St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the fast-casual and hospitality brand Panera Bread as well as Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Brands, has appointed long-time industry executive Paul Carbone as chief financial officer, effective August 15, 2023. He brings decades of operational, IPO and public company experience. “I am excited for Paul to join the team as we continue to focus on long term value-creation for Panera Brands,” says José Alberto Dueñas, CEO of Panera Brands and Panera Bread. “Paul’s depth of knowledge and history of success across …
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Canton, Mass. — The board of directors of Destination XL Group, Inc., the leading integrated commerce specialty retailer of Big + Tall men’s clothing and shoes in the United States, has entered into an amended employment agreement with Harvey S. Kanter to extend the term of his role as president and chief executive officer. He has served as president & CEO and as a member of its board since April 1, 2019. “We are extremely pleased that Harvey has agreed to continue to lead our company into at least mid-August …
Dublin, Ohio — The Wendy’s Company is opening its first Global Next Gen restaurants, while also finalizing a new Global Next Gen High-Capacity Kitchen design option for the highest customer demand. Both digital-first designs were created to enhance customer, crew and franchisee experiences, accelerating growth across Wendy’s® global restaurant footprint. Since unveiling the Global Next Gen restaurant design standard less than 1 year ago, the first Wendy’s Global Next Gen restaurants are now open in Kansas and Oklahoma, with more than 200 Global Next Gen restaurants slated to open through …
Lexington, Ky. — Valvoline Inc., a leader in preventive automotive maintenance delivering quick and convenient service, has announced that Sam Mitchell is retiring as chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors, effective September 30, 2023. Mitchell will be succeeded by Lori Flees, current president of retail services, as the company’s CEO. Flees will also join Valvoline’s board. “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Sam for his leadership of Valvoline for the last 21 years,” says Rich Freeland, chairman of the Valvoline board. “During …
Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs has added Paul Brodeur as vice president of franchise sales. Brodeur’s long history with Jersey Mikes began at age 14 when he worked in the original location in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J. He also was the company’ s first area director. “Paul brings to the sales team a deep understanding of the brand’s history and culture,” says Brian Sommers, chief development officer, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “His 30 years of sales experience will help elevate our high-performing sales team to the next level, …
Irving, Texas — Michaels has unveiled a new brand identity focused on helping core and new customers alike bring their creative ideas to life. Marking its 50th anniversary, Michaels has updated its tagline to “Everything to Create Anything.” Bold colors, playful fonts and highly textured macro imagery brings the new strategy to life alongside brand storytelling that connects to the joy and self-expression that creativity evokes in all of us. “Our customers’ creativity is the driving force of the Michaels brand, and it’s an honor to play a special role …
Tampa, Fla. — The Melting Pot, a 94-unit experiential dining fondue franchise, has had a hot start to the year with over 30 restaurants reopening after a push to remodel, a new pair of franchise owners joining the system and strong trends in guest count. “We’re beating last year’s numbers in terms of sales and guest count,” says Collin Benyo, franchise growth strategist. “There are great results that are exceeding our standards, and both the franchisees and guests are feeling that.” With over 30 restaurants remodeled in line with the …
New York City — Tapestry, owner of fashion brands Coach, Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman, has agreed to acquire luxury fashion group Capri Holdings Limited for $8.5 billion. Both companies are based in New York City. Capri Holdings consists of Versace, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors. The group spans a retail footprint of over 1,200 stores globally, including 223 Versace locations, 237 Jimmy Choo stores and 812 Michael Kors locations. The all-cash transaction, which was unanimously approved by the board of directors at both Tapestry and Capri Holdings, is expected …
Dallas and New York City — Tango, a leading provider of cloud-based real estate and facilities management software, has acquired WatchWire, an industry leader in data and analytics that helps companies reduce emissions and energy expenses while simplifying sustainability and carbon reporting. The transaction further extends Tango’s position as a global leader in the real estate and facilities management space, enabling companies to meet their energy management and sustainability goals. WatchWire’s leadership team will join Tango; financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed. “Faced with a rapidly changing …
East Lansing, Mich. — BIGGBY® COFFEE, a high-energy coffee concept with more than 360 units, has signed 43 new franchise agreements so far this year and is on track to reach the 500-unit mark by the end of 2024. In 2023, 31 new stores have opened so far. “Currently, we have 361 stores open and around another 140 in development for a total of close to 500,” says Tony DiPietro, vice president of emerging market development. “That 500 is a big deal because we have a goal to have 500 …