New York City — WHP Global, the parent company of Toys”R”Us, has partnered with Cotton Candy International to bring the Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us brands to Latin America and the Caribbean for the first time. Under the agreement, Cotton Candy International will open the first Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us flagship stores in Panama in 2025, with plans for additional standalone Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores to follow across the region. The expansion into Latin America and the Caribbean marks a significant milestone in the Toys”R”Us global growth strategy, following recent successful launches in …
construction and design
Roswell, Ga. — Voodoo Brewing Co. continues its rapid growth with the grand opening of its newest location in Roswell, Ga. This marks the 24th Voodoo Brewing Co. brewpub and the brand’s first entry into the Georgia market, opening Dec. 14 on Mansell Road in Roswell. “This is just the next step in our growth plans,” says Matteo Rachocki, CEO of Voodoo Brewing Co. “We are pumped to be expanding in Georgia.” As it continues to take hold of its place in the $115 billion U.S. beer market, Voodoo Brewing …
Elsmere, Ky. — Chick-fil-A Supply, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chick-fil-A Inc. that handles the restaurant chain’s logistics and warehousing, has announced plans for a new, $100 million distribution facility in Elsmere, roughly 10 miles outside Cincinnati in Northern Kentucky. Upon completion, the 270,000-square-foot development will be situated on a 28-acre site within 10 miles of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Construction of the facility is currently underway, with the distribution center expected to be operational in 2026. According to a press release issued by the office of Kentucky Gov. Andy …
Atlanta — Handel’s Ice Cream, serving handmade ice cream since 1945, is marking a monumental milestone: its 150th location, which is opening on Dec. 12 at Buckhead Landing in Atlanta. “Handel’s continues to attract significant interest as one of the fastest growing concepts in the United States,” says Jennifer Schuler, chief executive officer for Handel’s Ice Cream. “With the Buckhead Landing opening, we mark our 150th scoop shop, laying the foundation for continued brand expansion in 2025.” Adds Schuler: “Building on the success of our recent Midtown Atlanta opening, the …
Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General plans to open approximately 575 new stores in the United States in its fiscal year 2025, which ends Jan. 30, 2026. The Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based discount retailer will also debut 15 new stores in Mexico in that timeframe. The new store count is in addition to Dollar General’s expected 730 new store openings in fiscal 2024, which will end on Jan. 31, 2025. Overall, the company expects to execute nearly 5,000 real estate projects in fiscal year 2025, including 4,250 store remodels and relocating 45 stores. …
St. Petersburg, Fla. — Barberitos, a fast-casual burrito brand and member of the better-for-you dining platform WOWorks, is signing a 10-unit franchise agreement that will introduce the brand to multiple locations across Alabama. This expansion follows the recent unveiling of Barberitos’ reimagined look and enhanced menu. The first two Barberitos locations are currently under construction in Wetumpka and Prattville, Ala., with an anticipated opening by March. This rollout will mark the beginning of a broader expansion across the state, with plans for at least four additional stores in 2025. Additionally, …
Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. has opened the 400th Carl’s Jr. restaurant in Mexico. The new location is in the port city of Tampico, on the Gulf of Mexico. “Mexico continues to be one of our top performing markets. Carl’s Jr. Mexico’s success is due to the best-in-class experience we offer our guests throughout the country every day,” says Julio Sanchez, general manager-Americas at CKE Restaurants. “With the opening of our 400th restaurant, we continue to deliver beautiful, modern restaurants and, of course, the best burgers in the …
Los Angeles — Dave’s Hot Chicken, a rapidly growing Nashville-style hot chicken concept, has opened its 250th restaurant — and its first in the United Kingdom. Located at 40 Shaftesbury Ave., in the heart of London, the two-floor, 90-seat venue features an extraordinary street art display, paying homage to the humble East Hollywood parking lot where Dave’s began back in 2017, and takes inspiration from the world-famous Piccadilly Circus nearby. Dave’s Hot Chicken has opened nearly 80 new stores this year, with 2025 planned to be a year of equal …
Houston — On the heels of its franchise program launch in October, Taco Cabana is readying to open its second TC 3.0 restaurant prototype in Houston before year’s end. The sleek new footprint boasts a streamlined, franchise-ready design that combines modern functionality with Taco Cabana’s rich heritage to fuel the brand’s new growth-focused era. Crafted with franchising in mind, the TC 3.0 prototype is purpose-built for efficiency and adaptability, featuring: • A condensed footprint that lowers initial investment for franchise partners. TC 3.0’s 2,500-square-foot model reduces the brand’s previous footprint …
Newport Beach, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its 1,000th Chipotlane restaurant on Nov. 21. Located in the Kansas City metro area, in Olathe, Kan., the milestone restaurant features the company’s signature digital order drive-thru pickup lane. Of the company’s more than 3,600 restaurants in its real estate portfolio, nearly 30% feature a Chipotlane. “Chipotlanes are a critical piece of our long term growth goal of reaching 7,000 restaurants in North America,” says Chris Brandt, chief brand officer. “This restaurant format is the fastest way for fans to get Chipotle …