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Katie Lee

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Joann Files Motion to Close 500 Stores Across U.S.

by Katie Lee

Hudson, Ohio — According to a FAQ fact sheet distributed to customers, Joann plans to close approximately 500 of its 800 remaining stores in the U.S. as part ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The arts-and-crafts retailer filed a motion on Feb. 12, 2025 seeking court authority to begin the closings. If approved, going-out-of-business sales at underperforming stores will begin on Feb. 15 and continue for several months. The remainder of Joann’s store fleet — which spans 49 states — is not impacted and will remain open as usual. A full …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Rita’s Italian Ice Celebrates 39 New Openings and New Hires

by Katie Lee

Philadelphia — In 2024, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened 39 new locations, including 10 international shops, for a total of 575 operating units. The company continued its rapid growth in existing markets while expanding its reach in the Midwest, Michigan, Ohio and Texas, among other states. The company has also made two key recent hires. “We are committed to driving growth and expansion across key markets, enhancing our product offerings through innovative design and development, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to further elevate the customer experience,” says CEO Linda …

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Newspeopleretailers

Levi Strauss & Co. Shakes Up Leadership Team; COO to Retire

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) has made a series of strategic leadership changes designed to improve the company’s speed and agility, and further its commitment to consumers. These actions will streamline decision-making, drive operational excellence and align the company’s structure with its strategic priorities. “Over the past year, we’ve made bold moves to transform Levi Strauss & Co. into a world-class denim lifestyle retailer, and we’re seeing the results,” says Michelle Gass, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. “We believe success is built on clarity …

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For Good Measure

by Katie Lee

— By Frenchie Audette — Why tackling wasted food is good for sustainability — and good for business. Every year, the foodservice industry contributes a staggering amount of waste to U.S. landfills. Consumer-facing businesses are responsible for 20% of all wasted food, with restaurants accounting for nearly half of that. That’s almost 9 tons of food waste annually. And 70% of that waste comes from plate waste — what’s left uneaten on customers’ plates. This all points to the unique challenge that the foodservice industry faces when dealing with wasted …

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Colt: Signature Vendor Spotlight

by Katie Lee

— Interview with Tracy Gaw — R&R: Where is Colt based, and how long has the company been in business? Tracy Gaw: March 2023 until the present — so 1 year, 10 months. Colt is based in Dallas. R&R: Please describe its connection to MaintenX. Gaw: Colt has shared ownership and shared executive leadership with MaintenX. Our vision, principles, processes and overall mission are in line with MaintenX. R&R: You are the new vice president of service at Colt — how long have you been with the company? Gaw: I …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Cold Stone Creamery to Expand in Nashville with 10 New Locations

by Katie Lee

Scottsdale, Ariz. — Cold Stone Creamery®, one of the nation’s premier ice cream creameries, plans to expand the brand’s presence in Nashville, Tenn. The brand plans to open 10 locations in Nashville over the next 5 years. “Cold Stone Creamery is a staple in communities across the nation,” says Jay Goldstein, vice president of development at Cold Stone Creamery. “Our brand has a positive track record for growth in Tennessee with communities who love what we provide and want to experience more of our brand. Nashville is the perfect market …

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Southeastern Grocers Names New Ownership of Winn-Dixie & Harveys Banners

by Katie Lee

Jacksonville, Fla. — A consortium of private investors, spearheaded by the current CEO and president of Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), Anthony Hucker, and C&S Wholesale Grocers, has acquired Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners from ALDI U.S. ALDI U.S. previously purchased Southeastern Grocers in March 2024. The agreement includes the acquisition of SEG grocery and liquor store operations under the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners. This includes approximately 170 grocery stores in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida, as well as the existing Winn-Dixie liquor store business. …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Evolves its Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe® evolves its leadership team as it continues to drive operational excellence and expansion. The company has appointed Jonathan Biggs as chief operating officer (COO) and has promoted Chris Sasser to chief financial officer (CFO) and Karen Wickliffe to general counsel (GC). Biggs joins Tropical Smoothie Cafe from Baskin-Robbins, where he served as brand head, overseeing operations across the United States. With over a decade of experience in field and global operations, he has a proven track record of driving restaurant profitability through technology and operational …

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Newspeopleretailers

Macy’s Names New Chief Stores Officer

by Katie Lee

New York City — Macy’s Inc. has promoted Barbie Cameron to chief stores officer of Macy’s, effective Feb. 16. She most recently served as the senior vice president and regional director of stores, East Region, and had been the interim chief stores officer since August. She reports to Adrian Mitchell, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Macy’s, Inc. In this role, Cameron leads the store operations across Macy’s nameplate, from flagships to small format stores and its call center operations. She will spearhead initiatives to modernize Macy’s, improve …

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Taim Mediterranean Kitchen Debuts First Location in Chicago

by Katie Lee

Chicago — Craveworthy Brands, a multi-brand restaurant platform company, has debuted its first-ever location of taim Mediterranean Kitchen in Chicago and the Midwest region, located at Craveworthy Kitchen in Hayden Hall on the second floor of 333 South Wabash Ave.  Taim’s menu includes freshly made hummus, falafel, shawarma and customizable bowls and pitas, catering to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free preferences. Founded in 2005 in New York City’s West Village, taim is celebrated for its market-fresh produce, authentic herbs and spices and time-honored cooking techniques. Taim currenrly has 13 locations across …

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