construction and design

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Sky High is the Limit

by Katie Lee

— By Katie Lee — Mellow Mushroom, the psychedelic pizza franchise known for its imaginative pizzas, hand-tossed stone-baked dough and unique atmosphere, projects a laid-back vibe but is anything but ‘mellow’ in its ambition. One year after marking its 50th anniversary, Mellow Mushroom spent 2025 not basking in the glow of its half-century of success but rather laser-focused on improving restaurant operations and rolling out a new store prototype. Today, those investments are paying off. “In 2026, our milestones have been about disciplined growth and evolution: 8 new locations signed …

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Target Completes SoHo Store Transformation

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Nearly a year after opening the reimagined Target SoHo, Target Corporation unveiled its newly transformed lower level on Oct. 22, completing the store’s overall renovation. The new space features immersive experiences across home, wellness, toys, and food and beverage. “Our guests want more than just a place to shop — they want to feel inspired, discover something new and find great style, design and value in the products they shop for every day.” says Michelle Mesenburg, chief brand officer, Target. “With Target SoHo’s transformation complete, we’re bringing that …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Ford’s Garage Opens its First Tennessee Location

by Katie Lee

Chattanooga, Tenn. — Ford’s Garage, a one-of-a-kind dining concept inspired by the heritage of the Ford Motor Company, is officially open in Chattanooga, marking the brand’s first restaurant in Tennessee and its 36th in the U.S. Located near Hamilton Place Mall, the new 8,000-square-foot restaurant offers seating for approximately 250 guests. The restaurant joins one of Chattanooga’s busiest retail and dining corridors, near popular attractions including Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls and Rock City. Known for its immersive automotive-themed atmosphere, Ford’s Garage combines vintage 1920s service station décor and Ford memorabilia …

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Toys “R” Us to Open 120 New Standalone Stores Across the Country

by Katie Lee

Braintree, Mass. — Toys “R” Us is opening 120 standalone stores across the country this holiday season, bringing its total U.S. footprint to 160 locations less than a decade after the chain shuttered its doors. The stores will cater heavily to adult collectors and teens, focusing on LEGO sets, trading cards and collectibles, alongside traditional children’s toys. One of the new stores will be located at South Shore Plaza, a 1.6 million-square-foot mall in Braintree, Mass., approximately 10 miles south of Boston. Simon Property Group owns the property, which features more …

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Tropical Smoothie Cafe® Signs 40-Unit Deal for New York and Connecticut

by Katie Lee

New York City — Tropical Smoothie Cafe has signed a 40-unit franchise development deal across New York and Connecticut with franchisee Aurify Kingstar. The first location is planned to open in early 2027. With more than 1,750 cafes and a robust development pipeline, the brand is on track to open its 1,800th location by the end of 2026.  As part of its continued investment in franchise development, Tropical Smoothie Cafe recently appointed Joe Sieve to the position of chief development & growth officer. The 40-unit deal will expand Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s …

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Jos. A. Bank Debuts New Store Design in Peachtree City, GA

by Katie Lee

Dublin, Calif. — On Oct. 14, Jos. A. Bank opened a new store in Peachtree City, Ga. — unveiling a completely reimagined store experience, from the design and merchandising to how customers browse, shop and engage with expert service. The store reflects the next chapter of Jos. A. Bank, inspired by the company’s origins as a tailor shop in 1905. Located in Kedron Village Shopping Center, the new 4,960-square-foot store introduces a more modern, intuitive environment designed to put product and personal service at the center. It offers more intentional …

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Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Opens 600th Restaurant

by Katie Lee

Wichita, Kan. — Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has reached a major milestone by opening its 600th restaurant on Oct. 12. The new restaurant, which is owned and operated by long-time Freddy’s franchisee Charleston Custard, is located in Beaufort, S.C. The 600th restaurant is an endcap, no-drive-thru prototype as part of Freddy’s recent initiative to introduce more flexible development formats that can accommodate a wider range of real estate opportunities and support continued brand growth. Additionally, the new location features seating for 65 guests and an outdoor patio. “Opening our …

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Nordstrom Rack to Return to San Francisco with New Store

by Katie Lee

Seattle — Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. plans to re-enter the San Francisco market with a new Nordstrom Rack store at 2 Stockton St. The new downtown store is scheduled to open in fall 2027. “Nordstrom has a long history in San Francisco, and we’re excited to bring Nordstrom Rack back downtown. The city has many wonderful assets, and it has clearly built momentum in making downtown a great place for customers. We look forward to welcoming new and returning Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack customers to our store,” says Erik …

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Krispy Kreme to Open 30+ New Units Across New York Metro Area

by Katie Lee

Charlotte, N.C. — Krispy Kreme, Inc. has signed a franchise development agreement with Original Entrepreneurs LLC to open 33 Krispy Kreme shops across the New York metro area over the next 5 years. The shops will be developed in New York City and the surrounding region, including Long Island and New Jersey. The Original Entrepreneurs group, a long-time Krispy Kreme franchisee and experienced quick-service restaurant operator, currently operates 12 Krispy Kreme shops. “We’re pleased to continue growing with Original Entrepreneurs,” says Josh Charlesworth, CEO of Krispy Kreme. “This development agreement …

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La-Z-Boy Completes New Store Openings & Acquisitions

by Katie Lee

Monroe, Mich. — La-Z-Boy Incorporated, a global leader in the retail and manufacture of residential furniture, has completed its previously announced acquisition of two La-Z-Boy stores in New Orleans. This acquisition continues the recent expansion in both acquisitions and new company-owned store openings across the U.S. including in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Colorado and Arizona. The company-owned store count has grown to 237, which is an all-time high. Over the last 12 months through fiscal 2027 Q1, the company has added 32 new company-owned stores, including 14 that …

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