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Atlanta — Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is rebranding as Perkins American Food Co., where modern American hospitality is reimagined to both take you back and move you forward. The humble pancake house from 1958 in the heartland of the Midwest is now a leading family dining brand with nearly 300 locations across the United States and Canada. In addition to its new name, Perkins has a new logo, restaurant design and elevated services. “Our rebrand is way more than a new logo and descriptor,” says Toni Ronayne, president of Perkins …

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Livonia, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash report double-digit mid-year growth with 23 sold franchise agreements and 16 store openings. Collectively, the brands are projected to sell a total of 70 franchise units and open at least 45 stores by year-end. While each franchise has a unique offering, both legacy brand Pet Supplies Plus and emerging concept Wag N’ Wash have the billion-dollar backing of 30+ years of franchise and industry experience. As the largest pet retail franchise in North America, Pet Supplies Plus continues to be …

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Atlanta — Adrian Villarreal, the founder of Rreal Tacos, has returned to the company he founded in Atlanta almost a decade ago, according to Rreal Tacos owners Damian Otero and Miguel Hernandez. Villarreal is back now as culinary director, a role he most recently held for Rye Restaurants since selling Rreal Tacos to Otero and Hernandez in 2021. Now, the trio is ready to continue growing the brand throughout metro Atlanta and the Southeast region together. “Adrian has been one of our biggest supporters as we put our vision for …

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Lakewood, Colo. — Todd Dissinger, chief financial officer of Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc., has informed the company of his intention to retire on December 31, 2024. He will continue to serve as chief financial officer until his successor is appointed to ensure a smooth transition. “Since his appointment as chief financial officer in December 2017, Dissinger has been an invaluable member of our executive team, helping Natural Grocers to execute on its founding principles while achieving record financial performance and enhancing shareholder value,” says Kemper Isely, chairman and …

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Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts has further built out its development team to include experienced construction project managers to help franchisees through every aspect of design, permitting and construction, including overseeing timelines and conducting site visits to ensure quicker shop openings without costly delays. Ryan Pullin, Shipley’s new director of design, has nearly 15 years’ experience in commercial and retail construction project management, with a focus on cost control. He joined the company after serving as president of Elite 3 Construction. Korelle Dickson, who joined the company as construction project manager, …

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Lincolnshire, Ill. — Zebra Technologies Corporation, a leading digital solution provider enabling businesses to intelligently connect data, assets and people, has been chosen by the Walgreens Boots Alliance to optimize its operations with Zebra Workcloud Actionable Intelligence software, in order to save millions of dollars by enhancing operational compliance and the company’s ability to identify and combat shrink. Walgreens, a Chicago-based international pharmacy retailer, selected Zebra’s Modern Store framework to improve asset protection, better equip employees with technology, and optimize operational visibility in its network of 8,000 locations across 50 …

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Corona, Calif. — 810 Billiards & Bowling, an emerging bowling, dining and entertainment franchise, will debut in California with a new development at The Shops at Dos Lagos in Corona, projected to open in spring 2025. “This will be our first location in California, which is a big step, but we’re also excited about our role in making Dos Lagos the entertainment destination for the Corona community. The market in Corona is underserved for safe, high-quality entertainment venues, and we’re excited to be able to provide that,” says Michael Siniscalchi, …

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San Diego — Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. has released its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, detailing progress on its mission to improve the lives of pets, pet parents and its own employees — including the launch of a new large-scale LDPE plastic recycling program.  “Our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of pets, people and the planet we all share is pivotal to our mission as a purpose-driven pet retailer,” says Benjamin Thiele-Long, chief ESG and communications officer. “By making meaningful progress on …

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College Station, Texas — With 16 restaurants open and another 212 awarded, including 91 in the first quarter alone, chicken finger franchise Layne’s Chicken Fingers is building a team to support its rapidly growing system. The team recently welcomed Alex Camp as senior director of operations and Ashley Reynolds as director of marketing. The brand also recently moved into a new office, which accommodates more team members and provides them with the space they need as the brand scales. Layne’s has welcomed several new experts to the family to bolster …

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Minneapolis — Target Corporation has named Christina Hennington, currently chief growth officer, as chief strategy and growth officer, and Rick Gomez, currently chief food, essentials and beauty officer, as chief commercial officer, overseeing Target’s merchandising business, both effective July 7. Lisa Roath, Target’s chief marketing officer, will take on the role of chief merchandising officer of food, essentials and beauty in early 2025. The company is initiating an external search for its next chief marketing officer and, until a successor is named, Roath will remain in full capacity as chief …

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