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Claire’s Appoints CFO/COO as Interim CEO

by Katie Lee

Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Claire’s Holdings LLC has appointed Chris Cramer as interim chief executive officer, effective immediately. Cramer will also continue to serve in his roles as chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Cramer succeeds Ryan Vero, who will step down as CEO and from the company’s board of managers, effective immediately. “Since joining Claire’s last year, Chris has demonstrated extensive operational and financial leadership and helped drive our strategic roadmap,” says Samantha Algaze, chairman of the Claire’s board. “His impressive track record and more than 25 years of …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Shake Shack Names New Chief Operations Officer

by Katie Lee

New York City — Shake Shack Inc. has appointed Stephanie Sentell to the role of chief operations officer, effective July 1, 2024. She is a seasoned restaurant executive and most recently served as senior vice president of company operations at Inspire Brands, where she oversaw the operations of more than 1,100 company-owned Arby’s restaurants across the United States. “I have known Stephanie for more than 10 years and she is one of the most dynamic and compassionate leaders that I have ever worked with,” says Rob Lynch, CEO of Shake …

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Newsretailers

Dry Goods, a Von Maur Subsidiary, to Open 5 New Stores in 2024

by Katie Lee

Davenport, Iowa — Dry Goods, a boutique offering the latest in contemporary and feminine fashion, plans to open five new locations through the end of 2024, including its first stores in Delaware, New Jersey and Virginia. The first Dry Goods store opened in 2010 in Aurora, Ill. With this announcement, Dry Goods will increase its presence to 84 locations — once opened — in 24 states across the country. The five new locations will be at Cherry Hill Mall (Cherry Hill, N.J.); Christiana Mall (Newark, Del.); Hamilton Place (Chattanooga, Tenn.), …

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Newsrestaurants

Sony Pictures Entertainment Acquires Theater Chain Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

by Katie Lee

Culver City, Calif., and Austin, Texas — Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired theater chain Alamo Drafthouse Cinema from Altamont Capital Partners, Fortress Investment Group and founder Tim League for an undisclosed price. Alamo Drafthouse was founded in 1997 in Austin, Texas, and has grown from a single mom-and-pop location to 35 cinemas across 25 metropolitan areas. The company is the seventh-largest theater chain in North America and was one of the pioneers of the in-theater elevated food and drink concept. Alamo Drafthouse will maintain its headquarters in Austin and will …

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NewsProduct Spotlightrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendors

Presto Pilots Drive-Thru Voice AI at Taco John’s

by Katie Lee

San Carlos, Calif. — Presto Automation Inc., one of the largest AI and automation technology providers to the restaurant industry, has been collaborating with Taco John’s® and Qu to implement a Presto Voice™ drive-thru pilot at select Taco John’s restaurants. Presto Voice enhances the drive-thru staff’s productivity by reducing the time they devote to taking orders, allowing them to focus on more critical tasks and reducing associated labor costs. It also provides customizable upsells to increase revenue and improve the guest experience with immediate, friendly service around the clock. Qu’s …

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Newsretailers

Leslie’s Expands National Footprint with 15 New Stores in 2024

by Katie Lee

Phoenix — Leslie’s, the nation’s leading pool and spa care retailer, is expanding its 1,000-plus store chain and will open 15 new stores in 2024, with seven of those located in various communities across Texas. Texas is the largest state market for Leslie’s with 217 stores. The seven new stores are in Addison, Casa Linda, Dallas, Plano, Southlake (Dallas-Fort Worth metro), Cibola (San Antonio metro) and Spring (Houston metro). Additionally, 8 new locations are opening in California, New York, Arizona, Nevada, Florida and Washington. “We are thrilled to announce these …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Blackstone Completes Acquisition of Tropical Smoothie Cafe

by Katie Lee

Atlanta and New York City — Private equity funds managed by Blackstone have completed the acquisition of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a leading franchisor of fast-casual restaurants, from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners. This marks the first transaction in Blackstone’s most recent vintage of its flagship private equity vehicle. “Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a nationally recognized brand with an impressive growth trajectory underpinned by a base of loyal franchisees and guests,” says Peter Wallace, a senior managing director, and Michael Staub, a managing director, in Blackstone’s private equity business. “With Blackstone’s capital …

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Newsretailers

RVLV Plans First Brick-and-Mortar Store Following Successful Pop-Up

by Katie Lee

Aspen, Colo. — Revolve Group (RVLV), a next-generation fashion retailer for Millennial and Generation Z consumers, is opening its first-ever permanent physical retail store, located in downtown Aspen, Colo. This decision follows the success of the REVOLVE and FWRD pop-up shopping experience that opened in the same location in December 2023. The Aspen pop-up not only drove substantial sales but also proved to be an exceptional channel for brand building and acquiring new customers. REVOLVE and FWRD are excited to continue deepening the relationships with their brand partners and providing …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Jack in the Box Plans First-Ever Entry into Georgia with 15 New Locations

by Katie Lee

San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc., a leading franchisor in the quick-service restaurant industry, has signed a development agreement to open 15 new Jack in the Box locations throughout Georgia. This expansion marks the company’s entry into the Peach State. “This new franchise commitment represents a significant step forward in our strategic expansion across the southeastern United States,” says Tim Linderman, chief development officer, noting that the 15 new franchise commitments in Georgia come on the heels of 30 recently announced commitments for Jack in the Box in …

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construction and designNewsretailers

Wawa Breaks Ground on First Stores in Indiana and Ohio

by Katie Lee

Indianapolis and Cincinnati — Wawa, a privately held, family and associate-owned chain of more than 1,050 convenience retail stores currently operating in eight states and Washington, D.C., officially broke ground on its first stores in the states of Indiana and Ohio. Wawa’s first Indiana store is located at 3835 East 96th St. in Indianapolis. The first store in Ohio is located at 5308 Fields Ertel Rd. in Cincinnati. Both stores are projected to open in second quarter 2025. “We are excited to begin construction on our stores in Indiana and …

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