Author

Katie Lee

Malmö, Sweden — Two years after breaking ground in Sylvia Park, Auckland, Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, has announced that it will open its first store in New Zealand on Dec. 4th, 2025. “The interest and anticipation for IKEA in New Zealand can be felt all the way to Sweden, and we are very humbled by it,” says Tolga Öncu, Ingka retail manager (COO) at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group). “Welcoming a new country to the IKEA family always brings special emotions, and we could not be more excited to …

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Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs has appointed Stacy Peterson as president and chief operating officer. Peterson is a restaurant industry veteran who has led revenue-driving initiatives in various leadership roles, including at fast-growing global brands. In her new role, Peterson will lead Jersey Mike’s U.S. operations and oversee marketing and technology, drawing on her extensive experience to drive innovation and operational excellence, accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the company’s leadership in the marketplace. “As we continue to build out our strategic growth plan to support global expansion, I am …

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Oldsmar, Fla. — MarineMax, Inc., the world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, marina operator and superyacht services company, has opened its flagship Yacht Sales and Service Center in Fort Myers, Fla. The 23-acre waterfront property is designed to elevate the customer experience and support Southwest Florida’s boating community. “Our new location in Fort Myers is designed to meet the increasing demand in one of Florida’s top yachting and boating markets,” says Brett McGill, CEO and president of MarineMax. “Covering over 30,000 square feet, the Yacht Sales & Service Center …

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Los Angeles — Sweetgreen, Inc. has announced the retirement of Mitch Reback and the appointment of Jamie McConnell as the company’s chief financial officer. Reback’s retirement will be effective Sept. 21, 2025, and McConnell’s appointment will be effective Sept. 22, 2025. Reback will remain engaged with the company in an advisory role for 6 months to support the transition. McConnell joins the company from Chipotle. Reback had served as chief financial officer of Sweetgreen since 2015. He joined the company in its early stages, when it was a fast-growing regional …

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Bolingbrook, Ill. & Mexico City — Ulta Beauty, the largest beauty retailer in the U.S., is opening its first stores in Mexico, marking the brand’s brick-and-mortar international debut and a milestone in Ulta Beauty’s growth strategy. In partnership with Axo®, Ulta Beauty brings its unique retail experience to a new market. Ulta Beauty’s first store in Mexico opened on Aug. 21 at Antara Fashion Hall in Mexico City, followed by Galerías Metepec on Aug. 30, with further openings scheduled to debut across the region throughout the year. To commemorate this …

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Tampa, Fla. — IFCO, a global leader in reusable packaging solutions for fresh food, has opened its newest service center in Mesquite, Texas, near Dallas. A purpose-built facility in North America, the Dallas Service Center advances IFCO’s mission to create smarter, safer and more sustainable supply chains for fresh foods across the region. The opening comes at a pivotal time, as growing demand for reusable packaging solutions, increased fresh food shipments, and rising safety and sustainability standards made expanding IFCO’s service center footprint a strategic imperative. After extensive market analysis and site alignment, IFCO …

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Kansas City — The Big Biscuit, a modern All-American breakfast and lunch franchise concept, has named Alexandra (Alex) Clark as its vice president of finance. She joins the team from Jefferson’s, a fast-growing full-service restaurant concept. Clark brings more than 30 years of accounting and financial leadership experience, including two decades focused on the restaurant franchising sector. She most recently served as vice president of finance at Jefferson’s, where she oversaw financial planning and systems. Before that, she was chief financial officer for Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs, where she guided …

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— Interview with CJ Jernigan — R&R: Where are you based? How long have you been in business? CJ Jernigan: Vixxo Facility Solutions is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and has been in the FM industry since 1980 through the merger of several companies. Vixxo brings decades of expertise in delivering proactive, scalable solutions for multi-site facilities across North America. We help our clients spend less and stress less, one work order at a time. R&R: What is your name and title? Jernigan: I’m CJ Jernigan, president of Vixxo, with over …

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Jacksonville, Fla. — Winn-Dixie is celebrating its centennial with nostalgic pricing, special celebrations and a renewed commitment to fighting hunger. For 100 years, the grocer has been more than just a store, it’s been a cornerstone of Southeast communities, serving generations through historic events, natural disasters and everyday moments. This milestone honors the people and places that made it possible. “Reaching 100 years is an extraordinary milestone that belongs to everyone who has been part of Winn-Dixie’s journey — our associates, our customers and the communities we call home,” says …

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Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Round Table Pizza and 15 other restaurant concepts, announces the return of Andrew (Andy) Wiederhorn as chief executive officer. Effective Sept. 3, Ken Kuick will be exclusively focused on his roles as chief financial officer of FAT Brands and Twin Hospitality Group Inc., and Taylor Wiederhorn will continue to serve as chief development officer. Kuick and Taylor Wiederhorn had been serving as co-CEOs of FAT Brands. “I am grateful to both Ken and Taylor for …

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