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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to Enter New North American Markets in 2024

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, a Southern California global roaster and retailer of premium coffee and tea, is marking 60 years in business by unveiling a strategic franchising initiative aimed to accelerate growth in North America. Expansion goals for 2024 include venturing into new and untapped markets, notably Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Canada and Mexico. The company is projected to sign more than 225 new store commitments through multi-unit development agreements and single café franchise agreements, emphasizing both traditional and non-traditional growth avenues such as …

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Academy Sports + Outdoors Names SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer

by Katie Lee

Katy, Texas — Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. has appointed Robert (Rob) Howell to the role of senior vice president and chief supply chain officer. In this role, he will oversee supply chain operations, distribution centers, and domestic & international logistics. Howell will join the company in February 2024 and report to Sam Johnson, president of Academy. Howell brings nearly 30 years of supply chain, distribution and logistics experience to Academy. Previously, he spent nearly 20 years with Sysco Corporation, a wholesale restaurant food distributor, where he performed various supply …

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Panda Express Partners with GridPoint Across All U.S. Restaurant Locations

by Katie Lee

Reston, Va. — GridPoint, a leading cleantech company that decarbonizes commercial buildings and accelerates the transition to a sustainable energy future, has expanded its partnership with Panda Express, the largest Asian dining concept in the United States. With nearly 2,500 locations, Panda Express will deploy GridPoint Intelligence™ to all U.S. locations during the next 18 months to optimize energy consumption, reduce energy costs and ensure that all restaurants remain at maximum temperature comfort for its guests and associates throughout varied climate conditions year-round. “We have sought solutions that can deliver …

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UNIQLO Partners with the Nature Conservancy to Plant 100,000 Trees Across the U.S.

by Katie Lee

New York City — UNIQLO has formed a new partnership with The Nature Conservancy, a global nonprofit committed to helping preserve the environment for future generations. UNIQLO in the U.S. is contributing $150,000 that will go toward the organization’s ‘Plant a Billion Trees’ program, aiding in forest restoration to slow the spread of biodiversity loss and climate change. “We’re very proud to support The Nature Conservancy in their critical work around reforestation,” says Jean Shein, UNIQLO’s global director of sustainability. “UNIQLO’s brand purpose is to help make everyday life better, …

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Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux Adds to Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Baton Rouge, La. — Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux has appointed Trey Hughes as senior director of franchise sales. The nationally renowned restaurant and sports bar has also hired Andy Izquierdo as its vice president of communications. “We are excited to welcome Andy Izquierdo and Trey Hughes to the Walk-On’s family. Their impressive backgrounds and proven track records align seamlessly with our commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience. As we continue our journey of expansion, their strategic insights and leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in further elevating Walk-On’s Sports …

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Bob Evans Selects PAR Technology to Enhance Guest Experience and Loyalty

by Katie Lee

New Hartford, N.Y. — ParTech, Inc. (PAR), a global restaurant technology company and provider of unified commerce solutions for enterprise restaurants, has been chosen by Bob Evans, the iconic family-style restaurant chain with 437 locations in the U.S., for its industry-leading loyalty and offer solution PAR Punchh®. PAR Punchh will provide customers with personalized offers and rewards through the Bob Evans app, including family deals, value offers and convenient online takeout options. “At Bob Evans, we extend our hospitality well beyond the delicious dishes we serve. We want every guest …

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Gibson Garage to Open First Flagship Store Outside of the U.S., in London

by Katie Lee

Nashville, Tenn. — Gibson, the iconic and leading global instrument brand, will officially open a Gibson Garage flagship store in Historic London on Feb. 24, 2024. The London location marks the first-ever Gibson flagship store outside of the U.S. and follows the successful opening of the Gibson Garage Nashville. The Gibson Garage is the ultimate guitar experience and destination for music lovers across the globe and the place to explore Gibson’s 130-year music history. Located in historic London just off Oxford Street, and featuring 4,500 square feet of retail space, …

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Academy Sports + Outdoors Names SVP & Chief Supply Chain Officer

by Katie Lee

Katy, Texas — Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. has appointed Robert (Rob) Howell to the role of senior vice president and chief supply chain officer. In this role, Howell will oversee supply chain operations, distribution centers and domestic & international logistics. Howell will join Academy in February 2024 and report to Sam Johnson, president of Academy. Howell brings nearly 30 years of supply chain, distribution and logistics experience to Academy. Previously, he spent nearly 20 years with Sysco Corporation, a wholesale restaurant food distributor, where he performed various supply chain, …

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Layne’s Chicken Fingers Welcomes Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

Frisco, Texas — Layne’s Chicken Fingers, a growing chicken franchise with 13 restaurants open and another 113 sold, is welcoming part-owner Eric Reed as its new chief development officer to support the system’s ongoing growth. “My ultimate, long term goal is to get Layne’s to the point that all we have to do is put an Astro Chicken on the sign in front of the restaurant and people know who we are,” says Reed. “If we can get to that level of brand awareness, we’ve made it. That’s all we …

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Beans & Brews Coffeehouse Opens First Texas Location

by Katie Lee

Salt Lake City — Beans & Brews Coffeehouse, a rapidly growing drive-thru coffee franchise, celebrated the recent opening of its newest location in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 20, 2024 — marking the first Beans & Brews in the state. “We’re excited to invite the San Antonio community to join us in celebrating the launch of our newest coffeehouse,” says Chad Gretzema, CEO of Beans & Brews Coffeehouse. Located at 6507 W. Loop 1604 N., the restaurant officially opened its doors on Dec. 16, 2023; grand opening events continued into …

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