San Antonio, Texas — Taco Cabana®, a popular fast-casual chain since 1978, has launched a franchise program to grow the brand in new markets across the country, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee. “After 45 storied years building the Taco Cabana brand in Texas, we have the leadership and operational systems in place to deliver a nationwide franchising opportunity for passionate and experienced operators who want to introduce our acclaimed restaurant chain to their communities,” says Ulyses Camacho, president and COO of Taco Cabana. “This exciting step forward …
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RED Development Underway on $2 Billion Redevelopment of Paradise Valley Mall in Phoenix
Phoenix — RED Development has begun construction on PV, the $2 billion redevelopment of a 100-acre site in Phoenix formerly occupied by Paradise Valley Mall. Phase I of the project will include retail, dining and entertainment space anchored by Whole Foods Market; AVE Paradise Valley, a 400-unit multifamily community; and a 77,000-square-foot co-headquarters for Fender Musical Instruments Corp. Each component of the development will be linked via centrally located parks. A groundbreaking was recently held for the office portion of the development — a three-story building designed by SmithGroup to …
San Antonio — Whataburger® has appointed Todd Huetinck as its new chief supply chain officer. With nearly two decades of global supply chain leadership, Huetinck has expertise across sourcing, distribution, logistics, food safety, supplier quality management, continuous improvement and product commercialization. His first day at Whataburger was Oct. 1. Huetinck joins Whataburger from CKE Restaurants, where he most recently served as senior vice president, supply chain management, overseeing operations for 3,000 Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants. Throughout his 18 years at CKE, he took on increasingly responsible roles, making significant …
Roseville, Minn. — Rosedale Center, a 1,142,972-square-foot shopping center located in the heart of the Twin Cities, has completed construction of a new 80,000-square-foot DICK’S location. The grand opening is scheduled for Oct. 26. The new DICK’S store features golf hitting bays with TrackMan technology, a HitTrax multisport cage, House of Cleats, equipment services counter, an expanded premium footwear selection and apparel, accessories and equipment from the hottest brands. JLL’s retail development partner, Poag Development Group, led construction management of the project at the parcel formerly occupied by Herberger’s. “Each …
Saginaw, Mich. — Duro-Last, a member of Holcim Building Envelope, has appointed Albert Frattaroli as its new vice president of finance. In this role, Frattaroli will oversee Duro-Last’s financial strategy and operations, driving initiatives to enhance profitability, streamline financial processes and support continued growth. Frattaroli brings more than 20 years of experience in finance, having held leadership positions with global organizations such as Amcor, Owens Corning, Ally Bank, Honeywell International and PricewaterhouseCoopers. His expertise spans financial planning and analysis, operations finance, internal controls, acquisition integration and team leadership. “We are …
Brea, Calif. — CoolSys™, a market-leading provider of sustainable refrigeration, HVAC, energy and engineering solutions, has acquired Mechanical Engineering & Construction Corporation (MEC2), a full-service mechanical engineering firm based in Maryland and Virginia that provides comprehensive mechanical design and construction services for institutional, commercial, industrial and government projects. In acquiring MEC2, CoolSys will strengthen its commercial and industrial capabilities while deepening its market presence in the Mid-Atlantic region. “We’re excited to join forces with MEC2 and welcome their team to the CoolSys family. This acquisition enhances our national presence and …
San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc., a leading franchisor in the quick-service industry, is expanding again into the Chicago market with a 12-unit franchising deal. This builds on the brand’s momentum with the planned openings of 2 CloudKitchens in downtown and the previous announcement of 8 company-operated locations to be developed in the suburbs of Chicago. “We are excited to bring Jack in the Box back to Chicago,” says Van Ingram, vice president franchise development. “Chicagoland serves as the gateway to the Midwest, and we see tremendous opportunity …
Hartland, Wis. — Batteries Plus is laying the foundation for future expansion with a restructured franchise development strategy, emphasizing leadership, diversity and opportunities for underrepresented communities. As part of this strategy, the brand is announcing two key leadership appointments that will play a pivotal role in both domestic growth and building a foundation for potential future international expansion. Victor Daher (pictured), a seasoned franchise development expert with extensive experience in diverse markets, has been named the global vice president of franchise development after 4 successful years with Batteries Plus. Fluent …
Charlotte, N.C. — On Sept. 30, Sweetgreen opened its first North Carolina location in Uptown Charlotte at One Independence Center. The 2,479-square-foot location marks a significant milestone amidst the brand’s continued nationwide expansion. “We’re so grateful for the warm welcome and excitement around Sweetgreen coming to North Carolina to join the Queen City,” says Jonathan Neman, co-founder and CEO of Sweetgreen. “As we expand across the Carolinas, we’re looking forward to teaming up with local partners in the Southeast.” The Uptown space will accommodate up to 42 diners inside and …
Quincy, Mass. — Ahold Delhaize USA has appointed Roger Wheeler, chief commercial officer for Ahold Delhaize USA, as president of Stop & Shop, effective Sept. 30, 2024. The previous Stop & Shop president, Gordon Reid, plans to retire in mid-2025. “At Ahold Delhaize USA, it’s a strength of our organization that we have a depth of internal leadership talent, which will ensure a smooth transition,” says JJ Fleeman, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA. “A native of Massachusetts with more than 30 years of experience in the supermarket industry, and nearly …