Dallas — Smoothie King has provided its third-quarter brand update, posting record sales during period 7, marking its highest sales period in its 50-year history. The surge was driven largely by record-breaking digital sales and new product innovation. Additionally, the brand reported a 13% increase in same-store sales year over year at completion of the quarter, 60 openings year-to-date and expansion within its home market of Dallas-Fort Worth, as well as signing its first agreements in Boston. “We are proud of achieving record-breaking sales and can attribute a lot of …
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Houston — The National Basketball Association (NBA) opened a new NBA Store location on Nov. 3 in Houston. The new store, located at The Galleria in Uptown Houston, marks the league’s second flagship store in the U.S. following its New York City store in 2015. As part of the league’s partnership with Lids and Fanatics, Lids will oversee the operations for the NBA Store. The new 7,500-square-foot store features a broad range of official NBA and WNBA merchandise and memorabilia. The store also features a customization area — a signature …
Detroit — Little Caesars, the third largest pizza chain in the world, has signed franchise development agreements that will add 15 new locations across two of the brand’s target markets. Led by two different franchisees, the developments are set to expand the brand’s presence in Boston and Chicago. The franchisees leading the brand’s latest developments include: • Pritpal Bains and Haranchal Bains, who have operated Little Caesars restaurants in California since 1999, plan to establish five new locations throughout Boston by 2027. • Karim Khowaja and Sanjeev Khatau, who have …
Chicago — Radio Flyer, the 106-year-old maker of the iconic Original Little Red Wagon®, will open its first-ever retail store on Nov. 10, 2023. The new 15,000-square-foot store is joining the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Ill., near Chicago. As the company’s first brick-and-mortar location in its 106-year history, the store features Radio Flyer’s complete lineup of award-winning products including stroller wagons, tricycles, scooters, go-karts, bikes and more. “We are overjoyed that the official store opening is finally here and cannot wait to open our doors and show guests all the …
Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts has appointed Brad Reynolds, a seasoned multi-unit restaurant executive who previously served as the CFO at Blaze Pizza and Smashburger, as its new chief financial officer. Chris Smith is also joining the leadership team as Shipley’s vice president of operations; he has held leadership roles at multiple franchise restaurant brands, including Eskimo Hut, Rave Restaurant Group and Smashburger. “We have big goals for Shipley, and Brad’s and Chris’ experiences with successful franchise systems will be a strategic advantage for us as we focus on building even …
Irvine, Calif. — Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. opened 10 new stores during its fiscal year second quarter alone, bringing its total store count to 371, and plans to open 52 stores next year. “I am pleased with our second quarter results which included solid sales growth, merchandise margin expansion and earnings achievement which was at the high end of our guidance range,” says Jim Conroy, president and chief executive officer. “We opened 10 new stores in the quarter and continue to be encouraged by the new store performance across the …
Lewes, Del. — Berry AI, a leading provider of AI camera solutions for the QSR industry, has appointed Eric Marchant as the newest member of its leadership team, as its U.S. vice president of business. This addition comes as Berry AI experiences unprecedented growth in response to the surging demand for AI camera adoption within the QSR sector, aimed at enhancing the speed of service. In 2023, the quick-service restaurant industry witnessed a rapid surge in demand for advanced AI camera solutions, as businesses sought to optimize their operational efficiency …
Hudson, Ohio — JOANN Inc., the nation’s category leader in sewing and fabrics with one of the largest arts and crafts offerings, has released a report outlining the company’s Corporate Responsibility results for fiscal year 2023. The report highlights the company’s impact across its EVERGREEN Strategic Pillars: • Creating an environment where all team members can be their authentic selves and contribute at the highest level; • Minimizing carbon footprint by taking action throughout JOANN and supplier operations; • Powering reusability with customers to tie environmental responsibility to a greater …
New York City — Pink Taco has appointed David E. Miller as chief operating officer. Miller brings almost two decades of leadership experience with other renowned brands, including Hard Rock, Carmine’s, City Winery, Joe’s Crab Shack and Virgil’s Real BBQ. In his new role, Miller will oversee operational strategy, financial management, quality control and human resources for Pink Taco. In the near term, he will spearhead the ongoing growth of Pink Taco’s flagship location in Times Square, New York City, as well as four other nationwide locations. He also will …
Lakewood, Colo. — Christy Sports, a premier outdoor retailer and service provider, has added three members of the executive leadership team. Pete LaBore joins as chief executive officer, Danielle Quatrochi as chief marketing officer and Mimi Nuelle as chief merchandising officer. “We are thrilled to have Pete, Danielle and Mimi join the Christy Sports team,” says Dan Galpern, a partner at TZP Group, an investor in Christy Sports. “Pete’s vision, passion for building customer experience and collaborative team culture made him the perfect choice as the new CEO. We look …