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Presto and CKE Restaurants Partner for Drive-Thru Voice AI Automation

by Katie Lee

San Carlos, Calif. — Presto Automation Inc., one of the largest drive-thru automation technology providers in the hospitality industry, has expanded its partnership with CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. Presto will be rolling out its artificial intelligence (AI) powered solution, Presto Voice™, to automate voice ordering at participating drive-thru locations nationwide. The voice automation technology, which has already been implemented at select Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s drive-thru locations within the United States, increases revenue, improves labor productivity and enhances the guest and staff …

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construction and designNewsretailers

JackBe, a New Curbside Drive-Thru Grocer Concept, Opens Second Location

by Katie Lee

Oklahoma City — JackBe, the premier curbside drive-thru grocer, has opened its second location, the second of three locations slated to open in 2023 for the new-to-market grocer. The new location has a 22,000-square-foot store and serves as the new corporate headquarters, with over 42,000 square feet in total, including a test kitchen and other amenities. The store opened on May 3 in Edmond, Okla. “We are thrilled to be opening our second location and to expand our mission to introduce a new way to shop, providing high-quality products with …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Darden Restaurants to Acquire Ruth’s Hospitality Group in $715 Million Transaction

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Darden Restaurants, Inc. and Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. have entered into a definitive merger agreement in which Darden will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Ruth’s in an all-cash transaction with an equity value of approximately $715 million. Ruth’s, owner and operator of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, will complement Darden’s portfolio of differentiated brands which currently includes Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V’s. Ruth’s Chris was founded in 1965 in New Orleans by …

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Newspeopleretailerssupply chain

Dollar Tree Names New Chief Supply Chain Officer

by Katie Lee

Chesapeake, Va. — Dollar Tree, Inc. has named a key executive leadership addition, with Mike Kindy joining the organization as chief supply chain officer. He has more than 34 years of management experience in retail logistics and operating distribution centers. “Improving our overall operating efficiency is contingent on a strong, resilient supply chain,” says Rick Dreiling, chairman and CEO of Dollar Tree, Inc. “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to work with high-caliber leaders like Mike and the rest of our expert leadership team to drive improved supply chain performance, …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Atomic Wings Has 10 New Stores Under Construction; Launches 2023 Remodel Program

by Katie Lee

New York City — Atomic Wings, a 15-unit brand specializing in flavorful chicken wings, is starting off 2023 with significant Q1 growth. The New York-based wing franchise has 10 locations under construction, with plans to open throughout the year. The new growth will bring Atomic Wings to new states, including Arkansas, Nevada, Indiana and Texas. Atomic Wings will also launch its first two drive-thru locations — in Houston and Joliet, Ill. — later this year. The company is also thrilled to launch its Atomic Wings 2.0 remodel program later this …

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Tuesday Morning Is Going Out of Business and Closing All Stores

by Katie Lee

Chicago — Going out of business sales have begun at all of Tuesday Morning’s approximately 200 stores in 25 states. This news follows the recent bankruptcy filing by Bed Bath & Beyond, less than 10 days prior. According to CNN, Tuesday Morning’s first bankruptcy happened in May 2020, during the height of the COVD-19 pandemic. Select fixtures, furnishings and equipment will also be available for sale in closing locations. Gift cards will be honored through May 13, 2023. Merchandise purchased prior to April 28, 2023, may be returned within 14 …

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Wingstop Names SVP, President of International as Brand Aims for 7,000+ Units Globally

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Wingstop, the global chicken chain with nearly 2,000 restaurants worldwide, has appointed Raj Kapoor as senior vice president, president of international. Kapoor will be responsible for driving Wingstop’s growth and development strategy for markets outside of the U.S. and oversee the performance of the brand’s existing international markets. Kapoor joins Wingstop from 7-Eleven, where he spent 28 years in a variety of leadership roles including vice president of international; senior vice president and chief information officer; and, most recently, senior vice president of fresh food, beverage and restaurants. …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsretailers

The Athlete’s Foot Launches New Neighborhood Concept Store in Midtown Atlanta

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — The specialty footwear and lifestyle chain, The Athlete’s Foot (TAF), launched its most anticipated project of 2023: the introduction of its “neighborhood” concept store, located at Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta. The Athlete’s Foot is focused on elevating the consumer experience while continuing to drive hyper-localized product assortment and community engagement efforts. The grand opening events, which took place at the end of April, included a sneaker customization class, live performances, and custom art pieces and murals. The Athlete’s Foot partnered with Adidas to provide swag bags filled …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Names Executive Leadership Appointments

by Katie Lee

Englewood, Colo. — Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a full-service restaurant chain, under its North Star growth plan, has made a series of key appointments toward the completion of its executive leadership team. This includes the appointment of Kevin Mayer to chief marketing officer and Mark Simpson as interim chief people officer, effective May 1. In addition, Jason Rusk has been promoted to chief business development officer. “With these crucial leadership positions in place, we are well-positioned to deliver on our goal to establish Red Robin as a most loved …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Weis Markets to Invest Over $160 Million in New Growth in 2023

by Katie Lee

Sunbury, Pa. — Weis Markets, Inc.’s chairman, president and CEO, Jonathan H. Weis, recently updated shareholders on the company’s plans to invest more than $160 million in its growth in 2023. Included in this plan will be record investments in new stores, remodels, fuel centers, information technology upgrades and thousands of smaller store improvement projects. “In 2023, we plan to invest more than $160 million in our capital expenditure program,” says Weis. “Our budget includes 20 remodels, six fuel centers, one addition and one new store, which will open in …

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