Columbus, Ohio — Washington Prime Group, an Ohio-based owner-operator of regional malls and shopping centers, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. WPG cited insurmountable operating challenges tied to the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary catalyst behind the move. Against that backdrop, both CNBC and Reuters reported that many of the company’s tenants were unable to pay rent at various points in time over the last 16 months as public health mandates and lockdowns decimated foot traffic throughout the brick-and-mortar …
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Las Vegas — Capriotti’s, known for its award-winning cheese steaks and hand-crafted subs, is celebrating 45 years this month. Recently, the brand introduced virtual restaurants, opened its first ghost kitchens and partnered with Reef Kitchens to open shops in Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and New York City. “It is hard to believe that our brand is turning 45 this year. We truly don’t feel a day over 30,” says Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriotti’s. “All kidding aside, Capriotti’s is an iconic brand and our are roots deep in the …
Northbrook, Ill. — Hilco Global’s Hilco Retail Solutions platform, in a joint venture with Gordon Brothers, has been working with HBC to launch Shopper’s Find, a new retailer that is opening in former Lord & Taylor locations. Shopper’s Find is the department store for every shopper, offering savings of up to 60% off. The Shopper’s Find team works directly with manufacturers and wholesalers to find the best possible price and bring in new merchandise virtually every week, so shoppers will find fresh selections each visit. Shopper’s Find has something for …
Huntsville, Ala. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the “better chicken” segment, has inked a deal to bring nine locations to cities throughout Alabama. Legends Development, LLC will be bringing the restaurants to Huntsville, Marshall, Etowah, Auburn, Montgomery, Mobile and Talladega. Slim Chickens first opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Ark. Today, there are more than 125 Slim Chickens locations open and 500 restaurants in development. The brand recently launched a strategic multi-unit franchise growth initiative to reach 600 units in 10 years. For more information, visit www.slimchickensfranchise.com. …
Atlanta — Paul Nair, founder of Savi Provisions, has launched a new concept. UPop (short for Urban Provisions Offering Petroleum) will be a high-end food and beverage concept located in a new-to-Georgia gas station Arco. Located in the former Golden Buddha space on Roswell Road in North Buckhead, UPop will offer chef-driven prepared foods, beer, wine and liquor. It will also include a bistro offering small plates. According to Nair, this will be a higher end experience. “We are intentionally not using traditional convenience store items or big name brands. The goal is to …
Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE), parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, has appointed Matthew Walls as the company’s first chief global development officer. In this new role, Walls will be responsible for creating a Global Development Center of Excellence to increase the footprint of both brands domestically and internationally. He joins the company from Domino’s. “Walls, as he is known in our industry, is experienced in delivering progressive business development strategies, innovative designs and solid partnerships with franchisees,” say CEO Ned Lyerly. “His global experience, strategic …
Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas —Quicklotz Liquidations, recognized as one of America’s fastest growing private companies according to Inc. 5,000, plans to open a one-of-a-kind shopping experience at Northeast Mall in Hurst, Texas, near Dallas-Fort Worth. An innovative “bin shopping experience” complete with 50,000+ items on any given day will feature electronics, housewares, clothes, furniture, crafts and much more. Shoppers will find items up to 90% off retail prices in 140,000 square feet of a modern-day “treasure hunt” as an anchor tenant in the regional shopping destination of the Northeast Mall. As …
Charlotte, N.C. — Clean Juice®, a USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise, has relocated its flagship store to Birkdale Landing in Huntersville, N.C. The move coincides with the sixth anniversary of the opening of the first Clean Juice store at Birkdale Village. The new Birkdale Landing location will officially open at the end of June. “It’s hard to fathom that it’s been 6 years since we first started our journey with Clean Juice and how we’ve grown as an award-winning brand with more than 100 open locations nationwide,” says Landon Eckles, …
Greenbelt, Md. — The board of directors of ZIPS Dry Cleaners® has appointed Bob Barry as president/CEO of the network of dry-cleaning stores, effective immediately. He succeeds Drew Ritger, who held the role for the past 3.5 years and has accepted a position with a Midwestern chain of gourmet coffee restaurants. Barry has been a member of the ZIPS board of directors for the past 8 years and he will retain that position. He spent 12 years as president/CEO of The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille, growing that chain …
Wichita, Kan. — Leading fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has broken ground on a new site set to host the brand’s newest restaurant prototype. Located in Salina, Kan., this prototype marks a new chapter for the brand’s design evolution as this option is its first model without a dining room, hosting a double drive-thru and a walk-up ordering station. With more than a dozen restaurants set to open in the first half of 2021, Freddy’s is poised to continue making significant development growth in the coming months …