Author

Katie Lee

construction and designexterior services/landscapingIndustry Voiceslightingparking lotsProduct Spotlightsecurity/loss preventionsignagesoftware/technologyvendors

Eyes in the Sky

by Katie Lee

— By Ron Harwood — The future of outdoor media systems and the capability of wireless controls and data collection. The police and fire chiefs run the public safety areas along with road commissioners who try to give their officers fast access to information. Environmental planners and water resource commissioners deal with water, earth and air quality and are always in need of much more data to monitor and control their systems. Public lighting is concerned with keeping the lights on, paying for energy and maintaining vast amounts of equipment. …

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MaintenX: Signature Vendor Spotlight

by Katie Lee

— Interview with Herman Wilkinson — R&R: Where is MaintenX based, and how long has it been in business? Herman Wilkinson: MaintenX is based out of Tampa, Florida.  We have been in business for over 40+ years! R&R: You are the new chief operating officer of MaintenX — how long have you been with the company? I think I read that you worked your way up from previous positions in the organization.  Wilkinson: I have been with MaintenX for 16+ years. Yes, I started as a regional service coordinator, and …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Appoints President and Head of Americas

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, global specialty coffee and tea house, has appointed Tara Hinkle as the new president and head of Americas. She joins the company from Taco Bell and Starbucks. “We are thrilled to welcome Tara Hinkle as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s new president and head of Americas,” says Jose Pepot Miñana Jr., CEO for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. “With her leadership in franchise growth and strategy, Tara is set to drive our expansion across the Americas. Her expertise and …

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Petco Strengthens Leadership Team, Including CFO

by Katie Lee

San Diego — Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. has appointed three new leaders to Petco’s executive team. Sabrina Simmons, former chief financial officer at Gap, Inc., has been named chief financial officer, effective Feb. 17; Michael Romanko, former chief merchandising and marketing officer at Five Below, Inc., has been named chief customer and product officer, effective Feb. 24; and Jack Stout, former executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at 7-Eleven, Inc., has been named chief merchandising officer, effective Feb. 24. “Today’s appointments represent a significant evolution of Petco’s …

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Yum! Brands Moves Brand Headquarters in the U.S. to Texas and California

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands plans to designate two brand headquarters in the U.S., located in Plano, Texas, and Irvine, Calif. This decision will involve relocating KFC U.S. corporate office employees currently in Louisville, Ky., to the KFC and Pizza Hut Global headquarters in Plano, Texas. Yum! Brands and the KFC Foundation will maintain corporate offices in Louisville. KFC will continue its brand presence in Louisville, Ky., with the ambition of building a first-of-its-kind flagship restaurant. Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain headquartered in Irvine, Calif. “These …

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The Michaels Companies Appoints New CEO

by Katie Lee

Irving, Texas — The Michaels Companies, Inc. has named David Boone as its new chief executive officer, effective Feb. 28, 2025. Boone will also serve on the company’s board of directors. “As we enter an exciting period of opportunity for Michaels, we are pleased to welcome David to the company,” says Andrew Jhawar, chairman of the board of directors. “David is a proven business leader with the strategic vision, customer focus and vast retail experience to continue to drive Michaels forward.” Boone is currently the interim CEO of Essendant, a …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

First Dual-Branded Applebee’s® | IHOP® Restaurant in the U.S. Now Open

by Katie Lee

Pasadena, Calif. — Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP® and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® restaurants, has opened its first dual-brand Applebee’s | IHOP restaurant in the U.S. in partnership with franchisee Ramzi Hakim Group. The new restaurant opened on Feb. 18, 2025, in Seguin, Texas, just outside of San Antonio. “For decades, Applebee’s and IHOP have been places where friends gather, families celebrate and careers begin. Now, with our dual-branded restaurant, we are combining the strengths of both brands to create a unique …

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Mattress Firm CEO to Step Down

by Katie Lee

Lexington, Ky. — Tempur Sealy International, Inc., which recently acquired Mattress Firm, has named its own chairman and CEO, Scott Thompson, as interim CEO of Mattress Firm following CEO John Eck’s recent decision to step down. Mattress Firm is the nation’s largest mattress specialty retailer. In the meantime, Tempur Sealy has entered into a consulting agreement with Eck to ensure a smooth transition. The company expects to appoint a new CEO of Mattress Firm within the next 6 to 9 months.   “We thank John for his successful 6 years at …

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Bloomin’ Brands Promotes VP of Operations to President of Carrabba’s Italian Grill

by Katie Lee

Tampa, Fla. — Kelia Bazile has been promoted to president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill where she will be responsible for leading the operations and development for more than 190 Carrabba’s locations. Carrabba’s offers authentic Italian cuisine and is one of four brands in the Bloomin’ Brands portfolio. “Kelia has a proven track record of creating and maintaining high executional standards that drive sales and a warm guest experience,” says Mike Spanos, CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. “She builds strong teams with a hospitality-first mindset and is a true servant leader.” …

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ENTOUCH Presents 24 Hour Fitness with Sustainability Award

by Katie Lee

Richardson, Texas — ENTOUCH, a leading energy management solutions provider for multisite operators, has selected 24 Hour Fitness as the recipient of the ENTOUCH 2023 Sustainability Award. This award recognizes companies that have significantly contributed to sustainability and energy efficiency. “We are proud to recognize 24 Hour Fitness for their commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency,” says Trey Hernandez, vice president of customer success for ENTOUCH. “Their dedication to reducing their environmental impact is an example for other companies to follow. We are proud to do our part in supporting …

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