Boston — On May 23, 2024, Wayfair Inc. opened the doors to its first large-format store, located in Wilmette, Ill. Spanning 150,000 square feet, the two-story Wayfair store is a one-stop shopping destination for all things home — including furniture, home decor, housewares, appliances and home improvement products, for any style, space or budget. A digitally native retailer specialized in the home, Wayfair brings its well-loved combination of value, selection, service and fast shipping to an immersive in-person store. This is its first brick-and-mortar store. “We are committed to providing …
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Attleboro, Mass. — Chain Store Maintenance – an MCS Company has added two industry veterans to support the company’s fast-growing multi-site commercial facilities maintenance services business line. Michael Christin and Jennifer Murray have joined the team as senior vice president, business development and senior director, strategic accounts, respectively. Christin is based in Chicago and Murray is based in Columbus, Ohio. “Michael and Jennifer will play key roles in our robust plans as we continue to expand and enhance our multi-site commercial facilities maintenance platform,” says Andrew Nolan, president of commercial …
Atlanta — Carvel®, GoTo Foods’ classic ice cream brand known for The Original Soft Serve® and its iconic ice cream cakes and treats, is celebrating its 90th birthday with the introduction of a brand-new shoppe design as well as a new logo. The first two shoppes to debut the new Carvel design recently opened in Gainesville, Fla., and in Jamaica, N.Y. The new design is driven by the brand’s commitment to modernizing and refreshing the brand while simultaneously continuing to grow the brand in both new and existing markets across …
Pine Brook, N.J. — MaxLite, a leading innovator in the LED lighting industry, and its board of advisors have appointed Lance Hollner as its new president and CEO. Before joining MaxLite, Hollner spent the last 5 years as executive vice president at Diversified Group, a manufacturer’s representative firm serving eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and New York City. Hollner brings over two decades of lighting expertise and knowledge to MaxLite, along with a strong track record of delivering results, driving continuous improvement and developing talent. Much of his career has …
Miami — Woof Gang Bakery, a leading specialty retailer of pet food, pet supplies and professional pet grooming, has opened its first store in Indiana, located in Carmel. This milestone marks another significant expansion for the brand, which continues to establish its presence across North America. The Carmel store was officially open and operating as of May 16. “We are thrilled to bring Woof Gang’s exceptional services and products to the vibrant pet-loving community in Carmel,” says Nikunj and Manali Jadawala, owner of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Carmel. “Our …
Dallas — BRIX Holdings, LLC, a multi-brand franchising portfolio group whose restaurant brands include Friendly’s, Red Mango and Orange Leaf, has completed its formal acquisition of all assets of Clean Juice, the original USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise. Clean Juice franchise and field support will now be provided from the BRIX headquarters in Addison, Texas. A core group of Clean Juice employees will join BRIX in roles spanning field operations, supply chain and technology. “The entire BRIX organization is thrilled that our acquisition of Clean Juice is complete,” says Sherif …
Katy, Texas — Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer, has opened its first store in Ohio. Located in Zanesville, the approximately 54,000-square-foot store marks the third store Academy has opened in 2024. Academy plans to continue its expansion efforts with the goal of opening 15-17 stores in its fiscal 2024 year, and a total of 160 to 180 new stores over the next 5 years. “Academy Sports + Outdoors is excited to join the Zanesville community and provide customers with a destination that …
Orlando, Fla. — Red Lobster has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Orlando, Fla.-based seafood restaurant chain plans to sell its business to an entity formed and controlled by its existing lenders. Red Lobster, which was founded in 1968 and operates some 600 restaurants across North America, has received a $100 million debtor-in-possession financing commitment from its existing lenders to facilitate this plan. The company stated that it would use the financing and bankruptcy proceedings to drive …
Dallas — At Home Group Inc. has named Brad Weston as chief executive officer, effective June 3. Weston brings more than three decades of experience in retail; most recently, he was chief executive officer of Party City Holdings Inc. Previously, Weston served in leadership roles for Petco, including as president and CEO from 2017-2018 and president and chief merchandising officer from 2015-2017 and executive vice president and chief merchandising officer from 2011-2015. “We are excited to welcome Brad, a proven leader with a distinguished track record of transforming and scaling …
Columbus, Ohio — Sbarro, a leading global pizza brand known for its Original New York Style Slices and Strombolis, has appointed Mario Bojorquez as its new president, North America. He joins Sbarro from Restaurant Brands International. “Mario is a talented restaurant executive with a proven track record of results and a solid understanding of franchising in our industry,” says David Karam, Sbarro CEO and chairman of the board.” He is a great cultural fit for Sbarro. His strong people focus and industry expertise will complement the experience and skills of …