Sunday, December 14, 2025
Read the Magazine Subscribe

News

franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

California-based Starbird Signs First Franchise Development Deal

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Starbird, one of the nation’s first super-premium fast food concepts, has signed its inaugural franchise development agreement with Whiplash Holdings to bring seven new locations to the greater Denver market. The first Starbird location is expected to open in Denver by mid-2025, with all seven locations set to roll out over the next few years. This partnership marks Starbird’s initial expansion beyond California. “Expanding beyond California for the first time is a landmark moment for Starbird and a testament to the demand for a new kind of …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
energy managementgreen building/LEEDgreen newsHVAC/RNewsvendors

Hillphoenix Recognized by EPA for GreenChill Store Certification Excellence

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Hillphoenix, a pioneer in environmentally sustainable refrigeration, has once again earned the GreenChill Store Certification Excellence recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This achievement recognizes the commercial refrigeration systems manufacturer that installed the most advanced, sustainable refrigeration systems in GreenChill-certified stores in the past year. Hillphoenix has provided sustainable refrigeration for 777 stores. “We are committed to developing future-focused refrigeration solutions at Hillphoenix and very proud of our long history of developing sustainable refrigeration technology,” says Scott Martin, director of business development and industry relations for …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newspeopleretailers

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. Appoints CFO

by Katie Lee

Lakewood, Colo. — Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. has appointed Richard Hallé s chief financial officer, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Hallé has served as a member of Natural Grocers’ board of directors and audit committee since 2012 and will succeed Todd Dissinger, who will retire on Dec. 31, 2024. “I am thrilled to welcome Rich to the Natural Grocers executive team as chief financial officer,” says Kemper Isely, Natural Grocers’ chairman and co-president. “Rich’s deep, strategic knowledge of our company from his many years of service on the board …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

The Flying Biscuit Café Plans to Open 15 New Units Next Year

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Since opening its first location in 1993, the Flying Biscuit Café franchise has taken off as a leader within the breakfast and brunch industry. This year, Flying Biscuit opened five new locations and anticipates opening 15 new locations in 2025. Having just celebrated its 30th anniversary, Flying Biscuit Café currently has 35 locations, with a strong presence in Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Florida and the Carolinas. 2024 openings brought more than 150 jobs to local communities in Charleston, S.C., and throughout Texas. In 2025, the chain is excited to …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newsproperty managementretailers

First Anthropologie Store in New Hampshire Now Open

by Katie Lee

Salem, N.H. — The first Anthropologie store in New Hampshire has opened at The Mall at Rockingham Park, New England’s premier destination for tax-free and fashion-forward shopping. The first Anthropologie in the Granite State opened on Oct. 23. “Anthropologie is a first-of-its-kind destination in New Hampshire,” says Elizabeth Tetreault, area director of marketing. “We are exceptionally honored that Anthropologie chose The Mall at Rockingham Park and Salem for its first store in New Hampshire.” Anthropologie is a respected lifestyle brand founded in 1992; the brand ships to more than 100 …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designfranchise developmentNewspeopleremodelsrestaurants

El Pollo Loco Unveils New Restaurant Design Ahead of 50th Anniversary

by Katie Lee

Costa Mesa, Calif. — El Pollo Loco, a premier fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, has unveiled its new restaurant prototype showcasing an enduring, yet modern and efficient, design. As the brand approaches its 50th anniversary next year, it looks to create a modern legacy of curated experiences, inspired by place and punctuated by new menu innovation. While the new restaurant prototype includes existing brand elements — such as the fire stack gradient, logo and font — that fans have come to know and love, these elements now reflect an updated color …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newspeopleretailers

Planet Fitness Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Hampton, N.H. — Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers, has appointed Jay Stasz as its next chief financial officer (CFO), effective Nov. 15, 2024. Stasz will join the company on Nov. 4, 2024, and will work with current CFO Tom Fitzgerald until assuming the role. Fitzgerald will remain with the company through Dec. 31, 2024 to ensure a smooth transition and will serve in a consulting capacity with the company through March 31, 2025. Stasz is an accomplished finance executive with …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Clean Eatz Appoints First CEO

by Katie Lee

Wilmington, N.C. — Clean Eatz, a health-focused lifestyle brand and meal plan franchise, has appointed 30-year restaurant and retail industry leader Eric Wyatt as the first CEO of the brand. Wyatt most recently served as CEO of California-based NORMS Restaurants and has held C-level leadership roles at Boston Market and Corner Bakery Cafe. He also held senior positions at Hardee’s Restaurants, Panera Bread and Starbucks, where he consistently demonstrated his ability to mentor and support team members, improve operational efficiency and lead successful market expansions. “Eric’s journey brings our founding …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newspeopleretailers

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. Announces CEO Transition

by Katie Lee

Irvine, Calif. — Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. has announced that Jim Conroy plans to step down as chief executive officer (CEO) and president and as a member of the company’s board of directors, effective Nov. 22, 2024, to become CEO of Ross Stores, Inc. John Hazen, Boot Barn’s current chief digital officer, will assume the role of interim CEO, effective Nov. 22, 2024. Hazen joined the company in 2018 with responsibility for e-commerce, marketing and the customer experience. Additionally, Peter Starrett, Boot Barn’s current chairman of the board of directors, …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designNewsremodelsrestaurants

Harrison to Design More Than 30 Global Fogo de Chão Locations

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Dallas-based global consultant firm Harrison is currently designing 33 global Fogo de Chão locations, including remodels and new builds. As global design lead, Harrison has helped evolve the Fogo restaurant designs since 2018. The firm’s work covers the spectrum from interior design and architecture to development of the Butchery brand identity including graphics, logo creation and packaging design. “As Fogo de Chão continues to expand its presence internationally, Harrison remains dedicated to delivering innovative design solutions that reflect the brand’s design pillars to create authentic guest experiences,” says …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts