Sunday, October 26, 2025
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Katie Lee

construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

FEP Invests in 7 Brew Franchisee, Signs Development Deal for Over 200 Units

by Katie Lee

New York City — Private investment firm Franchise Equity Partners (FEP) has acquired a majority stake in 7 Crew, the second-largest franchise owner of 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee. As part of the agreement, FEP will continue to execute 7 Crew’s existing development agreement with 7 Brew, which includes opening more than 200 new stands in addition to the 50 currently operating. FEP has taken a selective approach to investing in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector. After evaluating numerous opportunities, 7 Brew stood out as a differentiated, category-defining brand. 7 Brew …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Shake Shack to Make Hawaii Debut in 2027

by Katie Lee

New York City — Shake Shack Inc. has partnered with Union MAK Corporation, a leading Hawaii-based company with decades of experience across hospitality and retail, to bring the Shake Shack experience to the Aloha State with the first Shack set to open on Oahu in 2027. Union MAK is a Honolulu-based company deeply rooted in the Hawaii community through its restaurant operations. Union MAK’s proven track record, commitment to excellence and dedication to local communities makes it an ideal partner to introduce Shake Shack to Hawaii. “Bringing Shake Shack to …

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managementNewsproperty managementretailers

JLL Secures Property Management for 10 Retail Centers in Southeast

by Katie Lee

Miami — JLL has been selected to lead on-site property management services for 10 open-air retail centers across Florida and South Carolina, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s nationwide growth strategy. The newly added centers, recently acquired by 11North Partners (11North) and Bain Capital Real Estate, collectively span more than 1 million square feet of gross leasable area with occupancy rates exceeding 93%. The addition of these high-performing properties is part of a broader expansion of JLL’s retail property management portfolio, which has grown by 18 new centers in …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Chipotle to Open First Restaurants in Asia in 2026

by Katie Lee

Newport Beach, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill has signed a joint venture to open restaurants in Asia for the first time. In partnership with SPC Group, a leading South Korea-based food company, Chipotle plans to open its first restaurants in South Korea and Singapore in 2026. “With a rapidly evolving dining-out business, fueled by preferences for variety and convenience, expanding into Asia presents an incredible growth opportunity for Chipotle,” says Scott Boatwright, chief executive officer of Chipotle. “Real food prepared fast is in high demand in these markets and with …

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disaster recoveryIndustry Voicesproperty managementvendors

Navigating the New Reality

by Katie Lee

— By Candise Shanbron, Esq.—  How retailers and restaurateurs can prepare for increasing natural disasters and insurance challenges. In recent years, weather patterns across the United States have become increasingly erratic and severe. Over just the past year, nearly every region of the country has experienced some form of extreme weather event — be it hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, floods, wildfires or other wind-related catastrophes. No geographical area seems immune, and all signs point toward a continued increase in the frequency and severity of these natural disasters. For those in the …

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NewsProduct Spotlightrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendors

Groucho’s Deli Partners with Square Across 30+ Locations

by Katie Lee

Columbia, S.C. — Groucho’s Deli, a South Carolina-based sandwich shop with an 84-year legacy, has chosen Square’s comprehensive commerce platform to power its operations across more than 30 locations. By leveraging Square’s integrated hardware, software and partner ecosystem, Groucho’s is unifying its operations, streamlining service and preparing for its next phase of franchise expansion — without losing the neighborhood hospitality that has defined the brand for generations. “As we look toward our next phase of growth, we needed a technology partner that could unify our operations across corporate and franchise …

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Newsremodelsretailers

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. Completes $10 Million Acquisition of Kirkland’s Home Brand Assets

by Katie Lee

Murray, Utah — Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc., owner of Bed Bath & Beyond, Overstock, buybuy BABY and a blockchain asset portfolio, has completed a $10 million purchase of the Kirkland’s Home® trade name and related brand assets from The Brand House Collective, Inc. The move accelerates the companies’ national store conversion strategy, converting Kirkland’s Home locations into Bed Bath & Beyond stores to drive a larger national footprint, greater operating efficiencies and underscoring the company’s conviction in the power of ‘omnichannel.’ The companies will expand Kirkland’s Home into the …

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Industry Voiceskitchen exhaust/grease controlroofingvendors

Protection Before Inspection

by Katie Lee

— By Tom Dawson — Rooftop grease should not be out of sight, out of mind. For restaurant operators, inspections are a regular part of doing business. McDonald’s owner/operators have discovered that proper rooftop grease containment is a critical factor in ensuring top scores for their Running Great Restaurant (RGR) inspections. McDonald’s owner/operators and other leading restaurant brands understand that every inspection point is important. Careful preparation across all parts of the operation is essential for achieving high scores. From general roof cleanliness to safety, McDonald’s owner/operators share how their …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Chuck E. Cheese Expands to the UK, Marking First Location in Europe

by Katie Lee

Irving, Texas — Chuck E. Cheese, a global family entertainment brand, will be making its debut in the United Kingdom. In partnership with a dedicated local team, this will mark the brand’s first location in Europe. “Chuck E. Cheese is an incredible global brand that brings families together across cultures through the universal language of fun,” says Mario Centola, chief operating officer of Chuck E. Cheese International. “We’re thrilled to bring our unique magic for family fun to the UK. We have partnered with an outstanding team that shares our …

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construction and designNewsremodelsretailers

Rack Room Shoes Continues to Open “Lighthouse Concept Stores”

by Katie Lee

Charlotte, N.C. — Rack Room Shoes is building on its strategic growth plan with the opening of seven new “lighthouse concept stores” across the country. The new locations aim to reimagine and enhance the shopping experience for the entire family. The elevated locations provide customers with an improved, multi-layered experience with better visual navigation and eye-catching elements throughout the store. The latest generation stores improve the wayfinding of Rack Room’s athletic assortment and enhance the presentation of key brands and seasonal assortments. The stores also include upgraded service elements, including …

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