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Katie Lee

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Nordstrom Family, Liverpool to Take Namesake Department Store Chain Private in $6.25B Deal

by Katie Lee

Seattle — In late December 2024, Nordstrom Inc. signed a definitive agreement with the Nordstrom family and Mexican omnichannel retailer El Puerto de Liverpool SAB de CV (Liverpool) in a deal that will take the fashion department store giant private. The all-cash transaction is valued at $6.25 billion. Erik, Pete and Jamie Nordstrom, along with other members of the Nordstrom family, and Liverpool plan to acquire all the outstanding common shares of Nordstrom that they do not already beneficially own. The deal would give the Nordstrom family a majority ownership …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Smalls Sliders Makes Texas Debut

by Katie Lee

Willis, Texas — Smalls Sliders, the industry-disrupting cheeseburger slider brand, is hosting an opening celebration on Jan. 4 for its first Texas location, situated in the suburban Houston town of Willis. “The excitement of bringing Smalls Sliders to Texas is something I’m proud to be part of, and there’s no better place to start than Willis,” says Preston Cunningham, local franchisee and operator. “This community has a unique charm and a welcoming spirit that makes it the perfect home for our first Texas Can. The city has grown tremendously over …

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Newsretailersstore closings

Party City to Close All Stores, The Container Store Files for Chapter 11

by Katie Lee

Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and Coppell, Texas — In a one-two punch of holiday retail bankruptcy announcements, Party City has issued a formal statement declaring that it will close all its U.S. stores within the coming months, while The Container Store has also formally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. CNN first reported on Dec. 20, 2024 that Party City, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2023 to restructure its debt, would now be liquidating. The New Jersey-based entertainment accessories retailer, which does business as Party City Holdco …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Jersey Mike’s Subs Opens 3,000th Location

by Katie Lee

Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs held a 12-store opening celebration to mark the company’s 3,000th location on Dec. 18. In 2024 alone, Jersey Mike’s will have opened a record-breaking 322 locations. “Congratulations to all our owners and teams for all they have accomplished with their commitment and hard work,” says Peter Cancro, founder and CEO, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “Reaching 3,000 stores is a celebration of all who have helped build Jersey Mike’s into a brand that resonates on a national level due to our powerful giving culture.” …

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Cover Storyfranchise developmentFrom The Magazinerestaurants

Sweetening the Deal

by Katie Lee

— Interview with Flynn Dekker — With a fresh new development team in place, Shipley Do-Nuts leans into growing digital sales and new product innovation as it enters new states and markets. Shipley Do-Nuts has been a sweet, savory mainstay for many generations, first opening in 1936 and now operating more than 360 units in 12 states — and growing. This year, the Houston-based brand added significant new members to its executive team, as well as more than 100 units to its development pipeline. To support this dynamic growth, Shipley …

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Newspeopleretailerssupply chain

AutoZone Promotes 2 Vice Presidents of Merchandising

by Katie Lee

Memphis, Tenn. — AutoZone, Inc. has promoted two vice presidents to senior vice president positions. Bailey Childress, vice president, merchandising, has been promoted to senior vice president, omnichannel and merchandising support, and Luke Rauch, vice president, merchandising, has been promoted to senior vice president, merchandising and global sourcing. Childress and Rauch will join the company’s executive committee and report to Bill Hackney, executive vice president, merchandising, marketing and supply chain. “We are very pleased to announce today’s promotions. Bailey is a proven leader who has delivered outstanding results throughout his …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Savvy Sliders Acquires All 85 BurgerFi Locations

by Katie Lee

Detroit — Savvy Sliders, America’s fastest growing slider brand, has acquired Florida-based BurgerFi, a chef-driven, fast-casual chain. Each of BurgerFi’s 85 restaurants, located in 15 states and counting, will continue to operate as BurgerFi. With this acquisition, BurgerFi will be a sister brand to Savvy Sliders, Happy’s Pizza and Fat Boy’s Pizza, bringing the company’s combined portfolio to 206 stores. “BurgerFi shares our commitment to using the highest-quality, freshest ingredients in each menu item while prioritizing the customer’s dining experience,” says Happy Asker, CEO/founder of Savvy Sliders. “We are pleased …

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Newspeoplerestaurantssoftware/technologyvendors

ChowNow Names New Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — ChowNow, a leader in online ordering and delivery for local restaurants, has appointed Kanika Soni as its new chief executive officer. Soni brings over 20 years of experience in the consumer tech sector with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. As the new CEO, Soni will be responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives to accelerate growth for ChowNow in this rapidly-changing market for online restaurant delivery platforms while ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction for restaurants and diners alike. Most recently, Soni served as chief …

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construction and designmanagementNewsproperty managementretailers

Vestar to Manage Vista Commons Near Las Vegas

by Katie Lee

Las Vegas — Vestar, a Phoenix-based privately held shopping center owner and manager, will provide comprehensive management services for Vista Commons, a 100,000-square-foot grocery-anchored shopping center located in the West Summerlin area of Las Vegas. Vestar, which will offer property management as well as construction management, will manage Vista Commons on behalf of an institutional client, for whom it manages nearly 3.5 million square feet. Vista Commons is 100% occupied with a diverse mix of tenants including Albertsons, Wells Fargo, State Farm, Subway, Bank of America and Dunkin Donuts. The …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

PJ’s Coffee to Expand in Atlanta Area with 12 New Stores

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — With a commitment to bringing the authentic taste of New Orleans to coffee enthusiasts nationwide, PJ’s Coffee is paving the way in the Atlanta metropolitan area with 12 locations in development to open in the next 7 years. “Our expansion into Atlanta represents a game-changing opportunity to share PJ’s unique flavors with a vibrant community that values Southern hospitality and exceptional coffee,” says Lory Schwartz, franchise development manager of PJ’s Coffee. “The city’s dynamic economy, strong coffee culture and affinity for innovation make it the perfect place for …

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