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Mattress Firm CEO to Step Down

by Katie Lee

Lexington, Ky. — Tempur Sealy International, Inc., which recently acquired Mattress Firm, has named its own chairman and CEO, Scott Thompson, as interim CEO of Mattress Firm following CEO John Eck’s recent decision to step down. Mattress Firm is the nation’s largest mattress specialty retailer. In the meantime, Tempur Sealy has entered into a consulting agreement with Eck to ensure a smooth transition. The company expects to appoint a new CEO of Mattress Firm within the next 6 to 9 months.   “We thank John for his successful 6 years at …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Bloomin’ Brands Promotes VP of Operations to President of Carrabba’s Italian Grill

by Katie Lee

Tampa, Fla. — Kelia Bazile has been promoted to president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill where she will be responsible for leading the operations and development for more than 190 Carrabba’s locations. Carrabba’s offers authentic Italian cuisine and is one of four brands in the Bloomin’ Brands portfolio. “Kelia has a proven track record of creating and maintaining high executional standards that drive sales and a warm guest experience,” says Mike Spanos, CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. “She builds strong teams with a hospitality-first mindset and is a true servant leader.” …

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energy managementgreen building/LEEDgreen newsNewsretailersvendors

ENTOUCH Presents 24 Hour Fitness with Sustainability Award

by Katie Lee

Richardson, Texas — ENTOUCH, a leading energy management solutions provider for multisite operators, has selected 24 Hour Fitness as the recipient of the ENTOUCH 2023 Sustainability Award. This award recognizes companies that have significantly contributed to sustainability and energy efficiency. “We are proud to recognize 24 Hour Fitness for their commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency,” says Trey Hernandez, vice president of customer success for ENTOUCH. “Their dedication to reducing their environmental impact is an example for other companies to follow. We are proud to do our part in supporting …

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NewspeopleProduct Spotlightsoftware/technologyvendors

NCR Voyix Appoints EVP & President, Retail and Payments

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — NCR Voyix Corporation, a leading global provider of digital commerce solutions, has promoted Darren Wilson to executive vice president and president, retail and payments, effective immediately. He previously served as executive vice president and president, international. “Darren is a proven, growth-oriented leader and trusted colleague who has already added tremendous benefit since joining NCR Voyix last year,” says James G. Kelly, president and CEO, NCR Voyix. “I look forward to working with Darren as we continue to drive enhanced value for our existing base of retail customers and …

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Joann Files Motion to Close 500 Stores Across U.S.

by Katie Lee

Hudson, Ohio — According to a FAQ fact sheet distributed to customers, Joann plans to close approximately 500 of its 800 remaining stores in the U.S. as part ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The arts-and-crafts retailer filed a motion on Feb. 12, 2025 seeking court authority to begin the closings. If approved, going-out-of-business sales at underperforming stores will begin on Feb. 15 and continue for several months. The remainder of Joann’s store fleet — which spans 49 states — is not impacted and will remain open as usual. A full …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Rita’s Italian Ice Celebrates 39 New Openings and New Hires

by Katie Lee

Philadelphia — In 2024, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened 39 new locations, including 10 international shops, for a total of 575 operating units. The company continued its rapid growth in existing markets while expanding its reach in the Midwest, Michigan, Ohio and Texas, among other states. The company has also made two key recent hires. “We are committed to driving growth and expansion across key markets, enhancing our product offerings through innovative design and development, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to further elevate the customer experience,” says CEO Linda …

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Newspeopleretailers

Levi Strauss & Co. Shakes Up Leadership Team; COO to Retire

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) has made a series of strategic leadership changes designed to improve the company’s speed and agility, and further its commitment to consumers. These actions will streamline decision-making, drive operational excellence and align the company’s structure with its strategic priorities. “Over the past year, we’ve made bold moves to transform Levi Strauss & Co. into a world-class denim lifestyle retailer, and we’re seeing the results,” says Michelle Gass, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. “We believe success is built on clarity …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Cold Stone Creamery to Expand in Nashville with 10 New Locations

by Katie Lee

Scottsdale, Ariz. — Cold Stone Creamery®, one of the nation’s premier ice cream creameries, plans to expand the brand’s presence in Nashville, Tenn. The brand plans to open 10 locations in Nashville over the next 5 years. “Cold Stone Creamery is a staple in communities across the nation,” says Jay Goldstein, vice president of development at Cold Stone Creamery. “Our brand has a positive track record for growth in Tennessee with communities who love what we provide and want to experience more of our brand. Nashville is the perfect market …

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Southeastern Grocers Names New Ownership of Winn-Dixie & Harveys Banners

by Katie Lee

Jacksonville, Fla. — A consortium of private investors, spearheaded by the current CEO and president of Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), Anthony Hucker, and C&S Wholesale Grocers, has acquired Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners from ALDI U.S. ALDI U.S. previously purchased Southeastern Grocers in March 2024. The agreement includes the acquisition of SEG grocery and liquor store operations under the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners. This includes approximately 170 grocery stores in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida, as well as the existing Winn-Dixie liquor store business. …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Evolves its Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe® evolves its leadership team as it continues to drive operational excellence and expansion. The company has appointed Jonathan Biggs as chief operating officer (COO) and has promoted Chris Sasser to chief financial officer (CFO) and Karen Wickliffe to general counsel (GC). Biggs joins Tropical Smoothie Cafe from Baskin-Robbins, where he served as brand head, overseeing operations across the United States. With over a decade of experience in field and global operations, he has a proven track record of driving restaurant profitability through technology and operational …

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