New York City — Over the last year, performance lifestyle brand Rhone has been working with TPG Architecture to reimagine its in-store experience with an all-new retail identity. As of April 25, the first remodeled location in New York City’s Hudson Yards reopened for business. The store’s official grand opening was celebrated on June 28. Rhone was founded in 2014, offering a men’s apparel line engineered for optimal style, comfort and activity. Its name was inspired by the relentless Rhone River that runs from the Alps in Switzerland to the …
construction and design
Print the Wall
— Interview with Darin Ross — Building a wall for Walmart has never been faster, cheaper or safer — thanks to 3D concrete printing. When Walmart makes waves, it can create a tsunami. The mega-retailer, which has more than 10,000 stores around the globe, continues to be a leader in sustainability, productivity and innovation. Recently, Walmart teamed up with Alquist 3D, in partnership with Atlanta-based FMGI as general contractor, to complete their second 3DCP (3D Concrete Printing) build. The new 5,000-square-foot expansion at Walmart Supercenter #5197 outside Huntsville, Alabama, set …
Sunrise, Fla. — Pure Green, a functional wellness brand on a mission to build healthier communities through clean, nutrient-dense smoothies, açaí bowls, cold-pressed juices and wellness shots, is rapidly expanding its footprint and closing in on a major milestone: 100 open locations by early 2026. In just 6 months, the juice bar has grown from 43 to 70 open units — a 63% increase — and is on track to open three to five new stores each month through the end of the year. Founded in New York City in …
— By David Conklin — Retail-to-restaurant conversions have proven to be a profitable real estate strategy for Golden Corral. The rising costs of new development present an opportunity for retail and restaurant brands to rethink their expansion strategies. One of the most effective ways to fuel growth while mitigating high development costs is by repurposing second-generation spaces — previously occupied retail locations — into thriving restaurant concepts. Golden Corral is leading the charge, targeting these spaces as prime opportunities for conversion and rapid expansion. Why Second-Generation Retail Spaces Work for …
Tampa Bay, Fla. — Fresh Kitchen plans to open a brand-new flagship location in early 2026. The new restaurant is taking over the former Ducky’s Sports Lounge space at 1719 W. Kennedy Blvd. in South Tampa, Fla., and will be the largest Fresh Kitchen yet — doubling the size of a typical location and paving the way for future innovation and growth. Fresh Kitchen lost its original South Howard location to an early morning fire in July 2024, just 1 month shy of celebrating its 10th anniversary. In the months …
Alexandria, Va. — New Orleans-based PJ’s Coffee opened its first Virginia location, in Alexandria, on July 8. Located on the ground floor of the 400-unit South Alex apartment complex, the standalone café brings a taste of the French Quarter to Virginia with its signature beignets, small-batch roasted coffee and seasonal sips. Alexandria’s PJ’s Coffee marks the brand’s 15th state and seventh location in Maryland. The Alexandria location is locally owned and operated by the husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Ronald and Sofiya Ali Parker, both longtime residents of the Alexandria-Burgundy Village area. Phyllis …
Los Angeles — Brochu Walker, a quiet luxury lifestyle brand, is celebrating a significant milestone, announcing its fifth store location in the Montecito, Calif., area. The highly anticipated concept store brings Brochu Walker’s timelessly elegant collections to one of the most sought-after locations in the country. Doors are now open at The Post Montecito (Santa Barbara, Calif.). Brochu Walker has additional stores in Atlanta; Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif.; Westport, Conn.; and Southampton, N.Y. When selecting its newest store location, the brand prioritized finding a community that has shown great brand affinity and …
Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger and 17 other restaurant concepts, has signed a new development deal with existing franchisee Whole Factor Inc., to open 40 additional Fatburger locations across Florida over the next 10 years, including new areas such as Jacksonville. Since 2021, Whole Factor Inc. has been steadily growing the Fatburger brand across the state with a 14-unit development deal to grow in the Orlando and Tampa areas, with two restaurants open to date in Riverview and Celebration. “Two years ago, …
Dallas — Chuck E. Cheese, America’s favorite arcade and family entertainment center, is launching a new arcade concept, Chuck’s Arcade™. The new concept combines classic games and the hottest new games alongside iconic Chuck E. Cheese animatronic characters. The arcade was created for adults and lifelong fans who grew up surrounded by the electric glow of arcade screens, the symphony of digital soundtracks and the thrill of chasing high scores with friends long into the night. Chuck’s Arcade™ is a modern-day love letter to the games and people who made …
New York City — Champs Sports, a banner under Foot Locker, Inc., has unveiled its reimagined retail concept designed to deliver an enhanced customer journey through an immersive retail experience. Reopening on July 1 in two key markets — Tampa, Fla. (Brandon Exchange) and Portland, Ore. (Washington Square) — the redesigned stores reflect Champs Sports’ commitment to blending sport and everyday life to deliver a redefined retail experience. The new concept introduces an inviting and modernized storefront featuring a bright, organized design and an extensive selection of multi-brand apparel, footwear …