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Atomic Wings Has 10 New Stores Under Construction; Plans 2.0 Remodel Program

by Katie Lee

New York City — Atomic Wings, a 15-unit brand specializing in flavorful chicken wings, is starting off 2023 with a bang. In first quarter, the New York-based franchise experienced strong sales numbers, opened a new store in Utica, N.Y., and sold two new Area Representative agreements, in both Dallas and Northern California. The company has an additional 10 locations under construction, with plans to open throughout the year, bringing Atomic Wings to new states, including Arkansas, Nevada, Indiana and Texas. Atomic Wings also is launching its first two drive-thru locations …

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REI Co-op Names VP, Controller and VP of Distribution and Fulfillment Operations

by Katie Lee

Seattle — REI Co-op has promoted two leaders within the finance and supply chain teams. Michelle Kirkpatrick has been promoted to vice president, controller, while Ruchi Christensen is now vice president of distribution and fulfillment operations. “Michelle and Ruchi are both widely trusted leaders who have been instrumental in keeping co-op growth initiatives and operations running smoothly and efficiently,” says Kelley Hall, executive vice president, chief financial officer. “Their business savvy and values-led approach will continue to have positive impact not only on their respective teams but how the co-op …

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Blaze Pizza Names New Chief Development Officer and COO

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Blaze Pizza has named industry veterans Kevin Moran and Johnny Tellez to its executive leadership team. As the newly appointed chief development officer (CDO) and chief operations officer (COO), respectively, they arrive during a pivotal phase of advancement for the dynamic brand, keen to enrich the customer journey, pioneer operational initiatives and expand its domestic and global footprint. “We are pleased to announce the addition of Kevin and Johnny to our executive team at Blaze Pizza. Their outstanding qualifications and proven track record of success assure us …

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Academy Sports + Outdoors Promotes SVP to EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer

by Katie Lee

Katy, Texas — Academy Sports + Outdoors, Inc. has promoted Matt McCabe to executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, effective June 25, 2023, succeeding Steve Lawrence, who recently transitioned to chief executive officer. McCabe will report directly to Lawrence. McCabe has served as Academy’s senior vice president, general merchandise manager, footwear since September 2017. He joined the company in December 2016 as vice president, divisional merchandise manager, athletic and licensed apparel. Prior to joining Academy, he served as vice president at Golfsmith International. He has also held various merchant …

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Savvy Sliders Names New Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

Detroit — Michigan-based Savvy Sliders has named QSR veteran Bryon Stephens as chief development officer. Stephens brings 35 years of industry knowledge to the Savvy Sliders brand.  With 35 stores open today, and another 30 in development, Stephens will guide the 3-year-old brand to a growth trajectory of more than 500 stores over the next 48 months. “With Bryon’s leadership and knowledge, this unique partnership will lead us to explosive growth throughout the world,” says Happy Asker, founder and CEO of Savvy Sliders. While at A&W Restaurants, Stephens spearheaded the …

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SMG Launches New Life Safety Company

by Katie Lee

Red Bank, N.J. — SMG Holdings, LLC marks the official launch of SMG Fire, a pioneering life safety company dedicated to providing comprehensive safety solutions to multi-site retailers nationwide. With its cutting-edge technologies, industry expertise and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, SMG Fire is set to transform the landscape of retail safety. The retail industry faces unique challenges when it comes to ensuring the safety and well-being of guests and team members. Recognizing this critical need, SMG Fire has emerged as the trusted partner for large retailers, offering a wide …

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Dollar General’s First Montana Store Now Under Construction

by Katie Lee

Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General plans to open its first store in Montana in fall 2023, which will give the major retailer a presence in its 48th state and complete its continental U.S. presence. Dollar General’s expansion to Montana comes after the company’s recent first international store opening in Mexico and complements its fiscal 2023 real estate plans. “Breaking ground on each new Dollar General is meaningful…[but] announcing plans for Montana has an extra element of excitement because our expansion in the Treasure State will complete our presence throughout the …

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Pizza Hut Celebrates the Opening of its 3,000th Store in China

by Katie Lee

Shanghai — Yum China Holdings, Inc. (“Yum China”) has celebrated the opening of Pizza Hut’s 3,000th store in China, located in Qinhuangdao, a coastal city in Hebei province. It marks a significant milestone in Pizza Hut’s 33-year growth journey in China. The new restaurant enjoys a sweeping view of the sea. Not only does it provide a contemporary dining experience, but also showcases advanced sustainability solutions, including an IoT-based intelligent energy management system and outdoor solar lamps. The restaurant also incorporates renewable and recycled materials in its decoration and layout, …

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REI Co-op to Open Re/Supply Store in Oregon in August 2023

by Katie Lee

Seattle — Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open a Re/Supply store dedicated to used gear and apparel in Clackamas, Ore., in late August 2023. Located in Clackamas Town Center, the 16,113-square-foot store will open a few doors down from the co-op’s existing store that has served the outdoor community since 2007. The new location will join the co-op’s Re/Supply store in Manhattan Beach, Calif., which opened in 2020. “As a member-owned co-op, we have a responsibility to preserve the long-term health of the planet,” says Bob Cagle, REI regional …

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Smokey Mo’s Welcomes New CFO

by Katie Lee

Austin, Texas — Popular family-friendly Texas restaurant Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ has named Martin Hornsby as its new chief financial officer. “Bringing Martin to Smokey Mo’s will support more financial opportunities for franchising and corporate strategy,” says Craig Haley, president of Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ. “Smokey Mo’s is in the beginning stages of a substantial growth plan and we are very excited to add Martin’s financial and franchising expertise to our team.” Having worked as chief financial officer for companies such as Alamo Drafthouse and Sport Clips Haircuts, Hornsby’s experience, …

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