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Ulta Beauty to Make UAE Debut at the Mall of the Emirates

by Katie Lee

Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty, the largest specialty beauty retailer in the United States, is set to make its debut in the United Arab Emirates with the opening of its store in Mall of the Emirates on Jan. 29, 2026 in partnership with Alshaya Group, one of the world’s leading international retail franchise operators. Marking a major milestone in Ulta Beauty’s global expansion building on from the first store opening in Kuwait on Nov. 7, 2025, the Mall of the Emirates opening will be closely followed by new Ulta Beauty …

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PAR Technology to Strengthen Operations Across 3,200 Papa Johns Restaurants in the U.S.

by Katie Lee

New Hartford, N.Y. — Papa Johns has selected PAR POS™ and PAR OPS™ from PAR Technology Corporation to anchor its next-generation U.S. in-restaurant technology stack. The strategic partnership is a major milestone in Papa Johns’ multi-year effort to build a faster, more intelligent and connected restaurant and digital ordering experience for guests, operators and franchisees. “At Papa Johns, one of our strategic priorities is investing in and optimizing our technology to deliver a better experience,” says Kevin Vasconi, chief digital and technology officer, Papa Johns. “A key element of that …

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Nordstrom Rack to Relocate Downtown Seattle Store

by Katie Lee

Seattle — Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. plans to relocate its Nordstrom Rack in downtown Seattle to 601 Pine St. The new store is scheduled to open in spring 2027. “We’re excited to welcome customers to our beautiful new downtown Seattle location, which features convenient street access and an enhanced shopping experience,” says Gemma Lionello, president of Nordstrom Rack. “Seattle has been our company’s home for more than a century, and we’re proud to continue serving this community with our selection of great brands at great prices. Customers can also …

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Pokeworks Expands New York Footprint with 4 New Locations

by Katie Lee

Irvine, Calif. — Pokeworks, a leading fast-casual poke brand, is continuing its strategic growth in New York with the addition of two new franchise partners who will develop locations in Long Island and Manhattan. The new agreements total four initial units with the ability for continued growth. On Long Island, Pokeworks has partnered with seasoned restaurant operator Joe Magnotta, who brings more than two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry. Magnotta entered the restaurant business in 2001 with the purchase of his first concept, Angelina’s, and went …

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REI Co-op Unveils New Renewable Energy Projects, Extends Sustainability Partnerships

by Katie Lee

Seattle — Over the past year, REI Co-op took meaningful steps to reduce its impact on the planet. This work reflects REI’s climate strategy, bringing cooperative action together to drive change with speed and scale. “When companies come together, climate action becomes more real and more lasting,” says Andrew Dempsey, director of sustainability, REI Co-op. “We’re grateful for the partners who’ve helped make this work possible. We’re focused on continuing this work and backing solutions that make a real difference for communities and help keep the outdoors healthy for the …

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TriArtisan, Treville and Yadav Complete Acquisition of Denny’s Corporation

by Katie Lee

Spartanburg, S.C. — TriArtisan Capital Advisors LLC, Treville Capital Group and Yadav Enterprises, Inc. has successfully completed its previously announced acquisition of Denny’s Corporation, owner and operator of Denny’s Inc. and Keke’s Inc. The transaction closed following approval by Denny’s stockholders as well as satisfaction of all required regulatory and customary closing conditions. With the support of TriArtisan, Treville and Yadav Enterprises, Denny’s will have enhanced flexibility and resources to invest in its brands, support franchisees and accelerate its growth initiatives. “Today represents an important milestone for Denny’s and Keke’s …

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Food Lion to Open New Stores Across the Carolinas

by Katie Lee

Salisbury, N.C. — Food Lion plans to open four new stores across the Carolinas in early 2026. Locations include Pontiac, S.C. (opening Jan. 21); Statesville, N.C. (opening Jan. 28); Greensboro, N.C. (opening February 2026); and Simpsonville, S.C. (opening March 2026). “Each new store strengthens our ability to deliver an easy, fresh and affordable omnichannel grocery shopping experience while supporting the communities where our neighbors live, work and raise their families,” says Greg Finchum, president, Food Lion. Each new store is designed with an easy-to-shop layout, and offers an expanded assortment, …

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Guthrie’s Names New Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

Auburn, Ala. — Guthrie’s, the original chicken finger restaurant, has appointed Tom Carr as president & chief executive officer of Guthrie’s Franchising, Inc. Following the brand’s monumental 60th anniversary celebration this past year, Carr will lead Guthrie’s into a new era of growth and expansion. With over 25 years of leadership and marketing experience, Carr joins Guthrie’s from the fast-growing fast-casual restaurant chain, Chicken Salad Chick, where he has been a key leadership executive behind the brand’s phenomenal growth over the past 10 years. In his role as chief marketing …

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Walmart Announces Leadership Changes

by Katie Lee

Bentonville, Ark. — The board of directors at Walmart Inc. has elected new leaders to its executive council. The company’s incoming president and chief executive officer, John Furner, also shared additional changes designed to help fuel innovation and drive the new era of retail. “Over my 32 years with Walmart, I’ve seen that our people are our greatest competitive advantage. These internal promotions reflect our culture of opportunity and the depth of our leadership bench,” Furner says. “These leadership changes also mark a key step in how we organize for …

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CAVA Names New Chief Operations Officer

by Katie Lee

Washington, D.C. — CAVA, a fast-casual Mediterranean brand, has appointed Doug Thompson as chief operations officer, effective March 2. In this role, Thompson will oversee CAVA’s restaurant operations and field teams as it continues its rapid expansion across the country. Thompson is a veteran in the industry; most recently he was CEO of Tumble 22 Texas Chicken Joint, a Texas-based chicken concept. Thompson also spent over two decades at Texas Roadhouse, where he served as COO and vice president of operations. While there, he oversaw widespread development of new restaurant …

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