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SPB Hospitality Promotes Construction VP to SVP of Development

by Katie Lee

Houston — SPB Hospitality, a portfolio company of Fortress Investment Group and a leading operator and franchisor of restaurant brands, has appointed Robert “Bob” J. Fargo as senior vice president of development. Fargo first joined SPB Hospitality in 2023 as vice president of construction and design. In his new role, Fargo will lead all aspects of real estate, design and construction management for SPB Hospitality’s portfolio, including J. Alexander’s, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, Amada, Village Whiskey, Krystal and Logan’s Roadhouse. He will be responsible for managing SPB’s national development …

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Diversified Foodservice Supply Appoints New CEO

by Katie Lee

Vernon Hills, Ill. — Diversified Foodservice Supply (DFS), a leading provider of equipment, supplies and parts to the foodservice industry, has appoinnted Lev Peker as chief executive officer. Peker brings a strong track record of leadership and growth from the automotive aftermarket industry, where he excelled as CEO of PartsID and CarParts.com. There, he successfully scaled operations, enhanced customer experience and delivered strong financial results. His deep expertise in e-commerce, operational efficiency and system modernization aligns closely with DFS’s strategic priorities. While foodservice is a new space for him, his …

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Burlington Unveils Reimagined Store Experience Across 21 Markets

by Katie Lee

Burlington, N.J. — Burlington Stores, Inc. is continuing to roll out its refreshed in-store shopping experience. This nationwide refresh is a part of the off-price retailer’s long term vision to stay aligned with modern shopping habits. Half of Burlington stores have already been converted, and all future new stores openings will feature the updated branding and a smaller, more efficient layout. Most remaining locations are expected to transition to the new format by the end of 2026. “At Burlington shoppers already know that they can find the very best values …

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Bojangles Returning to New York City with 20-Unit Franchise Agreement

by Katie Lee

New York City — Bojangles, the North Carolina-born restaurant chain specializing in craveable breakfast and Southern-style chicken, biscuits and tea, has signed a 20-unit agreement that will bring the concept back to New York City. After a brief chapter in the city during the 1980s, this agreement marks the beginning of a new era for Bojangles in the city. The agreement, spearheaded by experienced restaurant owner and operator Habib Hashimi and Hashimi Holding Corporation, is expected to bring Bojangles to New York City over the next 10 years, with the …

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Wawa Breaks Ground on First Tennessee Stores

by Katie Lee

Wawa, Pa. — Wawa, a privately held, family-owned chain of more than 1,100 convenience retail stores currently operating in 12 states and Washington, D.C., will soon be opening in Middle Tennessee. On Aug. 12, construction began on new stores in Murfreesboro and Clarksville. Both stores are projected to open in the second half of 2026. “We are thrilled to continue growing in new markets to provide the community with our one-of-a-kind offer and commitment to supporting the community,” says Joe Collins, director of store operations for Wawa. “We are excited …

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Rita’s Italian Ice to Open Nearly 40 New Locations in 2025

by Katie Lee

Philadelphia — With nearly 40 new locations on track to open in 2025 and recognition as one of the nation’s top-performing restaurant brands, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is celebrating strong mid-year momentum rooted in innovation, accessibility and franchise growth. In the first half of the year, Rita’s opened 16 new shops, including locations in new and developing markets like Grand Rapids, Mich.; Nexton, S.C.; and Liberty Township, Ohio. With 19 additional shops currently in the pipeline, the brand is poised for continued growth across the U.S. “As we …

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Norman’s Hallmark Expands With 22 Store Locations in Maryland

by Katie Lee

Newtown, Pa. — Norman’s Hallmark continues to grow its brick-and-mortar footprint with a portfolio of 22 stores in Maryland. The acquisition, which includes locations in Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, Columbia, Frederick and Rockville, punctuates sustained growth for the Newtown, Pa.-based greeting card and specialty gift retailer and marks the company’s largest portfolio addition in its 86-year history. With 100 locations and a strong e-commerce presence, Norman’s Hallmark has grown from a single retail store in Trenton, N.J., to a leading force in the social expression industry. An independent owner of Gold …

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Marco’s Pizza Opens 41 New Stores in First Half of 2025

by Katie Lee

Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, is celebrating a powerful first half of 2025, marked by 41 new store openings. If current trends continue, the brand is poised for a 28% year-over-year increase in new store openings — reinforcing its strength in a highly competitive market. “We entered 2025 with momentum from a very intentional development strategy — and that pipeline is now turning into stores,” says Gerardo Flores, chief development officer of Marco’s Pizza. “The potential of our model and the power of …

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UK-Based Retailer Boden to Launch First U.S. Store

by Katie Lee

Alpharetta, Ga. — British fashion brand Boden is opening its first brick-and-mortar store in the United States, marking a key milestone in the brand’s U.S. growth strategy. Located within Avalon, in Alpharetta, Ga., the 2,000-square-foot retail space will open in mid-November 2025. The in-store design includes a gallery-style exhibition of hand-selected work curated by British artists, alongside the brand’s signature use of stripes and color in joyful, unexpected combinations and details throughout the interior. Bespoke Boden wallpaper visually illustrating the brand’s heritage, inspiration and British wit will wrap the fitting …

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Sonny’s BBQ Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Executive Hires

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Sonny’s BBQ, an industry-leading BBQ restaurant, has added Matt Zeiger to its team as chief financial & development officer. In this key leadership role, he will oversee finance and development, bringing his strategic vision and deep expertise to support Sonny’s growth plan. “Matt brings an impressive 25 years of exceptional financial and operational leadership, having worked with some of the most respected restaurant franchise brands in the industry,” says George McAllan, chief growth officer at Sonny’s BBQ. “His depth of expertise will help guide Sonny’s BBQ as …

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