Irvine, Calif. — Potbelly Sandwich Shop opened its first shop in California on May 6, 2019. The new shop in Irvine, a franchise location, is located at the Walnut Village Center. First announced in August 2018, this is the first shop to come out of a multi-unit franchise development deal the brand signed in California. Local resident and experienced entrepreneur Sameer Bhatia, the franchise owner, will bring three more locations to the area, with considerations for shops in Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest or Mission Viejo during the next …
Denver — After almost 25 years, the Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM), the authority on retail, multi-site facilities management, has rebranded and is now Connex. The rebranding announcement was made April 30, 2019 to a record-setting crowd by Bill Yanek, Connex CEO, during the Connex2019 National Conference being held in the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in Denver. “The essence of PRSM membership is connecting members to: their industry peers, knowledge and resources,” says Yanek. “Our new name, Connex, recognizes that benefit and provides us a strategic platform …
Aliso Viejo, Calif. — Phoenix Energy Technologies (PhoenixET), an IOT business intelligence analytics company and leader in smart buildings, has raised growth capital to accelerate product development and facilitate entry into additional markets. Spring Lake Equity Partners and Energy Innovation Capital (EIC) led the round in partnership with management and join PhoenixET’s existing shareholders including Duke Energy. “This investment will strengthen our value proposition for customers and support our continued rapid growth,” says CEO Glen Schrank. “With this investment, Phoenix Energy Technologies is poised to further enhance our offerings across …
New York City — Modell’s Sporting Goods has hired David Stern to the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer. Stern will play an intricate role in strategic planning and growth opportunities for Modell’s while overseeing the finance and information technology departments. Stern has extensive experience with retailers over the past two decades, including Destiny Maternity, Pep Boys, A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, and Petro Services. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Stern’s accomplishments and achievements with his past companies made him a top candidate …
Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE) parent company of Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s®, has promoted Mike Woida to president of its International division, and will report to CEO Ned Lyerly. In his new role, Woida will oversee all international operations for the nearly 1,000 international locations of both Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s® Restaurants spanning 43 countries. A 40-year industry veteran, Woida began his career with Burger Chef Systems in 1976 in Detroit, and continued growth within the company following its acquisition by Hardee’s Food Systems in 1982. Since …
— Interview with Taylor Rhodes — R&R: Where are you based and how long has the company been in business? Taylor Rhodes: We’re celebrating an exciting milestone in 2019 — 20 years! It’s amazing to see how SMS Assist has evolved. What started as a floor care business with three employees is now a facility maintenance company with more than 800 employees working within our cloud-based platform, One by SMS Assist. R&R: What is your title and how long have you been with the company? Rhodes: My name is Taylor …
— By William Gagnon — High-speed hand dryers offer total solution for retail restroom challenges. Cleanliness and general appearance are top concerns for successful retail and restaurant establishments, which often rely on positive brand reputation and word-of-mouth advertising to keep their businesses running. Even one patron complaint about this aspect of a facility — including its restroom — can have detrimental consequences. These establishments are often tasked with finding solutions that will not only keep the restroom environment visibly clean for employees and patrons, but ensure that they meet even …
Craton, Calif. — Taco Bell’s Las Vegas flagship cantina, located in the heart of The Strip, is a world apart from the traditional, tiny Taco Bell drive-through. The cantina is a two-story restaurant with a large central atrium that looks more like a hot dance club than a fast food outlet, and is pumped full of music to match. Upstairs is the wedding chapel, a more brightly lit dining room with flat screens on the side walls, and an enormous backlit graphic at the far end of the room with …
McKinney, Texas — Dunkin’s newest store of the future opened its first next generation restaurant in McKinney, Texas, on April 25, 2019. The brand’s next generation design features a modern atmosphere and innovative technologies to make running on Dunkin’ faster and more convenient than ever before. New elements of the McKinney restaurant include: Modern Design: The openness, colors and materials used in the design help to create an approachable, positive and energetic environment. Premium Pours: Dunkin’s signature cold beverages are now served through an innovative tap system serving eight consistently …
Atlanta — The Home Depot has announced that Carol Tomé, chief financial officer and executive vice president of corporate services, has decided to retire on August 31, 2019 after 24 years of service to the company. She will be succeeded by Richard McPhail. “Carol is not only one of the most respected executives in corporate America and an outstanding chief financial officer, but also is beloved by The Home Depot associates,” says Craig Menear, chairman, CEO and president. “Since Carol was named our CFO in May 2001, we have delivered …