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Ahold Delhaize USA Names New SVP to Lead Data and AI

by Katie Lee

Salisbury, N.C. — Grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA has named Vipin Gopal, Ph.D., as senior vice president. In the role, he will serve as the chief data and artificial intelligence (AI) officer for the U.S. businesses. Reporting to the chief information officer, Ann Dozier, he will lead data, analytics and artificial intelligence strategy and advance Ahold Delhaize USA’s efforts to further embed data-driven decision-making and AI capabilities into its business. He will play a critical role in transforming enterprise data foundations, accelerating responsible AI adoption and enabling greater value …

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Dunkin’ to Open Hundreds of Locations in Canada

by Katie Lee

Montreal — Foodtastic, one of Canada’s leading restaurant operators, has signed a master franchising agreement with Inspire Brands to open hundreds of Dunkin’ locations across Canada. The first Dunkin’ location in Canada is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027. Foodtastic will manage market development, franchisee recruitment and operations in Canada. Foodtastic will have exclusive rights to develop the Dunkin’ brand nationally through both corporate and franchise-operated locations. This expansion strengthens Foodtastic’s relationship with Inspire Brands and adds a globally recognized coffee and donut concept to its Canadian …

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Hounds Town USA Marks 100 Locations Systemwide with Delaware Debut

by Katie Lee

Ronkonkoma, N.Y., and Dagsboro, Del. — Hounds Town USA is celebrating a defining moment in its growth with the opening of its 100th location. The milestone location opened on April 11 in Dagsboro, Del., introducing Hounds Town’s signature pack play model to the state for the first time. Founded in 2000 by former NYPD canine handler and Nassau County Police Department commanding officer Michael S. Gould, Hounds Town has grown from a single Long Island, N.Y., location into a national system built on a simple, consistent operating model. The brand’s …

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Pappas Family of Restaurants Acquires On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Pappas Restaurants, Inc., one of the nation’s largest family-owned and operated restaurant groups, is officially welcoming its newest acquisition, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, into its portfolio of dining concepts. The acquisition closed in May 2025. Under Pappas ownership over the past year, On The Border has undergone a sweeping menu overhaul rooted in the same culinary standards that have defined the Pappas name across Texas for decades. The team has enhanced food quality, strengthened operations and elevated the overall guest experience. “On The Border has …

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Rally House Named Official Bookstore Operator for 3 Additional Universities

by Katie Lee

Fairfax, Va., Williamsburg, Va., and Glassboro, N.J. — Rally House, a premier retailer of officially licensed collegiate and professional apparel, team merchandise and locally inspired products, has formed new partnerships with George Mason University, William & Mary and Rowan University to serve as the official campus retail and bookstore merchandise operator beginning later this summer. Through these partnerships, Rally House will elevate the campus bookstore experience by delivering an expanded assortment of officially licensed apparel, gifts and spirit merchandise, alongside a modernized retail environment tailored to each university’s unique identity. …

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Toshiba Recognized as a Leader in POS Software for Grocery and Food Store Retail

by Katie Lee

Research Triangle Park, N.C. — Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions has been named a leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Point-of-Sale (POS) Software in Grocery and Food Store Retail 2026 Vendor Assessment. This recognition comes as grocery retailers seek more open, intelligent platforms that can connect store data, support real-time decisions, reduce shrink and help operations adapt as conditions change. IDC MarketScape is the IT industry’s premier vendor assessment tool, providing in-depth quantitative and qualitative technology market assessment. This 2026 IDC MarketScape assesses the capabilities and strategies of enterprise POS software …

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Shake Shack Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

New York City — Shake Shack Inc. has appointed Michelle Hook as its chief financial officer, effective May 11, 2026. She brings more than two decades of financial and operational leadership experience in the restaurant industry, with a proven track record of scaling growth companies and building high-performing teams. “We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to the Shake Shack team,” says Rob Lynch, chief executive officer of Shake Shack. “She brings deep restaurant industry expertise and significant public company experience to the role.” Hook joins Shake Shack from Portillo’s, where …

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Snow Peak Opens 4th North American Store, in Seattle

by Katie Lee

Portland, Ore. — Snow Peak, the renowned Japanese outdoor lifestyle brand with a 68-year legacy, has opened its fourth North American retail location, in Seattle’s vibrant Fremont neighborhood. The store is the brand’s first new retail store since the opening of its SoHo location (now relocated to Brooklyn) in 2014. Snow Peak Seattle offers guests an immersive environment to explore Snow Peak’s carefully curated collection of camping equipment, outdoor living essentials and lifestyle apparel. In addition to product displays, the space will host gear demonstrations, community gatherings and outdoor education …

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16 Handles Plans California Debut with 8 New Units in Multiple Markets

by Katie Lee

New York City — 16 Handles, the upscale frozen yogurt and dessert franchise, is bringing its concept to the West Coast, announcing its first-ever expansion into California with eight units planned across some of the state’s most high-demand markets. Initial locations are already in development across the Los Angeles metro area, the San Fernando Valley, the San Francisco Bay area and North San Diego. “We’ve always seen California as a natural second home for 16 Handles, but we wanted to enter the market the right way, with strong operators and …

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REI Co-op Reduces Emissions and Achieves Waste Diversion Goal

by Katie Lee

Seattle — In 2025, REI Co-op saw a 15% reduction in emissions compared to the 2019 baseline year and achieved its waste diversion goal for the second consecutive year. To help achieve this, REI continued investing in circular textile innovation by entering a 3-year offtake agreement with Ambercycle to help scale performance materials made from existing textiles rather than virgin polyester. The co‑op is among the first outdoor retailers to invest in this approach and plans to share learnings to help accelerate industry adoption. “We want to make our mark …

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