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Kilwins Plans Major Texas Expansion with 10 New Locations

by Katie Lee

Petoskey, Mich. — Kilwins, a beloved American confectionery brand known for hand-crafted chocolates, super-premium ice cream and warm, nostalgic in-store experiences, is set to expand its footprint in Texas in a big way, announcing plans for 10 new locations across the state. With store openings scheduled to begin this summer, the expansion marks a strategic move into one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. “Texas is a natural fit for Kilwins,” says Brian Britton, president and CEO of Kilwins. “The climate supports year-round ice cream sales, the population is …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Wawa Enters Indiana with First 3 Stores; Plans 5 More by Year End

by Katie Lee

Wawa, Pa. — Wawa, Inc. has opened its first three stores in Indiana, located in Daleville, Noblesville and Clarksville. These new stores are the first of eight stores slated to open in Indiana by year’s end. “We’re thrilled to fly into Indiana and bring our unique combination of fresh food and beverage, convenience and service to new friends and neighbors,” says Brian Schaller, president of Wawa. “This historic milestone kicks off the next chapter of our growth in the Midwest, and we’re overjoyed at the warm welcome we continue to …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Saladworks Signs 10-Unit Franchise Agreement to Expand into North Carolina

by Katie Lee

St. Petersburg, Fla. — Saladworks, a growing fast-casual salad franchise and a leading brand under the dining platform WOWorks, has signed a 10-unit development agreement that will bring its health-forward dining experience to several communities in North Carolina. The first location is expected to open in Greenville, N.C., in spring 2026, with additional locations planned for the Greenville-New Bern-Washington, Raleigh-Durham (Fayetteville) and Wilmington DMAs. Driving this growth is local restaurateur and CEO of Mixon Foods, Zack Mixon. Mixon also plans to explore other WOWorks concepts such as Frutta Bowls, a …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Fogo de Chão to Open First Location on the Las Vegas Strip

by Katie Lee

Las Vegas — Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned restaurant from Brazil known for its elevated churrasco dining experience, has signed a lease agreement for its second location in Las Vegas, at The Venetian resort, marking its first location on the Las Vegas Strip. The 14,000-square-foot space is set to open in December 2025. “Signing a lease for The Venetian Resort is an incredible milestone for Fogo de Chão. The Venetian is synonymous with elegance, world-class hospitality and immersive experiences — values that align perfectly with our vision,” says Barry …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsretailers

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Opens First Store in Washington

by Katie Lee

Miami — Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, the neighborhood pet grooming and treat boutique, is debuting its first location in the state of Washington. The new store, located in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, expands the brand’s coast-to-coast presence and brings its signature pet experience to the Pacific Northwest. With more than 450 stores open or in development, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming continues to expand its national footprint. The Capitol Hill location marks the brand’s entry into its 28th state and continues a coast-to-coast momentum that includes 12 new …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendors

Donatos Pizza to Open Fully Autonomous Restaurant in Partnership with Appetronix

by Katie Lee

Columbus, Ohio — Donatos Pizza plans to open its first fully autonomous pizza restaurant in June. Donatos and its sister company Agápe Automation partnered with Appetronix to bring the robot operated restaurant to life. The new fully automated restaurant will debut before security in front of Concourse B at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport and will be operated by restaurateur HMS Host. The new autonomous kitchen will deliver a fast and delicious made-to-order pizza for travelers. “We’re not just adding tech to a restaurant; we’re jumping in with a …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Market of Choice Opens 12th Oregon Store

by Katie Lee

Eugene, Ore. — Market of Choice, Oregon’s largest independent, family-owned grocer, has opened its 12th store statewide. Located in south Hillsboro, Ore., the 35,000 square-foot store is the cornerstone of the new Reed’s Crossing Town Center development. “We are honored to bring Market of Choice to this vibrant community and provide a space for people to shop and connect,” says Rick Wright, CEO of Market of Choice. “Our neighbors will discover a bounty of natural and organic choices, featuring more than 5,000 locally crafted and raised foods, alongside everyday favorite …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Gong Cha Names Vice President of U.S. Non-Traditional Franchise Development

by Katie Lee

Boston — Gong cha, a premier bubble tea brand with more than 240 locations across 21 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and nearly 2,200 stores across the globe, has appointed Michael Nedelkovich Jr. as vice president of U.S. non-traditional franchise development. A franchise executive with over 15 years in the industry, Nedelkovich’s expertise spans franchising, site selection and strategic partnerships — expanding F&B concepts into non-traditional venues, with a consistent focus on scalable growth and long term value creation. In his new role, Nedelkovich will lead Gong cha’s non-traditional …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Pokeworks Sells Out Houston and Signs 10-Unit Agreement in San Antonio

by Katie Lee

Irvine, Calif. — Pokeworks, a fast-growing fast-casual poke brand has finalized a 10-unit deal in San Antonio and is selling out its available Houston territories. With a goal to open 10 stores in two years, Agustin Guzman will be developing the greater San Antonio market as well as the Rio Grande Valley. Guzman, a former Olympic swimmer and seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience across various industries, currently operates Pokeworks’ McAllen, Texas, location and is in the process of opening his second location in Mission, Texas. “I’ve experienced …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurantsretailers

Sweetgreen Making Arkansas Debut with 2 Units, Including at Walmart’s New Home Office

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Sweetgreen plans to open its first two locations in Arkansas — a significant step in its expansion across the southern United States. The brand will open in Fayetteville, Ark., later this year, with a second location to follow at Walmart’s new home office in Bentonville, Ark. “Northwest Arkansas is quickly becoming a hub for innovation and growth, and we’re excited to be part of it,” says Christopher Tarrant, chief development officer at Sweetgreen. “Opening on Walmart’s forward-thinking new home office campus and in Fayetteville, home of the …

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