Author

Katie Lee

Industry Voicessoftware/technologysupply chainvendors

Multimillion-Dollar Mistake

by Katie Lee

— By Brad Forester — Why the technology business case is not a strategy: For retailers and restaurant operators, the story is becoming uncomfortably familiar. A compelling demo. A polished ROI model. Confident assurances that a new facilities management, workforce scheduling or asset visibility platform will “pay for itself” within 12 to 18 months. The business case is approved; contracts are signed — and 3 years later, the organization is left with underutilized technology, frustrated store managers and the realization that the expected value never materialized. In many cases, the …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsremodelsrestaurants

Huey Magoo’s Introduces Freestanding Condensed Drive-Thru Prototype

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Huey Magoo’s, a fast-casual chicken tenders chain, is introducing a freestanding drive-thru prototype designed to lower build costs and increase site flexibility for franchisees. The design allows development on sites that were previously not viable, supporting growth in more markets while reducing upfront investment. The prototype extends the brand’s cost-conscious design approach into a stand-alone drive-thru format, building on momentum from 2025, when Huey Magoo’s introduced a condensed 1,500-square-foot inline model to reduce buildout costs and expand access to high-traffic retail centers. That format created a more …

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franchise developmentNewspeopleretailers

RNR Tire Express to Debut in Massachusetts with New Franchise Agreement

by Katie Lee

Boston — RNR Tire Express (RNR), the nation’s leading franchise retailer for tires and custom wheels and part of the multi-brand franchisor company DX3 Brands, has signed a franchise agreement that will bring the brand to Massachusetts for the first time. The new location is expected to open in summer 2026 at 995 N Montello St., in Brockton, Mass. “This marks a significant step forward in our New England development strategy,” says Adam Sutton, CEO of DX3 Brands and RNR Tire Express. “Matt’s leadership, operational expertise and commitment to community …

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News

Starbird Names New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Starbird, the San Francisco-based chicken concept, has appointed Stefanie Lee as chief financial officer. This follows the recent appointment of Greg Levin as chief executive officer, the signing of a 36-unit franchise development agreement in Texas — the largest in the brand’s history — and the addition of former Jersey Mike’s president Hoyt Jones as an advisor to the board of directors. Lee joins Starbird with more than 18 years of finance and operations leadership across franchising, fitness and wellness, restaurants, retail and e-commerce, travel and sports. …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Zoom Tan Inc. Adds 23 Locations in Southeast

by Katie Lee

Naples, Fla. — Zoom Tan has acquired all 23 South Beach Tanning Company corporate locations, bringing the company-wide total to 167 salons, signaling an accelerated expansion strategy and a deeper push into the tanning and wellness market. The transaction highlights ongoing consolidation across the indoor tanning space, as growth-oriented operators look to expand market share. The acquisition strengthens Zoom Tan’s position as a scaled, growth-oriented operator at a time when the retail sector continues to reward brands with strong fundamentals, disciplined execution and loyal customer bases. South Beach Tanning Company …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Freddy’s Strengthens Development Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Wichita, Kan. — Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is strengthening its development team. Rafik Farouk has joined as vice president of business development, and Jackie Lobdell has been named vice president of franchise sales. As Freddy’s approaches 600 restaurants, the addition of these experienced leaders reinforces the team driving the brand’s expansion. Together, Farouk and Lobdell bring more than four decades of restaurant industry experience, adding significant depth to Freddy’s development bench. “Freddy’s is entering an exciting phase of growth, and Rafik and Jackie are two important additions to our …

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Newsretailers

Williams-Sonoma Launches Dormify to Address Dorm Living & Space-Saving Solutions

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, has launched its 10th brand, Dormify. Designed to meet the evolving needs of students and young consumers navigating dormitories and compact living environments, Dormify offers a curated, modern assortment of stylish and highly functional home furnishings. Through the newly launched Dormify website, customers can engage with the brand’s inspirational content, design their dream bed, build a personalized wish list, access curated checklists and receive complimentary design and shopping guidance. “Dormify represents a powerful opportunity to meet …

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facilities managementNewsProduct Spotlightsoftware/technologyvendors

Prefix Secures $7.5 Million to Scale its FM Solution for Retail and Restaurant Operators

by Katie Lee

New York City — Prefix, a facility management platform for multi-site restaurant and retail operators, has raised a $7.5 million seed round. The funding was co-led by Collide Capital and Slow Ventures, with participation from Connexa Capital, Kyle Archer of Elevated Inc, and existing investors I2BF, and Bienville Capital. Prefix will use the capital to continue development of its AI infrastructure, boost sales and marketing efforts, and drive scalability to service more than 10,000 locations across the United States. Multi-location retail and restaurant brands spend an estimated $500 billion annually …

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NewsProduct Spotlightrestaurantsretailerssoftware/technologyvendors

Casey’s Expands Partnership with SoundHound AI Across More Than 2,600 Stores

by Katie Lee

Santa Clara, Calif. — SoundHound AI, Inc., a global leader in voice and conversational AI, has renewed and expanded its long-standing partnership with Casey’s, the third-largest convenience retailer in the United States. The expanded deal highlights the strength of the collaboration, as SoundHound’s AI-powered ordering agents have already supported Casey’s in handling more than 21 million guest interactions, successfully processing millions of food orders. Casey’s has deployed the technology across more than 2,600 locations, helping ensure guests can place orders quickly and easily. Casey’s is focused on delivering convenient, high-quality …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

goop kitchen Expands to New York, Marking First Launch Outside California

by Katie Lee

New York City — goop kitchen, the upscale, chef-crafted restaurant concept founded by Gwyneth Paltrow, made its highly anticipated New York City debut on April 20, marking the brand’s first expansion outside of California and a major new phase of growth. Built as a dark kitchen model, goop kitchen operates without traditional dining rooms, offering thoughtfully crafted meals designed specifically for delivery and takeout. The New York launch represents a significant milestone for the brand, bringing its delivery-focused model to one of the most sophisticated and competitive food markets in …

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