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Katie Lee

Gong Cha Names Vice President of U.S. Non-Traditional Franchise Development

by Katie Lee May 23, 2025

Boston — Gong cha, a premier bubble tea brand with more than 240 locations across 21 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and nearly 2,200 stores across the globe, has appointed Michael Nedelkovich Jr. as vice president of U.S. non-traditional franchise development. A franchise executive with over 15 years in the industry, Nedelkovich’s expertise spans franchising, site selection and strategic partnerships — expanding F&B concepts into non-traditional venues, with a consistent focus on scalable growth and long term value creation. In his new role, Nedelkovich will lead Gong cha’s non-traditional …

May 23, 2025

News retailers

Rally House Opens First Location in Virginia

by Katie Lee May 23, 2025

Blacksburg, Va. — Rally House, the nation’s fastest-growing sports merchandise and apparel retailer, has opened Rally House Blacksburg, its inaugural location in Virginia. Located on Main Street just steps from the Virginia Tech campus, this expansive store is set to become the premier destination for Hokies fans and local sports enthusiasts alike. Occupying the historic former Tech Bookstore building, Rally House Blacksburg offers an unparalleled selection of officially licensed Virginia Tech Hokies gear, including apparel, home décor, drinkware, flags and footballs. The store also features merchandise from regional professional teams …

May 23, 2025

franchise development News people restaurants

Smoothie King Appoints New President

by Katie Lee May 23, 2025

Dallas — Smoothie King has named Gavin Felder as its new president. The expansion of Felder’s responsibilities reflects the company’s continued growth and momentum, as well as his pivotal role in helping shape its long term strategy. In addition to taking on the president role, Felder will maintain his current responsibilities as chief financial officer. As president and CFO, Felder will take on a larger role in the day-to-day management of the business while continuing to lead the company’s financial strategy, ensuring Smoothie King is well-positioned for its next chapter …

May 23, 2025

News people retailers

Nordstrom Completes Acquisition by Nordstrom Family and Liverpool

by Katie Lee May 22, 2025

Seattle — Nordstrom, Inc. has announced that Erik, Pete and Jamie Nordstrom, as well as other members of the Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V., have completed their all-cash acquisition of Nordstrom for $24.25 per share. Shareholders of the company will also be paid cash dividends of $0.25 per share and $0.1462 per share, reflecting the special cash dividend and a “stub period” quarterly dividend. With the completion of the transaction, Erik and Pete Nordstrom will lead the company as co-CEOs. Nordstrom common stock ceased trading …

May 22, 2025

franchise development News people restaurants software/technology

Taco John’s Bolsters Leadership Team

by Katie Lee May 22, 2025

Cheyenne, Wyo. — Taco John’s®, a leading Mexican quick-service restaurant, enhances its leadership team with an internal promotion and new hires. Taco John’s welcomes Tom Perella as vice president of technology and Damian Hanft as vice president of human resources and promotes Kristin Nuss to general counsel and corporate secretary. Nuss was promoted to general counsel and corporate secretary in January 2025. She joined Taco John’s in May 2021 as associate general counsel and director of franchise compliance and contracts. With over 25 years of experience in the legal field, …

May 22, 2025

energy management facilities management green news HVAC/R Industry Voices Product Spotlight software/technology vendors

Emerging Energy Technologies

by Katie Lee May 21, 2025

— By James Walton — Emerging trends & technologies in energy management that retail and restaurant businesses need to know about. Energy management is critical to any multi-site business. Rising energy costs and inefficiency directly affect the bottom line and sustainability goals. Businesses should constantly be looking for ways to improve their energy management practices. In recent years, significant technological advancements have revolutionized how energy is managed and consumed. These emerging energy management technologies deliver more efficiency and offer greater control and visibility into a business’s energy usage. Let us …

May 21, 2025

flooring/floor care Industry Voices jan/san restaurants vendors

From the Ground Up

by Katie Lee May 21, 2025

— By Ed Quinlan — To create a tantalizing restaurant experience, consider professional floor cleaning. There’s a phrase commonly used to describe squeaky-clean facilities: floors so clean you could eat off them. While few restaurant owners would literally serve patrons at the floor-level, this state of cleanliness is nevertheless a noble aspiration. In fact, when it comes to creating an enticing experience for diners, one of the best things restaurant owners can do is develop a consistent schedule for professional floor cleaning. Because restaurant flooring is largely obscured by tables …

May 21, 2025

News retailers

U-Haul Commemorates 80th Anniversary

by Katie Lee May 21, 2025

Phoenix — U-Haul®, the iconic do-it-yourself moving and self-storage leader, is celebrating 80 years of empowering American families with residential mobility. Today, there are more than 24,000 rental locations across all 50 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces. “Moving can be a stressful life event, and for 80 years our job has been to make people’s lives easier through accessibility, affordability and support,” says Navy veteran and U-Haul Co. of Manhattan/Bronx president Jeff Sonberg. “We welcome the chance to care for every customer who needs U-Haul services.” U-Haul was founded …

May 21, 2025

construction and design franchise development News restaurants

Pokeworks Sells Out Houston and Signs 10-Unit Agreement in San Antonio

by Katie Lee May 21, 2025

Irvine, Calif. — Pokeworks, a fast-growing fast-casual poke brand has finalized a 10-unit deal in San Antonio and is selling out its available Houston territories. With a goal to open 10 stores in two years, Agustin Guzman will be developing the greater San Antonio market as well as the Rio Grande Valley. Guzman, a former Olympic swimmer and seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience across various industries, currently operates Pokeworks’ McAllen, Texas, location and is in the process of opening his second location in Mission, Texas. “I’ve experienced …

May 21, 2025

management News people property management retailers

BH Properties Names Managing Director, Retail Properties

by Katie Lee May 20, 2025

Seattle — BH Properties, a vertically integrated, value-add real estate investment firm, has hired Janel Jensen as managing director, retail properties. With deep experience in the Pacific Northwest, Jensen will be based out of BH Properties’ Seattle office and will lead the strategic leasing, merchandising and positioning efforts for the company’s growing portfolio of retail and mixed-use assets across the Pacific Northwest and West Coast. Jensen brings more than a decade of experience shaping vibrant retail environments in both urban cores and suburban mixed-use developments and will play a key …

May 20, 2025

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