Syracuse, N.Y. — Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. has named Timothy J. LaLonde as interim chief financial officer, interim treasurer and interim vice president. The company is conducting a search for a permanent CFO to replace the late Paul R. Flanders, who passed away on September 7, 2019. “We greatly appreciate Tim for stepping into the CFO role on an interim basis until we identify and appoint a quality candidate to fill the position permanently,” says Daniel T. Accordino, chairman and CEO. “Tim is a seasoned professional with over four decades …
Plano, Texas — At Home Group Inc., the home décor superstore, will open four new home décor stores this month, growing its national footprint to 209 locations across 39 states by the end of September. The new stores will expand At Home’s portfolio in the Midwest and Florida. Locations include: 13180 S Cicero Ave., Crestwood, Ill. (open now) 25813 US Hwy 19 North, Clearwater, Fla. (open now) 6845 S 27th St., Lincoln, Neb. (opening soon) 101 N Barrington Rd., Schaumburg, Ill. (opening soon) Headquartered in Plano, Texas, At Home Group …
Irvine, Calif. — Juice It Up!, one of the nation’s leading handcrafted smoothie, raw juice and superfruit bowl chains, has appointed Susan Taylor as vice president of operations. Leveraging over 26 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Taylor has served in various leadership roles for national franchise chains including 14 years at Jamba, where she was the senior director of franchise operations; Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill; Baja Fresh; and Chevy’s Fresh Mex. “Susan is not only well versed in our particular segment, she is passionate about the booming industry …
Riverhead, N.Y. — Experiential marketing leaders CS Hudson and International Retail Management and Consulting Group (IRG) unveiled their latest collaboration, R|Evolution, on September 12, 2019 at the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead, N.Y., on Long Island. An immersive pop-up shop that provides digitally native and emerging brands the opportunity to participate in a pop-up brick-and-mortar experience, R|Evolution gives consumers a rotating experience every 90 days — aiming to “flip retail on its head” with an innovative model for the future. On the heels of this launch, the two partners have also …
— Interview with Tim Eippert — R&R: Where are you based and how long has the company been in business? Tim Eippert: MC Group was founded in Ashtabula, Ohio, in 1953 as MC Sign Company, serving Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania in sign sales, manufacturing, service and installation. At the time, it was a small business operated out of a local garage. R&R: What is your title and how long have you been with the company? Eippert: In 1994 at the age of 24, I purchased MC Sign Company …
Charlotte, N.C. — Bojangles’, Inc. has hired Jose R. Costa as its first chief development officer, reporting to CEO Jose Armario. In this new role, Costa will be responsible for driving the overall unit growth of the company, recruiting new franchisees, real estate strategy, equipment and new restaurant design and construction. “Jose joins our executive team at a pivotal time as Bojangles’ charts our strategic path forward,” says Armario. “His 20 years of experience in marketing, franchising, multi-unit retailing and customer experience for well-known brands will play a crucial role …
Hatfield, Pa. — Addilan Group is a new, national multi-site facility maintenance company, supporting a wide variety of commercial businesses — including retail and restaurants — with a focus on service and communication. The vision is to build long term relationships with its employees, clients and partners based on trust, respect and honesty through company culture, superior customer service and technology. “Addilan Group is not starting from scratch, we’re starting from experience,” says Steve Vollrath, co-founder. “We believe service and communication are keys to building long term successful partnerships with …
Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General is currently under construction on new stores in Washington and Wyoming. When completed, these stores will expand the company’s presence to 46 states throughout the country. Stores are currently under construction in Centralia, Wash., (Lewis County); Cathlamet, Wash., (Wahkiakum County); and Pine Bluffs, Wyo. (Laramie County). These initial stores are scheduled to celebrate grand openings in early fiscal year 2020. “We look forward to expanding our footprint into Washington and Wyoming and the opportunity to serve new customers,” says Dan Nieser, Dollar General’s senior vice …
Richfield, Wis. — Hy-Brid Lifts has welcomed Derek Koontz as the Mid-Atlantic territory manager. Koontz will cover Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. He will focus on continuing the growth and channel development of Hy-Brid Lifts’ lightweight low-level scissor lifts. “Derek will be a valuable asset for our customers in the Mid-Atlantic region,” says Terry Dolan, Hy-Brid Lifts’ president and CEO. “His sales experience and passion for helping customers find the right solutions will make him a great addition to our team.” Koontz brings …
Las Vegas — Potbelly Sandwich Shop has signed a franchise agreement to open 10 shops in the Las Vegas market. Eric Persson, an experienced, multi-brand restaurant operator and owner, will be bringing Potbelly to the area. The deal marks the brand’s entry into the region. “I’m thrilled to break into the fast-casual restaurant segment with a proven brand,” says Persson, who is a longtime local Las Vegas resident and an accomplished entrepreneur. “Potbelly hits the mark on exactly what I am seeking to diversify my portfolio. I’m excited to help …