Fort Mill, S.C. — The Halal Guys, the pioneers of American Halal food, is opening the brand’s first location in South Carolina, located in Fort Mill, on July 26. “Opening in Fort Mill marks an exciting step in our continued growth in the South Atlantic region,” says Margaret Carrera, chief operating officer of The Halal Guys. “With our first location in South Carolina, we’re thrilled to bring our signature flavors and street food roots to this welcoming community, and we’re committed to delivering the high-quality American Halal food and hospitality …
construction and design
Dallas — Bonchon, a global leader in Korean fried chicken, has added new appointments to its development team as it doubles down on U.S. and international expansion. Industry veteran David Wheeler (pictured here) has joined the company as vice president of development, while Michel Haddad has been appointed director of design and construction. “David brings the kind of franchise development expertise and industry relationships that are essential to driving Bonchon’s next phase of growth,” says CEO Suzie Tsai. “He will pursue ambitious multi-unit operators in high-potential markets as we focus …
Harrisburg, Pa. — Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. has celebrated the grand opening of its 600th store, located in Belmont, N.H. The new store also marks Ollie’s entry into New Hampshire, the retailer’s 34th state. Ollie’s is America’s largest retailer of brand name closeout merchandise and excess inventory at up to 70% off. “We are thrilled to bring our huge selection of brand name household merchandise at prices up to 70% below the fancy stores to the great city of Belmont and state of New Hampshire,” says Eric van der …
Washington, D.C. — CAVA, a category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, has opened its first restaurant in Michigan, located in Canton. The company is quickly growing its national footprint, with plans to open additional restaurants in Michigan later this year, and targets 1,000 restaurants by 2032. CAVA opened 58 net new restaurants in the 2024 fiscal year and expects at least 17% growth in 2025. With its entrance into Michigan, CAVA’s total national footprint reaches 28 states and the District of Columbia. CAVA Canton is a 3,850-square-foot location with a dining …
Independence, Mo. — The Big Biscuit, a modern All-American breakfast and lunch franchise concept known for its classic comfort food served with genuine hometown hospitality, has officially reopened its original location in Independence, Mo. On June 27, the restaurant completed a major renovation following an 11-day closure and a $250,000 remodel. The refreshed restaurant reflects the brand’s continued investment in elevating the guest experience, starting with the very location where it all began. The remodel included new flooring, updated walls and lighting, kitchen upgrades, improved restrooms, landscaping and fencing, and …
Dallas — In June, Smoothie King achieved a major milestone with the biggest sales weekend in the brand’s 52-year history. Kicking off the weekend on Friday, June 20th, the brand reached its highest single-day systemwide sales ever; and the momentum continued through National Smoothie Day on June 21st, which marked the brand’s busiest Saturday ever. The historic run was capped off by the highest-traffic Sunday of the year. On the development front, Smoothie King added 25 new store commitments across 12 states in the second quarter of 2025, with especially …
Davenport, Iowa — Dry Goods, the trend-driven young women’s fashion retailer and a subsidiary of Von Maur, Inc., is opening four new stores in 2025, including its debut this past April in the state of New Jersey. With these additions, Dry Goods will operate 88 locations in 24 states. Known for its fashion-forward styles and boutique shopping experience, the expansion reflects Dry Goods’ continued growth and commitment to bringing its ever-changing selection of apparel and accessories to shoppers nationwide. The brand will soon be available to customers at the following …
Atlanta — Perkins American Food Co., is growing its presence in New Jersey with the latest Perkins concept, Griddle & Go. The company recently signed multi-unit franchise deals in Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties, selling out in all four markets. Perkins Griddle & Go is a new state-of-the-art café concept, and the Garden State boasts the most significant number of upcoming units for the brand. The first location is slated to open by October 2025 at the highly anticipated Netflix Studios campus in Fort Monmouth. “Franchisees across the country …
New York City — Over the last year, performance lifestyle brand Rhone has been working with TPG Architecture to reimagine its in-store experience with an all-new retail identity. As of April 25, the first remodeled location in New York City’s Hudson Yards reopened for business. The store’s official grand opening was celebrated on June 28. Rhone was founded in 2014, offering a men’s apparel line engineered for optimal style, comfort and activity. Its name was inspired by the relentless Rhone River that runs from the Alps in Switzerland to the …
Print the Wall
— Interview with Darin Ross — Building a wall for Walmart has never been faster, cheaper or safer — thanks to 3D concrete printing. When Walmart makes waves, it can create a tsunami. The mega-retailer, which has more than 10,000 stores around the globe, continues to be a leader in sustainability, productivity and innovation. Recently, Walmart teamed up with Alquist 3D, in partnership with Atlanta-based FMGI as general contractor, to complete their second 3DCP (3D Concrete Printing) build. The new 5,000-square-foot expansion at Walmart Supercenter #5197 outside Huntsville, Alabama, set …