Tampa, Fla. — IFCO, a global leader in reusable packaging solutions for fresh food, has opened its newest service center in Mesquite, Texas, near Dallas. A purpose-built facility in North America, the Dallas Service Center advances IFCO’s mission to create smarter, safer and more sustainable supply chains for fresh foods across the region. The opening comes at a pivotal time, as growing demand for reusable packaging solutions, increased fresh food shipments, and rising safety and sustainability standards made expanding IFCO’s service center footprint a strategic imperative. After extensive market analysis and site alignment, IFCO …
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Kansas City — The Big Biscuit, a modern All-American breakfast and lunch franchise concept, has named Alexandra (Alex) Clark as its vice president of finance. She joins the team from Jefferson’s, a fast-growing full-service restaurant concept. Clark brings more than 30 years of accounting and financial leadership experience, including two decades focused on the restaurant franchising sector. She most recently served as vice president of finance at Jefferson’s, where she oversaw financial planning and systems. Before that, she was chief financial officer for Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs, where she guided …
Jacksonville, Fla. — Winn-Dixie is celebrating its centennial with nostalgic pricing, special celebrations and a renewed commitment to fighting hunger. For 100 years, the grocer has been more than just a store, it’s been a cornerstone of Southeast communities, serving generations through historic events, natural disasters and everyday moments. This milestone honors the people and places that made it possible. “Reaching 100 years is an extraordinary milestone that belongs to everyone who has been part of Winn-Dixie’s journey — our associates, our customers and the communities we call home,” says …
Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Round Table Pizza and 15 other restaurant concepts, announces the return of Andrew (Andy) Wiederhorn as chief executive officer. Effective Sept. 3, Ken Kuick will be exclusively focused on his roles as chief financial officer of FAT Brands and Twin Hospitality Group Inc., and Taylor Wiederhorn will continue to serve as chief development officer. Kuick and Taylor Wiederhorn had been serving as co-CEOs of FAT Brands. “I am grateful to both Ken and Taylor for …
Charlotte, N.C. — Driven Brands, parent company of Take 5 Oil Change and other automotive services related concepts, is unveiling two senior leadership promotions within its organization. Mo Khalid, former executive vice president and group president of Take 5 Oil Change, has been appointed chief operating officer of Driven Brands, overseeing the Take 5 Oil Change and Franchise Brands segments. In his former role at Take 5 Oil Change, Khalid led the brand’s rapid growth from approximately 850 to over 1,200 locations in under 2 years. In his new role, …
Minneapolis — Caribou Coffee, a leading specialty coffee retailer, has appointed Scott Kennedy as president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Kennedy previously served as chief financial officer and was appointed to the role of interim CEO in March 2025. “I am delighted to announce Scott’s appointment as president and CEO of Caribou Coffee. I am confident Scott’s focus on building a winning team and culture along with delivering exceptional guest experiences in our Caribou coffeehouses everyday will help make this great brand a great business,” says José Cil, chairman …
Memphis, Tenn. — AutoZone’s executive vice president, merchandising, marketing and supply chain, Bill Hackney, and its senior vice president, human resources, Rick Smith, will retire in November 2025 (Hackney) and January 2026 (Smith). Both executives have been with AutoZone for 40 years. “I give special thanks to Bill and Rick for their many contributions and exceptional years of service to our customers, their fellow AutoZoners, AutoZone and our industry,” says Phil Daniele, president and chief executive officer. “After working side-by-side with these two leaders for decades, words fall short in …
Plantation, Fla. — Twin Hospitality Group Inc., the parent company of Smokey Bones, has appointed Ken Brendemihl as president of Smokey Bones, effective immediately. He has over 25 years of restaurant leadership experience, most recently as chief operating officer of Alamo Drafthouse. Prior to that, he held key leadership roles at Velvet Taco, California Pizza Kitchen, Texas Roadhouse and On the Border. “Smokey Bones is a beloved brand that has amassed a loyal following over the years,” says Kim Boerema, CEO of Twin Hospitality Group. “Since joining Twin Hospitality, we …
Katy, Texas — Academy Sports + Outdoors has opened three new locations in Boardman, Ohio; Beaufort, S.C.; and Virginia Beach, Va.; and will open eight more stores in fall 2025 in Rome, Ga.; Cullman, Ala.; Mishawaka, Ind.; Lakeland, Fla.; Columbia, Tenn.; Albany, Ga.; Palestine, Texas; and Batesville Miss. To date, Academy has opened 11 new stores in 2025 with plans to open 20-25 new locations this fiscal year. Combined, the 11 new stores opening this quarter are expected to bring more than 650 total new jobs across Academy’s footprint. Academy …
Jimmy John’s Opens Second Location in Canada, With 12 More Scheduled to Open by Year’s End
Montreal — Jimmy John’s has opened its second location in Canada, inside Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls. The opening is part of a wave of new stores — 12 according to the last count — that will open across Canada by year’s end. New stores are expected to open in Winnipeg, Ottawa, Edmonton, Barrie, Windsor and additional locations in the Greater Toronto Area. “We have a big appetite for opening new stores because we know how much our fellow Canadians appreciate a fantastic-tasting sandwich with fresh ingredients,” says Peter Mammas, …