Union, N.J. — Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has unveiled a $10 million plan to donate essential items to those affected by COVID-19. The ‘Bringing Home Everywhere’ program will deliver products that provide home comfort and essential support to communities and those on the front line of the pandemic across the U.S. and Canada. “Our homes have become even more central to our lives during this crisis, yet we know that for many people that sense of home has been affected by the health and economic impacts of COVID-19,” says …
Austin, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released plans for the second phase of the state’s plan to reopen the economy at a press conference on May 18, notably giving bars the option to begin reopening on May 22. Under the terms of the plan, Texas bars, wine tasting rooms and craft breweries may initially reopen at 25% occupancy with regard to indoor seating only. Restaurants may increase their occupancy levels to 50%. The order stipulates that these businesses must adhere to proper social distancing guidelines and minimum standard health …
Tampa, Fla. — 2020 has been difficult for facility managers (FMs), especially those in small businesses. Challenges surrounding cash flow, remote work and personal safety are understandably top of mind. In addition to all these COVID-19 related challenges, hurricanes and summer heat are on their way. CNN reports that a broad spectrum of experts predict an above-average number of storms; some project an extremely active season. An average of predictions for the season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, forecasts eight hurricanes and 17 named storms. By comparison, …
Fort Worth, Texas — Pier 1 Imports, Inc. has filed a motion seeking Bankruptcy Court approval to begin an orderly wind-down of the company’s retail operations as soon as reasonably possible after store locations are able to reopen following the government-mandated closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the wind-down, the company intends to sell its inventory and remaining assets, including its intellectual property and e-commerce business, through the court-supervised process. “We are grateful to our dedicated and hardworking associates, millions of customers and committed vendors who have collectively …
Cleveland — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise which features dine-in and drive-through in the “better chicken” segment, will open its first location in Cleveland in the first quarter of 2021. The forthcoming restaurant comes out of the brand’s recent six-unit franchise agreement in the Cleveland market. This will mark the brand’s first location in the Cleveland market and second location in Ohio. An experienced restaurant operator, David Giesen is bringing Slim Chickens to the area. He is a multi-unit owner of several fast food and fast-casual restaurants across Ohio …
Plano, Texas — J.C. Penney Co. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a bid to strengthen its finances through an extensive debt restructuring. The company filed on May 15 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, located in Corpus Christi. The Plano, Texas-based retailer has secured $900 million in debtor-in-possession financing from its existing first-lien lenders that is expected to knock several billion dollars off its total debt load. J.C. Penney, a company with a 118-year operating history, said that it would disclose in …
— Interview with Christina Cornell — The Home Depot, which remains open during COVID-19, prioritizes the safety of its employees and customers, while still getting the job done. The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,292 stores. Whether facing a natural disaster or pandemic, the Atlanta-based retailer remains an essential business, so its stores stay open. In mid-April, Retail & Restaurant Facility Business interviewed Christina Cornell of The Home Depot about its business response, how it has adapted store operations, safety measures that have …
Norcross, Ga. — Hera Lighting has promoted Dustin Carpenter to director, business development. He will lead Hera’s business development team as they work together to serve all retailers in North America. “As partnerships with large retailers continue to grow for Hera Lighting, we are excited to have Dustin leverage Hera’s business development efforts to better serve the entire retail, hospitality and commercial markets,” says Brad Stewart, executive vice president of sales for Hera Lighting. Carpenter has a successful track record in retail display lighting, in particular. He has spent the …
Union, N.J. — Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has appointed Cindy Davis as executive vice president and chief brand officer of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., as well as president of Decorist, effective May 26, 2020. Davis will report directly to Mark Tritton, president and CEO. Davis will be responsible for developing and implementing the “Promise” pillar of the company’s strategic growth plan. Her responsibilities will include stewardship and execution of brand strategy, as well as marketing and communications across the company’s retail banners. She will also support the team …
Los Angeles — sweetgreen, the seasonal restaurant with the mission of connecting people to real food, has hired Starbucks veteran Chris Carr as its new chief operations officer. “Chris’ values and leadership skills will make for an exceptional addition to the sweetgreen team,” says Jonathan Neman, co-founder and CEO of sweetgreen. “With his experience in delivering sustainable growth in retail and supply chain, we’re looking forward to Chris furthering his impact on the future of real food and amplifying our growth ahead.” Carr most recently served as Starbucks’ executive vice …