Bentonville, Ark. — Nationally, Walmart is planning remodels at more than 650 Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets this year, as well as opening 20 new stores in 2026 and early 2027. This investment is intended to create jobs, help strengthen local economies and make shopping faster and more convenient for its customers. In early 2024, Walmart committed to opening or converting more than 150 new locations while continuing to update the stores in its portfolio. This year’s investment includes: • More than 650 scheduled remodels to Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets • …
construction and design
Salt Lake City — Mo’ Bettahs plans to enter three new markets — Phoenix, Indianapolis and Minneapolis — as the Hawaiian-style fast-casual brand accelerates its national expansion. Additionally, the company reported positive same-store sales growth for the 18th consecutive year, marking nearly two decades of sustained momentum. Mo’ Bettahs has nearly 80 restaurants nationwide. “Eighteen consecutive years of same-store sales growth is rare in this industry, and it doesn’t happen by accident,” says Rob Ertmann, CEO of Mo’ Bettahs. “It reflects disciplined execution, the quality and authenticity of our menu, …
St. Augustine, Fla. — The Spice & Tea Exchange®, a specialty retail franchise, has signed seven new development deals across Oklahoma and Virginia, including two separate three-unit agreements in Virginia. The newly signed agreements include: • One development deal in Guthrie, Okla. • Two, three-unit development deals in Virginia: Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and Roanoke. • Lexington, plus two additional territories to be announced. These deals build upon the brand’s existing footprint in Sulphur, Okla., and Richmond and Williamsburg, Va., markets that have demonstrated strong consumer demand for The Spice & Tea …
Atlanta — Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken™, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant brands in the world, plans to enter China, marking a major milestone in the company’s global growth and its 27th international market. The brand’s first restaurant in China is slated to open in Shanghai this summer, with additional locations — at least 600 — to follow. Texas Chicken has partnered with Deke Shengtang, a leading local operator with multiple QSR brands, signing a franchise agreement to develop 600 or more restaurants across China over the …
Mattoon, Ill. — Rural King, a family-owned retailer dedicated to the rural lifestyle, has openede its newest store in Sebring, Fla., marking its 150th location nationwide. Serving rural America since 1960, Rural King has grown into a trusted resource for the communities it serves. The new Sebring location offers a convenient destination for farm and home essentials, including livestock and pet supplies, workwear, power equipment, tools, automotive products and seasonal merchandise. “Opening our 150th store in Sebring is an incredible milestone for Rural King,” says Michael Ladd, chief operating officer …
Dallas — CaratLane, a Tata product and India’s leading omnichannel fine jewelry brand, has launched its second U.S. retail store in Frisco, Texas, near Dallas. The 1,200-square-foot boutique marks a significant milestone in the brand’s global journey, furthering its mission to make Indian jewelry accessible to Indians across the world. Frisco has emerged as one of the fastest-growing Indian hubs in the U.S., with a vibrant cultural community and rising demand for Indian products and experiences. Located within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the new store is strategically positioned to serve …
Los Angeles — Pacsun is bringing its curated concept, PS Vintage, to select stores, extending the experience beyond its initial online launch and into a physical retail setting. As resale continues to gain momentum and in-person shopping reemerges as a cultural driver, the concept brings a new layer of discovery to the store experience, aligning with Pacsun’s continued investment in its physical retail footprint. Developed in partnership with SPRINGY, an established authority in online secondhand retail, PS Vintage features thousands of one-of-a-kind, pre-loved pieces, including graphic tees, hoodies, denim and …
Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza has signed a 12-unit franchise agreement with experienced multi-unit operator Baljit Gill, accelerating the brand’s expansion across Southern California. Today, three Marco’s Pizza locations are open in Upland, Fontana and Hesperia, with two additional stores in development in Yucaipa and Highland slated to open in April. The remaining units are currently in site selection throughout Southern California. Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco’s Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States. Marco’s was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale (“Pat”) Giammarco. The …
Orlando, Fla. — Huey Magoo’s has signed a development agreement in Texas, continuing its rapid national expansion. The development of 15 new restaurants in the Lone Star State will span Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston and Montgomery counties. Overall, Huey Magoo’s is on track to reach 100 locations in 2026. The latest agreement brings on the SMR Capital Group. Led by its managing partner, Muhammad Ali Akbar, and its operating partner, Jason Gilbert, the group offers a blend of multi-unit operating expertise, franchise growth leadership, and real estate-backed investment experience. …
Toronto — Playa Bowls, the U.S.’s leading superfruit bowl shop with nearly 400 locations, is officially bringing its tropical vibe north of the border. Eat Up Canada, Inc., the restaurant development group leading Playa Bowls’ Canada expansion, has signed a lease for the brand’s first Canadian shop in downtown Toronto. The shop will mark Playa Bowls’ international debut when it opens this spring. The new shop is part of Playa Bowls’ master franchise agreement with Eat Up Canada, led by George Heos and Alex Gerzon. The pair previously built a …