Burlingon, Ontario (Canada) — IKEA Canada has officially broken ground on its new store in Halifax (Nova Scotia).
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Southfield, Mich. — Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc., the largest franchisee for Buffalo Wild Wings® and creator and operator of Bagger Dave’s Burger Tavern®, intends to split into two separate, publicly-traded companies through the tax-free spinoff of its Bagger Dave’s business to DRH stockholders. The company previously announced on May 24, 2016 that it was evaluating strategic alternatives for its Bagger Dave’s restaurants and brand.
Indianapolis — hhgregg, a leading appliances, electronics and furniture retailer, has secured and promoted top-level talent into critical positions within the company that is making aggressive efforts at growth while keeping a keen eye on profitability with Fine Lines specialty store additions, inventory controls and distribution efficiencies.
Kansas City, Mo. — The Wendy’s Company has selected Service Management Group (SMG) to measure the customer experience in all of its North America and international restaurants. SMG is a global leader in customer experience (CX) measurement, helping more than 350 brands around the globe to listen, understand and act on feedback and behavioral data.
Sunbury, Pa. — Weis Markets, Inc. has converted and reopened five former Mars Super Markets as Weis Markets stores located in Baltimore County, including two locations in Dundalk and individual units in Essex, Arbutus and Carney. It has hired more than 500 new associates who held previous employment with Mars.
Latham, N.Y. — DWM Facilities Maintenance has promoted Erica Carpinello to strategic support analyst. Carpinello will be responsible for supporting the construction and renovation division through strategic reporting to ensure efficient completion of construction and renovation projects.
Scottsdale, Ariz. — Cold Stone Creamery® plans to open multiple locations throughout Lebanon over the next few years, beginning in Beirut. Kahala Brands™, the parent company of Cold Stone Creamery, has granted MNM Investments Lebanon SAL, part of M1 Group, the master franchise rights to Lebanon under a 10-year master franchise agreement.
Katy, Texas — Academy, Ltd. d/b/a Academy Sports + Outdoors, a premier sports, outdoor and lifestyle retailer, has named Michelle J. Gloeckler executive vice president, chief merchandising officer and president of Academy International Limited, its global sourcing entity, effective August 29, 2016.
Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe recently kicked off a prominent brand refresh in an effort to reflect the company’s evolution since its founding in 1997. The rebranding is propelled by the rollout of a new restaurant design at Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations nationwide, which exudes a relaxed coastal atmosphere.