Cypress, Calif. — The Elevator & Escalator Division of Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., headquartered in Cypress, Calif., has introduced an elevator call system application for smartphones. In this era of COVID-19, touch-free call interface with elevators can protect passengers and make them more comfortable. The smartphone application is designed for users to have a more personalized, seamless experience with elevators that are equipped with the Mitsubishi Electric Sigma AI 2200C Destination Oriented Allocation System (DOAS®). With the application, users who have passed their entrance security checkpoint have the ability to …
New Albany, Miss. — After a full review of its business opportunities, market conditions and other options, Refrigerated Solutions Group (RSG) has reached the difficult but necessary decision to begin the process of permanently closing its manufacturing facility located in New Albany, Miss. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused sudden, dramatic and unexpected conditions outside of the company’s control. The unprecedented and major economic downturn and the governmental-forced closures of many of RSG’s customers have contributed to these unforeseeable business conditions. As a result, product manufacturing will be consolidated to …
Bal Harbour, Fla. — With carefully considered planning, following CDC guidelines and in alignment with state and local officials, Bal Harbour Shops opened on May 18 with increased safety precautions to protect customers, retailers and employees. In keeping with Miami-Dade County and Bal Harbour Village ordinances, retail stores and indoor restaurant seating occupancy will be limited to 50% and salons will limit occupancy to 25%. “For over 55 years, Bal Harbour Shops has maintained an emotional connection with our customer and our community by enhancing the shopping experience. Making our …
— By Michelle Boggs — While COVID-19 has undeniably disrupted operations, MUTTS® Canine Cantina has found some advantages among the challenges. MUTTS Canine Cantina®, a dual-concept restaurant and dog park with locations in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, has been affected by COVID-19 like all other businesses in the hospitality industry; however several positive components of our unique concept — including our membership model, attractive footprint for developers and an engaging social media presence — have been advantageous for us during this time. Initially, as local and state guidelines …
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 …