Salem, N.H. — The first Anthropologie store in New Hampshire has opened at The Mall at Rockingham Park, New England’s premier destination for tax-free and fashion-forward shopping. The first Anthropologie in the Granite State opened on Oct. 23. “Anthropologie is a first-of-its-kind destination in New Hampshire,” says Elizabeth Tetreault, area director of marketing. “We are exceptionally honored that Anthropologie chose The Mall at Rockingham Park and Salem for its first store in New Hampshire.” Anthropologie is a respected lifestyle brand founded in 1992; the brand ships to more than 100 …
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Costa Mesa, Calif. — El Pollo Loco, a premier fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, has unveiled its new restaurant prototype showcasing an enduring, yet modern and efficient, design. As the brand approaches its 50th anniversary next year, it looks to create a modern legacy of curated experiences, inspired by place and punctuated by new menu innovation. While the new restaurant prototype includes existing brand elements — such as the fire stack gradient, logo and font — that fans have come to know and love, these elements now reflect an updated color …
Hampton, N.H. — Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers, has appointed Jay Stasz as its next chief financial officer (CFO), effective Nov. 15, 2024. Stasz will join the company on Nov. 4, 2024, and will work with current CFO Tom Fitzgerald until assuming the role. Fitzgerald will remain with the company through Dec. 31, 2024 to ensure a smooth transition and will serve in a consulting capacity with the company through March 31, 2025. Stasz is an accomplished finance executive with …
Wilmington, N.C. — Clean Eatz, a health-focused lifestyle brand and meal plan franchise, has appointed 30-year restaurant and retail industry leader Eric Wyatt as the first CEO of the brand. Wyatt most recently served as CEO of California-based NORMS Restaurants and has held C-level leadership roles at Boston Market and Corner Bakery Cafe. He also held senior positions at Hardee’s Restaurants, Panera Bread and Starbucks, where he consistently demonstrated his ability to mentor and support team members, improve operational efficiency and lead successful market expansions. “Eric’s journey brings our founding …
Irvine, Calif. — Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. has announced that Jim Conroy plans to step down as chief executive officer (CEO) and president and as a member of the company’s board of directors, effective Nov. 22, 2024, to become CEO of Ross Stores, Inc. John Hazen, Boot Barn’s current chief digital officer, will assume the role of interim CEO, effective Nov. 22, 2024. Hazen joined the company in 2018 with responsibility for e-commerce, marketing and the customer experience. Additionally, Peter Starrett, Boot Barn’s current chairman of the board of directors, …
Dallas — Dallas-based global consultant firm Harrison is currently designing 33 global Fogo de Chão locations, including remodels and new builds. As global design lead, Harrison has helped evolve the Fogo restaurant designs since 2018. The firm’s work covers the spectrum from interior design and architecture to development of the Butchery brand identity including graphics, logo creation and packaging design. “As Fogo de Chão continues to expand its presence internationally, Harrison remains dedicated to delivering innovative design solutions that reflect the brand’s design pillars to create authentic guest experiences,” says …
High Point, N.C., and Monroe, Mich. — La-Z-Boy Incorporated has opened a newly renovated showroom at High Point Market in Furniture Plaza, High Point, N.C. In addition, Bob Lucian, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will retire at the end of the fiscal year, effective April 26, 2025. Taylor Luebke, vice president, finance and treasurer, will succeed Lucian on January 1, 2025. Luebke joined La-Z-Boy Incorporated in 2021 and has held roles of increasing responsibility, most recently working in close partnership with the CFO. Lucian joined La-Z-Boy Incorporated in …
Portland, Ore. — Killer Burger, a fast-growing better burger concept, has implemented technology to increase its operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The company has launched a test with Toast on self-serving kiosks that allows guests to browse the menu, customize their orders and pay at their own pace — reducing wait times and improving the overall guest experience. Killer Burgers has also launched Toast’s Kitchen Display System to streamline back-of-house operations. Since implementing Toast’s Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), and launching its single-ticket flow operating system, Killer Burger has cut its …
Atlanta — Zaxbys™, a rapidly expanding Georgia-based QSR franchise, plans to open its first-ever location in New Jersey. The first two locations, set to open in South Jersey in summer 2025, mark the beginning of a major expansion into the Garden State. This ambitious move is being made by the GSP Group, led by Premanand Gupta, a longtime New Jersey resident. Currently, the GSP Group has signed on to open six Zaxbys locations across south, central and north New Jersey, with plans to open more in the future. Its first …
Seattle — Accelerating the pace of electric vehicle charging, Electric Era, an end-to-end EV charging solution partner, has entered into an EV fast-charging station deployment with fellow Washington state native Costco Wholesale Corporation. The partnership sets an industry-leading pace with just 7 weeks between contract signature to station launch. As EV charging rapidly becomes an essential business objective for retailers, Costco faced a critical challenge: while industry-standard EV infrastructure projects typically take years, the retailer needed a rapid deployment solution for its new Ridgefield, Wash., store that could meet local …