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Chuck E. Cheese Launches New Concept: Chuck’s Arcade™

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Chuck E. Cheese, America’s favorite arcade and family entertainment center, is launching a new arcade concept, Chuck’s Arcade™. The new concept combines classic games and the hottest new games alongside iconic Chuck E. Cheese animatronic characters. The arcade was created for adults and lifelong fans who grew up surrounded by the electric glow of arcade screens, the symphony of digital soundtracks and the thrill of chasing high scores with friends long into the night. Chuck’s Arcade™ is a modern-day love letter to the games and people who made …

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Zaxbys Inks First Development Agreement for the Chicagoland Area

by Katie Lee

Chicago — Zaxbys™, a rapidly expanding Georgia-based QSR franchise, is making its entrance in the Chicagoland market. The brand has signed a multi-unit development agreement with a seasoned local entrepreneur to open several new restaurants across Chicago, with the first location expected to open within the next year. The operator, a Chicagoland native with nearly two decades of restaurant experience, currently owns and operates Zaxbys locations in Kansas City, Mo. The new agreement solidifies Zaxbys commitment to strategic growth in high-potential markets. “We’ve been looking to bring Zaxbys to Chicago …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Champs Sports Unveils First-Ever Reimagined Store Concept

by Katie Lee

New York City — Champs Sports, a banner under Foot Locker, Inc., has unveiled its reimagined retail concept designed to deliver an enhanced customer journey through an immersive retail experience. Reopening on July 1 in two key markets — Tampa, Fla. (Brandon Exchange) and Portland, Ore. (Washington Square) — the redesigned stores reflect Champs Sports’ commitment to blending sport and everyday life to deliver a redefined retail experience. The new concept introduces an inviting and modernized storefront featuring a bright, organized design and an extensive selection of multi-brand apparel, footwear …

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Cousins Maine Lobster Marks Milestone: Over $1  Billion in Systemwide Sales

by Katie Lee

Portland, Me. — Cousins Maine Lobster, the national food truck and fast‑casual dining concept beloved for its authentic Maine lobster rolls, has surpassed $1 billion in systemwide sales since its founding in 2012. Co‑founders and real-life cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis celebrated the milestone. “This is an incredible moment, growing from a single food truck in Los Angeles to more than 85 units across the nation, we’ve brought the taste and spirit of Maine to diners nationwide — and built a franchise family along the way,” they said. Notable achievements: …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Miss A Accelerates National Growth, Aiming for 100 Stores by Q1 2026

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Baik Brands Inc., the company behind fast-rising beauty retailer Miss A, has an aggressive expansion goal to reach 100 stores by the first quarter of 2026. The milestone reflects the brand’s ongoing success in redefining affordable beauty through a high-volume, trend-driven retail model. Miss A currently operates over 65 stores nationwide, with recent openings in key markets including Atlanta, Indianapolis and Chicago. The brand has built a loyal following by offering over 15,000 beauty and lifestyle products — most priced under $2 — and refreshing its inventory every …

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Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café Makes North Carolina Debut

by Katie Lee

Cary, N.C. — Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café is making its North Carolina debut. The first location in the Tar Heel State will open in Cary next year, marking a major milestone in the brand’s continued southern expansion. The new location will open in first quarter 2026 at 1 Fenton Main St. The Cary store will mark the second opening under a landmark 15-unit development agreement between Sweet Paris and Virentes Hospitality, an investment arm of the multifamily office Virentes Partners Group. Comprised of three families of seasoned operators, Virentes …

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Walmart Opens First Owned and Operated Case-Ready Beef Facility

by Katie Lee

Olathe, Kan. — On June 27, Walmart opened its first-ever owned and operated case-ready beef facility in Olathe, Kan. This milestone reinforces Walmart’s commitment to building a more resilient, transparent and efficient supply chain for Angus beef — helping Walmart provide quality beef options that meet demand and bring tremendous value to customers across the Midwest. “The opening of our new facility in Olathe, Kansas, is centered on delivering more of what our customers want — affordable food and quality they can trust,” says John Laney, executive vice president, food, …

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Budderfly Expands Virtual Power Plant Platform to Manage Energy at Commercial Facilities

by Katie Lee

Shelton, Conn. — Budderfly, a preferred sustainability partner for commercial businesses, has significantly expanded its Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platform, activating real-time demand response across four of the country’s largest energy markets: California Independent System Operator (CAISO), Independent System Operator (ISO) New England, Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland (PJM) Interconnection, and Southwest Power Pool (SPP) service territories. The milestone signifies a decisive move into active grid participation for Budderfly, which now orchestrates behind-the-meter commercial sites through real-time energy market programs. Initial deployments leverage thermostatic control of HVAC systems and will expand to include …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Panera Bread Creates Transformation & Strategy Office and Names SVP

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Bread has created a new Office of Transformation & Strategy, with Nikka Copeland heading up the new office as senior vice president. In this role, Copeland will manage the strategic execution of Panera’s 3-year growth plan, driving business model clarity that will be instrumental as the company transforms for sustained performance and growth. Copeland joined the Panera executive team on June 24, reporting to CEO Paul Carbone. Copeland brings more than 20 years of experience across multiple industries including foodservice. She is known for leading enterprise-wide …

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Ulta Beauty Names Interim CFO

by Katie Lee

Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty, Inc. has named Chris Lialios, its senior vice president – controller, as interim chief financial officer, effective immediately. He succeeds Paula Oyibo, who has left Ulta Beauty. The company has commenced an external search for a permanent successor with the assistance of a leading executive search firm. Lialios has served as senior vice president – controller since 2018 with responsibility for the company’s financial reporting, internal controls and accounting policy. He joined Ulta Beauty in 1999 as assistant controller. “Chris has been a respected leader …

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