Thursday, April 10, 2025
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Katie Lee

construction and designNewsremodelsrestaurants

Perkins American Food Co. Unveils Flagship & New Restaurant Design

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Perkins American Food Co. will unveil its highly anticipated flagship restaurant in Orlando, Fla., on March 19. The location signifies a major milestone in the brand’s evolution. The flagship restaurant will showcase a new state-of-the-art design, designed by Aria Group, that combines contemporary aesthetics with the brand’s heritage. The new venue spans 3,500 square feet and offers a bright and inviting atmosphere, showcasing how modern American hospitality comes to life. It also features an exterior patio and chic design elements. “We have put a lot of heart …

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Newspeopleretailers

The Home Depot Names EVP of Pro, President of Home Depot Canada & EVP of HR

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — The Home Depot® has named Michael Rowe as executive vice president (EVP) of Pro, effective immediately. He will be responsible for The Home Depot’s strategy to grow its business with professional customers. Most recently, he served as president of The Home Depot Canada. In his new role, Rowe will lead the expansion of key capabilities to serve the Pro market, including delivery capabilities, salesforce development, technology and CRM tools, order management and more. A 19-year veteran of the company, Rowe has held several leadership roles for the Canadian …

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NewsProduct Spotlightrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendors

Presto Expands Voice AI-Powered Drive-Thru Solutions at Wienerschnitzel

by Katie Lee

San Mateo, Calif. — Presto Phoenix, Inc., a leading provider of AI-driven solutions for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, has expanded a partnership with Galardi Group, the parent company of Wienerschnitzel, to deploy its cutting-edge Voice AI ordering technology across the chain’s drive-thru locations. The Galardi Group now has 35 locations operating with Presto’s Voice AI in the drive-thru. The company has already enrolled over 50 locations, with rapid 2025 expansion plans for Wienerschnitzel’s nationwide network of over 350 corporate and franchise drive-thru locations. “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership …

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HVAC/RIndustry Voicesrestaurantsvendors

Warming Up Winter

by Katie Lee

— By Jaime Tuinstra — How infrared heat can help fill your restaurant and breweries’ seats. As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, service or entertainment establishments that utilize outdoor seating areas face a challenge: How to keep guests comfortable and extend the outdoor dining season. Providing comfortable al fresco dining or social options, even when temperatures drop, can significantly boost revenue and customer satisfaction. Thus, in lieu of hoodies or jackets, when there’s a nip in the air, addressing comfort proactively is essential for customer satisfaction …

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exterior services/landscapingfacilities managementIndustry Contentpest controlVendor Spotlightvendors

Superior Facility Service Group: Signature Vendor Spotlight

by Katie Lee

— Interview with Carol L. Carey and Pamela M. Roberts — R&R: Where are you based, and how long has Superior been around? Carol Carey: Superior Facility Service Group, based in Kathleen, Georgia, is an 11-year-old family-owned company specializing in commercial maintenance and repair, bird control and prevention, and disaster restoration. We provide top-notch care for businesses of all sizes, ensuring accuracy, quick response times and unmatched value. Our mission is to enhance safety, efficiency and comfort in commercial properties. R&R:  An FM company co-owned by two women in an …

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jan/sanNewsrestaurantssupply chainvendors

Imperial Dade Acquires Athens Janitor Supply Company and Chittom Industries

by Katie Lee

Jersey City, N.J., and Athens, Ga. — Imperial Dade, a leading North American distributor of foodservice packaging supplies, industrial products and janitorial supplies, has acquired Athens Janitor Supply Company, Inc. and Chittom Industries, Inc. The transaction represents the 97th acquisition for Imperial Dade under the leadership of Robert and Jason Tillis, chairman and CEO of Imperial Dade, respectively. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed. Athens Janitor Supply (AJS) was purchased in 1979 by Jim Chittom Sr. The company has three locations in Athens, Rome and Augusta, Ga. …

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construction and designNewsretailers

BJ’s Wholesale Club Plans to Expand in Texas & Add 25-30 Clubs in 2025

by Katie Lee

Marlborough, Mass. — BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open 25-30 clubs over the next 2 fiscal years, including several clubs set for the Dallas-Fort Worth area starting in early 2026. BJ’s Wholesale Club is a membership-based retailer that has been delivering value and convenience to families for over 40 years. “We are eager to continue our expansion by bringing unbeatable value, convenience and assortment to the Dallas-Fort Worth community,” says Bob Eddy, chairman and CEO, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “Economic expansion and a growing population make Texas a great fit for …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

CKE Restaurants Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., parent company of Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s®, has appointed Joe Guith as chief executive officer, effective immediately. He joins CKE from Church’s Texas Chicken. Guith arrives at CKE with extensive experience in franchising, restaurant management and the expansion of consumer brands. Previously, he served as CEO of Church’s Texas Chicken, where he successfully repositioned the brand and built stronger relationships with the franchisee community, leading to significant improvements in unit-level profitability, record sales and traffic growth. These changes led to expanding the Church’s …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Wawa to Open First Ohio Store During 61st Anniversary in April

by Katie Lee

Liberty Township, Ohio — Wawa, Inc. has named April 16, 2025 as the grand opening of the first Wawa store in the state of Ohio, kickstarting the retailer’s expansion into the Midwest. Located in Liberty Township, Ohio, this is the first of 8-10 Wawa stores slated to open in Ohio by year’s end. Not only does this grand opening date mark Wawa’s debut in its 10th state, but it coincides with the founding date of the first Wawa store that opened on April 16, 1964 in Delaware County, Pa. “We …

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construction and designenergy managementgreen building/LEEDgreen newsNewsrestaurants

Largest Solar-Powered Starbucks in the U.S. Now Open

by Katie Lee

Gilbert, Ariz. — Mercy Center, a highly anticipated 11-acre mixed-use development in Gilbert, Ariz., is now open. Developed and leased by Diversified Partners, the new community hub includes Arizona’s largest Starbucks — and the largest solar-powered Starbucks in the country. The two-story design redefines eco-conscious, customer-centric retail. This first-of-its-kind Starbucks location features a rooftop solar array supplying 80% to 100% of the store’s energy needs. Excess power is fed back into the grid to support nearby homes. Designed for efficiency and accessibility, the flagship Starbucks includes a 23-car drive-thru, designated …

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