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Restaurant Tech Disruptor 86 Repairs Raises $2 Million to Optimize R&M

by Katie Lee

Chicago — 86 Repairs, an innovative platform that streamlines and optimizes equipment repair and maintenance for restaurants, has closed a $2 million round of seed funding from multiple investors. The investment will be used to accelerate the company’s aggressive growth and product development, which offers collective intelligence and robust data insights previously untapped in the foodservice equipment and supply industry. “86 Repairs harnesses the power of technology to create a real and innovative solution for the restaurant industry. We’re impressed with 86’s ability to tackle R&M and other back-of-house pain …

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The Halal Guys to Double its Midwest Presence

by Katie Lee

Columbus, Ohio — The Halal Guys recently signed a franchise deal to open its first locations in Ohio, more than doubling its presence in the Midwest and building on successful locations in Illinois. Franchisee group Smart Choice Food LLC will open seven locations in the greater Columbus area, with plans to open the first locations this year. Smart Choice Food LLC is eager to bring the quintessential New York City street cart food experience to Ohio diners. “The economy in Columbus was on the upswing prior to COVID-19, but it …

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WHP Global Buys Controlling Stake in Toys ‘R’ Us Parent Company, Plans Partial U.S. Reopening

by Katie Lee

New York City — WHP Global, a New York City-based firm that acquires global consumer brands, has purchased a controlling stake in Tru Kids Inc., the parent company of Toys ‘R’ Us. WHP Global joins a group of institutional shareholders that includes funds managed by Solus Alternative Asset Management and Ares Management Corp. Going forward, WHP will manage Tru Kids’ global business and direct its strategic expansion, which according to CNBC will include the reopening of some U.S. stores. Neither the network nor the companies involved in the deal specified …

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Brooklyn Dumpling Shop Inks First Multi-Unit Franchising Deal

by Katie Lee

New York City — Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, a fast-growing dumpling automat concept, has signed its first franchising deal to bring five locations to Connecticut. The brand is poised to disrupt the quick-service restaurant industry with its innovative automat technology and contactless format. Even before the first location opens its doors in New York, potential franchisees are eager to sign on to the concept. The franchisee’s first location will be in New Haven, where Yale is located, as the concept is perfect for college cities and residents will be able to …

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Ulta Beauty Plans CEO Transition; Also Promotes Internally to COO Position

by Katie Lee

Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty plans leadership changes to drive continuity and continued momentum, all effective in June. Dave Kimbell, president, will succeed Mary Dillon as chief executive officer and will be nominated to stand for election to the company’s board of directors at the 2021 annual stockholders meeting. Dillon will transition to the role of executive chair of the board of directors. Kecia Steelman, currently chief store operations officer, will be elevated to the role of chief operating officer. “It has been the honor of my career to lead …

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Antioch Pizza Shop Plans Strategic Franchise Expansion Plan

by Katie Lee

Antioch, Ill. — Antioch Pizza Shop has announced a strategic franchising initiative that will accelerate its expansion plans in target markets. With seven locations open and three more in development in Illinois and Wisconsin, Antioch Pizza Shop has set its sights on targeted franchise growth, zeroing in on key markets throughout the Midwest and Southeast. “We’ve seen how our dedication to the communities we serve has bred success, and we think it’s time for people from all over the Midwest and Southeast to experience what makes Antioch Pizza Shop special,” …

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Callaway Completes Previously Announced Merger with Topgolf

by Katie Lee

Carlsbad, Calif., and Dallas — Carlsbad, Calif.-based equipment and apparel manufacturer Callaway Golf Co. has completed its merger with Topgolf Entertainment Group. The deal was originally announced in October 2020. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Callaway issued approximately 90 million shares of its common stock to the shareholders of Topgolf, excluding Callaway, which previously held approximately 14% of Topgolf’s outstanding shares. Callaway shareholders now own approximately 51.3% of the outstanding shares of the newly combined entity, and former Topgolf shareholders (excluding Callaway) own approximately 48.7%. Both firms have …

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Biscuitville Promotes Three Executives Internally

by Katie Lee

Greensboro, N.C. — McKinley Greer, Jenna Hiera and Jasmine Daniels have taken on new roles at the beginning of the year at Biscuitville Fresh Southern. Greer has been named guest analytics manager at Biscuitville. She joined the company’s marketing team in October 2018 as a guest analytics specialist. Previously, she was a part of the Biscuitville operations team and served in various other roles throughout the company. Greer handles all guest analytic information as well as leads all demographic research. She also provides guidance to the culinary operations team. Hiera …

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Restaurant Tech Company Omnivore Names CEO & CRO to Lead Next Phase of Growth

by Katie Lee

Clearwater, Fla. — Omnivore, a technology company serving the restaurant industry, has named Dan Singer as chief executive officer and hired Shane Whitlatch as chief revenue officer. Both executives have significant experience in leading fast-growth companies. The executive appointments come after Omnivore’s successful Series A funding round, raising $13 million from notable investors including The Coca-Cola Company, Performance Food Group and Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, in 2018. The investments have fueled the company’s growth, with more than 24,000 locations using Omnivore. Singer was appointed CEO after leading Omnivore …

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Brookfield Properties Opens Retail, Dining Portion of Fifth + Broadway in Downtown Nashville

by Katie Lee

Nashville, Tenn. — Brookfield Properties has opened the retail and dining component at Fifth + Broadway, a 6-acre mixed-use project in downtown Nashville, Tenn. Brookfield and local developer Pat Emery partnered on the development, which formerly was the location of the Nashville Convention Center. General contractor Skanska broke ground on the project in April 2017, when San Diego-based OliverMcMillan was the lead developer before its acquisition by Brookfield in February 2018. Designed by Gresham Smith and Gensler, the newly opened portion of Fifth + Broadway features 200,000 square feet of …

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