 2021. “As we plan for the 2022 fiscal year and beyond, Starbucks is fortunate to have a deep, talented and …

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Newspeopleretailers

Albertsons Companies Names New EVP, Chief Merchandising Officer

by Katie Lee

Boise, Idaho — Albertsons Companies has appointed Jennifer Saenz as executive vice president, chief merchandising officer, effective July 12, 2021. She will join the company’s senior leadership team and report to Vivek Sankaran, president and chief executive officer. Saenz joins the company from Global Foods. “We’re excited to welcome Jennifer to the Albertsons team,” says Sankaran. “A commitment to serving our customers with a broad and differentiated assortment of products is a key aspect of our transformation strategy. Jennifer’s extensive global industry experience and proven track record of driving growth …

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Newsrestaurants

New QSR Chain, PowerSoul Cafe, to Launch in Nevada

by Katie Lee

Las Vegas — Dina Mitchell, one of the driving forces behind Tropical Smoothie Cafe, which grew to over 900 stores nationwide, will debut a new quick-service restaurant project: PowerSoul Cafe. The chain is set to be the world’s first 100% gluten-free fast-food restaurant chain, offering both vegan and keto options, no GMOs and real fruit blended smoothies. Nevada has been selected as the launching pad for the new venture that projects 159 stores and thousands of jobs nationwide over the next decade. The first location is scheduled to open in …

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managementNewsproperty management

Washington Prime Group Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Amid Pandemic-Related Struggles

by Katie Lee

Columbus, Ohio — Washington Prime Group, an Ohio-based owner-operator of regional malls and shopping centers, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. WPG cited insurmountable operating challenges tied to the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary catalyst behind the move. Against that backdrop, both CNBC and Reuters reported that many of the company’s tenants were unable to pay rent at various points in time over the last 16 months as public health mandates and lockdowns decimated foot traffic throughout the brick-and-mortar …

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Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop Marks 45th Anniversary

by Katie Lee

Las Vegas —  Capriotti’s, known for its award-winning cheese steaks and hand-crafted subs, is celebrating 45 years this month. Recently, the brand introduced virtual restaurants, opened its first ghost kitchens and partnered with Reef Kitchens to open shops in Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and New York City. “It is hard to believe that our brand is turning 45 this year. We truly don’t feel a day over 30,” says Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriotti’s. “All kidding aside, Capriotti’s is an iconic brand and our are roots deep in the …

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New Retail Concept, Shopper’s Find, Launches in Former Lord & Taylor Locations

by Katie Lee

Northbrook, Ill. — Hilco Global’s Hilco Retail Solutions platform, in a joint venture with Gordon Brothers, has been working with HBC to launch Shopper’s Find, a new retailer that is opening in former Lord & Taylor locations. Shopper’s Find is the department store for every shopper, offering savings of up to 60% off. The Shopper’s Find team works directly with manufacturers and wholesalers to find the best possible price and bring in new merchandise virtually every week, so shoppers will find fresh selections each visit. Shopper’s Find has something for …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Slim Chickens to Bring 9 New Locations to Alabama

by Katie Lee

Huntsville, Ala. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the “better chicken” segment, has inked a deal to bring nine locations to cities throughout Alabama. Legends Development, LLC will be bringing the restaurants to Huntsville, Marshall, Etowah, Auburn, Montgomery, Mobile and Talladega. Slim Chickens first opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Ark. Today, there are more than 125 Slim Chickens locations open and 500 restaurants in development. The brand recently launched a strategic multi-unit franchise growth initiative to reach 600 units in 10 years. For more information, visit www.slimchickensfranchise.com.   …

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Owner of Gourmet Market Savi Provisions Launches New Concept

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Paul Nair, founder of Savi Provisions, has launched a new concept. UPop (short for Urban Provisions Offering Petroleum) will be a high-end food and beverage concept located in a new-to-Georgia gas station Arco. Located in the former Golden Buddha space on Roswell Road in North Buckhead, UPop will offer chef-driven prepared foods, beer, wine and liquor. It will also include a bistro offering small plates. According to Nair, this will be a higher end experience. “We are intentionally not using traditional convenience store items or big name brands. The goal is to …

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