News

Bar Louie Unveils Brand’s First-Ever Redesign in Denver

by Katie Lee December 14, 2021

Denver — Denver is now home to Bar Louie’s first-ever new prototype. Located in The Shops at Northfield, Bar Louie closed for several weeks during renovations and officially reopened on Dec. 10. From the menu and flatware to the interior and exterior design, everything about the look is new. The enhanced gastrobar design features new colors, lighting, booths, tables, chairs and barstools. Also included are renovated bathrooms, a takeout and delivery station and upgraded high-efficiency kitchen equipment. In addition, Bar Louie enlisted the famous Denver muralist, Randy Segura, to paint …

December 14, 2021

franchise development News retailers

Pet Supplies Plus Opens 600th Store, Signs 100+ New Store Commitments

by Katie Lee December 10, 2021

Livonia, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus recently celebrated its 600th grand opening in Gresham, Ore. Additionally, the independent pet supplies retailer signed 107 new store commitments for this year alone. Out of those signings, 62 are new franchise owners who are joining the experienced retailer, and 45 existing owners will be opening additional locations. The local entrepreneurs of the 600th store are new franchisees Tom and Julie Meehan. “Pet Supplies Plus’ tremendous new store growth is not only from new owners joining our pack but also from owners who have …

December 10, 2021

News retailers vendors

Takeoff Technologies Teams with Jewel-Osco for First Micro Fulfillment Center

by Katie Lee December 9, 2021

Waltham, Mass. — On December 7, 2021, Jewel-Osco unveiled the company’s first micro fulfillment center (MFC) at the Westmont store in Chicago. The 20,000-square-foot MFC facility allows for a seamless shopping experience for customers by pairing a brick-and-mortar store with home delivery through artificial intelligence. The micro fulfillment center is an automated rack and tote system that prepares orders for delivery through a partnership with Waltham, Mass.-based grocery technology company Takeoff Technologies. More than 6,000 totes of product are shuttled from their allotted space inside Takeoff and elevators move the …

December 9, 2021

News restaurants vendors

REEF Acquires Foodtech Startup 2ndKitchen

by Katie Lee December 9, 2021

Chicago and Miami — REEF Technology Inc., the largest operator of delivery kitchens, logistics and proximity hubs in North America, has acquired 2ndKitchen, a leader in virtual kitchens for hotels, offices, buildings, venues and other hospitality companies. REEF and 2ndKitchen’s existing businesses will be combined under the REEF brand, and will operate under REEF’s Hospitality division. Together, REEF and 2ndKitchen will expand their customer base and enable any business to be able to turn on foodservice without physical infrastructure and the associated expenses. The transaction strengthens REEF’s position in the …

December 9, 2021

News restaurants

MILA Restaurant Owners to Open 4 New Concepts

by Katie Lee December 9, 2021

South Beach, Fla. – Mohari Hospitality, the global investment company founded by entrepreneurial investor Mark Scheinberg, has taken a significant minority stake in luxury restaurant business Riviera Dining Group (RDG) to support the development of new concepts and to fund its ambitious expansion plans. This investment marks the first time Mohari has invested directly in the food & beverage (F&B) space. Envisioned by Gregory and Marine Galy through their travels, experiences and thirst for discovery and adventures, the first MILA restaurant (part of RDG) opened in South Beach, Fla., in …

December 9, 2021

News people retailers

JOANN Adds to Executive Leadership Team to Advance Operations, Inventory Management

by Katie Lee December 8, 2021

Hudson, Ohio — JOANN, the nation’s category leader in fabrics and sewing and one of the fastest-growing players in the craft space, has added two industry leaders to its executive team: Joe Thibault (senior vice president, store operations) and Lisa Wittman-Smith, senior vice president, inventory management & business insights. An experienced retail leader, Thibault was promoted to senior vice president, store operations in November 2021 after more than 19 years with the company. In his current role, Thibault oversees all field operations, including more than 850 stores. This includes responsibility …

December 8, 2021

franchise development News people restaurants

Shipley Do-Nuts Names New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee December 8, 2021

Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts, a leading do-nut restaurant franchisor and manufacturer of specialty food products, has hired Bob McGahan as its new chief financial officer. McGahan adds over 30 years of experience to Shipley’s already strong leadership team as the brand continues its robust growth. Most recently, McGahan served as CFO at private equity-owned Friedrich Air Conditioning Inc. and AirBorn Inc., and has also held management positions at Dell Inc. and Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. McGahan started at Shipley in November. “Bob knows how to aggressively grow a brand in a …

December 8, 2021

News retailers

Lids Expands Global Brick & Mortar Footprint with First Stores in Europe

by Katie Lee December 7, 2021

Indianapolis — Leading sports retailer Lids is expanding its brick-and-mortar retail presence internationally with the opening of its first standalone stores in Europe. For its European debut, Lids will open four locations throughout the London metropolitan area: Seven Dials (now open) and The 02 Peninsula Square in London, Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex, and Churchill Square Shopping Centre Russel Place in Brighton, all opening in December. “London is a natural fit for Lids,” says Britten Maughan, president of Lids. “The enthusiasm for both American sports and street wear aligns with …

December 7, 2021

franchise development News restaurants

Slim Chickens Inks Largest Franchise Deal in Brand History

by Katie Lee December 7, 2021

Miami — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the better-chicken segment, has inked a deal for the entire state of Indiana and the Southeast region of Florida for a total of 60 locations. “Slim Chickens’ leadership team is top-notch,” says Al Cabrera, the franchise partner with over 35 years of experience who is spearheading the 60-unit deal. “After three decades in the restaurant industry, it is easy to spot an amazing opportunity, and Slims’ was a clear choice for the next addition to my portfolio.” “This is a huge …

December 7, 2021

News retailers

IT’SUGAR Opens Flagship Location at Ala Moana Center in Hawaii

by Katie Lee December 7, 2021

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — IT’SUGAR, a subsidiary of BBX Capital, Inc., has opened its newest retail location at the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The 18,000-square-foot location is IT’SUGAR’s second candy department store and features more than 30 candy stations, a branded Sour Patch® shop, a branded OREO® department and a TikTok area. “We are pleased that IT’SUGAR is expanding throughout the United States and has opened its first Hawaii flagship store at Ala Moana Center. The center is believed to be one of the largest open-air shopping centers …

December 7, 2021

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