News

Dallas — Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the world’s largest barbecue concept, is opening 28 new ghost kitchens across the United States in September 2025. This expansion signals a pivotal moment for the brand, strengthening its footprint in new and existing markets while showcasing its commitment to creativity, growth and adaptability in a rapidly evolving restaurant industry. Ghost kitchens are delivery-only facilities designed to meet the growing demand for convenience and digital ordering. By leaning into this model, Dickey’s is not only scaling faster but also serving barbecue lovers in communities where …

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New York City — La Bonne Brosse, the Parisian brand revolutionizing the art of hair brushing, is opening its first U.S. store in New York City. Alongside this milestone, the brand is expanding nationwide through selective retail partnerships with Bloomingdale’s and BEAUTYSPACE, as well as online. “Opening our first U.S. department store in New York City marks an exciting new chapter for La Bonne Brosse,” says Flore des Robert and Pauline Laurent, co-founders of La Bonne Brosse. “We’re honored to partner with Bloomingdale’s and BEAUTYSPACE to share our vision of …

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Whitewater, Wis. — Toppers Pizza has appointed Ian Bruggeman as chief financial officer, adding a seasoned professional to its executive team. He will oversee the company’s finance, supply chain and human resources functions while serving as a strategic partner to the CEO. Bruggeman brings a diverse background that spans consulting, asset management and operational leadership in the restaurant sector. He previously held roles in financial planning and analysis, franchise development and operations at Naf Naf Grill, equipping him with a unique blend of analytical expertise and hands-on operational experience. At …

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Glenview, Ill. — ITW Food Equipment Group has appointed Ray Peden as its new vice president of U.S. FEG dealer sales organization. He will lead the ITW FEG dealer sales team in generating organic growth by providing dealer support and strengthening partner relationships, as well as maintaining a critical focus on key customers. Peden and the sales team will also be responsible for driving growth through their product application expertise across the ITW FEG premium brands, including Hobart, Traulsen, Baxter, Vulcan and Wolf. “We are excited to welcome Ray to …

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Mattoon, Ill. — Rural King, a family-owned retailer dedicated to the rural lifestyle, has opened its first South Carolina store in Spartanburg. The new location, located at 205 W. Blackstock Rd., uses innovative features designed to enhance the shopping experience, including mobile and self-checkouts. “Spartanburg is the perfect place for Rural King’s first store in South Carolina,” says Steve Barbarick, Rural King CEO. “We look forward to becoming part of the fabric of this rural community by creating jobs, supporting local families and offering the products our customers count on …

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Broadstairs, Kent (UK) — Captain D’s will open its first-ever UK restaurant at Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in Broadstairs, Kent, on Oct. 20. At the new location, Captain D’s will bring its refreshed restaurant design, UK-tailored menu and international expansion strategy to life. This opening is part of a 20-unit master franchise agreement with local partner CD’s Holdings.  The Broadstairs restaurant is the first to showcase Captain D’s modernized UK design, featuring a fresh new color palette, playful seafood and chicken icons and a vibrant, family-friendly vibe. It’s contemporary, fun …

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Clifton, N.J. — The Paper Store, a beloved Northeast retailer, is reopening its Clifton, N.J., store under a new banner, Uncharted. The sister brand’s first New Jersey location is designed to bring a fresh, immersive retail experience to the community, blending top brands with interactive moments that go beyond a traditional shopping trip. Uncharted will begin grand opening events on Oct. 18. The store will feature an updated look and new store elements, aligning with the two New York and four Chicago-area locations. Uncharted offers a curated, brand-forward selection of …

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Dallas — Smoothie King is fueling its national growth with a series of milestone openings this fall, including debuts in two new states and new growth in one of the country’s busiest airports. The brand has officially opened its first-ever Utah location in Washington and its first-ever Minnesota location in Woodbury, marking Smoothie King’s entry into both states. At the same time, Smoothie King is strengthening its presence in Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with two new locations in Terminal A and Terminal D, joining its existing Terminal A store. …

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Denver — Sola Salons, the world’s largest studio suite franchise, has marked the Oct. 4 grand opening of its largest location to date in Northeast Minneapolis. Located at 2626 NE 2nd St., the new facility spans 29,903 square feet and houses 101 studios and 114 chairs, making it a landmark destination for entrepreneurial beauty professionals in the Twin Cities. The scale of the new Sola Salons Minneapolis facility distinguishes it as the largest Sola Salons location ever built, and it has already generated excitement, with 70% of the studios pre-leased …

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Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Galleria Fort Lauderdale, one of South Florida’s premier shopping destinations, has named retail veteran Jim Heilmann as senior general manager. In this role, Heilmann will guide the center’s operations, marketing efforts, community engagement and tenant relations, with a focus on elevating the guest experience and driving long term value for the property. Heilmann’s expertise spans leadership positions at some of the nation’s top retail and entertainment destinations. He most recently served as vice president of operations for experiential entertainment district AREA15 in Las Vegas, where he …

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