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Smashburger Appoints Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

Denver — Smashburger® has appointed Jim Sullivan as chief development officer. In his new role, Sullivan is responsible for overseeing all facets of restaurant development, including market planning, site selection and franchise sales, with a strategic focus on elevating Smashburger’s brand identity in the fast-casual space. “We are thrilled to welcome Jim Sullivan as Smashburger’s new chief development officer,” says Denise Nelsen, CEO of Smashburger. “Jim brings unparalleled expertise, passion and a deep understanding of the fast-casual industry that will be instrumental in driving our ambitious expansion plans both domestically …

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Books-A-Million Appoints SVP and Chief Accounting Officer

by Katie Lee

Birmingham, Ala. — Books-A-Million has promoted Damian Doggett to the position of senior vice president and chief accounting officer. “This promotion is a recognition of Damian’s years of strong and creative leadership of our accounting, tax and payroll departments, along with his critical role in supporting our transition to new technology platforms,” says Terrance G. Finley, chief executive officer of Books-A-Million. “It is gratifying to have someone of Damian’s experience and dedication in a position to help us meet the evolving challenges and tremendous opportunities in the years ahead.” Since …

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KPOT Opens 80th Location, First in New York City

by Katie Lee

New York City — KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, a unique, hands-on, all-you-can-eat dining experience that merges traditional Asian Hot Pot with Korean BBQ flavors, has opened its 80th location, which is also the brand’s first location in New York City. The new restaurant is located at 310 W. 38th St. in Manhattan’s Midtown West neighborhood. “We’re thrilled to bring KPOT’s unique dining experience to the vibrant culinary landscape of New York City,” says Margaret M. Farrell, head of marketing for Vertex Hospitality. “New York is home to diverse …

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Tillys, Inc. Appoints Co-Founder/Chairman as President and CEO

by Katie Lee

Irvine, Calif. — Tilly’s, Inc. and its board of directors have appointed Hezy Shaked, the company’s co-founder and executive chairman of the board, as its president and chief executive officer. “As the co-founder of this 42-year-old company, there is no one who cares about it more deeply than I do,” Shaked says. “I remain fully committed and enthusiastic about making every effort to work toward improving our business.” Shaked had been serving as the company’s interim president and chief executive officer since January 21, 2024, and served as president and …

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BurgerFi Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

by Katie Lee

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — BurgerFi International has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based company operates under two brands: BurgerFi and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings. The two entities have a total of 144 locations open across the United States, Puerto Rico and Saudi Arabia. The filing pertains to 67 corporately owned locations operating under both the BurgerFi and Anthony’s banners. The remaining 77 franchisee-owned locations are excluded from the filing, with the company’s total portfolio expected to remain open and continue normal operations. BurgerFi …

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Walmart Enhances In-Store Accessibility with Specialized Caroline’s Carts

by Katie Lee

Bentonville, Ark. — Walmart has introduced Caroline’s Carts into all its stores in several states: Arizona, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. The specially designed carts help caregivers of children and adults with disabilities navigate Walmart stores more easily. The retailer’s multimillion-dollar investment is part of a larger commitment to champion inclusivity and accessibility in all its stores. “Helping our customers save money and live better is more than our mission — it’s our driving force,” says Cedric Clark, executive vice president of store …

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USSI Global Names Director of Sales and Business Development, Digital Signage and Technology Group

by Katie Lee

Melbourne, Fla. — USSI Global has added an experienced AV and digital signage professional to its leadership team as the company prepares for business growth in a thriving industry sector. Christina Murgo joins USSI Global’s Digital Signage and Technology Group as director of sales and business development, effective immediately. She reports to Amanda Flynn, chief revenue officer. USSI Global’s holistic approach to project management covers an entire spectrum of services that brings the world’s largest digital signage projects to life. The company’s thoughtful structure positions it as among the few …

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Papa Johns Names New Chief Digital and Technology Officer

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Papa John’s International, Inc. has appointed Kevin Vasconi to chief digital and technology officer. He brings proven enterprise technology leadership to the company, having most recently served as chief information officer for The Wendy’s Company. While at Wendy’s, Vasconi led the team to triple its e-commerce business in 3 years through a consumer-centric approach, leveraging technology to build loyalty with Wendy’s customers. In his new role, Vasconi will be responsible for guiding the development and execution of Papa Johns long term strategy across the entire digital and technology …

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Sierra Trading Post to Open 3 Stores at Cafaro Properties

by Katie Lee

Niles, Ohio — Sierra Trading Post will soon be opening its trademark outdoors gear locations in three properties owned and managed by Ohio-based Cafaro Company. The first will be located at Cafaro’s Millcreek Mall in Erie, Pa. It will comprise more than 17,000 square foot of space, with plans to open in the fall of this year. Another 18,000-square-foot store is also under construction at Kentucky Oaks Mall in Paducah, Ky. It is scheduled to open late this year. Simultaneously, a new, standalone building will be rising on the Eastwood …

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Little Caesars Marks 65 Years in Business with 23+ New Openings Planned in U.S.

by Katie Lee

Detroit — Little Caesars celebrates its 65th anniversary with another successful development period, signing numerous new multi-unit development agreements to expand its footprint across the U.S. These agreements will translate into more than 23 new restaurants opening in Dallas; Los Angeles; San Antonio, Texas; Charlotte, N.C.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Baltimore, Md.; and Greenville, S.C. Recent grand openings have also included three new restaurants in New York City. “Over the past few years, we’ve taken steps to continue to meet the demands and preferences of franchisees and guests alike. As …

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