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Whataburger Taps QSR Finance Veteran as Next CFO

by Katie Lee

San Antonio — Whataburger® has named QSR finance veteran Ryan Moore as its next chief financial officer. Moore joins Whataburger July 31, bringing deep restaurant experience to help guide the company’s financial strategy as the brand continues to grow. “Ryan is a proven financial leader with deep experience in the restaurant industry and a strong track record of helping brands navigate periods of meaningful growth,” says Debbie Stroud, Whataburger’s president and CEO. “He’s a collaborative leader who understands that when you invest wisely in your people, your operations and the …

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Topgolf to Open First Venue in Wisconsin with New Prototype

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Sports entertainment leader Topgolf will open its newest location near Madison in Monona, Wis., on Aug. 14, 2026. Topgolf Madison, the first venue in the state of Wisconsin, is the brand’s new prototype featuring Topgolf’s legendary golf games plus new entertainment and technology enhancements that include arcade games, a reimagined outfield, targets, lights and slope, and the brand’s new “My Bay, My Way” personalized offering. Topgolf Madison, located 8 miles east of Madison, is the brand’s 103rd venue in the country. The two-level venue will offer a dynamic …

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Trinity Energy Delivers Energy Independence to Costco Distribution Center

by Katie Lee

Snohomish, Wash. — Trinity Energy, a leading provider of integrated operating systems for sustainable energy solutions, has taken Costco Wholesale off grid with the launch of an independent, on-site energy system at Costco’s distribution center in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The fully integrated solar and battery platform was installed significantly faster than installing a traditional energy backup system from local power providers, enabling Costco to accelerate its operational readiness, bypass lengthy grid interconnection queues and permitting delays, and benefit from substantial cost savings. The energy independence solution, which combines solar …

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Mellow Mushroom Builds Midyear Momentum

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Mellow Mushroom is entering the second half of 2026 with significant franchise development momentum after signing six franchise deals through the first half of the year, preparing to open new restaurants and expanding into new markets — including its first-ever location in Montana. During the first quarter, Mellow Mushroom signed four franchise agreements representing six restaurants across Kentucky, Montana, Arkansas and Georgia. Since then, the development pipeline has continued to expand. The brand is now preparing for four restaurant openings next year, including its highly anticipated debut in Bozeman, …

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IKEA to Open Small-Format Store in Northeast Ohio

by Katie Lee

Westlake, Ohio — IKEA will open its newest Ohio location at the Crocker Park mixed-use lifestyle center in Westlake in spring 2027. The new store will feature the Swedish retailer’s small-format concept and will occupy about 80,000 square feet in the former Dick’s Sporting Goods space. For more than two decades, Crocker Park has attracted visitors from across the region with its mix of shopping, dining, office, residential and entertainment experiences. Combined with its location along the I-90 corridor, accessibility and strong demographics, Crocker Park was the natural choice for …

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Newk’s Eatery Promotes 20-Year Veteran to COO

by Katie Lee

Jackson, Miss. — Newk’s Eatery has promoted longtime executive Matt Wilson to chief operating officer. Wilson joined Newk’s straight out of college as an assistant manager at the brand’s original restaurant in Oxford, Miss. Over the next two decades, he steadily advanced through the organization, serving in leadership roles across operations, training, restaurant development and franchise support before most recently serving as senior vice president of operations. “Matt’s story is the Newk’s story,” says Chris Elliott, CEO of Newk’s Eatery and FSC Franchise Co. “His career demonstrates what’s possible when talented people are …

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Cracker Barrel Plans CEO Succession

by Katie Lee

Lebanon, Tenn. — Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. has appointed David Deno to serve as its next chief executive officer and on the board of directors, both effective Aug. 10, 2026. He succeeds Julie Masino, who will step down as CEO and a member of the board on the same date. Masino will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until Oct. 9, 2026 to support a smooth transition. Deno joins the company from Bloomin’ Brands. “Following a robust and thoughtful search process, we are pleased to welcome …

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Mavis Tire to Acquire Pep Boys for $700 Million

by Katie Lee

White Plains, N.Y., and Sunny Isles Beach, Fla. — Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. and Icahn Enterprises LP have entered into a definitive agreement under which a subsidiary of Mavis will acquire Pep Boys from Icahn Automotive Group LLC for approximately $700 million in cash. IEP will retain the owned real estate previously transferred to IEP from Pep Boys, as well as the AAMCO Transmissions and Precision Tune Auto Care businesses. Formally named The Pep Boys-Manny, Moe & Jack Holding Corp., Pep Boys is an automotive service company offering tires, …

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Gong cha Signs Landmark 50-Unit Deal in Texas

by Katie Lee

Boston — Gong cha, the world’s leading bubble tea brand with nearly 2,200 locations across 33 international markets, has signed a 50-unit exclusive area development agreement in Texas with seasoned franchise operator Bakers Acres & Cattle Company (BACC). The agreement marks the largest direct franchising deal in Gong cha history and further expands the company’s U.S. footprint. This deal follows Gong cha’s recent acquisition of master franchise rights for 170 U.S. locations, across 13 states, including Texas. “As Gong cha continues expanding across the U.S., we’re seeing strong interest from …

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Albertsons Companies’ President and CFO to Retire

by Katie Lee

Boise, Idaho — Albertsons® Companies, Inc. has announced that Sharon McCollam, the company’s president and chief financial officer, plans to retire later this year. McCollam will remain in her role until a successor is named. Thereafter, McCollam will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until the end of the fiscal year, Feb. 27, 2027, to ensure a seamless transition. “Sharon has been an exceptional partner in helping position Albertsons Cos. for its next chapter of growth,” says CEO Susan Morris. “Since joining the company in 2021, she has …

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