Wichita, Kan. — Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has recently signed four multi-unit agreements that will result in a total of 29 new restaurants. The expansion follows a strong 2020 in which the concept celebrated its 400th restaurant opening. The 29 restaurants will be developed by four different franchise groups across Southern California, Central Florida, Texas and Ohio. FFC will be developing seven restaurants in Central Florida. DJ Steakburgers will be developing three additional restaurants in northern Ohio. HCI Hospitality has signed to develop seven locations in Texas. Salim Development Group will …
Katie Lee
Chicago, New York and London — Elliott Investment Management L.P., the owner of Barnes & Noble, plans to acquire the assets and business operations of Paper Source Inc., which will allow the stationery and gift retailer to emerge from Chapter 11 with the support of a well-capitalized owner. Paper Source has approximately 130 stores across the U.S. Elliott is also the owner of Barnes & Noble, the leading bookseller in the U.S. with bookstores in every state. The businesses are highly complementary, with shared product ranges and a common commitment …
Itasca, Ill. — Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a dine-in cinema with movies, beer, food and events, has partnered with Fellowes and its air purifiers with patented technology. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alamo asked Fellowes to assess its facilities in an effort to keep guests and staff in a clean and healthy environment they can trust and feel safe in. “Before we put AeraMax Pros in there, I was getting calls left and right about odor issues — but since then I haven’t had any of those same complaints,” says …
Austin, Texas — Freebirds World Burrito is unveiling new interior and exterior design elements at all locations. The design refresh has begun across all major markets with the remaining locations rolling out this summer. Inside Freebirds, updated murals and colors are inspired by the brand’s deep-rooted Texas pride and heritage. Guests are greeted by a large “It’s Your World” sign against a blue sky with fluffy white clouds, representing the infinite possibilities and free spirit that is Texas. The phrase was originally created by a Freebirds Tribe member to greet …
Union, N.J. — Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has named Stacey Shively as senior vice president and general merchandise manager for Home, effective May 17, 2021. Shively will report to Joe Hartsig, Bed Bath & Beyond’s executive vice president, chief merchandising officer and president of Harmon Stores Inc. Shively will be responsible for further accelerating merchandising plans for key categories including bed, bath, seasonal, décor, kitchen, dining, organization, electrics and general merchandise as part of the company’s 3-year transformation strategy. Shively joins Bed Bath & Beyond with more than 25 …
— By Pranav Tyagi — Enhancing your store location strategy with technology. Retailers and restaurants live and die by the addresses they call home. Yet, over the last few years, rapid digital transformations have all but forced some retailers and restaurants to re-think their physical store strategies and embrace new consumer behaviors. This shift, however, also bent the other way. Brands with strong e-commerce and direct-to-consumer approaches, like Amazon and Warby Parker, also saw the value that comes with opening physical locations. Then COVID-19 happened, putting an even higher …
— By Carol E. Carey — Does your parking lot and exterior say your company is clean and inviting — or stark, dark and unsafe? Deciding not to keep your parking lot and building exteriors clean and fresh can be as devastating for your location and your reputation as having a dirty, unkept interior. Unfortunately, many times, parking lot, sidewalk and exterior building cleaning repair and maintenance are the bottom tier of the facility maintenance departments’ priority list. The unkempt lot, building and sidewalks/apron of the store is …
San Diego — QDOBA Mexican Eats, the largest franchise opportunity in the fast-casual Mexican segment, has hired franchising veteran Shawn Caric as vice president of franchise development. In his new role, Caric will be directing the 740-unit brand’s strategic franchise expansion across key markets in the United States and Canada. Caric most recently served as the director of development for the Midwest region at Dunkin Brands, leading real estate signings and site approval for 11 states. Over the years, Caric has developed a strong record for successfully leading dynamic teams …
New York City — Macy’s Inc. has unveiled plans to overhaul its flagship Herald Square store at the corner of 34th Street and Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The plan would add a commercial office tower atop the store. The size and design features of the office component were not disclosed. The plan includes a private investment totaling $235 million by Macy’s that would modernize the public spaces around the flagship store, including upgraded subway access, improved transit connections and pedestrian-friendly and car-free streetscapes at Broadway Plaza and Herald Square. …
Pittsburgh — Evergreen Grease Service, Inc. has installed The Vector System in two of its semi-trucks, reducing carbon emissions from these trucks to near-zero, with plans to convert the whole fleet by 2022. This move is a major step towards Evergreen’s goal of reducing carbon emissions. Evergreen specializes in the collection of cooking oil, grease and waste fats from the commercial cooking and restaurant industry, and its partners process these waste products into biodiesel, a low-carbon alternative to traditional diesel. The Vector System, designed by Optimus Technologies, is a bolt-on …