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Roswell, Ga. — Voodoo Brewing Co. continues its rapid growth with the grand opening of its newest location in Roswell, Ga. This marks the 24th Voodoo Brewing Co. brewpub and the brand’s first entry into the Georgia market, opening Dec. 14 on Mansell Road in Roswell. “This is just the next step in our growth plans,” says Matteo Rachocki, CEO of Voodoo Brewing Co. “We are pumped to be expanding in Georgia.” As it continues to take hold of its place in the $115 billion U.S. beer market, Voodoo Brewing …

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Quincy, Mass. — Claire Spofford, president and chief executive officer of J.Jill, Inc., a premier omnichannel retailer and nationally recognized women’s apparel brand, has decided to retire after a distinguished career in the retail space. J.Jill has retained an executive search firm to assist in identifying her successor. Spofford is expected to remain in her current role until April 2025 and will work closely with the executive team and the board of directors to ensure a seamless transition. She was appointed CEO in February 2021. “Under Claire’s leadership, J.Jill has …

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Elsmere, Ky. — Chick-fil-A Supply, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chick-fil-A Inc. that handles the restaurant chain’s logistics and warehousing, has announced plans for a new, $100 million distribution facility in Elsmere, roughly 10 miles outside Cincinnati in Northern Kentucky. Upon completion, the 270,000-square-foot development will be situated on a 28-acre site within 10 miles of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Construction of the facility is currently underway, with the distribution center expected to be operational in 2026. According to a press release issued by the office of Kentucky Gov. Andy …

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Boise, Idaho — Albertsons Companies, Inc. has terminated its merger agreement with Kroger after the U.S. District Court in Oregon and the King County Superior Court for the State of Washington issued injunctions with respect to the proposed merger on Dec. 10, 2024. This termination entitles Albertsons to an immediate $600 million termination fee and removes contractual constraints on Albertsons’ ability to pursue other strategic opportunities. “Given the recent federal and state court decisions to block our proposed merger with Kroger, we have made the difficult decision to terminate the …

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Atlanta — Handel’s Ice Cream, serving handmade ice cream since 1945, is marking a monumental milestone: its 150th location, which is opening on Dec. 12 at Buckhead Landing in Atlanta. “Handel’s continues to attract significant interest as one of the fastest growing concepts in the United States,” says Jennifer Schuler, chief executive officer for Handel’s Ice Cream. “With the Buckhead Landing opening, we mark our 150th scoop shop, laying the foundation for continued brand expansion in 2025.” Adds Schuler: “Building on the success of our recent Midtown Atlanta opening, the …

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Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General plans to open approximately 575 new stores in the United States in its fiscal year 2025, which ends Jan. 30, 2026. The Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based discount retailer will also debut 15 new stores in Mexico in that timeframe. The new store count is in addition to Dollar General’s expected 730 new store openings in fiscal 2024, which will end on Jan. 31, 2025. Overall, the company expects to execute nearly 5,000 real estate projects in fiscal year 2025, including 4,250 store remodels and relocating 45 stores. …

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St. Petersburg, Fla. — Barberitos, a fast-casual burrito brand and member of the better-for-you dining platform WOWorks, is signing a 10-unit franchise agreement that will introduce the brand to multiple locations across Alabama. This expansion follows the recent unveiling of Barberitos’ reimagined look and enhanced menu. The first two Barberitos locations are currently under construction in Wetumpka and Prattville, Ala., with an anticipated opening by March. This rollout will mark the beginning of a broader expansion across the state, with plans for at least four additional stores in 2025. Additionally, …

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Salisbury, N.C. — According to Ahold Delhaize USA, Meg Ham, president of Food Lion, plans to retire on May 2, 2025 after more than 35 years with the organization. She has been at the helm of Food Lion for more than a decade and has been part of the brand’s unprecedented growth. A successor for Ham will be announced before year-end. “Meg has been an outstanding leader at Ahold Delhaize USA and has led Food Lion during one of the brand’s most exciting times as it repositioned itself to better …

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Dallas — Modern golf entertainment leader Topgolf will open its first venue in Mississippi, Topgolf Ridgeland, on Dec. 20 in Ridgeland, Miss., 11 miles north of downtown Jackson. This will mark Topgolf’s 108th global outdoor venue. Topgolf Ridgeland features 62 outdoor climate-controlled hitting bays spanning two levels. Each bay has lounge-type furniture or high-top tables for large or small groups. In addition to signature gameplay, Topgolf Ridgeland will feature a brand new nine-hole mini-golf course to amplify the fun. The venue will also host a full-service bar and restaurant helmed …

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Tampa, Fla. — RNR Tire Express, a leading franchise retailer for tires and custom wheels, is accelerating its growth with the opening of its 200th location — a major milestone in the brand’s expansion. The landmark store is set to open in Schenectady, N.Y. At the helm of the 200th location is husband-and-wife team Jeff and Patrina Leland, who bring over three decades of business acumen to the brand. They opened their first RNR Tire Express location in Queensbury, N.Y., in January 2021. Patrina Leland manages the daily operations of …

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