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Katie Lee

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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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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Smoothie King Opens First Stores in Utah and Minnesota; Also Expands in DFW Airport

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Smoothie King is fueling its national growth with a series of milestone openings this fall, including debuts in two new states and new growth in one of the country’s busiest airports. The brand has officially opened its first-ever Utah location in Washington and its first-ever Minnesota location in Woodbury, marking Smoothie King’s entry into both states. At the same time, Smoothie King is strengthening its presence in Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with two new locations in Terminal A and Terminal D, joining its existing Terminal A store. …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsretailers

Sola Salons Opens its Largest Flagship Location

by Katie Lee

Denver — Sola Salons, the world’s largest studio suite franchise, has marked the Oct. 4 grand opening of its largest location to date in Northeast Minneapolis. Located at 2626 NE 2nd St., the new facility spans 29,903 square feet and houses 101 studios and 114 chairs, making it a landmark destination for entrepreneurial beauty professionals in the Twin Cities. The scale of the new Sola Salons Minneapolis facility distinguishes it as the largest Sola Salons location ever built, and it has already generated excitement, with 70% of the studios pre-leased …

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managementNewspeopleproperty managementretailers

Galleria Fort Lauderdale Names Retail Veteran as Senior GM

by Katie Lee

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Galleria Fort Lauderdale, one of South Florida’s premier shopping destinations, has named retail veteran Jim Heilmann as senior general manager. In this role, Heilmann will guide the center’s operations, marketing efforts, community engagement and tenant relations, with a focus on elevating the guest experience and driving long term value for the property. Heilmann’s expertise spans leadership positions at some of the nation’s top retail and entertainment destinations. He most recently served as vice president of operations for experiential entertainment district AREA15 in Las Vegas, where he …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Swig Names New President and Chief of Franchise Partnerships

by Katie Lee

Sandy, Utah — Swig, the creator of the dirty soda beverage category, is ramping up its nationwide growth by promoting Todd Smith to president, following his tenure as chief commercial officer, and appointing franchise sales veteran Shannon Swenson as chief, franchise partnerships. “We’re at a major moment for dirty soda,” says Alex Dunn, CEO of Swig. “People crave playful, personalized drinks, and Swig is here to deliver — coast to coast. Todd’s vision, Shannon’s franchising prowess and the talent of Swig’s leaders and team members alike are the perfect combination …

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Matternet Pilots Drone Delivery in L.A. With Dave’s Hot Chicken

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Matternet, the developer of the world’s leading urban drone delivery system, is partnering with Dave’s Hot Chicken to launch a drone delivery pilot, a first for the fast-casual leader. The service will debut in Northridge, a Los Angeles suburb, where eligible residents will be able to order Dave’s Hot Chicken through the Dave’s app and receive it directly to their homes via Matternet’s autonomous M2 drones — arriving hot, fresh and fast. “Each day, more than 10 million food deliveries move through our cities in 2-ton cars, …

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construction and designgreen building/LEEDNewsretailers

Subaru Introduces New Immersive Design to Transform Retail Locations

by Katie Lee

Camden, N.J. — Subaru of America, Inc. has unveiled the Subaru Connection Hub, the automaker’s first full redesign of its national retailer network since 2007. The new concept reimagines the automotive retail experience, transforming dealerships into immersive, hospitality-driven spaces that strengthen customer relationships and community connections. The exterior architectural language draws inspiration from parks, pavilions and great plazas to create a new expression that welcomes everyone into the showroom. Inside, the new Subaru Connection Hub concept showcases vehicles paired with curated merchandising tools, gear and accessories. Spaces will also include …

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Ralph Lauren to Open ‘The Polo Bar Ralph Lauren’ in London

by Katie Lee

New York and London — Ralph Lauren will open a new restaurant as part of its renowned hospitality portfolio, The Polo Bar Ralph Lauren, in London. The restaurant will be located at 1 Hanover Square and is set to open in 2028. Building on the international acclaim of The Polo Bar, which opened in New York in 2015 and quickly became a widely celebrated and iconic restaurant, the London location will showcase the brand’s signature charm and timeless elegance with a refined, yet welcoming dining experience. “I have always been …

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Big Lots! To Celebrate Grand Opening Across All Stores on Oct. 30

by Katie Lee

Henderson, N.C. — Big Lots! is officially back. After months of anticipation, hard work and support from customers, Big Lots!, under new ownership, will mark a grand opening celebration for all stores that opened earlier this year. Celebrations will be held at all open Big Lots! locations on Oct. 30, 2025. Earlier this year, Big Lots! reopened in 15 states with Variety Wholesalers acquiring the brand’s intellectual property and 219 store locations. “We’re proud to bring Big Lots! Back — better than ever,” says Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Cracker Barrel Makes Changes to Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Lebanon, Tenn. — Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. is making changes to its leadership and organizational structure. Doug Hisel, previously vice president, field operations, has been promoted to senior vice president, store operations, overseeing field operations and operations services. Hisel is an 18-year veteran of Cracker Barrel and brings a strong ability to balance operational excellence with a deep understanding of people and Cracker Barrel’s processes and standards. He started at the company as an associate manager in Indianapolis in 2007 and has served in various other operations roles …

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