Author

Katie Lee

Basking Ridge, N.J. — Barnes & Noble Education, Inc., a leading solutions provider for the education industry, has signed a wave of new campus store partnerships with colleges and universities across the country. These institutions, representing a mix of 2- and 4-year public and private schools, have selected Barnes & Noble College (BNC) to operate their campus stores ahead of the 2025–2026 academic year, with over 20 campus stores scheduled to open from February through August this year. This total is more than double the number added during the same …

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Dallas — Nothing Bundt Cakes is celebrating the opening of its 700th bakery, located in Rosenberg, Texas. The Dallas-based company has grown to the nation’s largest specialty cake company with locations throughout more than 40 states and Canada. The brand has ambitious plans to open its 1,000th location by 2027. Nothing Bundt Cakes opened 101 bakeries in 2024 and is on pace to do the same this year as this bakery opening is the 40th in 2025. The brand is on track to become one of the highest-growth companies in …

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Camp Hill, Pa. — Rite Aid has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey and is exploring opportunities to be acquired by outside entities. The announcement marks the second time in 24 months that the Pennsylvania-based convenience and drugstore chain has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The previous filing in October 2023 preceded the closure of hundreds of stores across the country. The company did not explicitly say in this filing how many of its stores would be immediately …

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Minneapolis — Restaurant Technologies has named Matthew Micowski as its newest chief financial officer (CFO), succeeding Bob Weil who has held the position since 2007 and has transitioned to a strategic advisor position within the organization.  Micowski brings over two decades of strategic financial leadership across the technology and healthcare industries, most recently serving as the senior vice president and CFO at NAMSA since 2021. “Matthew’s record of successfully accelerating growth, driving operational transformation and proactively setting companies up for future success made him stand out in a highly competitive …

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Atlanta — Huddle House, an iconic family dining brand for the last 60 years, is undergoing a transformative evolution. Under the leadership of CEO James O’Reilly and Chief Operating Officer Blain Shortreed, the brand unveils a reimagined brand identity that includes a trio of new restaurant prototypes to accelerate the brand’s geographic expansion. “As we celebrate 60 incredible years, we lay the foundation for the next 60 in a big way, stepping confidently into our evolution,” says James O’Reilly, CEO of Ascent Hospitality Management, the parent company of Huddle House. …

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Manhattan Beach, Calif. & New York City — Global investment firm 3G Capital has entered into an agreement to acquire footwear retailer Skechers USA Inc. The sales price is $9.4 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal. Upon completion of the transaction, Skechers will become a privately held company. New York City-based private equity firm 3G will pay $63 per share in cash, representing a premium of 30% to Skechers’ 15-day, volume-weighted average stock price. The transaction also includes the option for existing shareholders of Skechers to instead receive $57 …

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— By Alex Lundy — When fryers are at the heart of a kitchen, complete oil management protects profits. For restaurants where fried chicken, french fries, and other deep-fried dishes dominate the menu, fryer oil is not just an ingredient — it’s a cornerstone of the business. As one of the most significant recurring expenses, its management can directly impact both costs and customer satisfaction. Despite inflation’s squeeze on operating budgets, cutting corners on fryer oil is a risky gamble. The freshness and quality of the oil are fundamental to …

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— By Scott Green — Pest control in restaurants: What you’re getting wrong and how to fix it. Pest control is a critical aspect of restaurant management that directly impacts health standards, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Despite best efforts, many establishments fall short in pest-proofing, often due to overlooked vulnerabilities and emerging pest threats. Under-standing the common mistakes and what emerging threats to look out for is essential in maintaining a pest-free environment. Common Mistakes in Restaurant Pest-Proofing Restaurants can provide an inviting environment for pests due to the …

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Atlanta — This May, Moe’s Southwest Grill®, one of the seven brands within the GoTo Foods platform company, unveils a record-breaking average unit volume (AUV) of $1,235,422 in 2024, showcasing 4 consecutive years of growth. It is also the brand’s 25th anniversary. Under the recent leadership of its chief brand officer, Mike Smith, who was appointed in October 2024, Moe’s continues to revolutionize the fast-casual Mexican dining space. Key Initiatives Driving Significant Brand Evolution: • Strengthening Franchise Development: Over the past year, Moe’s opened 15 new locations across the country. …

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Manchester, Conn. — Bob’s Discount Furniture plans to open 20 new stores in 2025, further expanding its presence in the U.S. The new locations will include Bob’s first-ever stores in Vermont and North Carolina. Among the 20 stores, six will be located in North Carolina, marking Bob’s entry into the Southeast. Its Vermont location in Williston will be Bob’s first in the state, reinforcing the company’s strong ties to the Northeast, where it was founded in 1991. “We’re excited to bring our on-trend assortment of furniture, mattresses and home accents …

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