Sunday, October 19, 2025
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construction and design

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Swig Names New President and Chief of Franchise Partnerships

by Katie Lee

Sandy, Utah — Swig, the creator of the dirty soda beverage category, is ramping up its nationwide growth by promoting Todd Smith to president, following his tenure as chief commercial officer, and appointing franchise sales veteran Shannon Swenson as chief, franchise partnerships. “We’re at a major moment for dirty soda,” says Alex Dunn, CEO of Swig. “People crave playful, personalized drinks, and Swig is here to deliver — coast to coast. Todd’s vision, Shannon’s franchising prowess and the talent of Swig’s leaders and team members alike are the perfect combination …

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construction and designgreen building/LEEDNewsretailers

Subaru Introduces New Immersive Design to Transform Retail Locations

by Katie Lee

Camden, N.J. — Subaru of America, Inc. has unveiled the Subaru Connection Hub, the automaker’s first full redesign of its national retailer network since 2007. The new concept reimagines the automotive retail experience, transforming dealerships into immersive, hospitality-driven spaces that strengthen customer relationships and community connections. The exterior architectural language draws inspiration from parks, pavilions and great plazas to create a new expression that welcomes everyone into the showroom. Inside, the new Subaru Connection Hub concept showcases vehicles paired with curated merchandising tools, gear and accessories. Spaces will also include …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Rural King Opens First Store in Mississippi

by Katie Lee

Mattoon, Ill. — Rural King, a family-owned retailer dedicated to the rural lifestyle, is opening its first Mississippi store in Columbus. With a legacy spanning over six decades, Rural King has established itself as a cornerstone of the communities it serves. The new Mississippi location uses innovative features designed to enhance the shopping experience, including mobile and self-checkouts, while maintaining the personal touch that defines Rural King’s customer service. “We are thrilled to open our first Mississippi store in Columbus,” says Steve Barbarick, Rural King CEO. “This is an exciting …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Donatos Pizza Aims to Develop 50+ Locations Across the Carolinas

by Katie Lee

Columbus, Ohio — Donatos Pizza is partnering with new franchise owners to begin adding more than 50 new locations across the Carolinas over the next several years. Cities in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, High Point and Greensboro. Cities in South Carolina include Greenville, Spartanburg and Columbia. In North Carolina, Donatos already serves guests through 16 Red Robin locations. South Carolina has Donatos Edge to Edge® pizzas available in four Red Robin locations in addition to four traditional restaurants in Summerville, Boiling Springs, West Ashley and Fort Mill. “This …

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ADA complianceconstruction and designNewsProduct Spotlightretailerssoftware/technology

Target Launches First-of-its-Kind Accessible Self-Checkout Nationwide

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Target Corporation has launched a first-of-its-kind accessible self-checkout experience, designed with and for guests with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision. Beginning this holiday season and continuing into early 2026, the solution will roll out to self-checkout stations across Target stores nationwide. “This season brings so much joy for our guests, but we know it can be overwhelming, too. That is why even small wins matter — like an accessible self-checkout that helps guests shop their way, with confidence,” says Adrienne Costanzo, executive vice …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

FEP Invests in 7 Brew Franchisee, Signs Development Deal for Over 200 Units

by Katie Lee

New York City — Private investment firm Franchise Equity Partners (FEP) has acquired a majority stake in 7 Crew, the second-largest franchise owner of 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee. As part of the agreement, FEP will continue to execute 7 Crew’s existing development agreement with 7 Brew, which includes opening more than 200 new stands in addition to the 50 currently operating. FEP has taken a selective approach to investing in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector. After evaluating numerous opportunities, 7 Brew stood out as a differentiated, category-defining brand. 7 Brew …

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Warner Marketplace
construction and designmanagementNewsproperty managementretailers

Vestar to Manage Warner Marketplace in Los Angeles

by Abby Cox

Los Angeles — Vestar, a Phoenix-based privately held shopping center owner and manager, will provide comprehensive management services for Warner Marketplace, a 160,000-square-foot shopping center located in the Canoga Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. Vestar will offer its full scope of management services including property management, leasing oversight and marketing and construction management, which will be tailored to optimize operations and drive long-term performance. “We are excited to add Warner Marketplace to our growing California portfolio,” says Patrick McGinley, president of management services at Vestar. “This asset is located in a vibrant …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Chipotle to Open First Restaurants in Asia in 2026

by Katie Lee

Newport Beach, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill has signed a joint venture to open restaurants in Asia for the first time. In partnership with SPC Group, a leading South Korea-based food company, Chipotle plans to open its first restaurants in South Korea and Singapore in 2026. “With a rapidly evolving dining-out business, fueled by preferences for variety and convenience, expanding into Asia presents an incredible growth opportunity for Chipotle,” says Scott Boatwright, chief executive officer of Chipotle. “Real food prepared fast is in high demand in these markets and with …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Chuck E. Cheese Expands to the UK, Marking First Location in Europe

by Katie Lee

Irving, Texas — Chuck E. Cheese, a global family entertainment brand, will be making its debut in the United Kingdom. In partnership with a dedicated local team, this will mark the brand’s first location in Europe. “Chuck E. Cheese is an incredible global brand that brings families together across cultures through the universal language of fun,” says Mario Centola, chief operating officer of Chuck E. Cheese International. “We’re thrilled to bring our unique magic for family fun to the UK. We have partnered with an outstanding team that shares our …

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construction and designNewsremodelsretailers

Rack Room Shoes Continues to Open “Lighthouse Concept Stores”

by Katie Lee

Charlotte, N.C. — Rack Room Shoes is building on its strategic growth plan with the opening of seven new “lighthouse concept stores” across the country. The new locations aim to reimagine and enhance the shopping experience for the entire family. The elevated locations provide customers with an improved, multi-layered experience with better visual navigation and eye-catching elements throughout the store. The latest generation stores improve the wayfinding of Rack Room’s athletic assortment and enhance the presentation of key brands and seasonal assortments. The stores also include upgraded service elements, including …

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