Thursday, February 27, 2025
Read the Magazine Subscribe

News

lightingNewspeopleretailersvendors

WAC Group Appoints VP of Business Development

by Katie Lee

Port Washington, N.Y. — WAC Group, which creates superior lighting solutions to appeal to all patrons of independent retail shops, chains and shopping centers, has named Keith Eagle as its new vice president of business development. “Keith is an outstanding addition to our dynamic sales team and will lead the development of our sales strategy, further strengthening our position in the industry,” says Becky Li, president of WAC Group. “With his extensive experience in sales leadership and a proven track record of success, we are confident he will be a …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Paris Baguette Aims to Open 100+ Cafés in 2025

by Katie Lee

Moonachie, N.J. — Paris Baguette, a bakery café concept with over 200 cafés open across the U.S. and Canada, wrapped up 2024 marked by unprecedented growth and achievements. With 163 franchises awarded and 51 new cafés opened last year, the company aims to open 100 or more cafés across North America in 2025 as the team prepares to expand their presence to over 35 states. “The growth we saw last year was truly remarkable, and I firmly believe that our success is driven by our people-first approach,” says Darren Tipton, …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designNewsretailers

Cole Haan Opens New NYC Store in Historic Flatiron District

by Katie Lee

New York City — Cole Haan, an iconic American lifestyle and accessories brand, opened its third New York City location on Jan. 30 as part of the brand’s global store expansion plan. The new store at the corner of 5th Avenue and 19th Street is located in the historic Flatiron District. Today, Cole Haan operates over 500 stores in nearly 100 countries worldwide. Nestled within a 1904 neo-Renaissance landmark building, the 1,622-square-foot retail space represents the evolution of Cole Haan’s premium retail expression. The open floor plan offers an immersive …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newspeoplerestaurants

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Names New CEO

by Katie Lee

Exton, Pa. — Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, an innovative craft brewery, has appointed Mark Kirke as its new chief executive officer. With nearly 30 years of experience in restaurant leadership, Kirke brings a wealth of knowledge to propel Iron Hill into the next chapter. As CEO, Kirke will leverage his extensive experience across full-service multi-unit operations and brand building to drive Iron Hill’s continued growth and operational excellence. With a proven track record of prioritizing guest experiences, Kirke’s leadership will refine Iron Hill’s hospitality-centered approach. Kirke will also guide …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
flooring/floor careNewspeopleretailers

Floor & Decor Appoints New President

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., a leading specialty retailer of hard surface flooring, has appointed Bradley Paulsen as president, effective April 28, 2025, reporting to CEO Tom Taylor. Paulsen currently serves as CEO, North America, for Rentokil Initial plc, a global leader in pest control and hygiene and wellbeing services, and previously held leadership positions at Rexel USA, HD Supply and The Home Depot. “We are thrilled to welcome Brad to the team to help lead the next stage of Floor & Decor’s growth,” says Taylor. “He is …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designfranchise developmentNewsremodelsrestaurantssoftware/technology

Marco’s Pizza to Build on 2024 Growth Momentum

by Katie Lee

Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, enters 2025 on the heels of a landmark year. With 85 franchises awarded and 70 new store openings in 2024, Marco’s surpassed its 1,200th store milestone. Marco’s enters 2025 with a renewed focus on multi-unit franchise development, with 65% of 2024 agreements coming from existing franchisees. Key growth areas include expansion into non-traditional locations and international markets, including Mexico. “Marco’s leads the charge in growth, innovation and customer satisfaction,” says Tony Libardi, co-CEO and president of Marco’s Pizza. …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewsretailers

Batteries Plus Marks Record Growth in 2024, Sets Ambitious Goals for 2025

by Katie Lee

Hartland, Wis. — Batteries Plus enters 2025 following another record-setting year of growth in 2024. Last year, the growing brand signed 57 new agreements spanning 11 states and opened 30 new stores across 15 states. Highlighting 2024’s growth was a landmark ‘Market Stewardship’ agreement signed in Phoenix. This agreement represents only the second deal of its kind for Batteries Plus, building on the success of the program introduced in 2023. The Market Stewardship program, a hybrid of Master Franchise and Area Development agreements, provides franchisees exclusive rights to an entire …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Atomic Wings Closes 2024 with Record Growth and Big Plans for 2025

by Katie Lee

New York City — Atomic Wings, a fast-growing chicken wing franchise known for its New York-style Buffalo wings, is celebrating an exceptional year of growth and innovation in 2024. With 22 units now open across the U.S. and a strong pipeline of development, Atomic Wings is on its way to achieving its ambitious expansion goals, aiming to open 30-34 units by the end of 2025. “What’s been exciting for us is seeing Atomic Wings expand beyond our traditional New York market,” says Zak Omar, CEO of Atomic Wings. “In 2024, …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newspeopleretailers

REI President & CEO to Retire; Successor is Named

by Katie Lee

Seattle — REI Co-op’s president and CEO, Eric Artz, will retire in March as part of a planned succession, marking a new chapter in the co-op’s 87-year history. Mary Beth Laughton, a former REI board director and seasoned retail leader, will join REI as president on Feb. 3, 2025, before assuming full CEO responsibilities on March 31. Laughton has held leadership roles at Nike, Athleta and Sephora. Her experience and personal passion balance strategic vision for the future of retail, innovation and operational rigor, love for the outdoors and appreciation …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Krispy Krunchy Chicken Finishes 2024 With 605 Openings

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Krispy Krunchy Chicken®, one of the fastest-growing hot food concepts in the convenience store business with over 3,200 locations, is celebrating 2024 as an outstanding year of growth, menu innovation and operational improvements. The brand continues to reset expectations in the c-store foodservice space, supplying high-quality, craveable menu items to successful operators throughout the country. The brand opened 605 stores in 2024, and projects that it will exceed this number for new stores in 2025. With a new organizational structure and new products, partners and platforms, Krispy Krunchy …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts