Plano, Texas – PICKUP, an enterprise-grade, last mile delivery service company, is adding small item deliveries of groceries, household supplies, baby goods and pet products to support the overwhelming need for same-day delivery of essential goods to consumers. “In light of a 108% surge in e-commerce, accelerated by COVID-19 and social distancing, PICKUP quickly responded to the increasing consumer demand for contactless, last mile delivery from store, curb or distribution center in 51 markets across the country,” says Brenda Stoner, CEO of PICKUP. Traditionally focused on delivering big and heavy …
Auburn, Ala. — Chicken Salad Chick, a Southern-inspired, fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, has quickly adapted operations to adhere to mandates across the nation suspending restaurant dine-in services by introducing online ordering, curbside pickup and local Quick Chick delivery options at all locations. For added convenience and to further limit interaction while still providing residents with quality meals, Chicken Salad Chick has introduced pop-up drive-thrus and is currently testing third party delivery, at select locations. Quick Chick deliveries allow the brand to provide preordered and prepackaged sizes of their chicken …
Newark, N.J. — The addition of Springfield Avenue Marketplace in Newark, N.J., punctuates Levin Management Corporation’s (LMC’s) established position as a go-to services provider for grocery-anchored shopping centers. In April, the North Plainfield, N.J.-based commercial real estate services firm took on the role of leasing and managing agent — at a time of significant, COVID-19 related business disruption. The 112,000-square-foot Springfield Avenue Marketplace, located in Newark’s desirable University Heights neighborhood, is anchored by a 67,000-square-foot ShopRite supermarket. The assignment represents LMC’s first with the property’s ownership. “Making a management transition …
Denver — The Good Times Restaurants Inc. board of directors has named Ryan Zink as the new chief executive officer of Good Times Restaurants Inc., effective immediately. Zink has served as acting chief executive officer and chief financial officer since October 2019. “I have the utmost confidence in Ryan. As acting CEO, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership and the ability that will be needed to lead the company out of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and into a bright future,” says Geoff Bailey, chairman of the board of directors. …
— By Katie Lee — Tropical Smoothie Cafe has opened more than 100 restaurants each year for the past 3 years — and continues to grow on pace to reach 1,000 locations by 2021. When Retail & Restaurant Facility Business last interviewed Tropical Smoothie Cafe (TSC) more than 3 years ago, we were talking about its milestone 500th location. Now, with more than 830 cafes open — 124 opened in 2019 alone — the fast-growing concept remains on track to reach 1,000 locations in 2021 and 1,500 locations …
Deerfield, Ill. — To provide greater access to COVID-19 testing and community resources, Deerfield, Ill.-based Walgreens is working to expand drive-thru testing to 15 new sites in seven states. The locations include Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas. The testing sites will utilize Abbott’s new test, which delivers positive results in as little as 5 minutes and negative results within 13 minutes. The 15 locations are being finalized in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and are planned for select hot spot markets with …
Jericho, N.Y. — Nathan’s Famous, Inc., an American tradition serving New York favorites for more than 100 years, is overhauling its technology resources aimed at aiding franchisees in everything from daily operations to online ordering and driving customer loyalty. “In the fall of 2019, we embarked on a journey to update our technology across the board in restaurants nationwide,” says James Walker, senior vice president, restaurants. “It’s been quite some time since this brand took on an initiative like this one, and we believe the partnerships we’ve created since then …
New York City — Macy’s, Inc. has announced that Paula Price, executive vice president and chief financial officer, has made the decision to leave the company as of May 31, 2020. She will continue in her current role until that date, and in order to support a well-ordered transition, Price will remain an advisor to the company through November 2020. An external search is underway for Price’s replacement. “I want to thank Paula for her leadership and contribution to Macy’s, Inc. She has built a strong finance leadership team, and …
Tampa, Fla. — As restaurants, bars, shops and clubs shutter storefronts and move business online, many are faced with a new challenge: the dark store. While dark stores do not see the same foot traffic as regular storefronts, regular preventative and reactive maintenance is still an important component of success. MaintenX is ready to provide critical maintenance services to customers from coast to coast. “Especially during the uncertainty generated by COVID-19, it’s important for businesses to maintain dark stores so they can resume operations as quickly as possible after the …
Chicago — On April 6, 2020, Potbelly Sandwich Shop launched Potbelly Pantry, which allows fans to stock up on their favorite Potbelly staples, like its famous hot peppers, fresh hand-sliced meats, cheeses, breads and even pre-portioned A Wreck® and Italian sandwich ingredients. Orders can be made at Potbelly.com or through the Potbelly app for curbside pickup or delivery. “Potbelly fans can make our famous Wreck or Italian sandwiches at home anytime they want — they just need our amazing, authentic ingredients,” says Ryan LaRoche, executive chef at Potbelly. “Because life’s …