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construction and design

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CoolSys Acquires Mechanical Engineering & Construction Corporation

by Katie Lee

Brea, Calif. — CoolSys™, a market-leading provider of sustainable refrigeration, HVAC, energy and engineering solutions, has acquired Mechanical Engineering & Construction Corporation (MEC2), a full-service mechanical engineering firm based in Maryland and Virginia that provides comprehensive mechanical design and construction services for institutional, commercial, industrial and government projects. In acquiring MEC2, CoolSys will strengthen its commercial and industrial capabilities while deepening its market presence in the Mid-Atlantic region. “We’re excited to join forces with MEC2 and welcome their team to the CoolSys family. This acquisition enhances our national presence and …

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construction and designfranchise developmentkitchen equipmentNewsremodelsrestaurants

Quiznos Returns to Tucson, Plans to Open 30 New Locations in Arizona

by Katie Lee

Tucson, Ariz. — Quiznos is returning to Tucson, Ariz., with a new restaurant opening near the University of Arizona campus as part of a blockbuster deal calling for 30 new locations to open in Arizona over the next 5 to 7 years. This is the first new full-menu Quiznos in Arizona since 2010, and it comes with exciting new features like a drive-thru — only the second Quiznos in the U.S. to have one. The Tucson location had a soft opening on Sept. 26, with a grand opening planned for …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Jittery Joe’s Coffee Marks 30 Years, Launches Drive-Thru Franchise Concept

by Katie Lee

Athens, Ga. — This year, Jittery Joe’s Coffee is celebrating 30 years in business. The specialty coffee roaster, based in Athens, Ga., is also now launching franchise opportunities for a new drive-thru model. Jittery Joe’s Coffee’s new drive-thru concept stands out by maintaining a smaller footprint, offering lower labor costs and enhancing efficiency. “As demand for coffee and energy continues to rise, savvy investments are shifting toward the smaller-footprint, drive-thru-only coffee model,” says Drew French, co-owner of Jittery Joe’s Franchising. “Our new drive-thru concept is poised to capitalize on these …

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FAT Brands to Convert 30 Smokey Bones Restaurants into Twin Peaks

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., a leading global franchising company and parent company of 18 brands including Twin Peaks, has opened the first converted Smokey Bones location to Twin Peaks in Lakeland, Fla. Since acquiring Smokey Bones last year, FAT Brands has identified a select number of Smokey Bones locations to convert to its fastest-growing brand, Twin Peaks. The global restaurant franchising company has identified this strategy as a key growth pillar for the brand and currently has a pipeline of approximately 30 Smokey Bones locations …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Scooter’s Coffee to Open First West Virginia Location, Will Expand in 3 More States

by Katie Lee

   Omaha, Neb. — Scooter’s Coffee, LLC, the Midwest-based drive-thru coffee franchise experiencing record-breaking growth, plans to open five new coffee kiosks in four different states — the result of new franchise agreements signed in August — including its first location in the state of West Virginia. The new signings in West Virginia, Alabama, Minnesota and Wisconsin are the latest boost to the Scooter’s Coffee‘s network of more than 800 stores in 30 states as the brand strives to become the #1 drive-thru specialty coffee franchise system in the nation.  …

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construction and designNewsretailers

The Athlete’s Foot Opens Flagship Store and Community Center in Atlanta

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — The Athlete’s Foot (TAF) has opened its new corporate headquarters, flagship retail location and community center in Midtown Atlanta. Grand opening events and ribbon-cutting festivities took place Sept. 12-14. Strategically located on the iconic Atlanta Beltline and Piedmont Park, the new location aims to integrate seamlessly into the fabric of the neighborhood. The Athlete’s Foot plans to implement community enrichment, sponsorships and educational programming underscoring its commitment to supporting local communities and fostering meaningful connections. “We are thrilled to unveil our new U.S. headquarters, flagship store and community …

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Von Maur’s Remarkable Makeover

by Katie Lee

— Interview with Melody Wright — Von Maur embarks on a $100 million renovation plan to redefine its department stores for a new generation — and reinvest in the 152-year-old company’s signature customer service. Von Maur is a classic American department store, currently embarking on an extensive, multi-phased renovation of its nearly 40 brick-and-mortar locations over the next 5 years. The 152-year-old retailer will invest more than $100 million to showcase an entirely new interior aesthetic, with renovations underway in Wichita, Kansas; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Omaha, Nebraska; Livonia, Michigan; Louisville, …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Little Caesars Marks 65 Years in Business with 23+ New Openings Planned in U.S.

by Katie Lee

Detroit — Little Caesars celebrates its 65th anniversary with another successful development period, signing numerous new multi-unit development agreements to expand its footprint across the U.S. These agreements will translate into more than 23 new restaurants opening in Dallas; Los Angeles; San Antonio, Texas; Charlotte, N.C.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Baltimore, Md.; and Greenville, S.C. Recent grand openings have also included three new restaurants in New York City. “Over the past few years, we’ve taken steps to continue to meet the demands and preferences of franchisees and guests alike. As …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

honeygrow Celebrates 50th Opening

by Katie Lee

Philadelphia — honeygrow has opened its 50th restaurant, in Lancaster, Pa. This milestone reflects the brand’s strength and growth trajectory since its launch in 2012. Since opening its first location in the Rittenhouse neighborhood of Philadelphia, honeygrow has expanded across seven states. The growing fast-casual concept will enter the Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, markets this fall. Located at 1050 Christopher Place in Crossing’s Plaza, honeygrow Lancaster opened on Aug. 30. honeygrow joins other brands such as Wegmans, Shake Shack, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Reel Cinemas; it is also strategically positioned …

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construction and designNewsremodelsretailers

Bluemercury Marks 25th Anniversary with Digital Rebrand, New In-Store Design

by Katie Lee

New York City — Bluemercury, a neighborhood-based leading luxury beauty retailer and Macy’s, Inc. nameplate, has rebranded its digital presence, inked new brand partnerships, and overhauled its in-store retail design. All steps are part of Bluemercury’s 25th anniversary and aligned with its ongoing omni evolution coined “The New Blue,” whereby it seeks to redefine modern luxury in beauty. Bluemercury’s new store design includes hyper-personalized service offerings, highly curated assortments and unmatched expertise courtesy of the brand’s beauty experts. “The New Blue” brick-and-mortar format is now present in eight locations across …

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