News

Montclair Hospitality Group Names New CEO

by Katie Lee January 9, 2023

New York City — Montclair Hospitality Group (MHG), a leading chef-driven, global hospitality group focused on curating unique restaurant brands and experiences, has appointed hospitality veteran Joey Simons to lead the group as chief executive officer. Simons was handpicked by MHG’s founder, Luck Sarabhayvanija, and brings decades of experience, having developed some of the world’s leading elevated dining, food tech and hospitality brands. With his new appointment, Simons leads all of MHG’s business units, overseeing business development and growth, as well as leading strategy on company operations. In a short …

January 9, 2023

News retailers software/technology vendors

Walmart Now Operates Drone Delivery in 7 States, Completes 6,000 Drone Deliveries

by Katie Lee January 6, 2023

Bentonville, Ark. — Walmart’s drone delivery program has successfully completed its intended expansion plans for 2022. The company now operates, with its vendors, 36 drone delivery hubs across seven states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia. “I’m incredibly proud of our team for creating the largest drone delivery footprint of any U.S. retailer and providing customers with an incredibly fast — and innovative — option for delivery,” says Vik Gopalakrishnan, vice president, innovation & automation, Walmart U.S., “We’re encouraged by the positive response from customers and …

January 6, 2023

construction and design News people vendors

IMPACT Strategies Promotes Derek Hinrichs to Controller

by Katie Lee January 5, 2023

Fairview Heights, Ill. — IMPACT Strategies has promoted Derek Hinrichs from senior accountant to controller. Prior to joining IMPACT Strategies in 2021, Hinrichs spent more than 10 years at a public accounting firm where he was a tax manager and consultant. His role as controller involves a wide range of critical responsibilities in support of the company’s growth strategies. Hinrichs will oversee all financial functions of the business involved in the accounting process, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, budgeting, forecasting and compliance. “We are excited to see Derek move …

January 5, 2023

News people restaurants

Dine Brands Global Announces Executive Leadership Changes

by Katie Lee January 5, 2023

Glendale, Calif. — Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar®, IHOP® and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® restaurants, plans key leadership moves, each effective on January 6, 2023. John Cywinski, Applebee’s president, is leaving the company for a CEO position at another restaurant company. Tony Moralejo, who is currently president, Dine Brands International and Global Development, has been appointed president, Applebee’s U.S. Scott Gladstone, senior vice president of strategy and innovation, will step into the role of president, international and corporate development. “John and I share …

January 5, 2023

News people retailers

Designer Brands Inc. Plans CEO Transition in April

by Katie Lee January 5, 2023

Columbus, Ohio — Designer Brands Inc., one of the world’s largest designers, producers and retailers of footwear and accessories, has planned a CEO transition. The company’s board of directors has appointed Doug Howe, president of DSW, to succeed Roger Rawlins as the company’s chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2023, at which time Rawlins will step down as CEO and as a member of the board of directors. Rawlins will continue to work with the company for a 12-month period in a strategic advisor role to facilitate a seamless leadership …

January 5, 2023

News people restaurants

Blaze Pizza Names Focus Brands President as its New CEO

by Katie Lee January 4, 2023

Los Angeles — Blaze Pizza, the nation’s leading fast-casual franchise pizza brand, has appointed Beto Guajardo as its new president and chief executive officer. Guajardo formerly served as president of Focus Brands International. Guajardo joins Blaze Pizza after overseeing the international business at Focus Brands, which included more than $400 million of chain sales in over 50 markets with 1,900 restaurants, 100 franchisees and eight brands (Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, Jamba, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Moe’s Southwest Grill, McAlister’s Deli and Schlotzsky’s). Before being promoted to this role, Guajardo was responsible for …

January 4, 2023

News retailers

Bloomingdale’s Enters Seattle Market with New Bloomie’s Concept

by Katie Lee January 4, 2023

New York City — Bloomingdale’s will enter Seattle with the opening of “Bloomie’s.” Following the successful introduction of Bloomie’s in the greater Chicagoland area late in 2022 (pictured), and Fairfax, Va., in 2021, the retailer’s smaller format store is set to debut on the West Coast in 2023. “We are thrilled to enter the Seattle market with the opening of our third Bloomie’s location,” says Charles Anderson, director of stores, Bloomingdale’s. “The new flexible store experience has been well-received in other cities as it remains authentic to the Bloomingdale’s brand …

January 4, 2023

franchise development News restaurants

Cinnaholic Signed 50 Agreements in 2022; Plans 10 New Openings in Early 2023

by Katie Lee January 3, 2023

Atlanta — Cinnaholic, a gourmet plant-based cinnamon roll brand, is rolling out of 2022 in the brand’s strongest position since its inception in 2010. Standing at 80 locations across the U.S and in Canada, with 23 new locations opened in 2022, Cinnaholic is heading into 2023 with a strong pipeline of better-for-you bakeries to open in both new and existing markets. With 10 openings slated for early 2023, Cinnaholic plans to open 30 locations throughout the year, and aims to enter multiple new markets including Charleston, S.C.; Tampa, Fla.; Pittsburgh; …

January 3, 2023

construction and design News retailers

Discount Tire Acquires 35 Acres in Phoenix for Future HQ Development

by Katie Lee January 3, 2023

Phoenix — Discount Tire, a leading independent tire retailer, intends to develop a new corporate headquarters in Phoenix following the acquisition of 35 acres located near Loop 101 and State Route 51. Plans for a more than 300,000-square-foot office building and campus amenities are in the early stages. Discount Tire purchased the site at a recent Arizona State Land Department public auction. Proceeds from the sale will be invested by the state in the Permanent Land Endowment Trust Fund to benefit K-12 education in Arizona. “Our commitment is to create …

January 3, 2023

News restaurants

Golden Corral Commemorates 50th Anniversary in 2023

by Katie Lee January 3, 2023

Raleigh, N.C. — Golden Corral, America’s No. 1 buffet and grill, is officially marking its golden anniversary with 50 years in the restaurant industry on January 3, 2023. “I am honored to be leading a brand that has been providing home-cooked classics and family favorites at an affordable price for five decades,” says Lance Trenary, chief executive officer of Golden Corral. “Golden Corral is able to reach our golden anniversary because of the passion our restaurant teams have for what we do daily and the commitment of our franchisees. Their …

January 3, 2023

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