San Antonio — Rackspace Technology®, a leading end-to-end hybrid cloud and AI solutions company, has teamed up with Total Wine & More, America’s Wine Superstore® to advance its digital transformation through a strategic, multi-cloud approach. The retailer adopted two public cloud platforms, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, selecting the best cloud for each of its major technology initiatives. It chose Rackspace to provide flexible, managed support and gained valuable cloud optimization expertise. “We needed a partner who could support our multi-cloud strategy and provide consistent, expert guidance across both Azure …
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Atlanta — Ascent Hospitality Management, franchisor to Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., has appointed Paul Damico as chief executive officer, effective immediately. As CEO, Damico will lead Ascent’s next chapter of growth and modernization, building on the company’s long history of bringing people together around great food and supporting franchisees’ success. He will also explore opportunities to expand Ascent’s portfolio through the acquisition of additional brands that align with the company’s growth strategy, vision and values. Damico brings over four decades of extensive food and beverage experience within …
San Francisco and Sunnyvale, Calif. — Gap Inc. has formed a multi-year partnership with Google Cloud to accelerate its human-centered digitally-enabled technology strategy, with AI powering the company’s plans to reimagine retail across its portfolio of brands, including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta. “AI is redefining what’s possible in retail, and we’re building our future technology roadmap around it,” says Sven Gerjets, chief technology officer at Gap Inc. “We believe this partnership gives us the expertise and speed to bring AI to life across our business, empowering teams, …
San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Del Taco Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the company which operates and franchises more than 550 Del Taco restaurants, to Yadav Enterprises Inc. for $115 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments. The transaction is expected to close by January 2026. The company expects to use the net cash proceeds after taxes and transaction costs to retire debt within its securitization structure. In line with the company’s “Jack on Track” plan announced …
New York City — On Oct. 20, British cult-favorite jewelry brand Astrid & Miyu opened its second U.S. store, located in the heart of New York City on Madison Avenue. Following the success of its U.S. debut in New York City’s West Village, this expansion marks a milestone in the brand’s global growth and continued commitment to building meaningful communities through experiential retail. Astrid & Miyu expects additional U.S. expansion, with plans to open in Los Angeles early next year. Founded in 2012, Astrid & Miyu was born in a …
Miami — Beyond Oil USA, a food-tech innovator with patented oil purification technology, has formed a strategic partnership with Eazy Grease, a leading used cooking oil recycling company that is currently contracted with more than 6,700 customers. This collaboration delivers an end-to-end solution that transforms restaurant frying oil management from extended use to responsible recycling. The partnership combines Beyond Oil’s FDA-approved filter powder, which extends frying oil life from 2-3 days to 35-45 days, with Eazy Grease’s multi-state collection and recycling services. Together, they’re establishing a new sustainability standard, enabling …
St. Louis — Panera Bread, a leader and pioneer in the fast-casual restaurant industry, has appointed Earl Ellis as chief financial officer, effective immediately. Ellis will report to CEO Paul Carbone and join the executive leadership team. “Earl is a proven finance leader who blends disciplined financial stewardship with an owner’s mindset,” says Carbone. “He has scaled complex, multi-brand organizations, led successful transformations and developed high-performing teams. His experience will help accelerate our plan to strengthen the core business, elevate the guest experience and drive long term, profitable growth. Panera …
Atlanta — RaceTrac, Inc., a family-owned, high-growth leader in the convenience store industry, confirms it has completed the acquisition of Potbelly Corporation, previously announced in September. As part of the transaction, RaceTrac acquires Potbelly’s iconic neighborhood sandwich shop brand, which includes more than 445 company and franchise-owned shops across the United States, and Potbelly’s franchise development platform with a long term goal of reaching 2,000 shops. “Potbelly has spent more than 40 years creating the neighborhood sandwich shop experience customers love, and we are excited to welcome this beloved brand …
Fishers, Ind. — Wireless Zone® has appointed an executive vice president from within its franchise system: longtime franchisee Al Pellecchia. Under his leadership, the nation’s largest Verizon franchisor is poised to continue growing its system through improved processes, prioritizing automation and providing ongoing support for the stores. Pellecchia started in the industry selling phones while he was in college. An independent mobile retailer then hired Pellecchia to run multiple locations. He went on to work for brands such as AT&T, Nextel and Sprint, serving as his own agent. Pellecchia was …
Dallas — Construction is underway on a two-level Topgolf venue in Monona, Wis., located 8 miles east of Madison. The highly anticipated venue will be Topgolf’s first venue in the state of Wisconsin and is set to open in the fall of 2026. Topgolf Wisconsin will have 72 outdoor climate-controlled hitting bays spanning two levels. Each bay will have lounge-type furniture or high-top tables. The venue will be equipped with Toptracer technology, which traces each golf ball’s flight path, distance and other metrics. Topgolf offers a full-service restaurant and bar helmed …