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Juice It Up! Enjoys Best Year in Brand History in 2021

by Katie Lee

Newport Beach, Calif. — Juice It Up!, a leading handcrafted smoothie, superfruit bowl and raw juice chain, reported record sales in 2021, with same store sales (SSS) up 26.3% over 2020. Total system sales (TSS) also climbed to a record level last year, increasing 29.2% over 2020 and surpassing $41 million — a new all-time high for the 26-year-old chain. “2021 was an extraordinary year for Juice It Up! as more and more consumers continued to make important lifestyle choices fueled by their health and wellness goals; and we’re extremely …

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construction and designNewsretailers

U-Haul Converting Empty Kmart for Fifth Company Store in Wyoming

by Katie Lee

Rock Springs, Wyo. — U-Haul Moving & Storage now occupies the former Kmart® building in Rock Springs, Wyo., and is offering truck and trailer sharing, boxes and moving supplies, and U-Box® portable storage containers out of a temporary showroom. Towing equipment, hitch accessories and bike racks, professional hitch installation, propane and much more will soon be available. Renovations to the 89,792-square-foot facility will lead to a variety of storage units. U-Haul plans to create more than 700 indoor climate-controlled self-storage rooms. U-Haul acquired the 8.19-acre property on Dec. 17, 2021. …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Happy Joe’s Prepares for 50th Anniversary After Booming Development Year

by Katie Lee

Bettendorf, Iowa — After closing out one of its strongest development years to date in 2021, Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream is getting ready to make its 50th anniversary year its most successful year in brand history. The 46-unit pizza chain kicked off 2021 with 30-year industry veteran Tom Sacco as its new CEO, president and chief happiness officer. Under his direction, Happy Joe’s has driven aggressive expansion efforts across the globe. Throughout the year, Happy Joe’s signed 28 new franchise deals — resulting in an over 60% increase …

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energy managementgreen newsNewsvendors

SMG Launches New Division

by Katie Lee

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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Newsretailers

Academy Sports + Outdoors to Restart New Store Growth in 2022

by Katie Lee

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 …

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exterior services/landscapingNewspeoplevendors

Powerhouse Promotes Chief Customer Officer of Exterior Services

by Katie Lee

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. …

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Newsrestaurants

European Poke Concept Invests in Sweetfin to Fuel U.S. Growth

by Katie Lee

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. …

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franchise developmentgreen newsNewsretailers

7-Eleven Opens 77,711th Store; Accelerates Sustainability Efforts

by Katie Lee

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 …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Mongolian Concepts Promotes VP of Operations and Training

by Katie Lee

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 …

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franchise developmentNewsretailers

Maaco Marks 50th Anniversary Milestone in 2022

by Katie Lee

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 …

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