News

Columbus, Ohio — Big Lots, Inc., one of America’s largest home discount retailers, has appointed two new members of its leadership team. Off-price retail industry veteran Margarita Giannantonio has been named executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, while retail industry brand and performance marketing leader John Alpaugh has joined Big Lots as senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “We’ve worked diligently to find the right thought and people leaders for these two roles, and Margarita and John emerged clearly from our searches as the right leaders to take …

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Minneapolis — Steele Brands, a Minnesota-based company developing healthy lifestyle brands including Crisp & Green, Stalk & Spade and Paco & Lime, has named restaurant industry leader Kelly C. Baltes as chief executive officer of its brand development company, Steele Brands Management. Baltes has over 28 years of restaurant industry leadership experience in both founder-led and private-equity brands. In his most recent role as president of Maggiano’s Little Italy, Baltes provided strategic and operational guidance to refresh the brand experience, improve guest metrics and develop the business model to unlock …

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San Francisco — Levi Strauss & Co. has made leadership changes in its executive team with the appointment of Michelle Gass to the new position of president, LS&Co., reporting to Chip Bergh, president & CEO. Gass will be responsible for leading the Levi’s® brand and the company’s global digital and commercial operations. Gass will begin her role with the company on January 2 and is expected to join the LS&Co. board of directors on her start date. “We are delighted that an executive with Michelle’s background, experience and stature is …

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Portland, Ore. — Killer Burger, a growing better burger concept, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Matt Distler as head of operations, effective immediately. In this role, Distler will spearhead the company’s strategic operations and oversee the operations team as they continue to focus on delivering the best possible experience to Killer Burger’s guests. Distler joins Killer Burger with more than 20 years of experience in growing best-in-class teams and a strong understanding of how to enhance successful brands through developing and empowering engaged teams and individuals. …

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Annapolis, Md. — Fort Worth, Texas-based Trademark Property Company, a mixed-use investor, developer and operator, has completed the initial renovation of Annapolis Town Center, a combined 2 million-square-foot mixed-use property located near the intersection of John Hanson Highway and West Street. These enhancements — such as additional green and community spaces — have driven leasing momentum, leading to 122,000 square feet of new leases with a mixture of retail, food and beverage, and fitness tenants. “One of our guiding principles is to have vision and see beyond, and that is …

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Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Buffalo’s Express and 14 other restaurant concepts, has inked a new development deal to open 80 new franchised locations in Texas. In partnership with Brame Holdings LLC, 40 Round Table Pizza restaurants and 40 co-branded Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express locations will open over the next 10 years with the first units slated to open in 2023. “Texas is a priority growth market for Round Table Pizza and Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express as the concepts …

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Ankeny, Iowa — Casey’s General Stores, Inc. continues to expand its alternative fuel options in response to evolving guest needs and as part of its environmental stewardship efforts. In addition to offering biofuel options, Casey’s expansion of alternative fuels can most notably be seen with the recent addition of the company’s 11th Tesla Supercharger at its Urbana, Ill., location. As consumer demand for alternative fuel options continues to grow, Casey’s has continued to add EV charging stations across its 16-state footprint. Over the last year, the number of chargers at …

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Downers Grove, Ill. — Sevan Multi-Site Solutions, Inc., a global leader in innovative program management for clients with multiple sites, announces four leadership promotions. Sevan has four tenured team members who have been promoted into senior vice president and vice president positions. The company’s commitment to career development directly drives internal promotions at every level in the organization bi-annually. “It is critical for our team members to have access to robust career development plans, learning paths, mentorship and an avenue that recognizes their hard work,” says Jim Evans, founder and …

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Riverside, Calif. — Farmer Boys®, a Southern California-based fast-casual restaurant chain, has promoted Joseph Ortiz to president and chief operating officer. Most recently, he served as vice president of finance & accounting for the company and replaces Dave Wetzel, former president and COO, who is retiring after 37 years in the restaurant industry. Ortiz has served as vice president of finance & accounting of Farmer Boys since July 2020. In this role, he was responsible for leading the finance and accounting teams, overseeing the information technology team, creating new strategies …

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Conshohocken, Pa. — David’s Bridal plans to debut a new store format in select locations. Following the momentum the bridal chain built earlier in the year with the soft launch of this concept in select locations including Torrance, Calif.; West Chester Township, Ohio; Lexington, Ky., and Cool Springs, Tenn., the retailer anticipates roughly 30 new format stores in 2023 including 12 brand new locations. Moving forward, the majority of the remodeled stores will follow this same concept and format. The opening and reopening of these locations is part of a …

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