Dallas — Bonchon, a global leader in Korean fried chicken, has added new appointments to its development team as it doubles down on U.S. and international expansion. Industry veteran David Wheeler (pictured here) has joined the company as vice president of development, while Michel Haddad has been appointed director of design and construction. “David brings the kind of franchise development expertise and industry relationships that are essential to driving Bonchon’s next phase of growth,” says CEO Suzie Tsai. “He will pursue ambitious multi-unit operators in high-potential markets as we focus …
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Ponte Vedra, Fla. — Hibbett, Inc., a leading athletic-inspired fashion retailer, has renewed its contract with Digital Wave Technology for its Product Experience Management (PXM) solution. The renewal reflects Hibbett’s commitment to achieving a measurable impact on scaling product content, streamlining internal processes and enhancing their digital shopping experience. “As Hibbett grows, we need partners who can help us scale with speed and precision,” says Bill Quinn, chief information officer (CIO), Hibbett. “Digital Wave’s PXM has been instrumental in improving content accuracy, team alignment and time to market. We’re excited …
Miami — Subway®, one of the world’s largest restaurant brands, has named Jonathan Fitzpatrick as chief executive officer (CEO), effective July 28, 2025, following a comprehensive search. With more than two decades of franchising and quick-service restaurant experience, Fitzpatrick has a proven track record of elevating sales and operational performance across global networks. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of Driven Brands where he led a best-in-class team to 17 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth. Previously, Fitzpatrick served in a range of senior leadership positions at Burger …
Harrisburg, Pa. — Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. has celebrated the grand opening of its 600th store, located in Belmont, N.H. The new store also marks Ollie’s entry into New Hampshire, the retailer’s 34th state. Ollie’s is America’s largest retailer of brand name closeout merchandise and excess inventory at up to 70% off. “We are thrilled to bring our huge selection of brand name household merchandise at prices up to 70% below the fancy stores to the great city of Belmont and state of New Hampshire,” says Eric van der …
Washington, D.C. — CAVA, a category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, has opened its first restaurant in Michigan, located in Canton. The company is quickly growing its national footprint, with plans to open additional restaurants in Michigan later this year, and targets 1,000 restaurants by 2032. CAVA opened 58 net new restaurants in the 2024 fiscal year and expects at least 17% growth in 2025. With its entrance into Michigan, CAVA’s total national footprint reaches 28 states and the District of Columbia. CAVA Canton is a 3,850-square-foot location with a dining …
New York City — Saks Global, the largest multi-brand luxury retailer in the world, has appointed Brandy Richardson as chief financial officer, effective Aug. 18, 2025. Richardson succeeds the interim chief financial officer, Mark Weinsten, who joined Saks Global to lead the company’s finance organization through the initial stages of its transformation following its acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group in December 2024. With nearly 25 years of experience, Richardson joins Saks Global from Tailored Brands, Inc., where she has served as executive vice president and chief financial officer since 2021. …
Independence, Mo. — The Big Biscuit, a modern All-American breakfast and lunch franchise concept known for its classic comfort food served with genuine hometown hospitality, has officially reopened its original location in Independence, Mo. On June 27, the restaurant completed a major renovation following an 11-day closure and a $250,000 remodel. The refreshed restaurant reflects the brand’s continued investment in elevating the guest experience, starting with the very location where it all began. The remodel included new flooring, updated walls and lighting, kitchen upgrades, improved restrooms, landscaping and fencing, and …
Houston — Brandy Richardson, chief financial officer of Tailored Brands, Inc., will be leaving to pursue another opportunity (as CFO of Saks Global), effective July 25, 2025. Tailored Brands has launched a search for a successor. In the interim, the existing finance team will report to John Tighe, president and forthcoming chief executive officer. “Since joining us in 2021, Brandy has contributed to our successful business and financial transformation,” says Peter Sachse, current Tailored Brands CEO and forthcoming executive chairman. “With a strong foundation in place, I’m confident that with …
Dallas — In June, Smoothie King achieved a major milestone with the biggest sales weekend in the brand’s 52-year history. Kicking off the weekend on Friday, June 20th, the brand reached its highest single-day systemwide sales ever; and the momentum continued through National Smoothie Day on June 21st, which marked the brand’s busiest Saturday ever. The historic run was capped off by the highest-traffic Sunday of the year. On the development front, Smoothie King added 25 new store commitments across 12 states in the second quarter of 2025, with especially …
Davenport, Iowa — Dry Goods, the trend-driven young women’s fashion retailer and a subsidiary of Von Maur, Inc., is opening four new stores in 2025, including its debut this past April in the state of New Jersey. With these additions, Dry Goods will operate 88 locations in 24 states. Known for its fashion-forward styles and boutique shopping experience, the expansion reflects Dry Goods’ continued growth and commitment to bringing its ever-changing selection of apparel and accessories to shoppers nationwide. The brand will soon be available to customers at the following …