Atlanta — Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. has completed its previously announced $2.9 billion acquisition of Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. As part of the transaction, the company launched a new restaurant company known as Inspire Brands Inc. The company will oversee the growth of Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and an emerging brand, R Taco.
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Milwaukee — The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. has unveiled the 42 store locations that will be closing as part of a previously announced “store rationalization program.” The closing locations are in addition to five other recently announced store closures, four of which the company completed at the end of January.
Lebanon, Tenn. — On February 5, 2018, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® opened its newest location in Victorville, Calif. — the first Cracker Barrel store to open in the Golden State. The restaurant combines dining and shopping as a seamless experience in a relaxing, comfortable environment.
New York City — RD Management LLC, one of the nation’s largest privately held real-estate development and management organizations, has hired Christopher Bowen as chief development strategist to manage the redevelopment project of University Mall in Tampa, Fla. Bowen brings over 25 years of national commercial development experience.
Cincinnati — The Kroger Co. has named key leadership promotions to support Restock Kroger. Steve McKinney, currently president of the Fry’s Food Stores division, has been promoted to senior vice president of retail divisions for the company, effective February 5, 2018. Monica Garnes, currently corporate vice president of produce-floral merchandising, will succeed McKinney as president of the Fry’s division.
Smyrna, Tenn. — Franke Foodservice Systems, the global equipment and supplies solutions provider based in Smyrna, Tenn., has acquired Facility Solutions, Inc. (FSI), a project management firm serving national restaurant and retail chains. FSI will continue to serve these customers from its offices in Clinton Township, Mich., complementing Franke’s own business in supporting large-scale facility improvement programs for global restaurant brands.
Dallas — BRIX Holdings, LLC has named long-time operations executive Craig Erlich as CEO, effective immediately. The current BRIX Holdings franchise portfolio includes the Red Mango® Yogurt Café Smoothie & Juice Bar, Smoothie Factory® Juice Bar, RedBrick Pizza® Kitchen Cafe, Souper Salad® and Greenz® chains.