Shelton, Conn. — Budderfly, a preferred sustainability partner for commercial businesses, has significantly expanded its Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platform, activating real-time demand response across four of the country’s largest energy markets: California Independent System Operator (CAISO), Independent System Operator (ISO) New England, Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland (PJM) Interconnection, and Southwest Power Pool (SPP) service territories. The milestone signifies a decisive move into active grid participation for Budderfly, which now orchestrates behind-the-meter commercial sites through real-time energy market programs. Initial deployments leverage thermostatic control of HVAC systems and will expand to include …
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St. Louis — Panera Bread has created a new Office of Transformation & Strategy, with Nikka Copeland heading up the new office as senior vice president. In this role, Copeland will manage the strategic execution of Panera’s 3-year growth plan, driving business model clarity that will be instrumental as the company transforms for sustained performance and growth. Copeland joined the Panera executive team on June 24, reporting to CEO Paul Carbone. Copeland brings more than 20 years of experience across multiple industries including foodservice. She is known for leading enterprise-wide …
Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty, Inc. has named Chris Lialios, its senior vice president – controller, as interim chief financial officer, effective immediately. He succeeds Paula Oyibo, who has left Ulta Beauty. The company has commenced an external search for a permanent successor with the assistance of a leading executive search firm. Lialios has served as senior vice president – controller since 2018 with responsibility for the company’s financial reporting, internal controls and accounting policy. He joined Ulta Beauty in 1999 as assistant controller. “Chris has been a respected leader …
San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. is pleased to announce the return of Shannon McKinney as senior vice president, chief operating officer and new member of the executive leadership team. He was first with Jack in the Box from 2019 until 2021. McKinney brings more than 25 years of restaurant industry experience with a deep understanding of driving operational efficiency and a proven track record of developing high-performance teams and delivering best-in-class team member and guest experiences. He started out his quick-service and fast-casual restaurant operations career in …
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Stretch Zone, the nation’s leader in practitioner-assisted stretching, announced today the opening of three new locations across the country, reaching 400 studio locations — marking a major milestone in the brand’s rapid national expansion. Stretch Zone has achieved this growth without a single location failure, a rare feat in the franchise world, and a testament to the brand’s proven model, operational excellence and robust franchise support. The multi-location debut underscores Stretch Zone’s momentum and growing national footprint, with three new studios set to open in Rogers, Ark.; …
Atlanta — Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, will open its first restaurant in Kansas on July 1 — expanding the brand’s footprint to 22 states. The new restaurant will be located in Overland Park. Sisters Jo Anne Williams and Cindy Sulzman are the team behind this milestone opening for the brand. In addition to their Overland Park restaurant, the pair are slated to open two more Chicken Salad Chick restaurants in Johnson County in 2026. Sulzman will be heading up retail operations, catering and …
Houston — Tailored Brands, Inc. has named John Tighe as its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective August 5, 2025. He will also join the board of directors. Peter Sachse will transition from his current role as CEO to become executive chairman of the board. Sachse was first appointed to the board in March of 2021, led the company’s transformation as co-CEO alongside Bob Hull beginning in 2021 and was named sole CEO in February 2024. Tighe joined Tailored Brands in May 2021 as executive vice president and chief customer …
Sugar Land, Texas — Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has shaken things up in the Houston area with the grand opening of its newest location in Sugar Land, called Fuzzy’s Tacos and Margs, on June 16, 2025. The restaurant marks a new offering for the brand, debuting a fresh dining experience with full-service hospitality, digital innovations and a menu refresh. Unlike traditional Fuzzy’s locations where guests order at the counter and collect their food at a pickup window, the Sugar Land restaurant will offer tableside service. Guests will be welcomed to take …
Louisville, Ky. — The board of directors of Yum! Brands, Inc. has unanimously elected Chris Turner as chief executive officer, effective October 1, 2025. Turner currently serves as chief financial & franchise officer for Yum! Brands. He succeeds current CEO David Gibbs, who, in March 2025, informed the board of directors of his intention to retire in the next year after 37 years with the company and a successful tenure as CEO. Turner has served as Yum! Brands’ CFO since 2019 and expanded his role to include chief franchise officer …
Nashville, Tenn. — ABM, a leading provider of facility services, has entered into a new strategic partnership with Nashville Yards. As part of the multi-year agreement, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships and Southwest Value Partners, ABM has been named an Official Partner of the 19-acre downtown development, further expanding its presence in Nashville and reinforcing its operational expertise in high-profile urban environments. ABM will deliver a comprehensive suite of janitorial services across Nashville Yards, including in parking garages and common areas. ABM will also oversee post-construction and pre-tenant occupancy cleaning …