Thursday, June 26, 2025
Read the Magazine Subscribe

construction and design

construction and designCover Storyfranchise developmentFrom The Magazinerestaurants

Southern Hospitality

by Katie Lee

— 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 …

Continue Reading
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designNewsretailers

The Vitamin Shoppe Unveils New Store Concept Featuring Shop-in-Shops

by Katie Lee

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 …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Nathan’s Famous Opens Location Featuring New Freestanding Restaurant Design

by Katie Lee

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 …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designNewsretailers

Meijer to Open 3 New Northeast Ohio Supercenters in May

by Katie Lee

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 …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Sweetgreen Opens 250th Location, First in Richmond, VA

by Katie Lee

Richmond, Va. — On March 18, Sweetgreen opened its first Richmond, Va., location in Carytown. The 2,162-square-foot location marks another milestone as Sweetgreen’s 250th restaurant. “Sweetgreen was founded just a couple of hours from Richmond with the goal of bringing communities together through fresh, high-quality food,” says Jonathan Neman, co-founder and CEO of Sweetgreen. “We’re honored to carry that mission forward in Carytown, partnering with local businesses and serving delicious meals made with real ingredients. Opening our 250th location here makes this moment even more special, and we couldn’t be …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Dine Brands International Unveils 2025 Development Plans

by Katie Lee

Pasadena, Calif. — Dine Brands International is set to expand its dual-branded Applebee’s and IHOP concept in 2025. This expansion includes entering the Costa Rican market with franchisee BLT UK Holdings Limited, and opening the first non-traditional restaurants in Mexico with franchisees Grupo Shogua and ATH Group. The dual-branded format, combining Applebee’s and IHOP under one roof, has been a key part of Dine Brands’ international growth strategy. Currently, there are 18 dual-branded locations across seven markets: Mexico, Canada, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Honduras and Peru. In 2025, the company …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Jollibee Launches Franchising Program in the U.S.

by Katie Lee

West Covina, Calif. — Jollibee, a global fast-food fried chicken concept based in the Philippines, is launching its first franchising program in the U.S. The quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain is the flagship brand of Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), also known as the Jollibee Group, one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies. Jollibee opened its first North American location in 1998 in Daly City, Calif., and currently operates 76 stores spanning 14 states in the U.S. and 28 stores in Canada. Jollibee’s projected expansion goal is to have 350 stores across …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designNewsremodelsrestaurants

Perkins American Food Co. Unveils Flagship & New Restaurant Design

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Perkins American Food Co. will unveil its highly anticipated flagship restaurant in Orlando, Fla., on March 19. The location signifies a major milestone in the brand’s evolution. The flagship restaurant will showcase a new state-of-the-art design, designed by Aria Group, that combines contemporary aesthetics with the brand’s heritage. The new venue spans 3,500 square feet and offers a bright and inviting atmosphere, showcasing how modern American hospitality comes to life. It also features an exterior patio and chic design elements. “We have put a lot of heart …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designNewsretailers

BJ’s Wholesale Club Plans to Expand in Texas & Add 25-30 Clubs in 2025

by Katie Lee

Marlborough, Mass. — BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open 25-30 clubs over the next 2 fiscal years, including several clubs set for the Dallas-Fort Worth area starting in early 2026. BJ’s Wholesale Club is a membership-based retailer that has been delivering value and convenience to families for over 40 years. “We are eager to continue our expansion by bringing unbeatable value, convenience and assortment to the Dallas-Fort Worth community,” says Bob Eddy, chairman and CEO, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “Economic expansion and a growing population make Texas a great fit for …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designNewsretailers

Wawa to Open First Ohio Store During 61st Anniversary in April

by Katie Lee

Liberty Township, Ohio — Wawa, Inc. has named April 16, 2025 as the grand opening of the first Wawa store in the state of Ohio, kickstarting the retailer’s expansion into the Midwest. Located in Liberty Township, Ohio, this is the first of 8-10 Wawa stores slated to open in Ohio by year’s end. Not only does this grand opening date mark Wawa’s debut in its 10th state, but it coincides with the founding date of the first Wawa store that opened on April 16, 1964 in Delaware County, Pa. “We …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts