Chicago — On Jan. 13, 2021, Christopher & Banks filed for Chapter 11 reorganization and authorized store closing sales to be conducted by Hilco Merchant Resources. The store closing process has begun at more than 400 stores nationally. Christopher & Banks was founded in 1956. As of February 2020, the retailer had more than 450 locations. In a statement from Christopher & Banks, Keri Jones, president and CEO, said: “Since the start of the COVID pandemic, we have taken aggressive steps to protect our business while continuing to serve our …
News
Columbus, Ohio — Fashion apparel retailer Express, Inc. has entered into a definitive loan agreement with Sycamore Partners as lead lender, along with Wells Fargo and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, that strengthens its liquidity position by an additional $140 million. The new financing includes a $90 million FILO Term Loan with a maturity date of May 24, 2024, and a $50 million Delayed Draw Term Loan, to be repaid upon receipt of a CARES Act tax refund expected to be received in the second quarter of 2021. This financing …
Richfield, Wis. — Hy-Brid Lifts, an industry leader in aerial lift equipment, has named Marshall Shaver as vice president of sales and marketing. Shaver’s responsibilities will include leading the sales and marketing team, growing the customer base and continuing to execute the company’s successful strategy. Shaver brings more than 10 years of industry experience to his new role, largely derived from his time at Wacker Neuson as the business development manager and director of key accounts. During his time there, Shaver worked with national accounts to build and nurture strong …
Dallas — Golden Chick is kicking off 2021 with innovation in restaurant design and development by introducing the franchise’s very first modular constructed building. The first restaurant is scheduled to be installed in Saginaw, Texas, this month with an expected opening in March, with two more installations in the pipeline for the first half of the year in Snyder and Refugio, Texas. “This new model will allow our franchisees to go-to-market quicker than ever before, while reducing the overall development and operational costs,” says Jim Stevens, president of Golden Chick. …
Philadelphia — Urban Outfitters, Inc., a leading lifestyle products and services company which operates a portfolio of global consumer brands comprised of Anthropologie, BHLDN, Free People, FP Movement, Terrain, Urban Outfitters, Nuuly and Menus & Venues, has made key management changes. Trish Donnelly, chief executive officer of the Urban Outfitters Group, will be leaving the company as of January 31, 2021, to pursue a new career opportunity. Sheila Harrington will become CEO for both Urban Outfitters Group and Free People Group. Additionally, Gabrielle Conforti, currently the chief merchandising officer for …
Miami — Francisca Restaurant, one of the most successful Latin American gastronomic concepts in Miami, plans to open 12 new locations in Florida as part of its expansion plan for 2021. The announcement was unveiled with a giant billboard in Times Square on Jan. 7. “The growth of Francisca Restaurant, a brand with a Venezuelan stamp, is due to the immense support we have received since our opening. After hundreds of requests, we decided to open more locations in other cities in Florida,” says Jesús Pita, CEO of Francisca Restaurant. …
Lynchburg, Va. — The first week of January, River Ridge outlined the next phase of its redevelopment, beginning with the demolition of the former Macy’s building on the West End of the property scheduled for first quarter 2021. The revitalized West End is envisioned as River Ridge’s restaurant and entertainment hub along with traditional retail and personal services options. It will provide a contemporary, open-air shopping experience with higher store elevations and urban-esque storefront designs, as well as an outdoor venue for family themed community events. “Now that updates to the …
Orlando, Fla. — Tijuana Flats has launched a newly designed prototype, which will soon be the norm in many of the brand’s locations. The new look includes a fresh, bright design and high-tech enhancements that will improve the guest experience. Tijuana Flats’ restaurant in Noblesville, Ind., became the first location to showcase the new design when it opened in November. “I love the new look,” says John Rowe, owner of Tijuana Flats in Noblesville. “It’s so open and bright. Our restaurants have always been colorful, but this update gives it …
Savannah, Ga. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise which features dine-in and drive-thru in the “better chicken” segment, has signed a multi-unit agreement with Southeast Slims Hospitality LLC to develop 12 restaurants across the eastern section of Georgia, including Savannah and Augusta, and the western section of South Carolina. The first location is slated to open in first quarter 2021. “Our team was completely taken aback by the Slim Chickens brand when we were first introduced. It seemed like a no-brainer to join such a dynamic concept,” says Casey …
Warren, Mich. — Loves Furniture & Mattresses, owned by Dallas-based private equity firm U.S. Assets Inc., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early January amid struggles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Loves was formed in April of this year and acquired 27 Art Van Furniture locations across Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Virginia and Maryland in May. That deal did not include the stores’ underlying real estate, which had already been sold off, according to reports by the Detroit Free Press. The company also opened or acquired 13 additional …