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Panera Brands Establishes Next Generation of Leadership

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the fast-casual and hospitality brand Panera Bread as well as Einstein Bros. Bagels and Caribou Coffee, has established its next generation of CEO leadership and board governance in preparation for its eventual IPO. Current CEO Niren Chaudhary will become chairman of Panera Brands, handing the CEO reins to José Alberto Dueñas, currently president and CEO of Einstein Bros. Bagels, effective July 1, 2023. Former Starbucks CFO and independent director Patrick Grismer will become chairman of the audit committee. Over the last 4 …

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Retail Tech Platform Lily AI Appoints New Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

Mountain View, Calif. — Lily AI, a retail technology platform specializing in AI solutions for retailers and brands, has hired Avnish Patel to its executive team as chief operating officer, effective immediately. In this new role, Patel will be responsible for overall organizational excellence, scaling cross-functional capabilities, and cultivating partnerships and alliances to accelerate growth. He will advance the company’s mission to transform the retail industry through AI solutions that help retailers and brands improve customer experiences throughout their digital commerce touchpoints. Before joining Lily AI, Patel served as senior …

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Bonchon U.S. Appoints New CEO

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Bonchon, a global leader in fast-casual Asian fusion dining known for its Korean double-fried chicken, has appointed former global CFO Bryan Shin to lead Bonchon U.S. as CEO. Shin joined Bonchon as head of global finance in 2019 with more than 10 years in the global food and beverage space. He previously served in various top global leadership and senior positions with brands including Goose Island Beer Company, Yum! Brands and CJ Foodville (a subsidiary of Korean conglomerate CJ Group), where he implemented strategies for a global launch …

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Macy’s to Open The Social Kitchen & Libations in Macy’s Ridgedale in June

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Macy’s is expanding its restaurant portfolio with the opening of The Social Kitchen & Libations at Macy’s Ridgedale in Minnetonka, Minn. Its modern vibe and open kitchen concept connect traditions to trends, with a menu that pays tribute to Macy’s rich history in foodservice, spanning over 115 years. Macy’s has at least 15 store locations with various local and national restaurants included. “We are thrilled to announce the opening of The Social Kitchen & Libations, bringing a mix of traditional and modern flare to the Minneapolis and Saint …

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Walmart Opens First Market Fulfillment Center in Arkansas

by Katie Lee

Bentonville, Ark. — Walmart opened its first high-tech Market Fulfillment Center in Arkansas at Store 100 located at 406 S. Walton Blvd. in Bentonville in May, underlining the retailer’s strategic move toward expanding the use of its stores as fulfillment centers to enhance the shopping experience for customers everywhere. The market fulfillment center in Bentonville, Ark., is the first in the state. It’s the second nationwide, with the first being a proof of concept located at Store #2142 in Salem, N.H. Walmart plans to continue opening MFCs in select stores …

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Vicky Bakery Appoints New CEO; Continues Franchise Growth

by Katie Lee

Miami — Vicky Bakery, South Florida’s original family-owned Cuban bakery since 1972, has named Mauricio Romero as its new chief executive officer. This announcement comes as Vicky Bakery is experiencing record-setting growth, continuous double-digit revenue gains, the opening of multiple new locations, and new strategic investments. Former CEO Alex Santiago will remain dedicated to his leadership role on Vicky Bakery’s board of directors. Romero comes to Vicky Bakery from his nearly 40-year career in the restaurant franchise industry where he has served in a variety of executive roles. Most recently, …

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MINISO Opens Global Flagship Store in Times Square, New York

by Katie Lee

New York City — Lifestyle retailer MINISO officially opened its new global flagship store in New York’s Times Square on May 19, 2023. The opening of the new flagship comes during the brand’s 10th anniversary year, and shortly after the announcement of a new global expansion strategy. With over 70 stores in the U.S., the American market has emerged as MINISO’s top-performing overseas market for two consecutive quarters. Located on the first floor of 5 Times Square, the new flagship has a bright and clean look, with the eye being …

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TGI Fridays CEO to Step Down

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Ray Blanchette, chief executive officer of TGI Fridays, is stepping down. Rohit Manocha, chairman of the board and co-founder of TriArtisan Capital Advisors, will be assuming Blanchette’s responsibilities in the interim. The TGI Fridays executive team will report directly to Manocha. Blanchette led TGI Fridays for the past 5 years, managing the company through a successful turnaround that included both national and global growth as well as through the turbulent impacts around the COVID-19 pandemic. TriArtisan is the lead investor in TGI Fridays with extensive holdings in the …

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Spencer’s & Spirit Halloween to Significantly Expand Corporate HQ in New Jersey

by Katie Lee

Egg Harbor Township, N.J. — Spencer’s & Spirit Halloween is expanding its corporate headquarters in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. The project will add 81,000 square feet of office space and amenities to the company’s current campus, bringing the total footprint to 24 acres. The expansion project is expected to be completed by spring 2024. The new office area will provide the company with space to accommodate its growing workforce. It will also feature a variety of new amenities for associates including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a 1-mile outdoor walking path, …

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Island Fin Poké Co. Debuts in Nashville, Tenn.

by Katie Lee

Nashville, Tenn. — On May 22, Island Fin Poké Co. will open its 26th location in the U.S. and second location in Tennessee, in Nashville. Offering Hawaiian-style poké bowls, this fast-casual restaurant is set to become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. “This is going to be a place where the community can go to get a well-balanced, convenient, healthy and fulfilling meal any day of the week,” says franchisee Tammy Fitzpatrick. “We’re excited to introduce this unique concept to Nashville. Island Fin offers the community a healthy alternative …

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