News

Reynoldsburg, Ohio — Victoria’s Secret & Co. (VS&Co) has announced that its chief financial and administrative officer, Timothy (TJ) Johnson, is retiring in June 2025. Scott Sekella has been appointed chief financial officer. “We are excited to welcome Scott to VS&Co,” says Hillary Super, chief executive officer of VS&Co. “He is a transformational leader with extensive and diverse retail experience delivering results, driving operational efficiencies and executing growth strategies. He has a strong retail background and record of identifying and accelerating strategies that strengthen performance and enhance profitability which I …

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Pasadena, Calif. — Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar®, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® and IHOP®, has announced that Tony Moralejo (pictured here) will step down as Applebee’s president, effective March 4, 2025, and will serve as an advisor to the company through June 4, 2025. John Peyton, CEO, Dine Brands, will assume the role of interim president of Applebee’s while continuing in his current capacity. “Tony and I share a deep respect for the DNA of Applebee’s and we are all grateful for his …

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Lexington, Ky. — Tempur Sealy International, Inc. has completed its previously announced acquisition of Mattress Firm Group Inc. (Mattress Firm), the nation’s largest mattress specialty retailer, for approximately $5 billion. Additionally, Tempur Sealy will change its name to Somnigroup International Inc., effective February 18, 2025. Mattress Firm, Dreams and Tempur Sealy will operate as decentralized business units under Somnigroup International. Mattress Firm and Dreams will continue to operate as multi-branded retailers and Tempur Sealy, primarily a manufacturer, will continue to serve third-party retailers as well as Mattress Firm, Dreams and …

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Nashville, Tenn. — Captain D’s, a leading fast-casual seafood restaurant, is expanding on both sides of the Mississippi. It is adding the state of Maryland to its system and increasing its presence in Texas. The Maryland development group has signed on to develop five restaurants in Prince George County in the Baltimore metro over the next 7 years. Expanding Captain D’s footprint to its 24th state is part of the Tennessee-based seafood chain’s strategic plan to grow into the Northeast. In Texas, Captain D’s will open three locations in San …

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St. Louis — Caleres, a market-leading portfolio of consumer-driven footwear brands, has hired Brian Costello to join Famous Footwear as chief merchandising officer. In this role, he will oversee all buying and merchandising for the brand’s U.S. and Canada stores and e-commerce sites. “Brian has a long track record of exceptional fashion and footwear industry leadership,” says Mike Edwards, president of Famous Footwear. “With expertise in merchandising and planning for both footwear and ready-to-wear, I’m confident he will help drive growth and achieve our ambitions at Famous Footwear.” Costello has …

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Beaumont, Texas — Jason’s Deli is stepping into a new era with a refreshed visual identity system and innovative new restaurant design, in partnership with experience agency ChangeUp. The brand refresh, which began rolling out in recent months, is centered on a new core concept: “The Art of Delicious.” This captures the essence of Jason’s Deli’s mission — to craft delicious, honest-to-goodness food served with the same care and attention that has made the restaurant a favorite for nearly five decades. The new identity is being integrated across all touchpoints …

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Murray, Utah — Beyond, Inc., owner of Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock, has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with BBBY Acquisition Co. LLC to acquire the global rights of the Buy Buy Baby brand. The purchase price of $5 million includes certain assets, databases, domains, intellectual property, vendor relationships and content related to Buy Buy Baby. “Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby have historically been synonymous with supporting families, their homes and all of life’s milestones,” says Marcus Lemonis, executive chairman of Beyond. “Our goal is …

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Houston — Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen has signed a multi-unit development agreement to open 10 outlets in Mexico City by 2027. This marks a milestone for the brand as it continues its international expansion. Russo’s newest franchisee, Javier Aguilar, will introduce the brand’s signature New York-style pizza and Italian dishes to the vibrant culinary scene in Mexico City. Aguilar emphasizes what makes Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen stand out from other pizza chains: the exceptional menu and flexible store design. “The ability to open a …

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New York City — On Feb. 3, Planet Hollywood New York opened its doors, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the brand’s history. Planet Hollywood’s return to New York City introduces a modernized version of the beloved restaurant and entertainment venue. A transformative $20 million investment, the cutting-edge, technology-driven space sets a new standard for unparalleled dining and entertainment experiences. Located at 136 W. 42nd St., the restaurant redefines Hollywood glamor beneath a 360-degree canopy of state-of-the-art, high-definition screens. Encircling the entire perimeter is an array of over …

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Miami — Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, a leading pet grooming and gourmet treat destination, has expanded into 10 additional states and its international debut in Canada. With stores now spanning 26 states and two countries, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming has become a household name for pet lovers across North America. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming’s historic growth in 2024 includes significant expansions into key regions such as California, Arizona and Idaho, marking its first major footprint in the Western U.S. Simultaneously, the brand strengthened its presence in the …

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