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Boot Barn Opens 500th Store

by Katie Lee

Irvine, Calif. — Boot Barn, the largest western and workwear retailer in the nation, has opened its 500th store, located in Huntington Beach, Calif. The milestone location represents a symbolic return to the area as the very first Boot Barn store opened its doors in Huntington Beach in 1978. From that single storefront, Boot Barn has expanded its nationwide presence to 500 stores in 49 states. “We’re proud and honored to be returning to our roots with the opening of our Huntington Beach store,” says John Hazen, CEO of Boot …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Vicious Biscuit Names VP of Franchise Operations

by Katie Lee

Mount Pleasant, S.C. — Vicious Biscuit, a fast-growing Southern brunch brand known for its bold flavors and genuine hospitality, has named Mike Ball as vice president of franchise operations. Ball, who previously served as vice president of operations, will now lead a newly defined, franchise-dedicated role focused exclusively on franchise partner success as the brand prepares for accelerated national expansion. The appointment comes as Vicious Biscuit enters its next stage of growth, with an expanding pipeline of franchise openings and a growing roster of multi-unit operators entering the system. The …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Amazon Plans to Open First-of-its-Kind Retail Store in Metro Chicago Totaling 230,000 Square Feet

by Katie Lee

Orland Park, Ill. — Amazonx has unveiled plans to open a first-of-its-kind retail store in the southern Chicago suburb of Orland Park. The planned brick-and-mortar store will occupy the long-vacant site of the former Petey’s II restaurant at the southwest corner of 159th Street and LaGrange Road. The Orland Park Village Board approved the project at its Jan. 19 meeting. Amazon’s plans call for a one-story building of approximately 230,000 square feet that will offer groceries, household essentials and general merchandise. The store would function similarly to a large-format retailer …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Doubles Footprint

by Katie Lee

Frisco, Texas — Layne’s Chicken Fingers, a rapidly growing chicken finger franchise, closed out 2025 with historic growth, doubling its restaurant count and achieving record financial performance. Entering 2026 with 40 restaurants open and 10 new franchise owners in the system, Layne’s is prepared for another landmark year as it works toward the longer term vision of 300 units by 2030. Layne’s posted a 50% year-over-year unit increase and a 67% increase in systemwide sales, with 2024 systemwide revenue reaching $30 million, placing the brand among the fastest-growing concepts in …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsretailers

Ulta Beauty to Make UAE Debut at the Mall of the Emirates

by Katie Lee

Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty, the largest specialty beauty retailer in the United States, is set to make its debut in the United Arab Emirates with the opening of its store in Mall of the Emirates on Jan. 29, 2026 in partnership with Alshaya Group, one of the world’s leading international retail franchise operators. Marking a major milestone in Ulta Beauty’s global expansion building on from the first store opening in Kuwait on Nov. 7, 2025, the Mall of the Emirates opening will be closely followed by new Ulta Beauty …

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PAR Technology to Strengthen Operations Across 3,200 Papa Johns Restaurants in the U.S.

by Katie Lee

New Hartford, N.Y. — Papa Johns has selected PAR POS™ and PAR OPS™ from PAR Technology Corporation to anchor its next-generation U.S. in-restaurant technology stack. The strategic partnership is a major milestone in Papa Johns’ multi-year effort to build a faster, more intelligent and connected restaurant and digital ordering experience for guests, operators and franchisees. “At Papa Johns, one of our strategic priorities is investing in and optimizing our technology to deliver a better experience,” says Kevin Vasconi, chief digital and technology officer, Papa Johns. “A key element of that …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Nordstrom Rack to Relocate Downtown Seattle Store

by Katie Lee

Seattle — Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. plans to relocate its Nordstrom Rack in downtown Seattle to 601 Pine St. The new store is scheduled to open in spring 2027. “We’re excited to welcome customers to our beautiful new downtown Seattle location, which features convenient street access and an enhanced shopping experience,” says Gemma Lionello, president of Nordstrom Rack. “Seattle has been our company’s home for more than a century, and we’re proud to continue serving this community with our selection of great brands at great prices. Customers can also …

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Pokeworks Expands New York Footprint with 4 New Locations

by Katie Lee

Irvine, Calif. — Pokeworks, a leading fast-casual poke brand, is continuing its strategic growth in New York with the addition of two new franchise partners who will develop locations in Long Island and Manhattan. The new agreements total four initial units with the ability for continued growth. On Long Island, Pokeworks has partnered with seasoned restaurant operator Joe Magnotta, who brings more than two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry. Magnotta entered the restaurant business in 2001 with the purchase of his first concept, Angelina’s, and went …

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REI Co-op Unveils New Renewable Energy Projects, Extends Sustainability Partnerships

by Katie Lee

Seattle — Over the past year, REI Co-op took meaningful steps to reduce its impact on the planet. This work reflects REI’s climate strategy, bringing cooperative action together to drive change with speed and scale. “When companies come together, climate action becomes more real and more lasting,” says Andrew Dempsey, director of sustainability, REI Co-op. “We’re grateful for the partners who’ve helped make this work possible. We’re focused on continuing this work and backing solutions that make a real difference for communities and help keep the outdoors healthy for the …

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TriArtisan, Treville and Yadav Complete Acquisition of Denny’s Corporation

by Katie Lee

Spartanburg, S.C. — TriArtisan Capital Advisors LLC, Treville Capital Group and Yadav Enterprises, Inc. has successfully completed its previously announced acquisition of Denny’s Corporation, owner and operator of Denny’s Inc. and Keke’s Inc. The transaction closed following approval by Denny’s stockholders as well as satisfaction of all required regulatory and customary closing conditions. With the support of TriArtisan, Treville and Yadav Enterprises, Denny’s will have enhanced flexibility and resources to invest in its brands, support franchisees and accelerate its growth initiatives. “Today represents an important milestone for Denny’s and Keke’s …

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