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Dallas and Minneapolis — Dunn Brothers Coffee, a growing specialty coffee franchise, has named Scott Harvey as its new president. The appointment comes at the forefront of strategic brand growth, with Harvey spearheading both franchising and consumer packaged goods (CPG) initiatives. Tapping into his significant leadership experience and accomplished past in the coffee and restaurant categories, Harvey joins Dunn Brothers Coffee fresh off serving as president and CEO of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery, a fast-casual concept serving Caribbean cuisine and baked goods, with more than 100 restaurants. Previously, he was …

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Miami — Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, a leading pet service franchise brand, has debuted in three western states. Between June and July 2023, Woof Gang inked agreements with franchisee owners in major cities including Phoenix; Boise, Idaho; and Seattle. This marks another quarter of surging expansion for the brand, which has gained entry into both national and international markets this year. “To enter three major states such as Arizona, Idaho and Washington in such a short span of time is truly a testament to the power of our brand …

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Pasadena, Calif. — Through mid-year, Wetzel’s Pretzels has driven a 9.1% increase in same-store sales and a 6.3% uptick in foot traffic. The brand opened 20 new bakeries through second quarter, well on its way to opening its milestone 400th location. “Fueled by innovative marketing, digital enhancements and a variety of flexible store formats, Wetzel’s continues to set new high-water marks for AUV and store growth,” says Vincent Montanelli, chief operating officer of Wetzel’s Pretzels. “After finishing 2022 with a 35% increase in same-store sales versus 2019, we’re excited to …

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San Francisco — Vestar, one of the leading privately held shopping center owners and managers in the western United States, has been retained by MetLife Investment Management to provide management services for Homestead Square, a 203,000-square-foot power center located in Cupertino, Calif. Geared toward management of quality institutional assets, Vestar currently operates nearly 70 properties, encompassing 30 million square feet of retail space across seven western states. In the Bay Area/Northern California, the company oversees 12 centers encompassing 3.8 million square feet, including Hacienda Crossing in Dublin, Alameda Landing in …

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Charlotte, N.C. — Bojangles, a beloved franchise famous for its chicken, biscuits and tea, has signed a multi-unit development agreement to bring 20 new restaurants to Las Vegas, as well as the development of restaurants within 10 TravelCenters of America franchise locations across Western markets. The expansion will be led by TravelCenters of America franchisee, LVP Restaurant Group, LLC, an entity of LV Petroleum, and its investment partner, Kingsbarn Realty Capital, as the developer. “This expansion represents an incredible opportunity to share Bojangles with the Las Vegas community. The city’s …

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New York City — Wegmans Food Market has announced plans to open an 87,500-square-foot store at 770 Broadway in Manhattan’s East Village neighborhood. The market, dubbed Wegmans Astor Place, will be located at the base of an office building that Vornado Realty Trust owns. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, occupies the office portion of the property. The store, which is set to open on Oct. 18, will offer made-to-order and packaged foods; ready-to-eat and ready-to-heat options, including a selection of entrees and sides for individuals and families; and a ‘restaurant …

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Atlanta and New York City — Chick-fil-A has announced plans for two new restaurant concepts. Beginning in 2024, the brand will open an elevated drive-thru concept in metro Atlanta as well as a walk-up restaurant in New York City. Both concepts are designed to enhance efficiency and convenience, with plans for the drive-thru restaurant including a kitchen built above the drive-thru lanes and dedicated lanes for mobile orders. Targeted toward urban areas with heavy foot traffic, the walk-up concept will allow guests to order through the Chick-fil-A app and pick …

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Salisbury, N.C. — As part of its recent $77 million capital investment, Food Lion has remodeled stores in Greenville, Jacksonville and New Bern, N.C. On Aug. 2, Food Lion will hold ribbon-cutting events at 47 stores in the Greenville, Jacksonville and New Bern area. The investment includes e-commerce options across all stores through pickup or home delivery and energy-efficient overhead LED lighting and refrigerated cases with doors. The modern solutions impart ambiance, enhance fresh product assortment and reduce energy costs, helping reduce Food Lion’s environmental footprint. Most stores are introducing …

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Raleigh, N.C. — Tompkins Solutions, a leading supply chain consulting and material handling integration firm, has hired Dan Bryan as vice president of sales. In this role, Bryan will be responsible for driving sales growth and identifying opportunities to deliver value to existing and prospective customers. Bryan has more than two decades of experience leading sourcing and logistics initiatives and business development efforts for organizations ranging from small startups to Fortune 500 companies. Prior to joining Tompkins, Bryan was partner and vice president for Blue Spring Partners, and also held …

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Los Angeles — Great American Cookies, the Original Cookie Cake franchise, is opening its first locations in Philadelphia. Both situated at the Franklin Mills Mall, the new stores represent the cookie chain’s commitment to domestic expansion on the East Coast. “At Great American Cookies, every new store opening is an opportunity to bring joy to a local community,” says Allison Lauenstein, president of Great American Cookies. “Making our debut in Philadelphia is a tremendous opportunity for Great American Cookies from a brand visibility standpoint and we look forward to treating …

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