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Divert, Inc. Expands Executive Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

West Concord, Mass. — Divert, Inc., a sustainable solutions company on a mission to solve the wasted food crisis and advance a circular economy, has expanded its executive leadership team with the appointment of four new strategic hires: Andrew Johnston as vice president of industrials, Derek Spillane as vice president of IT, Frenchie Audette as vice president of food service, and Lee DeVasier as vice president of transportation and supply chain. Johnston and Audette will spearhead strategy and revenue growth with the company’s industrials and food service customers. Spillane will …

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Newspeopleretailers

Ulta Beauty Names CEO Transition

by Katie Lee

Bolingbrook, Ill. — Dave Kimbell plans to retire from his position as chief executive officer of Ulta Beauty, the nation’s largest specialty beauty retailer, after 11 years with the brand. He will also step down from the company’s board of directors. Kecia Steelman, president and chief operating officer, will succeed Dave Kimbell as president and CEO and joined the company’s board on Jan. 6, 2025. Kimbell will serve as an advisor to the company through June 28, 2025. “On behalf of the board, we are grateful to Dave for his …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Panera Brands Appoints Interim CEO

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the iconic fast-casual concept Panera Bread as well as the Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. brands, has named Paul Carbone, currently its chief financial officer, as interim chief executive officer of Panera, effective Jan. 7, 2025. Carbone, who joined Panera in 2023, brings decades of experience in the restaurant, consumer goods and retail industries, including as long-time CFO of Dunkin’ Brands. Carbone will lead the company while the board of directors completes a comprehensive search process, considering both internal and external candidates …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsretailers

URBAN REVIVO Unveils Global Expansion Plans for 2025

by Katie Lee

Guangzhou, China — At the dawn of a new year, fast-fashion brand URBAN REVIVO (UR) is celebrating significant milestones in its international market expansion throughout 2024 and unveiling ambitious plans for further global outreach in 2025. Building on a successful entry into Southeast Asian markets, URBAN REVIVO now sets its sights on major fashion capitals worldwide. In a pivotal year, URBAN REVIVO opened nine new stores across key Southeast Asian markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. This expansion brings the total number of the brand’s stores in …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Blaze Pizza Plans 25 New Units in Southern California

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Blaze Pizza has signed a 25-unit expansion agreement with longtime franchisee SoCal Blazers, Inc. The agreement spans Southern California counties, including Los Angeles, San Bernadino, Riverside, Orange and San Diego. Led by Reza Medali, Mehdi Khosh and Ryan Khosh Medali, the franchisee group currently operates 21 locations in the region. The agreement includes the opening of four new restaurants in 2025. “Reza and his team exemplify what it means to be exceptional operators, and we couldn’t be more excited to champion their continued success with Blaze,” says Beto …

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Nordstrom Family, Liverpool to Take Namesake Department Store Chain Private in $6.25B Deal

by Katie Lee

Seattle — In late December 2024, Nordstrom Inc. signed a definitive agreement with the Nordstrom family and Mexican omnichannel retailer El Puerto de Liverpool SAB de CV (Liverpool) in a deal that will take the fashion department store giant private. The all-cash transaction is valued at $6.25 billion. Erik, Pete and Jamie Nordstrom, along with other members of the Nordstrom family, and Liverpool plan to acquire all the outstanding common shares of Nordstrom that they do not already beneficially own. The deal would give the Nordstrom family a majority ownership …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Smalls Sliders Makes Texas Debut

by Katie Lee

Willis, Texas — Smalls Sliders, the industry-disrupting cheeseburger slider brand, is hosting an opening celebration on Jan. 4 for its first Texas location, situated in the suburban Houston town of Willis. “The excitement of bringing Smalls Sliders to Texas is something I’m proud to be part of, and there’s no better place to start than Willis,” says Preston Cunningham, local franchisee and operator. “This community has a unique charm and a welcoming spirit that makes it the perfect home for our first Texas Can. The city has grown tremendously over …

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Party City to Close All Stores, The Container Store Files for Chapter 11

by Katie Lee

Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and Coppell, Texas — In a one-two punch of holiday retail bankruptcy announcements, Party City has issued a formal statement declaring that it will close all its U.S. stores within the coming months, while The Container Store has also formally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. CNN first reported on Dec. 20, 2024 that Party City, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2023 to restructure its debt, would now be liquidating. The New Jersey-based entertainment accessories retailer, which does business as Party City Holdco …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Jersey Mike’s Subs Opens 3,000th Location

by Katie Lee

Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs held a 12-store opening celebration to mark the company’s 3,000th location on Dec. 18. In 2024 alone, Jersey Mike’s will have opened a record-breaking 322 locations. “Congratulations to all our owners and teams for all they have accomplished with their commitment and hard work,” says Peter Cancro, founder and CEO, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “Reaching 3,000 stores is a celebration of all who have helped build Jersey Mike’s into a brand that resonates on a national level due to our powerful giving culture.” …

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Newspeopleretailerssupply chain

AutoZone Promotes 2 Vice Presidents of Merchandising

by Katie Lee

Memphis, Tenn. — AutoZone, Inc. has promoted two vice presidents to senior vice president positions. Bailey Childress, vice president, merchandising, has been promoted to senior vice president, omnichannel and merchandising support, and Luke Rauch, vice president, merchandising, has been promoted to senior vice president, merchandising and global sourcing. Childress and Rauch will join the company’s executive committee and report to Bill Hackney, executive vice president, merchandising, marketing and supply chain. “We are very pleased to announce today’s promotions. Bailey is a proven leader who has delivered outstanding results throughout his …

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