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Rosa Mexicano Names Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

New York City — Rosa Mexicano, a pioneering brand in elevated Mexican dining, has appointed Richard Zoob as chief executive officer. Zoob’s appointment marks a full-circle return to Rosa Mexicano, where he previously served as both a consultant and board advisor. Having worked closely with the brand over the years, he brings a nuanced understanding of its legacy, its operational opportunities and its untapped potential in today’s evolving dining landscape. “Rosa Mexicano is an iconic brand with a powerful legacy and tremendous opportunity ahead,” says Zoob. “I’ve had a long …

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BRUNT Workwear Opens Very First Flagship Retail Store

by Katie Lee

North Reading, Mass. — BRUNT Workwear, the boot and apparel brand for modern trade workers, has opened its first flagship retail store, marking a major milestone in the company’s rapid expansion from a direct-to-consumer powerhouse to an omnichannel retailer. Situated at 70 Main St. in North Reading, Mass., the new 3,000-square-foot storefront introduces a new kind of retail experience all under one roof. Since launching at wholesale stores across the country with a selection of its core product assortment in 2024, BRUNT has grown its physical retail presence in partnership …

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Sweetgreen Names New Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Sweetgreen, Inc. has appointed Ryan Slemons as its new chief development officer, effective May 4, 2026. He now leads all aspects of real estate, design, construction, facilities and portfolio management, and he reports directly to Jonathan Neman, co-founder and CEO. Slemons brings nearly two decades of experience in real estate, franchising and store development across various industries. Most recently, he served as chief development officer of Unleashed Brands, a portfolio of franchise brands including Urban Air Adventure Park, The Little Gym, Sylvan Learning Centers and more. “Ryan …

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Publix Executive Chairman to Retire

by Katie Lee

Lakeland, Fla. — Publix Super Markets’ executive chairman, Todd Jones, intends to retire, effective May 31, 2026. He will remain actively involved in the company as chairman of the Publix board of directors. “We celebrate Todd’s 46-year career and are thankful for his exemplary service to our company, our associates and customers, and the communities we serve,” says Kevin Murphy, CEO of Publix. “In addition to being an outstanding operator and mentor, Todd has led with integrity and a deep commitment to our mission that will have lasting impact. We …

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Huey Magoo’s Introduces Freestanding Condensed Drive-Thru Prototype

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Huey Magoo’s, a fast-casual chicken tenders chain, is introducing a freestanding drive-thru prototype designed to lower build costs and increase site flexibility for franchisees. The design allows development on sites that were previously not viable, supporting growth in more markets while reducing upfront investment. The prototype extends the brand’s cost-conscious design approach into a stand-alone drive-thru format, building on momentum from 2025, when Huey Magoo’s introduced a condensed 1,500-square-foot inline model to reduce buildout costs and expand access to high-traffic retail centers. That format created a more …

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RNR Tire Express to Debut in Massachusetts with New Franchise Agreement

by Katie Lee

Boston — RNR Tire Express (RNR), the nation’s leading franchise retailer for tires and custom wheels and part of the multi-brand franchisor company DX3 Brands, has signed a franchise agreement that will bring the brand to Massachusetts for the first time. The new location is expected to open in summer 2026 at 995 N Montello St., in Brockton, Mass. “This marks a significant step forward in our New England development strategy,” says Adam Sutton, CEO of DX3 Brands and RNR Tire Express. “Matt’s leadership, operational expertise and commitment to community …

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Starbird Names New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Starbird, the San Francisco-based chicken concept, has appointed Stefanie Lee as chief financial officer. This follows the recent appointment of Greg Levin as chief executive officer, the signing of a 36-unit franchise development agreement in Texas — the largest in the brand’s history — and the addition of former Jersey Mike’s president Hoyt Jones as an advisor to the board of directors. Lee joins Starbird with more than 18 years of finance and operations leadership across franchising, fitness and wellness, restaurants, retail and e-commerce, travel and sports. …

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Zoom Tan Inc. Adds 23 Locations in Southeast

by Katie Lee

Naples, Fla. — Zoom Tan has acquired all 23 South Beach Tanning Company corporate locations, bringing the company-wide total to 167 salons, signaling an accelerated expansion strategy and a deeper push into the tanning and wellness market. The transaction highlights ongoing consolidation across the indoor tanning space, as growth-oriented operators look to expand market share. The acquisition strengthens Zoom Tan’s position as a scaled, growth-oriented operator at a time when the retail sector continues to reward brands with strong fundamentals, disciplined execution and loyal customer bases. South Beach Tanning Company …

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Freddy’s Strengthens Development Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Wichita, Kan. — Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is strengthening its development team. Rafik Farouk has joined as vice president of business development, and Jackie Lobdell has been named vice president of franchise sales. As Freddy’s approaches 600 restaurants, the addition of these experienced leaders reinforces the team driving the brand’s expansion. Together, Farouk and Lobdell bring more than four decades of restaurant industry experience, adding significant depth to Freddy’s development bench. “Freddy’s is entering an exciting phase of growth, and Rafik and Jackie are two important additions to our …

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Williams-Sonoma Launches Dormify to Address Dorm Living & Space-Saving Solutions

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, has launched its 10th brand, Dormify. Designed to meet the evolving needs of students and young consumers navigating dormitories and compact living environments, Dormify offers a curated, modern assortment of stylish and highly functional home furnishings. Through the newly launched Dormify website, customers can engage with the brand’s inspirational content, design their dream bed, build a personalized wish list, access curated checklists and receive complimentary design and shopping guidance. “Dormify represents a powerful opportunity to meet …

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