News

San Antonio — Whataburger has appointed Rohit Kapoor as executive vice president, chief digital and technology transformation officer. He brings more than three decades of global leadership experience across the restaurant and retail industries, where he has consistently led large-scale digital transformations that elevate both customer and team member experiences while enabling sustainable growth. Before joining Whataburger, Kapoor served as executive vice president and chief information officer at Claire’s, where he modernized the company’s end-to-end technology landscape, strengthening its digital foundations and enhancing omnichannel engagement. He previously held senior leadership …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Philadelphia — Five Below, Inc. plans to bring its one-of-a-kind shopping experience to the Pacific Northwest for the first time. This November, the extreme value retailer will open seven new stores across Washington and one in Oregon. The new store locations in the Pacific Northwest region include: • Sunrise Village in Puyallup, Wash. • Celebration Center in Federal Way, Wash. • Everett Mall in Everett, Wash. • Evergreen Crossing in Spokane Valley, Wash. • Valley Mall in Union Gap, Wash. • Vintner Square in Richland, Wash. • Alderwood Parkway in …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Savannah, Ga. — Vicious Biscuit, an award-winning fast-casual breakfast concept and Southern-grown originator of bold biscuit creations, will debut its first Georgia location in early 2026 in Savannah. Franchise partners Kelly and Tim Paslawski are leading the charge. The Savannah natives are no strangers to the city’s thriving food scene, having successfully operated four Chicken Salad Chick restaurants across Savannah, Pooler, Statesboro and Bluffton, Ga., for the past decade. Their newest venture with Vicious Biscuit is positioned between Savannah’s bustling hospital corridor and vibrant midtown business district. “Savannah has been …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty, Inc. has named Christopher DelOrefice as its next chief financial officer. He will begin his new role on Dec. 5, 2025, and Chris Lialios will continue to serve as interim chief financial officer until that time. DelOrefice joins Ulta Beauty from Becton Dickinson & Company, where he has served as executive vice president and chief financial officer since September 2021. Prior to Becton Dickinson, DelOrefice spent more than 20 years with Johnson & Johnson. “We are thrilled to welcome Chris to the Ulta Beauty family. …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Redwood City, Calif. — Legion Technologies, an innovator in workforce management (WFM), is partnering with Dollar Tree, Inc. to deliver enhanced labor optimization and associate engagement to its fleet of stores and distribution centers across North America. “As a retailer with more than 9,000 stores, 18 distribution centers and over 150,000 associates, we needed a next-generation solution that would allow us to better manage our labor budget while increasing associate engagement. Legion’s platform showed us we didn’t have to compromise,” says Jocelyn Konrad, chief of Dollar Tree Stores and enterprise …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Dallas — Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the world’s largest barbecue concept, is opening 28 new ghost kitchens across the United States in September 2025. This expansion signals a pivotal moment for the brand, strengthening its footprint in new and existing markets while showcasing its commitment to creativity, growth and adaptability in a rapidly evolving restaurant industry. Ghost kitchens are delivery-only facilities designed to meet the growing demand for convenience and digital ordering. By leaning into this model, Dickey’s is not only scaling faster but also serving barbecue lovers in communities where …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

New York City — La Bonne Brosse, the Parisian brand revolutionizing the art of hair brushing, is opening its first U.S. store in New York City. Alongside this milestone, the brand is expanding nationwide through selective retail partnerships with Bloomingdale’s and BEAUTYSPACE, as well as online. “Opening our first U.S. department store in New York City marks an exciting new chapter for La Bonne Brosse,” says Flore des Robert and Pauline Laurent, co-founders of La Bonne Brosse. “We’re honored to partner with Bloomingdale’s and BEAUTYSPACE to share our vision of …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Whitewater, Wis. — Toppers Pizza has appointed Ian Bruggeman as chief financial officer, adding a seasoned professional to its executive team. He will oversee the company’s finance, supply chain and human resources functions while serving as a strategic partner to the CEO. Bruggeman brings a diverse background that spans consulting, asset management and operational leadership in the restaurant sector. He previously held roles in financial planning and analysis, franchise development and operations at Naf Naf Grill, equipping him with a unique blend of analytical expertise and hands-on operational experience. At …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Glenview, Ill. — ITW Food Equipment Group has appointed Ray Peden as its new vice president of U.S. FEG dealer sales organization. He will lead the ITW FEG dealer sales team in generating organic growth by providing dealer support and strengthening partner relationships, as well as maintaining a critical focus on key customers. Peden and the sales team will also be responsible for driving growth through their product application expertise across the ITW FEG premium brands, including Hobart, Traulsen, Baxter, Vulcan and Wolf. “We are excited to welcome Ray to …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Mattoon, Ill. — Rural King, a family-owned retailer dedicated to the rural lifestyle, has opened its first South Carolina store in Spartanburg. The new location, located at 205 W. Blackstock Rd., uses innovative features designed to enhance the shopping experience, including mobile and self-checkouts. “Spartanburg is the perfect place for Rural King’s first store in South Carolina,” says Steve Barbarick, Rural King CEO. “We look forward to becoming part of the fabric of this rural community by creating jobs, supporting local families and offering the products our customers count on …

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail