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; …
News
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 …
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 …
Baltimore, Md. — Under Armour, Inc. has named Stephanie Linnartz as its new president, chief executive officer and member of its board of directors, effective February 27, 2023. Linnartz currently serves as the president of Marriott International, Inc., the world’s largest hospitality company, with a portfolio of nearly 8,200 properties across 138 countries and territories and 30 brands, including The Ritz-Carlton®, St. Regis®, Marriott Hotels®, W® Hotels, and Westin® as well as the industry’s most extensive customer-loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy®, which has 173 million members. “As a 25-year veteran of one of …
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill Ends 2022 with 48 New Restaurants in Active Development
West Palm Beach, Fla. — The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill®, a rapidly expanding Mediterranean fast-casual concept, is reporting 2022 as the most successful year in its company history, signing 24 franchise agreements and 16 multi-unit development agreements. The brand is also reporting 48 restaurants in active development that will further expand its footprint in states like Maryland, California and Texas beginning in 2023. These 48 locations are part of a robust development pipeline that The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill has generated, totaling 282 locations to be opened in the next …
Livonia, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest independent pet franchise in North America with over 640 stores in 41 states, and Wag N’ Wash, the emerging self-wash, grooming and natural pet food franchise, have collectively signed 115-plus franchise agreements year to date. The secured franchise commitments for Pet Supplies Plus include a 50/50 mix of existing owners who realize the recession-resilient value of this franchise and brand-new franchisees who are attracted by the simplified retail model and consistent growth. The companies also welcomed the first dual-branded multi-unit agreement, which …
San Francisco — SpotOn, the top-rated software and payments partner for restaurants and small businesses, has named Bryan Solar as its new chief product officer. Solar joins SpotOn from Block, where he was the general manager for Square for Restaurants. He has also held leadership positions at Google, where he managed various SMB and restaurant-related projects. SpotOn’s co-founder and former chief product officer, Doron Friedman, will take on the newly-created role of chief innovation officer. “I’ve been closely watching SpotOn since its founding in 2017. Their ability to combine innovation, …
Atlanta — Gala Capital Partners (GCP), an investment firm focused on emerging restaurant franchise brands, has reached an agreement to purchase Rusty Taco from Atlanta-based Inspire Brands. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Rusty Taco leadership team has co-invested in the acquisition and will remain in place to guide this new phase of the brand’s evolution. Inspire Brands acquired a majority interest in the Rusty Taco brand along with its purchase of Buffalo Wild Wings in 2018. Inspire successfully reinvigorated the brand, clarifying its positioning and rebranding …
Seattle — Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in Aurora, Colo. The 30,000-square-foot store will be located in Southlands, a popular shopping center that includes Sephora, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bath & Body Works and H&M. The new store is scheduled to open in fall 2023. “We look forward to opening this new Nordstrom Rack location in Aurora, strengthening our network of stores and introducing new customers to Nordstrom Rack’s unique product offering,” says Carl Jenkins, senior vice president of Nordstrom Rack Stores. “In addition to shopping the brands they love at a great …
Houston — In 2022, Daddy’s Chicken Shack opened a flagship restaurant in Houston Heights (Houston), as well as signed eight franchise agreements across California, Oregon, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Georgia and Florida. The brand now has 120 units in development nationwide. During 2022, the emerging chicken brand also hosted its first-ever regional developer conference, a rare achievement after launching its franchise opportunity only in 2021. The brand’s first conference was hosted by founders Pace Webb and Chris Georgalas, as well as Dave Liniger, former CEO and co-founder of RE/MAX realty, who …