Minneapolis — American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) has added Julie Davis to the corporate team as the brand’s new franchise development director. For nearly 20 years, Davis has held franchise development leadership positions with various brands in the QSR space including Schlotzsky’s, Popeyes, Dunkin’ Brands and El Pollo Loco.
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Santa Monica, Calif. — Veggie Grill, the go-to destination for plant-based, chef-inspired food, will launch its first-ever restaurant in New York City. Now operating 31 locations in California, Oregon, Washington and Illinois, Veggie Grill is slated to open its Flatiron District location in spring 2019.
Grand Rapids, Mich. — For the first time, Meijer has been named a SmartWay® Excellence Award winner in two categories simultaneously — as a shipper and a carrier — by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Meijer is the first retailer to be honored in both categories.
Davenport, Iowa — On October 13, 2018, Von Maur opened a new department store at the Rosedale Center in Roseville, Minn. The 140,000-square-foot store is the company’s second location in Minnesota. (The first Twin Cities-area store opened at Eden Prairie Center in 2001.)
Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Claire’s Stores, Inc. has successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 as the company’s court-confirmed plan of reorganization went into effect on October 12, 2018. With support from its creditors and stakeholders, the company has eliminated approximately $1.9 billion of debt from its balance sheet and gained access to $575 million in new capital.
Charlotte, N.C. — Diversey, a customer-centric global leader in the hygiene and cleaning industry, plans a transition of executive responsibilities. Dr. Ilham Kadri will resign from her position as Diversey’s chief executive officer, effective December 31, 2018, to take another executive role, which will be separately announced. In the interim, Dr. Kadri will concentrate on strategic areas needed to ensure a smooth transition.