Dallas — Brinker International, Inc. has named Kelli Valade president of Chili’s® Grill & Bar. Previously, she was COO of the brand. In her new role, Valade will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of domestic restaurant operations, marketing, franchising and PeopleWorks.
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Dublin, Ohio — The Wendy’s Company plans to enter Brazil this month, with plans for significant restaurant expansion over time. This growth will be driven through Wendy’s Brazil, a joint venture formed in 2015 between affiliates of Infinity Services and Starboard, one of Wendy’s® largest U.S. franchisees, and a subsidiary of The Wendy’s Company. Wendy’s Brazil plans to hold the grand opening in mid-July for two restaurants in São Paulo.
Charlotte, N.C. — Tim Belk will retire as chief executive officer of Belk in July 2016. He will continue to serve on the Belk board of directors. Lisa Harper, who previously served as chief executive officer of Hot Topic, Inc., will succeed Tim Belk as CEO, effective July 5, 2016. She is first non-family member to serve as CEO.
Secaucus, N.J. — Vitamin Shoppe, Inc., a leading specialty retailer and manufacturer of nutritional products, has hired Jason Reiser as chief operating officer, effective July 11, 2016. He joins the Vitamin Shoppe from Dollar Tree, Inc. (successor to Family Dollar), where he was most recently executive vice president, chief merchandising officer for its Family Dollar business.
Miami and Palm Beach, Fla. — Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, a vibrant fast-casual restaurant concept serving creative Mexican food, will expand its presence in South Florida. Two existing franchise groups will each develop three to five restaurants in their respective markets, totaling six to 10 new restaurants in South Florida over the next 5 years.
Woonsocket, R.I. — CVS Health has opened the first CVS Pharmacy locations in Target stores in Colorado. The pharmacies, located in several metropolitan areas, including Denver, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, are being operated through a store-within-a-store format and are branded CVS Pharmacy.
Boston — Ufood Grill has signed an agreement with NEXTEP SYSTEMS to install self-order kiosks at all new locations, effective immediately. The UFood Grill executive team recently debuted the interactive kiosk at the 2016 International Franchise Expo in New York City and received a wonderful reception from attendees.