Tampa, Fla. — As record high temperatures sweep the United States, HVAC systems are being pushed to their limits in more places than ever before. If you live in a part of the country accustomed to more moderate summers, scorching temperatures and the stress of heavier-than-normal use can cause cooling systems to break down. The Pacific Northwest and Mountain West have experienced unprecedented temperatures, with highs in Portland, Ore., reaching a record 116 degrees in August. Heat advisories and even excessive heat warnings are also in effect across the South …
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New York City — The opening of 151 Mercer Street, in New York City’s iconic SoHo neighborhood, marks Tory Burch’s return to a downtown location. Tory Burch moved to SoHo right after college and, in 2004, opened her first boutique a few blocks away from Mercer Street. The new location also reflects an evolution of the retail concept, while honoring the brand’s design codes and history of the neighborhood. The new boutique will offer the Tory Burch collection, including Home, the new 151 Mercer handbags and a series of limited-edition …
New York City — An affiliate of Garnett Station Partners, LLC, a New York-based principal investment firm, has agreed to sell Twin Peaks, a national sports bar & grill franchise company, to FAT Brands for $300 million. Twin Peaks is based in Dallas and was founded in 2005. “Twin Peaks is a truly unique concept within the casual dining industry, with a best-in-class management team and committed franchisees, as demonstrated by its significant growth and consistently strong financial results throughout its partnership with Garnett Station,” says Matt Perelman, partner at …
Denton, Texas — Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. has appointed Denise Paulonis as president and chief executive officer, effective October 1, 2021. She succeeds Chris Brickman who will be stepping down. Brickman will continue to serve as president and CEO of the company and as a member of the board until September 30, 2021. Thereafter, Brickman will serve in a consulting capacity through March 31, 2022, to support an orderly transition. “As the company emerges from the hard work of its transformation, both the board and Chris agree that now is …
Philadelphia — Edible®, the world’s leader in the gifts and treats category, has signed a multi-unit agreement in Philadelphia with multi-brand operators Nilita Patel, Manisha Patel and Jimmy Shah of ANZ Hospitality LLC. With 1,000-plus locations nationwide, the Patels and Shah plan to take over ownership of select existing stores, and add new locations within the Philadelphia market — seven new stores total for the team. “We are very excited to expand our ownership with Edible,” says Nilita Patel. “The brand has a constant desire to innovate, which we took …
Dallas — Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the world’s largest barbecue franchise, is embarking on a huge development push in the Northeast. The company has signed a multi-unit area development agreement with Chaac Foods, LLC to develop 48 Dickey’s locations in 5 years. Chaac Foods is led by CEO and President Luis Ibarguengoytia, a veteran restaurant operator, who teamed with Gauge Capital to form Chaac Foods, which currently develops and operates Pizza Hut and Bojangles restaurants. “We look forward to entering the barbecue category by joining forces with the world’s fastest growing …
Tuscaloosa, Ala. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the better-chicken segment, has opened its newest restaurant at 685 Skyland Blvd. in Tuscaloosa, Ala., marking its first location in the state. Seasoned restaurant group Heart of the South is at the helm of the new location. “Opening our first location in Alabama is a huge step for Slim Chickens,” says Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development at Slim Chickens. “Heart of the South has a passion for bringing good southern comfort food and great experiences to Tuscaloosa locals, …
Union, N.J. — Cindy Davis has stepped down from her positions as executive vice president, chief brand officer, and president of Decorist effective August 30, 2021. As a transition, Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has named Rafeh Masood, executive vice president and chief digital officer, as chief digital officer & interim chief brand officer. He will lead the combined brand, marketing and digital teams effective immediately. “Rafeh’s demonstrated success and leadership in the realms of digital transformation and customer engagement make him the right person to take on these additional …
Austin, Texas — The newest addition to U.S. Pave’s network is in Austin, Texas, providing area businesses with commercial asphalt and paving services. U.S. paves offers asphalt installation and repairs, parking lot repair and striping, seal coating and sidewalk repair. The professional team has access to a nationally reaching supply network, ensuring that customers get the best quality every time. The goal of the U.S. Pave network is to bring together the best paving contractors in the country and offer those looking for paving services a one-stop-shop for local and …
Oak Brook, Ill. — Ace Hardware, the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, has opened 110 new stores in 2021, and is planning to open at least an additional 60 stores by the end of the year. Ace operates more than 5,500 locally owned hardware stores in all 50 states and 70 countries, with global sales topping $20 billion. Ace’s unique cooperative business model offers local entrepreneurs not only the ability to become owners of their local store operation, but they also become one of a limited number of …