construction and design

Phoenix — Dogtopia, a leading dog wellness franchise, has unveiled its latest store design, which entails a smaller footprint and more playroom space than the company’s previous store layout. While utilizing smart planning and space-saving efficiencies, the new design only requires 4,000 to 5,000 square feet, and delivers 20% more play area than the former model. Along with the super-efficient footprint, the new design includes savings in overall buildout, such as standardized millwork and graphics for a faster construction schedule, leading to a 15% savings in cost per square foot. …

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Austin, Texas — Whole Foods Market is introducing a new, quick-shop store format designed to provide customers in urban neighborhoods a quick, convenient shopping experience. The new format, called Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, will initially launch on the Upper East Side in Manhattan with additional locations in New York City to follow. The first store, located at 1175 Third Ave., is expected to open this year. Following the New York City launch, Whole Foods Market plans to bring the format to other cities across the country. Ranging between 7,000 …

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— By Kait Paradowski — How design and art go hand in hand when creating bespoke spaces for restaurants. In a time when all demographic groups, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly seeking authentic and immersive experiences, bespoke design is providing a meaningful connection between patron and location. Naturally, design and art go hand in hand. Whether it be a large mural or unique branding, bringing in an artistic element allows designers to tell a captivating story for the restaurant and create meaningful differentiation. When it comes to choosing …

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Minneapolis — Target Corporation plans to continue to invest in its guest experience and long term growth through various strategies, including through the building of more than 300 new stores and enhancing and/or remodeling existing locations. “For years, Target has consistently built for the long term, investing in the assets, capabilities and team that have differentiated our business, enabled us to deliver for guests in any environment and driven strong growth,” says Brian Cornell, chair and CEO, Target. “Today, with that same long-term view, we’re making strategic investments that expand …

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New York City — Macy’s Inc. plans to close 150 of its namesake department stores over the next 3 years. According to the retail giant, these stores represent 25% of the company’s gross square footage as of fiscal year-end 2023 but only account for 10% of sales. (Macy’s fiscal 2023 ended Feb. 3, 2024.) Macy’s anticipates closing approximately 50 stores by the end of fiscal year 2024, the locations of which have not been disclosed, though CNBC reports some are located in California, Florida, Hawaii and Virginia. Other elements of …

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Dallas — When SSCP acquired Corner Bakery Cafe in June 2023, its goal was to stabilize the brand and lay a strong foundation that would drive growth of the 100+ unit chain in 2024 and beyond. Less than 6 months later, Corner Bakery Cafe’s comprehensive brand revitalization efforts are well underway — already resulting in positive sales growth, steady employee retention and improved guest experience. In addition, Corner Bakery Cafe is embarking on a comprehensive plan to remodel most of its corporate cafes in the coming months. Simultaneously, the brand …

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Seattle — On Feb. 16, 2024, Starbucks Coffee Company announced that it is creating a more accessible store experience across its U.S. store portfolio through an Inclusive Spaces Framework. The first store to be built using the inclusive design framework opened on Feb. 16 in Washington, D.C. The new store features items such as optimized acoustics and lighting for improved visual and audible communication for customers and accessible equipment designs for a better partner (employee) experience among other features. The Inclusive Spaces Framework was created in partnership with a diverse …

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Fort Worth, Texas — Westwood Contractors, renowned for its national expertise in retail and commercial construction, has hired Allen Crowley as its new director of construction. Crowley’s inclusion represents a significant milestone for the company, leveraging his wealth of experience amassed through a multifaceted career in construction spanning over four decades. His expertise encompasses a diverse array of projects, including those within retail, restaurant, commercial, industrial and institutional sectors. As an integral member of the leadership team, Crowley plays a critical role overseeing the operations department, ensuring projects are completed …

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St. Louis —  Philly Pretzel Factory is about to become a household name in the St. Louis market. The nation’s largest Philly-style pretzel brand will convert 11 Pretzel Pretzel locations throughout the region into new Philly Pretzel Factory locations within the next month. Philly Pretzel Factory CEO and co-founder, Dan DiZio, met with Pretzel Pretzel franchisees, sharing his humble founding story, mission and explaining the strengths of the Philly Pretzel Factory franchise support system. The message resonated — as all 11 Pretzel Pretzel franchisees opted to convert their stores to …

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Russell Leffers MaintenX Remodeling Quote

It’s going to happen, and any quick-service restaurant (QSR) owner-operator knows it. Sometime not too far in the future, they’ll need a refresh or remodel of their properties. There’s no getting out of it. Here are some hints from two project managers from MaintenX, a provider of HVAC&R, plumbing, electrical, roofing, construction and general contracting for multisite retailers, restaurants, healthcare, multifamily and other industries. They cover key topics like assembling the correct refresh or remodel team, managing the process and keeping projects on track in the face of potential delays, with a …

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