— By Jon Dommisse — Six ways the pandemic is transforming restroom design. The global pandemic of COVID-19 is fast-tracking infection control technologies and products in public restrooms. While cleanliness has always been a goal in designing restrooms, coronavirus has underscored the need for hygienic, sterile and safe environments. Companies, educational institutions and municipalities are all now evaluating new procedures and products for their restroom facilities. “Businesses are looking at short term and long term fixes for operating safely,” says Michelle Kempen WRID, WELL AP, ASID, with Kahler Slater, …
construction and design
Atlanta — A new food hall is coming to Colony Square, the 50-year-old mixed-use destination undergoing a massive $400 million transformation at the corner of 14th and Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta. The food hall will open this spring and is being carefully crafted to align with the way people want to dine post-pandemic. Politan Group will operate the food hall known as Politan Row at Colony Square, according to project developer North American Properties (NAP). The founder and CEO of Politan Group, Will Donaldson, launched the company in 2014 …
Irving, Texas — The Michaels Companies, Inc., North America’s largest arts and crafts retail chain, recently transformed two existing hometown retail locations as part of a larger strategy to reimagine the optimal maker shopping experience. Customers in the North Texas suburbs of McKinney and Plano can expect an entirely new look and feel when they visit their local store. “At Michaels, we are here for the Maker and the launch of our new concept stores is another way we are creating a more immersive and impactful experience for them,” says …
Portland, Ore. — Built around the concept of “Dwelling Outdoors Together,” Snow Peak has opened a new U.S. headquarters and retail flagship in Portland, Ore. The grand opening will begin on September 11. In 20 years, Snow Peak has grown its U.S. presence from a modest distributorship to a 40-person team with retail locations on both coasts and ambitious plans for growth in the next two decades. The new headquarters and flagship embody the brand’s heritage and commitment to restoring humanity through time in nature. “I first visited the U.S. …
Lexington, Ky. — Sales at franchised A&W restaurants soared 12% in July, the third straight month of double-digit same-store sales growth. July’s success follows a 15% jump in May and 16% in June. In addition to a rebound in traffic, overall system sales are being bolstered by the strong openings of five restaurants this year. Since franchisees acquired the company from YUM! Brands in 2011, average unit sales have increased by 38%. “Several factors explain why A&W is doing so well,” says CEO Kevin Bazner. “First is the brand itself. …
Milford, Ohio — Penn Station East Coast Subs is updating its 35-year-old brand with the rollout of PS 2020, which includes a restaurant redesign and certain menu changes and additions. The first restaurants with the new menu and design opened late last year, and all restaurants in the system now have the new menu. “We spent the better part of a year gathering data, interviewing guests and franchisees, and speaking with crew members about the new layout and our menu changes,” says Craig Dunaway, president. “From the data analysis, interviews …
Newport Beach, Calif. — Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain for over 40 years, has opened its Newport Beach/Mesa, Calif., location, the first to showcase the brand’s completely updated restaurant design and refreshed guest experience. Located on the border of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, this new Mountain Mike’s is the first of two planned Orange County (OC) locations, with the second scheduled to open in Huntington Beach late summer. Newport-Mesa marks the second OC location with one currently operating in Lake Forest. The Newport-Mesa restaurant is located just a few …
Tiffany & Co. Unveils Plans for Redevelopment of Upper Floors of Flagship Store in Manhattan
by Katie Lee
New York City — Luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co. has unveiled plans for the redevelopment of the upper floors of its flagship store at 727 5th Ave. in Manhattan. The top three floors of the 10-story building will be converted from office space into a new exhibition and event space surrounded by a curtain of glass complementing the limestone façade below. That space was originally completed in 1980, and the building itself was originally constructed in 1940. Tiffany has partnered with The Office of Metropolitan Architecture on the project, which …
Muscle Maker Grill Begins Construction at 4 Northern Virginia Community College Locations
by Katie Lee
Burleson, Texas — Muscle Maker, Inc., the parent company of Muscle Maker Grill, Healthy Joe’s, MMG Burger Bar & Meal Plan AF, has started construction at four campus locations at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). The company plans to be open in late August to welcome the 2020/2021 academic year. The campus locations at Alexandria, Loudoun, Manassas and Woodbridge will offer fare from Muscle Maker Grill and Healthy Joe’s and will also provide grab-n-go options for students and faculty who are on the run. Breakfast will be available at all …
Kansas City, Kan. — Urban Outfitters plans to develop a $350 million omnichannel distribution center near Kansas City. The 880,000-square-foot development will be located on ancillary land owned by the Kansas Speedway in Wyandotte County, roughly 15 miles outside downtown Kansas City. The Philadelphia-based retailer is set to begin construction on the facility this fall with completion scheduled for early 2022. Documents obtained by The Kansas City Star identify Hillwood Development Co. as the developer for the project. Fort Worth, Texas-based Hillwood is led by Ross Perot Jr., son of …