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San Leandro, Calif. — Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has started its second flagship store renovation at Ghirardelli Square. [Read about Phase I here.] The project will highlight Ghirardelli’s legacy as a U.S. chocolate pioneer and the company’s deep roots in San Francisco that date back to the 1850s. Last year, the company unveiled a completely reimagined Chocolate Experience Store, Ghirardelli’s other flagship retail space at Ghirardelli Square. The Original Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop will be closed during the renovation until its reopening in summer 2023.   Introduced in 1966, the …

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Las Vegas — As 2022 came to a close, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Wing Zone experienced another triumphant quarter to round out a record-breaking year for both brands. With the signing of 9 area development agreements in fourth quarter equating to a total of 92 new locations, Capriotti’s is closing out the year with a total of 235 new shops: 99 Capriotti’s and 136 Wing Zones. The Q4 area developer agreements will expand both brands into new territories in the U.S. and abroad. These signings will develop the Capriotti’s brand …

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New York City — WHP Global, a leading brand management firm and owner of Babies”R”Us®, has formed a new partnership with premier shopping and entertainment destination American Dream in Bergen County, N.J., to bring the Babies”R”Us brand back to customers in the U.S. with the debut of its flagship store, which is scheduled to open this summer. “Following the success of the Toys”R”Us flagship, which opened just over a year ago, we are thrilled to see Babies”R”Us back in the U.S. as part of the unparalleled retail experience that can …

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Denver — Teriyaki Madness, the Seattle-style Teriyaki Shop franchise system, is wrapping up the year at 37 new franchisees with 103 new units on tap. These openings helped the brand break into several new markets for the first time, including Louisiana, Georgia, Missouri and Massachusetts. In other words, Teriyaki Madness saw a 24% increase in open shops systemwide — growing its footprint by nearly a quarter. “People keep talking about a recession?” says Michael Haith, CEO of Teriyaki Madness. “We are closing out yet another groundbreaking year for our franchisees …

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Fairview Heights, Ill. — IMPACT Strategies has completed renovations to two retail suites for U.S. Properties Group (USPG). The space, totaling 5,721 square feet, is located between the Dollar Tree and Kohl’s stores on Beltline Road in Collinsville, Ill. Construction was completed on schedule in 3 months. The firm’s work will allow for the expansion of Dollar Tree and the creation of a new space for a future tenant (Suite A). TR,i Architects was the architect-of-record for the project. IMPACT Strategies was the original general contractor for the 19,590-square-foot retail …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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