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David Graves Promoted to Pizza Hut U.S. President, Effective January 1, 2022

by Katie Lee

Plano, Texas — Pizza Hut has promoted David Graves to president of Pizza Hut U.S., reporting to Pizza Hut division CEO Aaron Powell, effective January 1, 2022. Graves currently serves as general manager of Pizza Hut U.S. and will succeed the interim president of Pizza Hut U.S., Kevin Hochman. “David has a well-deserved reputation for delivering results, repeatedly demonstrating his expertise in identifying solutions to business challenges that not only enhance the experience for customers, but also benefit restaurant economics, and I couldn’t be more pleased by his promotion,” says …

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Batteries Plus Signs Agreements for 20 New Stores in Third Quarter

by Katie Lee

Hartland, Wis. — The nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, key fob and repair franchise, Batteries Plus, has seen significant third quarter growth with the signing of 20 new store agreements, bringing the brand’s total signings for the year to 66. Included in the 20 new store agreements was a 10-unit signing which will expand the brand in Nevada and Utah, a three-unit signing in Philadelphia and multiple two-packs set to expand Batteries Plus into Sacramento, Calif., and Wichita, Kan. Additional single-unit signings will grow the brand in Georgia, Texas, …

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Harrison Partners with Fogo de Chão to Design Fort Lauderdale Restaurant

by Katie Lee

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Dallas-based global design consulting firm Harrison has been enlisted by Fogo de Chão to apply its branding, interior design and architectural expertise to several of the brand’s new restaurants across the country, including its upcoming Fort Lauderdale, Fla., location. Harrison will oversee the interior design and architecture for the restaurant, slated to open in 2022. Fogo first announced plans to open its fifth Florida location on the corner of Southeast Third Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale earlier this year. “We are delighted to …

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Hudson Transforms Brookstone Experience in North American Airports

by Katie Lee

East Rutherford, N.J. — Hudson, a Dufry company and travel experience leader with more than 1,000 stores in airports, commuter hubs, landmarks and tourist destinations across North America, has shared the vision for its next-generation Brookstone airport stores, reflecting Hudson’s commitment to reinvigorating the powerhouse brand after becoming its exclusive airport retailer in 2019. Now with a sleek, ultra-modern store design and expanded product assortment, Brookstone celebrates a differentiated shopping experience for the traveler — driven by robust industry insights, built on brand accessibility, and positioned as an innovative, one-stop-shop. …

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Biscuit Belly Signs Area Development Deal in Georgia and 5-Unit JV Deal in Nashville

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — Biscuit Belly, a chef-driven fast-casual breakfast and brunch concept, has signed development agreements for 10 franchised units, five of which will be located in the Atlanta metropolitan area, with an additional five units to be built in the Nashville DMA. These two agreements are in addition to the 10 units signed earlier this spring, resulting in commitments for a total of 20 units in the first 9 months of 2021. The brand also plans to expand with additional company-owned restaurants in the Louisville and Southern Indiana markets. …

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Kmart to Close its Last Store in State of Michigan

by Katie Lee

Marshall, Mich. — Discount retailer Kmart is closing its final store in the state of Michigan, according to local media reports. The last remaining store is in Marshall, which is located about 45 miles south of Lansing. The store is expected to close in November. Kmart opened its first location in Garden City, Mich., in 1962. In its prime in the 1990s, Kmart operated more than 2,300 locations in the United States. The current parent company of Kmart, Transformco, also owns Sears, which recently unveiled plans to shutter its final …

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construction and designNewspeople

Westwood Contractors Names New Director of Operations

by Katie Lee

Fort Worth, Texas — Westwood Contractors has added Michael Roop as director of operations, effective October 4. From its headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, Roop will be directly responsible for supervising the company’s project management team and the general field superintendent. His key accountabilities include developing and monitoring operations, project management, field, administrative processes and procedures, and ensuring compliance. Roop has 27 years of experience in the construction industry, including positions with Trademark Property Company and Bridgestone Retail Operations. Throughout his professional career he has successfully led a variety of …

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Wetzel’s Pretzels Offers Franchise Opportunities with Phillips 66®

by Katie Lee

Pasadena, Calif. — Wetzel’s Pretzels is offering a unique franchise opportunity with the Phillips 66 family of brands. Operators will now have the opportunity to open a hot, fresh Wetzel’s experience at Phillips 66®, Conoco® and 76® branded convenience stores. “We’ve been incredibly impressed with the early success of Wetzel’s Pretzels locations at the 76® convenience stores and the benefit this initiative will provide for both brands’ growth,” says Frank Gonzales, director of non-traditional development at Wetzel’s Pretzels. “Our team is excited to provide the convenience and ease of operations …

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James Avery Artisan Jewelry Opens Store Inside H-E-B in Texas

by Katie Lee

Kerrville, Texas — James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a Texas-based and family-owned jewelry retailer, opened its second of three stores in H-E-B. The new store is a 352-square-foot space at the H-E-B in Portland, Texas. The H-E-B location will offer customers many of their favorite classic designs as well as new releases and services, including charm soldering and jewelry cleaning. “Like many Texans, we love H-E-B and are excited to partner with this iconic brand to make shopping even more convenient for our customers,” says Lindsey Avery Tognietti, James Avery’s director …

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Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Wing Zone Sign Agreements for 39 New Stores

by Katie Lee

Las Vegas — Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Wing Zone have signed 16 area development agreements in the third quarter, which will bring an additional 39 new stores to communities across the U.S. The 39 units sold — 25 Capriotti’s shops and 14 Wing Zone locations — follow the signing of 89 units in the first two quarters of the year, bringing the total new shop count to 128 for the year. Third quarter signings for Capriotti’s include: Austin/Houston, Texas N. Dallas, Texas Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas Fresno, Calif. Louisville, Ky. Maryland …

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