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Levine Leichtman Capital Partners and Management Acquire Shipley Do-Nuts

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP), a middle-market private equity firm, has partnered with management to acquire Shipley Do-Nuts from Peak Rock Capital. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Houston-based Shipley is the nation’s largest donut and kolache brand, providing handcrafted, fresh-made-daily donuts, kolaches and coffee at over 375 locations across 14 states. Shipley was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company will continue to be run from its Houston headquarters by the existing executive team led by CEO Flynn Dekker. According …

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Tilly’s, Inc. Appoints President and CEO

by Katie Lee

Irvine, Calif. — Effective August 18, 2025, Nate Smith will become president and chief executive officer and director of Tilly’s, Inc. In conjunction with this appointment, Hezy Shaked, co-founder, executive chairman and current president/CEO, will transition into the executive chairman role effective on that date. “On behalf of myself and the board, we are very excited to have Nate join our leadership team, and I am looking forward to working closely with him as he transitions into Tillys,” says Shaked. “We believe Nate’s combination of robust industry experience, core values …

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PopUp Bagels to Open 300 Stores Nationwide

by Katie Lee

New York City — What began as a pandemic side hustle has emerged as one of the most ambitious and in-demand new franchise brands in America. PopUp Bagels®, the Not Famous but Known® bagel company, has officially signed 300 new franchise locations, marking a major milestone for the brand. PopUp Bagels is unique in the industry because it has no sandwiches and no toasters; all bagels are served hot from the oven, unsliced. “When we started baking bagels in my backyard [in Westport, Conn.], I never imagined we’d turn it …

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Sola Salons Closes Q2 With 20 Units Sold, 7 Locations Opened

by Katie Lee

Lakewood, Colo. — Leading salon suites franchise Sola Salons has closed another successful quarter, marking 20 units sold and another seven opened year-to-date, bringing the systemwide unit count to more than 750 locations. The brand also saw double-digit growth in leads, and occupancy across the system has continued to increase, as well. “With agreements inked for new Solas in key markets like Texas and New York and openings in Florida and California, our system is healthy and growing,” says Daryl Hurst, president and chief operating officer. “We’ve also opened up …

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The Halal Guys Opens First South Carolina Location

by Katie Lee

Fort Mill, S.C. — The Halal Guys, the pioneers of American Halal food, is opening the brand’s first location in South Carolina, located in Fort Mill, on July 26. “Opening in Fort Mill marks an exciting step in our continued growth in the South Atlantic region,” says Margaret Carrera, chief operating officer of The Halal Guys. “With our first location in South Carolina, we’re thrilled to bring our signature flavors and street food roots to this welcoming community, and we’re committed to delivering the high-quality American Halal food and hospitality …

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Nordstrom Rack to Open 5 New Locations in 2026

by Katie Lee

Seattle — Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. plans to open five new Nordstrom Rack stores next year, to be located in Elmwood, La. (opening spring 2026), as well as Williamsburg, Va.; Canton, Ohio; Deptford, N.J.; and Mansfield, Mass. (all opening fall 2026). In Elmwood, the 27,000-square-foot store will be located at Elmwood Center, Louisiana’s largest open air shopping center. Elmwood Center is owned and managed by Lauricella Land Company and is centrally located in Jefferson Parish off Clearview Parkway and Earhart Expressway. In Williamsburg, the 25,000-square-foot store will be located at …

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Bonchon Appoints New Development Leaders to Guide Franchise Growth

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Bonchon, a global leader in Korean fried chicken, has added new appointments to its development team as it doubles down on U.S. and international expansion. Industry veteran David Wheeler (pictured here) has joined the company as vice president of development, while Michel Haddad has been appointed director of design and construction. “David brings the kind of franchise development expertise and industry relationships that are essential to driving Bonchon’s next phase of growth,” says CEO Suzie Tsai. “He will pursue ambitious multi-unit operators in high-potential markets as we focus …

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Hibbett Renews Partnership with Digital Wave Technology

by Katie Lee

Ponte Vedra, Fla. — Hibbett, Inc., a leading athletic-inspired fashion retailer, has renewed its contract with Digital Wave Technology for its Product Experience Management (PXM) solution. The renewal reflects Hibbett’s commitment to achieving a measurable impact on scaling product content, streamlining internal processes and enhancing their digital shopping experience. “As Hibbett grows, we need partners who can help us scale with speed and precision,” says Bill Quinn, chief information officer (CIO), Hibbett. “Digital Wave’s PXM has been instrumental in improving content accuracy, team alignment and time to market. We’re excited …

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Subway Names New Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

Miami — Subway®, one of the world’s largest restaurant brands, has named Jonathan Fitzpatrick as chief executive officer (CEO), effective July 28, 2025, following a comprehensive search.  With more than two decades of franchising and quick-service restaurant experience, Fitzpatrick has a proven track record of elevating sales and operational performance across global networks. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of Driven Brands where he led a best-in-class team to 17 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth. Previously, Fitzpatrick served in a range of senior leadership positions at Burger …

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Ollie’s Opens 600th Store, Expands into 34th State

by Katie Lee

Harrisburg, Pa. — Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. has celebrated the grand opening of its 600th store, located in Belmont, N.H. The new store also marks Ollie’s entry into New Hampshire, the retailer’s 34th state. Ollie’s is America’s largest retailer of brand name closeout merchandise and excess inventory at up to 70% off. “We are thrilled to bring our huge selection of brand name household merchandise at prices up to 70% below the fancy stores to the great city of Belmont and state of New Hampshire,” says Eric van der …

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