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Katie Lee

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Domino’s Announces CEO Succession Plan

by Katie Lee

Ann Arbor, Mich. — Russell Weiner, chief executive officer of Domino’s Pizza Inc., intends to retire following a distinguished career. The Domino’s board of directors has appointed Joe Jordan, currently chief operating officer and president – Domino’s U.S., as CEO, effective Oct. 1, 2026. Jordan will also join the board at that time. Weiner will transition from CEO to executive chairman designate on Oct. 1, 2026, and become executive chairman following the company’s 2027 annual shareholder meeting. David Brandon, executive chairman, will retire and not stand for reelection to the …

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Newspeopleretailers

Best Buy Announces CEO and CFO Transition

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Best Buy Co., Inc. has announced that Matt Bilunas will step down as chief financial officer and depart the company at the end of July. A search is underway for its next CFO, who will partner with incoming CEO Jason Bonfig. Bonfig will become the company’s sixth CEO when he officially takes over the role on Nov. 1, 2026. Current CEO Corie Barry, who previously served as CFO, will provide financial oversight during the transition if needed. Bilunas served as CFO for the last 7 years. “We wouldn’t …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Gong cha Makes Maine Debut, Expanding Bubble Tea Brand’s U.S. Footprint

by Katie Lee

Portland, Ore. — Gong cha, the world’s leading bubble tea brand with nearly 2,200 locations across 33 international markets, is opening in Maine for the first time. The brand will officially open its first location in the state on June 27 in South Portland. “One of the most exciting aspects of our growth over the past several years has been seeing Gong cha resonate in an increasingly diverse range of markets,” says Geoff Henry, president of Gong cha Americas. “What was once concentrated in a handful of major cities has …

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Five Below Names New Executives

by Katie Lee

Philadelphia — Five Below, Inc. has appointed Rodney Lastinger as chief retail officer and Christos Yatrakis as chief legal officer. Lastinger will be responsible for leading the operational performance of the company’s nearly 2,000 stores and joined the company on June 22, 2026. Yatrakis will oversee the company’s legal function and joined on June 15, 2026. Both executives will report to Kenneth Bull, chief operating officer. “We are thrilled to welcome Rodney and Christos to the Five Below crew,” says Winnie Park, chief executive officer. Lastinger has extensive experience leading …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Shipley to Make Ohio Debut with 3-Unit Franchise Deal

by Katie Lee

Houston — Shipley Donuts has signed a three-unit franchise agreement in Cincinnati, marking its entry into Ohio. The deal is with Houston-based Koelache Co. LLC, which plans to open its first Shipley location in first quarter 2027, with the other two units expected to open through 2029.  Founded in Texas in 1936 and expanding rapidly into new markets, Shipley Donuts is known for its signature hot glazed donuts plus dozens of varieties of fresh, handmade donuts including filled, iced and cake donuts. Shipley is also famous for its kolaches, which …

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construction and designNewsremodelsretailers

DICK’S Teams Up with Lids to Launch Lids Shops Inside 100 DICK’S Locations

by Katie Lee

Pittsburgh — DICK’S Sporting Goods has formed a new partnership with Lids to introduce dedicated Lids shop locations inside DICK’S stores nationwide. The partnership will expand access to Lids’ licensed headwear while enhancing the in-store experience for sports fans. The collaboration is currently available at 46 DICK’S locations and will be in more than 100 DICK’S stores by late summer 2026. Each Lids shop will feel immersive with the Lids-brand and include fixtures and merchandising that showcase Lids’ extensive assortment of licensed and lifestyle headwear. “Lids has long been the …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

FBG Bid Co. Acquires FAT Brands Assets for $595 Million

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — FBG Bid Co. has completed the acquisition of substantially all assets of certain subsidiaries of FAT Brands Inc. for approximately $595 million. The transaction included 13 restaurant brands spanning more than 1,700 locations worldwide: Round Table Pizza®, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Great American Cookies, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Native Grill & Wings, and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, in addition to the Georgia-based manufacturing facility that supports Great American Cookies and Pretzelmaker. The transaction was approved by the United States …

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energy managementfacilities managementgreen newsHVAC/RIndustry Voicesrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendors

The Energy Intelligence Model

by Katie Lee

— By Matt Browning — How QSR chains are moving beyond reactive maintenance. For a quick-service restaurant operator managing hundreds of locations, equipment failure is never just a maintenance problem — it’s a guest experience problem, a food safety problem and a bottom-line problem…all at once. A malfunctioning HVAC unit on a hot summer afternoon sends customers out the door. A refrigeration anomaly discovered too late means spoiled inventory and potential health code violations. An emergency repair call on a holiday weekend carries a price tag that can erase a …

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construction and designNewsretailers

CITY Furniture Rebrands as CITY HOME

by Katie Lee

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. — South Florida-based CITY Furniture, a trusted name in home for more than 50 years, is transitioning to CITY HOME, expanding beyond furniture to become Florida’s first stop for all things home. CITY HOME is a new retail concept that brings together furniture, home products and services into a single, integrated shopping experience. The expanded concept brings more categories under one roof, including appliances, closets, home electronics, bath, fitness, kitchens and a full connected home assortment. Customers can also access an expanded suite of services, including interior …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Marco’s Pizza Expands HQ with New Operations Center in Orlando

by Katie Lee

Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza is developing a new Operations Center of Excellence in Orlando, Fla., a strategic investment designed to elevate franchisee training, strengthen operational execution and support the brand’s continued national and international expansion. The new facility represents an extension of the company’s headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. Construction is currently underway, with the facility expected to open in fall 2026. Located at 222 South Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando, the approximately 14,030-square-foot center will serve as a corporate office, training destination and operational hub. Backed by an investment …

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