Cincinnati — The Kroger Co. will phase out single-use plastic bags and transition to reusable bags across its family of stores by 2025. Seattle-based QFC will be the company’s first retail division to phase out single-use plastic bags. The company expects QFC’s transition to be completed in 2019.
News
Plano, Texas — At Home Group Inc.’s CFO, Judd Nystrom, will be leaving the home décor superstore after a transition period. The company is naming Jeffrey R. Knudson, currently senior vice president, finance and retail controller at CVS Health, as his successor.
Miami — FRONTIER Building has broken ground on a brand-new Krispy Kreme Doughnuts located at 530 Northeast 167 St. in Miami. The iconic doughnut shop’s new location is being built from the ground up next door to the existing location, which will remain open throughout construction.
Dallas — Pizza Inn has chosen Thrive for its first company-approved POS system. Thrive is a state-of-the-art system that has the capability to handle the complexity and numerous business models that exist in the Pizza Inn brand, including buffet, carryout, delivery, online ordering, drive-thru and catering, as well as being adaptable to handle Delivery-Carry Out, Express and PIE concepts.
Greensboro, N.C. — Publix Super Markets Inc. plans to build a refrigerated distribution center in Greensboro, N.C., as part of a multi-phase project. The company plans to invest up to $300 million in the first phase of the project, which is scheduled for completion by 2022.
Canton, Mass. — Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, continues its aggressive expansion in Ontario, specifically in the Greater Toronto Area with the signing of 18 new store development agreements with six new and existing franchise groups.
Saginaw, Mich. — Duro-Last®, Inc. has promoted multiple employees throughout its leadership team. Mike Tracey now serves as vice president of operations; Thomas Jenkins is now the vice president of manufacturing; and Mitch Gilbert has accepted the position of director of continuous improvement.
Grand Rapid, Mich. — On August 27, 2018, Meijer opened a newly-designed convenience store and gas station adjacent to the retailer’s Grand Rapids, Mich.-based headquarters. The new 5,500-square-foot convenience store is the first Meijer gas station to include a separate full-service Starbucks. The store also includes an expanded assortment of fresh produce and protein-based snacks, wraps, fruit and organic items, as well as grab-and-go meals prepared locally by Superior Foods.
Morristown, N.J. — Primo Hoagies, the Philadelphia-born Italian specialty sandwich franchise, has signed an agreement with Christopher Amico for the North Jersey area. The new hoagie franchise location will be the first of three locations that Amico will be opening in the area.
Mooresville, N.C. — Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will close all 99 of its Orchard Supply Hardware stores by February 1, 2019. Founded in San Jose, Calif., in 1931 and acquired by Lowe’s in 2013, Orchard Supply Hardware operates locations in California, Oregon and Florida. Lowe’s is closing the stores to focus on its core home improvement business.