Author

Katie Lee

managementNewspeopleProduct Spotlightretailerssoftware/technologyvendors

Dollar Tree Selects Legion WFM to Transform Labor Operations, Enhance Associate Experience

by Katie Lee

Redwood City, Calif. — Legion Technologies, an innovator in workforce management (WFM), is partnering with Dollar Tree, Inc. to deliver enhanced labor optimization and associate engagement to its fleet of stores and distribution centers across North America. “As a retailer with more than 9,000 stores, 18 distribution centers and over 150,000 associates, we needed a next-generation solution that would allow us to better manage our labor budget while increasing associate engagement. Legion’s platform showed us we didn’t have to compromise,” says Jocelyn Konrad, chief of Dollar Tree Stores and enterprise …

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construction and designfranchise developmentIndustry Voicesremodelsrestaurants

Reimagining Real Estate

by Katie Lee

— By Lawrence Brown — How Rita’s® is turning former banks and dry cleaners into thriving dessert shops. The retail real estate market is at one of its most challenging points in recent memory. Vacancy rates are low, rents are high and construction costs continue to climb. For restaurants and retailers, those dynamics have turned traditional site development into a steep uphill climb. But for Rita’s® Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, this environment has been a catalyst for creativity and growth. At Rita’s, we’ve embraced adaptive reuse and flexible prototypes …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Expands with 28 New Ghost Kitchens Nationwide

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the world’s largest barbecue concept, is opening 28 new ghost kitchens across the United States in September 2025. This expansion signals a pivotal moment for the brand, strengthening its footprint in new and existing markets while showcasing its commitment to creativity, growth and adaptability in a rapidly evolving restaurant industry. Ghost kitchens are delivery-only facilities designed to meet the growing demand for convenience and digital ordering. By leaning into this model, Dickey’s is not only scaling faster but also serving barbecue lovers in communities where …

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construction and designNewsretailers

La Bonne Brosse Opens First U.S. Store in New York City

by Katie Lee

New York City — La Bonne Brosse, the Parisian brand revolutionizing the art of hair brushing, is opening its first U.S. store in New York City. Alongside this milestone, the brand is expanding nationwide through selective retail partnerships with Bloomingdale’s and BEAUTYSPACE, as well as online. “Opening our first U.S. department store in New York City marks an exciting new chapter for La Bonne Brosse,” says Flore des Robert and Pauline Laurent, co-founders of La Bonne Brosse. “We’re honored to partner with Bloomingdale’s and BEAUTYSPACE to share our vision of …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Toppers Pizza Names New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Whitewater, Wis. — Toppers Pizza has appointed Ian Bruggeman as chief financial officer, adding a seasoned professional to its executive team. He will oversee the company’s finance, supply chain and human resources functions while serving as a strategic partner to the CEO. Bruggeman brings a diverse background that spans consulting, asset management and operational leadership in the restaurant sector. He previously held roles in financial planning and analysis, franchise development and operations at Naf Naf Grill, equipping him with a unique blend of analytical expertise and hands-on operational experience. At …

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kitchen equipmentNewspeopleProduct Spotlightrestaurantsvendors

ITW Food Equipment Group Appoints New VP of US FEG Dealer Sales Organization

by Katie Lee

Glenview, Ill. — ITW Food Equipment Group has appointed Ray Peden as its new vice president of U.S. FEG dealer sales organization. He will lead the ITW FEG dealer sales team in generating organic growth by providing dealer support and strengthening partner relationships, as well as maintaining a critical focus on key customers. Peden and the sales team will also be responsible for driving growth through their product application expertise across the ITW FEG premium brands, including Hobart, Traulsen, Baxter, Vulcan and Wolf. “We are excited to welcome Ray to …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Rural King Opens First-Ever South Carolina Location

by Katie Lee

Mattoon, Ill. — Rural King, a family-owned retailer dedicated to the rural lifestyle, has opened its first South Carolina store in Spartanburg. The new location, located at 205 W. Blackstock Rd., uses innovative features designed to enhance the shopping experience, including mobile and self-checkouts. “Spartanburg is the perfect place for Rural King’s first store in South Carolina,” says Steve Barbarick, Rural King CEO. “We look forward to becoming part of the fabric of this rural community by creating jobs, supporting local families and offering the products our customers count on …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Captain D’s Opens First Location in the UK

by Katie Lee

Broadstairs, Kent (UK) — Captain D’s will open its first-ever UK restaurant at Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in Broadstairs, Kent, on Oct. 20. At the new location, Captain D’s will bring its refreshed restaurant design, UK-tailored menu and international expansion strategy to life. This opening is part of a 20-unit master franchise agreement with local partner CD’s Holdings.  The Broadstairs restaurant is the first to showcase Captain D’s modernized UK design, featuring a fresh new color palette, playful seafood and chicken icons and a vibrant, family-friendly vibe. It’s contemporary, fun …

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construction and designNewsretailers

The Paper Store’s Sister Brand, Uncharted, Opens First Store on East Coast

by Katie Lee

Clifton, N.J. — The Paper Store, a beloved Northeast retailer, is reopening its Clifton, N.J., store under a new banner, Uncharted. The sister brand’s first New Jersey location is designed to bring a fresh, immersive retail experience to the community, blending top brands with interactive moments that go beyond a traditional shopping trip. Uncharted will begin grand opening events on Oct. 18. The store will feature an updated look and new store elements, aligning with the two New York and four Chicago-area locations. Uncharted offers a curated, brand-forward selection of …

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construction and designCover StoryFrom The Magazineretailers

Showing the Love

by Katie Lee

— Interview by Katie Lee — How Love’s Travel Stops grows its business by listening to customers and keeping their comfort and convenience top of mind. When a company is run with love, it shows. Love’s Travel Stops is more than just the namesake of its founders, Tom and Judy Love, who opened a single filling station in 1964 in Watonga, Oklahoma. Today, this staple of the highway for over six decades remains family-owned and operated. What it has not done is remain complacent: In the modern era, Love’s is …

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