Author

Katie Lee

construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Firehouse Subs to Debut in Brazil With 500+ Locations Over Next 10 Years

by Katie Lee

Toronto — Firehouse Subs® plans to debut in Brazil with ambitious growth plans, building on its international expansion. The brand plans to open more than 500 restaurants in 10 years across the country. The first restaurant is expected to launch in 2025 and will mark Firehouse Subs’ debut in South America. The expansion into Brazil is part of a joint venture supported by parent company Restaurant Brands International (RBI), one of the world’s largest QSR companies, in partnership with Iuri Miranda, former CEO and board member of Zamp S.A., master …

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managementNewsproperty managementretailers

JCPenney, SPARC Merge to Form Catalyst Brands

by Katie Lee

Plano, Texas — JCPenney and SPARC Group plan to merge, forming Catalyst Brands. Catalyst Brands launches with 1,800 store locations, 60,000 employees, more than $9 billion of revenue and $1 billion of liquidity. JCPenney and SPARC Group have created a joint venture in an all-equity transaction to form the combined organization, with Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corp., Authentic Brands Group and Shein as shareholders. The combined portfolio features six retail banners — the SPARC Group’s Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand and Nautica and JCPenney. Marc Rosen, formerly the …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Bloomin’ Brands Promotes Carrabba’s President to EVP, President of Outback Steakhouse

by Katie Lee

Tampa, Fla. — Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. has promoted Pat Hafner to executive vice president, president of Outback Steakhouse. He will be responsible for leading operations and development for the company’s largest brand. He most recently served as president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill. “Pat is an ‘operator’s operator’ who has held a variety of roles and led special projects at Bloomin’ Brands,” says Mike Spanos, chief executive officer of Bloomin’ Brands. “He is a guest-centric leader who builds high-capability teams that deliver outstanding business results.” Hafner’s restaurant career began with Outback …

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Newspeopleretailers

Books-A-Million Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Birmingham, Ala. — Books-A-Million, Inc. has appointed Damian Doggett as chief financial officer. In this role, he will lead the finance organization and will be responsible for all aspects of financial operations. Doggett joined Books-A-Million in 2006 and has held various leadership roles within the finance organization including accounting manager, senior accounting manager, assistant controller, controller, senior vice president and chief accounting officer. “I am pleased to announce Damian’s well deserved promotion to CFO,” says Terrance G Finley, chief executive officer of Books-A-Million. “His years of strong creative leadership, coupled …

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exterior services/landscapingIndustry Voicespest controlvendors

A Season of Prevention

by Katie Lee

— By Sarah J. Carter — Colder weather is the time to plan for the return of migrating birds next spring. [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally appeared in the November 2024 magazine issue.] The seasons have changed, the autumn foliage is starting to brown and crisp early mornings greet you as you walk out the door. Every year, with the change of seasons, we make little adjustments, switching from iced coffee to a warm cup of cocoa, exchanging T-shirts for sweaters and jackets. Just as we make these minor changes …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Taco John’s Unveils Optimized Business Model to Accelerate Franchise Growth

by Katie Lee

Cheyenne, Wyo. — Taco John’s® is charting a bold new course for franchise growth with its optimized business model. Focused on driving unit-level profitability and expanding market reach, the brand has introduced strategic improvements in operations, franchise development, branding and technology. “There’s never been a more opportune time to grow with Taco John’s,” says Heather Neary, president and CEO. “With prime territories available for growth, our enhanced development and performance strategies remain centered on finding franchisees who align with our business strategy and rich culture, while continuing to prioritize innovation …

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Newspeoplevendorswaste management/recycling

Divert, Inc. Expands Executive Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

West Concord, Mass. — Divert, Inc., a sustainable solutions company on a mission to solve the wasted food crisis and advance a circular economy, has expanded its executive leadership team with the appointment of four new strategic hires: Andrew Johnston as vice president of industrials, Derek Spillane as vice president of IT, Frenchie Audette as vice president of food service, and Lee DeVasier as vice president of transportation and supply chain. Johnston and Audette will spearhead strategy and revenue growth with the company’s industrials and food service customers. Spillane will …

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Newspeopleretailers

Ulta Beauty Names CEO Transition

by Katie Lee

Bolingbrook, Ill. — Dave Kimbell plans to retire from his position as chief executive officer of Ulta Beauty, the nation’s largest specialty beauty retailer, after 11 years with the brand. He will also step down from the company’s board of directors. Kecia Steelman, president and chief operating officer, will succeed Dave Kimbell as president and CEO and joined the company’s board on Jan. 6, 2025. Kimbell will serve as an advisor to the company through June 28, 2025. “On behalf of the board, we are grateful to Dave for his …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Panera Brands Appoints Interim CEO

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the iconic fast-casual concept Panera Bread as well as the Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. brands, has named Paul Carbone, currently its chief financial officer, as interim chief executive officer of Panera, effective Jan. 7, 2025. Carbone, who joined Panera in 2023, brings decades of experience in the restaurant, consumer goods and retail industries, including as long-time CFO of Dunkin’ Brands. Carbone will lead the company while the board of directors completes a comprehensive search process, considering both internal and external candidates …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsretailers

URBAN REVIVO Unveils Global Expansion Plans for 2025

by Katie Lee

Guangzhou, China — At the dawn of a new year, fast-fashion brand URBAN REVIVO (UR) is celebrating significant milestones in its international market expansion throughout 2024 and unveiling ambitious plans for further global outreach in 2025. Building on a successful entry into Southeast Asian markets, URBAN REVIVO now sets its sights on major fashion capitals worldwide. In a pivotal year, URBAN REVIVO opened nine new stores across key Southeast Asian markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. This expansion brings the total number of the brand’s stores in …

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