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Captain D’s Expands Development Team with New Director of Franchise Development

by Katie Lee

Nashville, Tenn. — Captain D’s has hired Steve Bailey as director of franchise development. Bailey has more than 20 years of experience in franchise sales and development with multiple restaurant service brands, most recently with Fazoli’s. Focusing on territories east of the Mississippi River, he will support Captain D’s ongoing expansion throughout the country alongside longtime senior director of franchise development Steve Bielewicz, who is responsible for growing the company’s presence in the western region. “Captain D’s focus on flexible prototypes and cost-effective conversion opportunities is fueling increased interest from …

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Newspeopleretailers

Foot Locker Appoints Former Nike Executive to Lead WSS Banner

by Katie Lee

New York City — Foot Locker, Inc., a leading footwear and apparel retailer, has appointed Blanca Gonzalez as senior vice president and general manager of its WSS banner, effective May 15, 2023. WSS is best known for its neighborhood-based store presence and deep connection within Latino communities. Gonzalez joins Foot Locker from Nike Inc., where she served as vice president of North America product merchandising and brings more than 19 years of experience across various Nike leadership roles in marketing, merchandising and sales. Gonzalez will report directly to Frank Bracken, …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurantssoftware/technology

PizzaForno Expands into Georgia with 3 New Automated Pizzerias in Atlanta

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — PizzaForno, North America’s first automated pizzeria that bakes artisan pizza in less than 3 minutes, 24 hours a day, is officially expanding into Georgia. The first of three new locations will open on May 6 in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood, with two additional locations to open around metro Atlanta later in May. The three entrepreneurs responsible for this expansion are business partners Tyler Young, Paul Nair and Mick Patel. Young has always had a passion for the restaurant industry, and started running restaurants when he was in college. Nair …

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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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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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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

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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