Manasquan, N.J. — As demand from the industry grows, SMG Holdings LLC has launched a new energy and sustainability solutions division: SMG Energy Solutions (SMG Energy). Led by Jason Menser, executive vice president of strategic initiatives, the vision is to integrate technology capabilities with core services and strategic alliances to meet the growing demand for “greener” solutions and newer sustainable technologies that will offer clients unique opportunities to reduce their cardon footprint while improving operational efficiencies and mitigating risk. SMG Energy is the vision of Shannon Prato, CEO of SMG …
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Katy, Texas — Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc., a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer, will open at least eight new stores in 2022 that will fill in existing markets in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky and Texas, and expand Academy’s footprint into Virginia and West Virginia. With these openings, Academy’s existing store count will grow to 267 and expand its reach to 18 states. Academy is evaluating additional locations for stores that could also open in 2022. “Academy Sports + Outdoors is excited to begin a chapter of …
Crowley, Texas — Powerhouse, a national commercial infrastructure management services provider, has promoted Eric Brownlee to chief customer officer of Powerhouse Exterior Services, powered by Dentco. Brownlee is an industry veteran with years of experience leading customer focused teams. In his new role, his focus will be on educating, coaching and mentoring a talented team of Exterior Service Management professionals. “As we have grown into the fourth largest exterior services management company in the country, our focus on exceeding our clients’ expectations is a must,” says Robert Blake-Ward, principal, Powerhouse. …
Santa Monica, Calif. — A rapidly growing international fast-casual concept, Poke House, has invested in Sweetfin, a leader of the poke bowl and plant-based bowl category in the United States. The partnership plans to bring 80 additional openings to Europe and the U.S. in 2022. With its investment in Sweetfin, Poke House becomes the largest investor of the chef-driven, California-inspired poke concept. The European foodtech company already boasts more than 75 restaurants in Italy, France, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. The partnership brings the group’s location total to 90. …
Irving, Texas — 7 Eleven, Inc., the world’s largest convenience chain, has once again hit a major milestone: 77,711 7-Eleven® stores are now open. The company is also ramping up its sustainability initiatives. “Since the inception of convenience retailing with the first 7-Eleven store in Dallas, Texas, a lot has changed in how, when and where we do business,” says Joe DePinto, 7-Eleven’s president and chief executive officer. “As customers continue to redefine convenience, we redefine our approach to ensure that we are exceeding their expectations. Today, that means accelerating …
Irving, Texas — Mongolian Concepts, the powerhouse management group behind three renowned create-your-own bowl brands — Genghis Grill, FlatTop Grill and bd’s Mongolian Grill — has promoted industry vet Lori Cominsky to vice president of operations and training. She’ll play a pivotal role in the continued success and growth of the Mongolian Concepts brands. “We are thrilled about the new leadership team we’re putting together, and what this means for Mongolian Concepts,” says Gregg Majewski, CEO of Mongolian Concepts. “2022 is going to be a great year for us as …
Charlotte, N.C. — Maaco, North America’s body shop and a leader in the $38 billion automotive paint and collision industry, is celebrating its 50th year of business on the heels of a record-breaking year. Founded in 1972 by Anthony Martino, Maaco began its operations with a pilot location in Wilmington, Del. In less than 5 years, Maaco quickly grew to nearly 200 franchised locations. “With our loyal customers, our dedicated network of owners and our time-honored brand name, Maaco has proven that we can stand the test of time,” says …
Irvine, Calif. — Wienerschnitzel, the world’s largest hot dog franchise, has signed an exclusive development agreement with Tejas Dogs, LLC, to build 20 new Wienerschnitzel restaurants throughout Arkansas over the next 12 years. The Tejas Dogs agreement follows a separate 20-unit announcement by the brand in 2020 to develop throughout Louisiana and paves the way for Wienerschnitzel to further expand its iconic quick-service footprint throughout Southern and Midwestern states. There are already plans to begin building three stores in northwest Arkansas to jumpstart the development schedule. “With personal roots in …
Los Angeles — On January 19, Forever 21 named Winnie Park as chief executive officer (CEO) of the fashion brand. The appointment is effective immediately. Park joins Forever 21 from Paper Source, where she served as CEO for the past 6 years. Park’s tenure at Paper Source is marked by transforming the brand from a brick-and-mortar retailer to a lifestyle brand with a robust digital platform spanning social, digital content, online subscriptions and affiliate partnerships. She also led the successful sale of the brand to an affiliate of Barnes & …
Dine Brands International Continues Global Expansion with First IHOP® Deal in the Caribbean
Glendale, Calif. — Dine Brands International plans to open its first IHOP® in Nassau, The Bahamas, in late 2022 through an agreement with Bahamas Limited, which also calls for 16 IHOP restaurant openings in the Caribbean over the next few years. “We are excited to bring IHOP to the English-speaking Caribbean islands. We’ve seen success in Puerto Rico and believe guests in this new market are sure to fall in love with the brand’s world-famous pancakes and familiar comfort foods,” says William Urrego, regional vice president of franchise operations, Dine …