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Savvy Sliders Names New Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

Detroit — Michigan-based Savvy Sliders has named QSR veteran Bryon Stephens as chief development officer. Stephens brings 35 years of industry knowledge to the Savvy Sliders brand.  With 35 stores open today, and another 30 in development, Stephens will guide the 3-year-old brand to a growth trajectory of more than 500 stores over the next 48 months. “With Bryon’s leadership and knowledge, this unique partnership will lead us to explosive growth throughout the world,” says Happy Asker, founder and CEO of Savvy Sliders. While at A&W Restaurants, Stephens spearheaded the …

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SMG Launches New Life Safety Company

by Katie Lee

Red Bank, N.J. — SMG Holdings, LLC marks the official launch of SMG Fire, a pioneering life safety company dedicated to providing comprehensive safety solutions to multi-site retailers nationwide. With its cutting-edge technologies, industry expertise and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, SMG Fire is set to transform the landscape of retail safety. The retail industry faces unique challenges when it comes to ensuring the safety and well-being of guests and team members. Recognizing this critical need, SMG Fire has emerged as the trusted partner for large retailers, offering a wide …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Dollar General’s First Montana Store Now Under Construction

by Katie Lee

Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General plans to open its first store in Montana in fall 2023, which will give the major retailer a presence in its 48th state and complete its continental U.S. presence. Dollar General’s expansion to Montana comes after the company’s recent first international store opening in Mexico and complements its fiscal 2023 real estate plans. “Breaking ground on each new Dollar General is meaningful…[but] announcing plans for Montana has an extra element of excitement because our expansion in the Treasure State will complete our presence throughout the …

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Pizza Hut Celebrates the Opening of its 3,000th Store in China

by Katie Lee

Shanghai — Yum China Holdings, Inc. (“Yum China”) has celebrated the opening of Pizza Hut’s 3,000th store in China, located in Qinhuangdao, a coastal city in Hebei province. It marks a significant milestone in Pizza Hut’s 33-year growth journey in China. The new restaurant enjoys a sweeping view of the sea. Not only does it provide a contemporary dining experience, but also showcases advanced sustainability solutions, including an IoT-based intelligent energy management system and outdoor solar lamps. The restaurant also incorporates renewable and recycled materials in its decoration and layout, …

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REI Co-op to Open Re/Supply Store in Oregon in August 2023

by Katie Lee

Seattle — Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open a Re/Supply store dedicated to used gear and apparel in Clackamas, Ore., in late August 2023. Located in Clackamas Town Center, the 16,113-square-foot store will open a few doors down from the co-op’s existing store that has served the outdoor community since 2007. The new location will join the co-op’s Re/Supply store in Manhattan Beach, Calif., which opened in 2020. “As a member-owned co-op, we have a responsibility to preserve the long-term health of the planet,” says Bob Cagle, REI regional …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Smokey Mo’s Welcomes New CFO

by Katie Lee

Austin, Texas — Popular family-friendly Texas restaurant Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ has named Martin Hornsby as its new chief financial officer. “Bringing Martin to Smokey Mo’s will support more financial opportunities for franchising and corporate strategy,” says Craig Haley, president of Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ. “Smokey Mo’s is in the beginning stages of a substantial growth plan and we are very excited to add Martin’s financial and franchising expertise to our team.” Having worked as chief financial officer for companies such as Alamo Drafthouse and Sport Clips Haircuts, Hornsby’s experience, …

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Buc-ee’s To Break Ground on First Virginia Location

by Katie Lee

Richmond, Va. — Buc-ee’s New Kent, LLC has purchased 27.686 acres in New Kent, Va., from Kent Farms Holdings Company, LLC for $6.5 million to build a new Buc-ee’s Super Center. Nathan Shor is the exclusive tenant representative for Buc-ee’s in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and also represented the seller in this transaction. Construction on the New Kent location is expected to be completed within 24 months. The new Buc-ee’s Super Center will be comprised of more than 75,000 square feet of retail space, 120 fueling positions, multiple EV chargers …

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Darden Restaurants Completes Acquisition of Ruth’s Hospitality Group

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Darden Restaurants, Inc. has completed its acquisition of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. The Ruth’s Chris Steak House brand now joins and complements Darden’s portfolio of differentiated brands that include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s and Bahama Breeze. Ruth’s Chris has 155 locations around the globe, including 81 company-owned or company-operated restaurants and 74 franchised restaurants. The $715 million acquisition was completed on June 14, 2023. Following the consummation of the merger, Ruth’s became an indirect, wholly …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Smashburger Appoints Interim President

by Katie Lee

Denver — Smashburger has appointed Jose Miñana Jr. as interim president in place of Carl Bachmann upon his departure from the company on June 30th. Miñana is the chief sustainability and public affairs officer for Smashburger’s parent company, Jollibee Foods Corporation, and will serve as the president until the permanent lead executive has been appointed. Miñana has over 25 years of experience working for the Jollibee Foods Corporation and has held multiple positions within the global restaurant company. Before being named the chief sustainability and public affairs officer in 2019, …

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Walmart Opens High-Tech Fulfillment Center Near Indianapolis

by Katie Lee

McCordsville, Ind. — Walmart has opened a new 2.2 million-square-foot fulfillment center 20 miles northeast of Indianapolis, in McCordsville. This next-generation facility is Walmart’s largest fulfillment center to date, and will enable the retailer to fulfill more orders, more quickly. “Indiana is proud to welcome this next generation Walmart fulfillment center, which represents a significant investment in our industry and our people,” says Ann Lathrop, chief strategy officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Walmart has long been a good corporate partner in Indiana, and we’re excited to see their …

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