San Diego — Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. has named Ron Coughlin as its new chief executive officer, effective June 18, 2018. Coughlin joins the company from HP Inc., where he served for 11 years, most recently as president of personal systems.
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Lexington, Ky. — With the countdown to its 100th anniversary underway, A&W Restaurants, America’s first restaurant chain, is continuing to reappear along the roadsides that made it famous. After opening 15 franchise locations in 2017, the iconic brand expects to open another 12 this year.
Saginaw, Mich. — Plastatech Engineering, Ltd., a company related to Dura-Last Roofing, has launched its newly updated website, accessible at www.plastatech.com. The complete overhaul features a variety of design and organizational updates that aim to enhance overall user experience and efficiency.
Warrendale, Pa. — r21 Holdings, Inc. (rue21) has appointed Laurie Van Brunt president and chief executive officer, effective June 25, 2018. Also, Michele Pascoe has been named senior vice president and chief financial officer, and Stephen Sommers has been named senior vice president and chief marketing officer.
Las Colinas, Texas — Pei Wei fans in and around Las Colinas, Texas, will be the first to experience the leading fresh Pan-Asian brand’s new prototype restaurant. The Las Colinas restaurant is the Pei Wei Restaurant Support Center’s flagship location. The restaurant recently closed for dine-in business during its massive interior remodel project and is now back open for business.
Hampton, N.H. — On June 12, 2018, Planet Fitness, Inc. appointed Ray Miolla as chief development officer. He will be responsible for driving strategic initiatives to fuel Planet Fitness’ overall system-wide growth, overseeing market analysis, planning and development, real estate, construction and design, and franchise sales.
Paducah, Ky. — More than 3 years in the making, Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn will debut in China for the first time. America’s leading flash frozen beaded ice cream company and the largest franchisor of fresh-popped popcorn plan to open six locations by this fall and a total of 10 by May 2019.
New York City — Harrys of London has opened its first American flagship store in New York City, located at the corner of Park Avenue and 57th Street. This opening, the first since the brand’s London store opened in 2008, marks Harrys of London’s look toward a global expansion following the sale of the brand to Charles S. Cohen in May 2017.
Parsippany, N.J. — Ferrero, a global confectionery company and the maker of Nutella® The Original Hazelnut Spread®, will open a Nutella Cafe at 13th Street and University Place, near Union Square, by the end of the year. Nutella Cafe New York will feature a Nutella-inspired cafe menu and specialty espresso beverages. The first Nutella Cafe opened on May 31, 2017 in Chicago.