construction and design

Denver — Good Times Burgers and Frozen Custard is debuting a new, modernized prototype for all of its units, with the goal of completing the systemwide redesign over the next 2 years. So far, five Good Times units have been updated, one is in progress and 10 are slated to undergo remodels in 2025. All locations are expected to be completed by 2026. The popular Colorado brand — born in Boulder 37 years ago — aims to preserve its heritage of fast drive-thru burgers and frozen custard while modernizing the …

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Reno, Nev. — Melting Pot, the 92-unit fondue franchise that has built a brand around providing a one-of-a-kind experiential dining atmosphere, has signed a franchise agreement in Reno, Nev. — returning to Reno 20 years after the last location closed. It also marks Melting Pot’s re-entry into the state of Nevada. “It was in the early 2000s when Melting Pot left Nevada,” says franchisee Bruce Witmer. “We had previously had family dinners there and really enjoyed it. Since it closed, we would go to Sacramento to eat at Melting Pot. …

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Nashville, Tenn. — REI Co-op’s newest distribution center in Lebanon, Tenn., has earned the prestigious LEED v4 Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. This achievement marks the first certified facility of its kind in Tennessee and the largest LEED Platinum industrial building in the Southeast. REI joins an elite group of only 10 warehouse facilities in the country to achieve this rating. REI’s Lebanon distribution center attainment of LEED v4 Platinum certification in the industrial sector demonstrates the co-op’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis through responsible and …

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Boise, Idaho — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, recently debuted its new store design near Boise in Meridian, Idaho. The new look features aesthetic updates in addition to operational enhancements. The prototype is set to fuel the brand’s continued nationwide growth and performance, while enhancing the guest experience. The Meridian corporate-owned store opened on July 23, 2024. Earlier this year, Marco’s announced its development plan to bring four new locations to the Boise market, using it as a test bed for forward-thinking innovations. Updates include: • …

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Dallas — Rusty Taco, a street-style taco restaurant, plans to open a total of 14 new units by year end. Recent openings in both streetside settings and non-traditional venues have marked significant milestones for Rusty Taco, integral to the brand’s strategic growth plans. With more than 30 locations currently open, the addition of 14 new units signifies a 40% increase in growth and a monumental achievement for the brand. “There’s no better way to spend time with your loved ones than to relax and eat tacos,” says Denise Fenton, co-founder …

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San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc., a leading franchisor in the quick-service restaurant industry, is making a highly anticipated return to the Chicagoland market — for the first time in more than 40 years. The development plan includes eight company-operated units and, as part of the brand’s strategic market plan, Jack in the Box has identified more than 125 potential trade area opportunities for future corporate and franchise development in the area. The first wave of Jack in the Box locations is slated to open throughout 2025, bringing …

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— By David Gabbai — How restaurant tenants can be built to save. Due to challenges like high interest rates and construction costs, the price of owning, building, remodeling and leasing restaurant space has gone through the roof. It can be a difficult time to own and maintain a restaurant business and restaurant space. However, forward-thinking restaurant tenants and retail landlords are finding creative ways to make things work. We are seeing these imaginative solutions play out in lease terms and structures, which can be done in a way that …

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Canton, Mass. — This Fourth of July, Dunkin’ is celebrating its 4,000th NextGen location now open in Jacksonville, Fla., operated by franchisee Rima & Raj, LLC. This marks a major milestone for the brand as Dunkin’ continues to open and remodel existing locations as innovative NextGen restaurants, offering guests a more modern design with premium beverages, creating an elevated in-restaurant and drive-thru experience. “NextGen is propelling the brand forward and continuing to exceed growth targets,” says Scott Murphy, chief brand officer of Inspire Brands, which acquired Dunkin’ in late 2020. …

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Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts has further built out its development team to include experienced construction project managers to help franchisees through every aspect of design, permitting and construction, including overseeing timelines and conducting site visits to ensure quicker shop openings without costly delays. Ryan Pullin, Shipley’s new director of design, has nearly 15 years’ experience in commercial and retail construction project management, with a focus on cost control. He joined the company after serving as president of Elite 3 Construction. Korelle Dickson, who joined the company as construction project manager, …

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— By Alec Zaballero — A conversation with TPG Architecture about trends in retail design — and how digital-first brands can successfully move into brick-and-mortar. R&R: Thank you so much for your time! Before diving in, our readers would like to get to know you. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what trends you are seeing in the retail industry? Alec Zaballero: In my role as managing executive at TPG Architecture, I oversee the firm’s retail, hospitality, restaurant, and entertainment design practices, with a keen focus on …

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