Author

Katie Lee

Boise, Idaho — Albertsons Companies, Inc. has terminated its merger agreement with Kroger after the U.S. District Court in Oregon and the King County Superior Court for the State of Washington issued injunctions with respect to the proposed merger on Dec. 10, 2024. This termination entitles Albertsons to an immediate $600 million termination fee and removes contractual constraints on Albertsons’ ability to pursue other strategic opportunities. “Given the recent federal and state court decisions to block our proposed merger with Kroger, we have made the difficult decision to terminate the …

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— By Tony Atti, Ph.D. — How omnichannel can unlock and accelerate growth in the grocery sector — and can save retailers billions of dollars.  In recent years, the promise of omnichannel for grocers loomed on the horizon — a concept that felt like a future problem, not necessarily a problem that demanded immediate attention. The pandemic changed all of that and forced the need for a functioning omnichannel front and center, placing that need squarely on the shoulders of logistics managers. Major grocers answered. In fact, online grocery orders …

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Atlanta — Handel’s Ice Cream, serving handmade ice cream since 1945, is marking a monumental milestone: its 150th location, which is opening on Dec. 12 at Buckhead Landing in Atlanta. “Handel’s continues to attract significant interest as one of the fastest growing concepts in the United States,” says Jennifer Schuler, chief executive officer for Handel’s Ice Cream. “With the Buckhead Landing opening, we mark our 150th scoop shop, laying the foundation for continued brand expansion in 2025.” Adds Schuler: “Building on the success of our recent Midtown Atlanta opening, the …

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Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General plans to open approximately 575 new stores in the United States in its fiscal year 2025, which ends Jan. 30, 2026. The Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based discount retailer will also debut 15 new stores in Mexico in that timeframe. The new store count is in addition to Dollar General’s expected 730 new store openings in fiscal 2024, which will end on Jan. 31, 2025. Overall, the company expects to execute nearly 5,000 real estate projects in fiscal year 2025, including 4,250 store remodels and relocating 45 stores. …

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St. Petersburg, Fla. — Barberitos, a fast-casual burrito brand and member of the better-for-you dining platform WOWorks, is signing a 10-unit franchise agreement that will introduce the brand to multiple locations across Alabama. This expansion follows the recent unveiling of Barberitos’ reimagined look and enhanced menu. The first two Barberitos locations are currently under construction in Wetumpka and Prattville, Ala., with an anticipated opening by March. This rollout will mark the beginning of a broader expansion across the state, with plans for at least four additional stores in 2025. Additionally, …

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Salisbury, N.C. — According to Ahold Delhaize USA, Meg Ham, president of Food Lion, plans to retire on May 2, 2025 after more than 35 years with the organization. She has been at the helm of Food Lion for more than a decade and has been part of the brand’s unprecedented growth. A successor for Ham will be announced before year-end. “Meg has been an outstanding leader at Ahold Delhaize USA and has led Food Lion during one of the brand’s most exciting times as it repositioned itself to better …

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Dallas — Modern golf entertainment leader Topgolf will open its first venue in Mississippi, Topgolf Ridgeland, on Dec. 20 in Ridgeland, Miss., 11 miles north of downtown Jackson. This will mark Topgolf’s 108th global outdoor venue. Topgolf Ridgeland features 62 outdoor climate-controlled hitting bays spanning two levels. Each bay has lounge-type furniture or high-top tables for large or small groups. In addition to signature gameplay, Topgolf Ridgeland will feature a brand new nine-hole mini-golf course to amplify the fun. The venue will also host a full-service bar and restaurant helmed …

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Tampa, Fla. — RNR Tire Express, a leading franchise retailer for tires and custom wheels, is accelerating its growth with the opening of its 200th location — a major milestone in the brand’s expansion. The landmark store is set to open in Schenectady, N.Y. At the helm of the 200th location is husband-and-wife team Jeff and Patrina Leland, who bring over three decades of business acumen to the brand. They opened their first RNR Tire Express location in Queensbury, N.Y., in January 2021. Patrina Leland manages the daily operations of …

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Bridgeview, Ill. — In a historic moment for the paving industry, Rose Paving has merged with Atlantic Southern Paving (ASP) to create one of the largest self-performing paving companies in the United States. Rose Paving and ASP combine complementary geographic footprints and together create an expansive nationwide network with an unrivaled reach. The businesses are known for consistent, longstanding relationships while offering both national and regional expertise, and the combination will ensure new standards of quality and service in the paving industry. Both companies have been built through an unwavering …

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Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. has opened the 400th Carl’s Jr. restaurant in Mexico. The new location is in the port city of Tampico, on the Gulf of Mexico. “Mexico continues to be one of our top performing markets. Carl’s Jr. Mexico’s success is due to the best-in-class experience we offer our guests throughout the country every day,” says Julio Sanchez, general manager-Americas at CKE Restaurants. “With the opening of our 400th restaurant, we continue to deliver beautiful, modern restaurants and, of course, the best burgers in the …

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