News

The Dolly Llama to Open 4 New Locations in March

by Katie Lee February 10, 2023

Los Angeles — The Dolly Llama, the waffle and artisanal ice cream destination based out of Los Angeles, is planning substantial growth in first quarter 2023 across the country with its first New York City outpost and three locations in Texas, all within the next 2 months. The brand, which first began franchising in 2020 to expand the unique concept to major U.S. media markets, has since opened four new locations — Dallas; Jacksonville, Fla.; Las Vegas; Orlando, Fla. — and is fueling major growth in 2023. First, the Dolly …

February 10, 2023

News people retailers

Kohl’s Names Chief Merchandising and Digital Officer

by Katie Lee February 9, 2023

Menomonee Falls, Wis. — Kohl’s has hired 25-year retail veteran Nick Jones as its new chief merchandising and digital officer, reporting directly to CEO Tom Kingsbury, effective in March. “We are very excited to have Nick join our team and lead our merchandising organization,” says Kingsbury. “During his career, Nick’s been the chief merchant for one of the UK’s biggest retailers, led multiple categories for department store Marks & Spencer, and was a key leader in the category and international expansion of the multibillion-dollar George brand.” Jones has more than …

February 9, 2023

News restaurants software/technology vendors

Restaurant Technology Company Chowly Acquires Koala

by Katie Lee February 9, 2023

Chicago — Chowly, a restaurant technology company that integrates third-party delivery marketplaces with point-of-sale (POS) systems, has acquired Koala, a guest experience platform that empowers established and emerging restaurant brands to elevate their digital ordering experience across web, app and kiosk to drive immediate results. The combined business will represent over 16,000 restaurant locations on the platform. “We’re thrilled to welcome Koala to the Chowly team,” says Sterling Douglass, co-founder and CEO, Chowly. “Merging these two businesses together represents a major leap forward in the mission of both organizations as …

February 9, 2023

News retailers signage vendors

Kwik Stop Taps Watchfire for Digital Signs at 27 Convenience Stores

by Katie Lee February 8, 2023

Danville, Ill. — Watchfire, a leading provider of exterior, interior and gas price LED displays for the convenience store industry, was selected by Kwik Stop to provide digital signs at 27 c-store locations in Nebraska and Colorado. To date, 23 locations have installed double-faced 4’x6’ 10mm outdoor digital signs and the remaining will be completed by summer. In addition, some locations have installed Watchfire’s Price WatcherTM gas price signs, which offer a bright fuel price display that can be changed efficiently and safely, day or night. The Watchfire displays replaced …

February 8, 2023

franchise development News restaurants

Focus Brands® Opened 400+ Locations Globally in 2022; Signed 650 New Franchise Deals

by Katie Lee February 8, 2023

Atlanta — Focus Brands®, the parent company of Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s®, has closed out fiscal year 2022 exceeding $3.9 billion in system-wide sales for the first time in its history. Nearly 650 new franchise deals were signed, and 400-plus stores opened globally. Key to Focus Brands’ growth strategy has been its transformation into a platform company. Finding portfolio-wide synergies and cost savings adds more fuel to the company’s individual brands. In 2023, Focus Brands is prioritizing the ‘Power of the Portfolio,’ …

February 8, 2023

franchise development News retailers

The Vitamin Shoppe® Opens First New Franchise Location as Part of Expansion Strategy

by Katie Lee February 7, 2023

Secaucus, N.J. — The Vitamin Shoppe, an omnichannel specialty retailer of nutritional products, has opened its first-ever, new franchise location, located in Valparaiso, Ind. The store, which opened on February 2, marks a key milestone in an expanding franchise program, the first of its kind in The Vitamin Shoppe’s 46-year history, which will grow the brand into numerous new markets around the United States. To date, the company has signed 58 franchise territories to 15 franchise partners, with 12 or more stores planned to open in 2023, in addition to …

February 7, 2023

News people restaurants

Krystal Names New Vice President of Operations

by Katie Lee February 7, 2023

Atlanta — Krystal Restaurants LLC, the original home of the slider in the South, has hired seasoned restaurant and hospitality leader Jermaine Walker is its new vice president of operations. The legacy brand has been undergoing aggressive growth plans, having opened its first international location last year and continues on this trajectory with a new restaurant that opened in Alabama last month and more on the way. “I am honored to join Krystal and be part of their expansion efforts,” says Walker. “I’ve spent my career supporting companies in their …

February 7, 2023

News people retailers

Kohl’s Appoints New CEO

by Katie Lee February 6, 2023

Menomonee Falls, Wis. — Kohl’s Corporation and its board of directors have unanimously appointed Tom Kingsbury as chief executive officer, effective February 2, 2023. Kingsbury has served as interim CEO since December 2, 2022. He will continue to serve on the company’s board. “Tom’s exceptional track record growing retail businesses and his deep knowledge of Kohl’s makes him the right choice for Kohl’s next CEO. Since joining the board, Tom has added valuable insight and perspective, and as interim CEO, he has demonstrated strong leadership and made a meaningful and …

February 6, 2023

franchise development News restaurants

FAT Brands Added 362 Stores to Development Pipeline in 2022

by Katie Lee February 6, 2023

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., a leading global franchising company that owns a number of restaurant brands, including Johnny Rockets, Fatburger, Round Table Pizza, Twin Peaks, Fazoli’s and 12 other concepts, has experienced a historic year of growth, opening 142 new stores in 2022 and adding a total of 362 stores to its development pipeline which spans 29 states and 17 countries. Leading the way in new store development amongst FAT Brands’ concepts was Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express with 86 stores, Fazoli’s with 61, Round Table …

February 6, 2023

News people retailers

Gelson’s Promotes Several Executives, Including President/CEO

by Katie Lee February 6, 2023

Encino, Calif. — Gelson’s has promoted John Bagan to president and CEO following the departure of Rob McDougall, who has retired from Gelson’s after 15 years with the Southern California-based brand. The new leadership position marks Bagan’s third promotion in 2 years, most recently moving from COO into the role of president in July 2022. As president and CEO, Bagan will assume greater responsibility for the company’s overall vision, business and growth strategy, as well as managing relationships with the board of directors and parent company Pan Pacific International Holdings …

February 6, 2023

Newer Posts

Older Posts