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Menu Order AI Appoints Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

Needham, Mass. — Menu Order AI has appointed Krishna Kumar as fractional chief operating officer (COO), strengthening the company’s leadership team as it expands its AI-powered platform for restaurants and consumers. He brings decades of experience leading artificial intelligence, software development, enterprise technology and global product initiatives. “Krishna’s operational expertise and deep understanding of artificial intelligence make him an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” says Melissa Butler, founder and CEO of Menu Order AI. “As we continue expanding our restaurant partnerships and consumer platform, his leadership will help accelerate …

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AEO Inc. Announces CFO Transition

by Katie Lee

Pittsburgh — After 25 years, Mike Mathias, executive vice president – chief financial officer of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., will transition to full-time non-executive strategic advisor to Jay Schottenstein, executive chairman of the board and chief executive officer, effective Aug. 3, 2026. AEO’s new CFO, Ravi Thanawala, joins the company from Papa Johns. He will succeed Mathias as executive vice president – chief financial officer, also effective Aug. 3. To ensure a seamless leadership transition, Mathias will collaborate closely with Thanawala through the remainder of AEO’s 2026 fiscal year and …

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Morgan Li Hires New Senior Sales Executive

by Katie Lee

Chicago Heights, Ill. — Morgan Li, a leading manufacturer of custom retail fixtures, branded environments, graphics and commercial furnishings, has added Neal Wright as senior sales executive. Based in Nashville, Tenn., Wright will support retailers and brands nationwide as they develop and execute store environment programs, fixture rollouts and customer experience initiatives. Wright brings more than two decades of experience helping retailers and consumer brands deliver successful in-store environments. Throughout his career, he has partnered with some of the industry’s most recognized fixture, merchandising and point-of-purchase organizations, including Lozier Corporation, …

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Papa Johns Chief Financial Officer Departs; Company Names Interim CFO

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — Papa John’s International, Inc. has appointed Chris Collins, senior vice president of corporate finance and principal accounting officer, to the additional position of interim chief financial officer, effective immediately. Collins succeeds Ravi Thanawala, who is leaving Papa Johns to assume a chief financial officer position at another public company. Thanawala will be available to Papa Johns in an advisory capacity until July 31, 2026, to support a smooth transition. Papa Johns has commenced a search for a permanent CFO. Collins is a seasoned finance professional with more …

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The Kroger Co. to Acquire Giant Eagle for $1.65 Billion

by Katie Lee

Cincinnati and Pittsburgh — The Kroger Co. and Giant Eagle, Inc. have entered into a definitive agreement under which Kroger will acquire Giant Eagle, a leading family-owned food and pharmacy retailer with 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana. The transaction has been unanimously approved by Kroger’s board of directors. The purchase price will be $1.65 billion, comprised of $1.25 billion in cash consideration and the assumption of approximately $400 million in outstanding liabilities. “Giant Eagle is a well-run, high-quality regional …

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Badger Technologies Names Retail Industry Veteran as Next CEO

by Katie Lee

Nicholasville, Ky. — Badger Technologies, a product division of Jabil Inc., has appointed retail industry veteran John Gehre as chief executive officer. He brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience spanning merchandising, inventory management, supply chain and store operations for top retailers, including Bass Pro Shops, Michaels, The Container Store and H-E-B. As CEO, Gehre will lead Badger Technologies’ next phase of growth, focused on accelerating innovation across the robotics and AI capabilities that power the company’s retail intelligence solutions, strengthening customer relationships and expanding adoption of its …

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Smoothie King Sees 85% Growth Across Northeast and Midwest

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Smoothie King has steadily increased its presence throughout the Northeast and Midwest by 85% over the last 5 years, with northern markets now accounting for approximately 358 Smoothie King locations — up from 193 in 2020. As part of the brand’s continued northern expansion, Smoothie King is opening its first-ever location in Penfield, N.Y., as part of a three-unit deal for the Western New York area. The new location will open on July 18. In the last 5 years, New York has emerged as a key growth market, …

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Lands’ End Names New CEO

by Katie Lee

Dodgeville, Wis. — The board of directors of Lands’ End, Inc. has appointed Charlie Cole as chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective July 13, 2026. He will succeed Andrew McLean, who will step down as CEO and a member of the board of directors. “Our responsibility as a board is to ensure Lands’ End has the right leader for every stage of its evolution,” says Josephine Linden, chair of the board of directors. “Charlie has spent his career transforming iconic consumer brands by combining disciplined operating …

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Einstein Bros. Bagels to Add 300+ Locations by 2030

by Katie Lee

Denver — Einstein Bros. Bagels, America’s largest retail bagel chain, plans to open more than 300 new bakeries across the United States by 2030, powered by a brand-new store prototype. The brand’s “Elevate the Morning” store design prioritizes freshness, speed and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, in a format engineered to scale quickly without compromising the quality guests expect from Einstein Bros. The new design blends premium finishes, warm neighborhood character and thoughtful layouts that make every visit easy and enjoyable, with the fresh-baked bagel case placed front and center. “We’ve …

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Casey’s to Add 400 New Stores and Accelerate F&B Offerings

by Katie Lee

Ankeny, Iowa — Casey’s General Stores, Inc., a leading convenience store chain in the United States, has unveiled its new 3-year strategic plan. Since introducing its last strategic plan in 2023, the company has exceeded its strategic and financial targets, adding more than 500 stores and joining the S&P 500. Now it plans to add 400 additional stores, accelerate its F&B offerings and enhance operational efficiency. “Our success over the last 3 years reinforces what makes Casey’s unique: a differentiated model that brings together restaurant-quality food, best-in-class convenience and fuel …

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