Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — Pita Pit, a Mediterranean fast-casual brand specializing in made-to-order pita sandwiches, has rolled out a nationwide brand refresh. The refresh introduces new features, such as a modernized restaurant design and drive-thru business model, reimagined menu, technological upgrades and a new logo. Pita Pit’s rebrand is a key component in the company’s growth strategy. The new drive-thru model allows franchise partners more real estate options, as the smaller footprint of about 800 to 1,000 square feet can flex to fit into a variety of layouts that fit …
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Bentonville, Ark. — Three new Walmart Health centers have just opened in Pearland, Texas, Sugar Land, Texas, and Tomball, Texas. These locations are the first of 18 new Walmart Health centers coming to Texas this year, complementing the existing four sites in the state. The Sugar Land location marks Walmart’s 50th health center to open nationwide. “The grand opening of Walmart Health in Sugar Land, Texas, marks the 50th location in the United States, an important milestone in our effort to increase access to integrated care,” says Dr. David Carmouche, …
Port Washington, N.Y. — WAC Lighting has appointed Becky Li to president, following the retirement of former president Dirk Wald. Founder Tony Wang will continue his role as chairman of WAC. Renowned for its cutting-edge architectural, decorative and landscape lighting solutions, WAC stands as a manufacturing and technology leader. “Becky has always been an integral and dedicated executive at our firm,” says Wang. “With her wealth of experience in senior executive roles and adept strategic planning skills, we are confident in her ability to lead. We look forward to watching …
Atlanta — Papa John’s International, Inc. plans to open 50 new restaurants by 2028 in partnership with franchisee Nadeem Bajwa and his company, The Bajco Group, which has grown over the past 20 years to become one of Papa Johns largest domestic franchisees. Furthering Bajwa’s goal to own 500 Papa Johns restaurants, the new agreement will expand the Papa Johns footprint in The Bajco Group’s existing markets across the Midwest and in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Florida, adding to the more than 200 restaurants the franchisee and his team currently operate. …
Hartland, Wis. — Over the past several months, the Batteries Plus team signed 22 new territories across Michigan, Texas, Virginia, Ohio and Arizona. In addition to these latest additions to the franchise pipeline, Batteries Plus celebrated the opening of eight storefronts during first quarter, spanning Connecticut, Nevada, California, Colorado, New York and Florida. “The proven nature of our franchise opportunity continues to speak for itself; attracting a continuous stream of entrepreneurs wanting to be a part of a community-oriented, people-driven, profitable concept,” says Joe Malmuth, chief development officer for Batteries …
Wichita, Kan. — Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy’s has opened its newest location in Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Mich., adding to its existing four restaurants in the market. Owned and operated by North American travel retailer Paradies Lagardère, the GRR opening marks Freddy’s second airport location, having debuted its first airport unit in Oklahoma City in 2022. In addition, Freddy’s plans to open in the Salt Lake City International Airport by year-end and is continuing to identify growth opportunities in non-traditional spaces, including stadiums, college campuses, …
Eatontown, N.J. — Total Comfort Group, a national industry leader in HVAC/R, electrical and plumbing systems, has promoted Christian Tunis to client success manager. In his new role, Tunis will leverage his extensive experience and expertise to drive exceptional client satisfaction and retention as the company continues to grow nationally. A valued employee since 2018, Tunis previously served as senior account manager. “We are thrilled to promote Christian Tunis to the role of client success manager,” says Daniel Eberenz, vice president of operations. “His proven track record of leadership and …
Lakewood, Colo. — Christy Sports, a premier outdoor rental and retail service provider, will close all store locations in New Mexico, effective upon the conclusion of the 23/24 winter ski season. Christy Sports currently operates six total stores in New Mexico, including four locations in Taos Ski Valley under the banners of Cottam’s, Alpine Xtreme and Bootdoctor’s, one location in downtown Taos under Cottam’s and one seasonal location in Santa Fe under Cottam’s. The company made the decision to exit New Mexico to prioritize investment in more profitable regions. Christy …
Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fazoli’s and 17 other restaurant concepts, has inked a new development deal with franchisee Briwin Restaurants Inc. to bring 25 Fazoli’s locations to Canada over the next 10 years. The first units are expected to open in 2025 in the province of Alberta. “Fazoli’s has enjoyed tremendous success expanding domestically, operating in 26 states with over 200 locations, and is now well positioned to make its international debut,” says Taylor Wiederhorn, chief development officer of FAT Brands. “At …
New York — UNIQLO will open its first stores in Texas in Houston and Dallas, and extend its West Coast presence, including new cities San Diego and Sacramento, Calif., this fall/winter. In total, the brand will open 11 new stores across Texas and California, a significant portion of the 20+ new store openings planned for North America in 2024. The upcoming openings will build on UNIQLO’s ambitious store growth plan to reach 200 stores in North America by 2027. “We are thrilled to be coming to Texas,” says Yoshihide Shindo, …