Honolulu — Batteries Plus, the nation’s leading specialty battery retailer, is making its debut in Hawaii with a multi-unit franchise agreement. Local entrepreneur Pierre Parranto has signed on to open four stores across Hawaii’s four largest islands, starting with a location in Honolulu on Oahu. “As a business owner, I was a customer in need and I was actively searching for a dependable battery supplier when I came across Batteries Plus,” says Parranto. “The franchise model immediately stood out; it offers a strong support system and fills a critical need …
construction and design
Grants Pass, Ore. — A little over a month after unveiling its 1,000th retail location, drive-thru coffee chain Dutch Bros Inc. is expanding its operations with goals to reach 2,029 shops by 2029. Originating in 1992 as a pushcart by the railroad tracks in downtown Grants Pass, Dutch Bros opened its first franchise in 2000. Dutch Bros Coffee now has a significant presence in the Pacific Northwest and is expanding with more locations across the United States, moving eastward to Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and Georgia. Looking further out, Dutch Bros …
Saginaw, Mich. — Duro-Last®, a member of Holcim Solutions and Products US LLC, has named several key leadership promotions and organizational enhancements aimed at fostering innovation, optimizing operations, supporting long term growth and creating more opportunity for their valued contractor partners. “Our contractors are at the heart of everything we do, and these leadership updates further enhance our ability to support their success,” says Darren Schulz, president of Duro-Last. “By evolving our structure and investing in strong leadership, we’re ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry — offering …
Katy, Texas — Academy Sports + Outdoors has surpassed 300 stores after opening its first locations in York, Pa., Harrisburg, Pa., and Hagerstown, Md. These stores also mark Academy’s first locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland, increasing the retailer’s footprint to 21 states. In addition, Academy opened a new store in Kansas City, Mo., in March, and will open another new location in Charlotte, N.C., in April. The company plans to open a total of 20-25 new stores in its 2025 fiscal year. “Academy’s continued new store expansion reinforces our commitment …
Grand Rapids, Mich. — Meijer plans to open a new neighborhood market, called Independence Market, in the Independence Township of Clarkston, Mich., on April 30. The new 50,000-square-foot market will serve customers from Clarkston and all of Independence Township, including the new Waldon Village development. “Independence Market is committed to serving our new neighbors with value and convenience that makes it easy to get in and out quickly,” says Robert Lajcaj, store director of Independence Market. “Our team has been working hard to get the store ready to open with …
Dallas — Nearly 20 years after cementing a spot in pop culture history thanks to a beloved group of employees at a fictitious Pennsylvania paper company, Chili’s® Grill & Bar is opening its doors to the Chili’s “Scranton Branch” on April 7. The brand-new, permanent restaurant will pay homage to some of Chili’s most notable on-screen moments, with throwback nods and decor, in addition to being the only Chili’s location to include the fan-favorite Awesome Blossom® on menus. “For decades, Chili’s has inserted itself in culture — introducing the now-famous …
— By Katie Lee — Krystal sets the stage for new growth by focusing on fundamentals: people, processes and prototypes. Atlanta-based Krystal, the second-oldest fast-food chain in the U.S. — and the original home of the slider in the South — is forging a comeback. As it modernizes with new store layouts, technologies and processes, the heritage QSR brand also honors its 92-year history by embracing its roots and prioritizing “good old-fashioned hospitality” and people-first strategies. Leading this brand reinvention is Amanda Hyde, who was promoted to senior vice president …
Secaucus, N.J. — The Vitamin Shoppe®, a leading omnichannel specialty retailer of nutritional products, is strengthening its brand partnerships while redefining the in-store shopping experience in select markets with the launch of its new ‘Hometown Stores’ concept. These retail collaborations pair a local The Vitamin Shoppe store with a top partner brand that has its company headquarters and deep roots in the same metro area — creating a one-of-a-kind destination for brand enthusiasts and the local wellness community. Each Hometown Store features an enlarged, custom-branded retail space within an existing …
Jericho, N.Y. — Nathan’s Famous, Inc., an American tradition serving New York favorites for more than 100 years, has opened a new franchised restaurant in Rock Hill, S.C.; the location features Nathan’s new freestanding restaurant design and its full menu. The new freestanding restaurant design features modern New York City loft-style elements next to classic features of historic architecture while boasting a state-of-the-art drive-thru experience with a double drive-thru and enhanced POS system. “We’ve opened and remodeled many new franchised and licensed locations in travel plazas, airports and other inline …
Grand Rapids, Mich. — Meijer will open three new supercenters in Northeast Ohio on May 8, increasing the retailer’s store count to 58 in the state. The new 159,000-square-foot supercenters will be located in Austintown, Medina and Richmond Heights. The stores will feature the wide assortment of fresh produce and grocery staples Meijer customers know and love. The supercenters will also include a full-service pharmacy, health and beauty care section, an expansive pet department, electronics, toys and sporting goods. A Meijer Express gas station will open on April 10 adjacent …