New York City — Shake Shack Inc. has partnered with Union MAK Corporation, a leading Hawaii-based company with decades of experience across hospitality and retail, to bring the Shake Shack experience to the Aloha State with the first Shack set to open on Oahu in 2027. Union MAK is a Honolulu-based company deeply rooted in the Hawaii community through its restaurant operations. Union MAK’s proven track record, commitment to excellence and dedication to local communities makes it an ideal partner to introduce Shake Shack to Hawaii. “Bringing Shake Shack to …
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Miami — JLL has been selected to lead on-site property management services for 10 open-air retail centers across Florida and South Carolina, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s nationwide growth strategy. The newly added centers, recently acquired by 11North Partners (11North) and Bain Capital Real Estate, collectively span more than 1 million square feet of gross leasable area with occupancy rates exceeding 93%. The addition of these high-performing properties is part of a broader expansion of JLL’s retail property management portfolio, which has grown by 18 new centers in …
Newport Beach, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill has signed a joint venture to open restaurants in Asia for the first time. In partnership with SPC Group, a leading South Korea-based food company, Chipotle plans to open its first restaurants in South Korea and Singapore in 2026. “With a rapidly evolving dining-out business, fueled by preferences for variety and convenience, expanding into Asia presents an incredible growth opportunity for Chipotle,” says Scott Boatwright, chief executive officer of Chipotle. “Real food prepared fast is in high demand in these markets and with …
Columbia, S.C. — Groucho’s Deli, a South Carolina-based sandwich shop with an 84-year legacy, has chosen Square’s comprehensive commerce platform to power its operations across more than 30 locations. By leveraging Square’s integrated hardware, software and partner ecosystem, Groucho’s is unifying its operations, streamlining service and preparing for its next phase of franchise expansion — without losing the neighborhood hospitality that has defined the brand for generations. “As we look toward our next phase of growth, we needed a technology partner that could unify our operations across corporate and franchise …
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. Completes $10 Million Acquisition of Kirkland’s Home Brand Assets
Murray, Utah — Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc., owner of Bed Bath & Beyond, Overstock, buybuy BABY and a blockchain asset portfolio, has completed a $10 million purchase of the Kirkland’s Home® trade name and related brand assets from The Brand House Collective, Inc. The move accelerates the companies’ national store conversion strategy, converting Kirkland’s Home locations into Bed Bath & Beyond stores to drive a larger national footprint, greater operating efficiencies and underscoring the company’s conviction in the power of ‘omnichannel.’ The companies will expand Kirkland’s Home into the …
Irving, Texas — Chuck E. Cheese, a global family entertainment brand, will be making its debut in the United Kingdom. In partnership with a dedicated local team, this will mark the brand’s first location in Europe. “Chuck E. Cheese is an incredible global brand that brings families together across cultures through the universal language of fun,” says Mario Centola, chief operating officer of Chuck E. Cheese International. “We’re thrilled to bring our unique magic for family fun to the UK. We have partnered with an outstanding team that shares our …
Charlotte, N.C. — Rack Room Shoes is building on its strategic growth plan with the opening of seven new “lighthouse concept stores” across the country. The new locations aim to reimagine and enhance the shopping experience for the entire family. The elevated locations provide customers with an improved, multi-layered experience with better visual navigation and eye-catching elements throughout the store. The latest generation stores improve the wayfinding of Rack Room’s athletic assortment and enhance the presentation of key brands and seasonal assortments. The stores also include upgraded service elements, including …
Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has made strategic leadership appointments that will strengthen its enterprise capabilities and drive long term value creation across its global portfolio. The appointments come as Chris Turner, chief executive officer-designate and chief financial & franchise officer, Yum! Brands, Inc., prepares to step into the role of CEO on Oct. 1. Sean Tresvant has been promoted to Yum! Brands’ chief consumer officer and chief executive officer of Taco Bell. Since joining Yum! in January 2022 as the global brand officer at Taco Bell, Tresvant’s leadership …
New York City — American luxury menswear house Robert Talbott celebrated the grand opening of its new store on Madison Avenue in New York City on Sept. 10. The store opening represents a significant milestone for the brand as it celebrates its 75th anniversary and embarks on a new era of strategic growth and creative revival. Founded in 1950 in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif., by Audrey and Robert Talbott as a fine neckwear atelier, the brand has since grown into a full-fledged luxury menswear label known for uncompromising craftsmanship, timeless design and …
Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, a leading superfruit bowl brand with more than 340 locations, is fueling franchise expansion under a fresh executive leadership team following its 2024 acquisition by Sycamore Partners. Playa Bowls is poised to deepen its footprint from coast to coast. Since stepping into the CEO role earlier this year, John Cappasola has leveraged his 30 years of accomplished leadership in growing brands to drive Playa Bowls’ next chapter. Cappasola has served on the Playa Bowls board of directors since Sycamore’s acquisition and was previously CEO of …