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Starbucks Announces New Accessibility Guidelines for its U.S. Store Portfolio

by Katie Lee

Seattle — On Feb. 16, 2024, Starbucks Coffee Company announced that it is creating a more accessible store experience across its U.S. store portfolio through an Inclusive Spaces Framework. The first store to be built using the inclusive design framework opened on Feb. 16 in Washington, D.C. The new store features items such as optimized acoustics and lighting for improved visual and audible communication for customers and accessible equipment designs for a better partner (employee) experience among other features. The Inclusive Spaces Framework was created in partnership with a diverse …

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SPB Hospitality Names SVP of Operations for Krystal

by Katie Lee

Houston — SPB Hospitality, an industry-leading operator and franchisor of restaurants spanning a national footprint, has promoted Amanda Hyde to senior vice president of operations for Krystal. It has also welcomed Ellen Rockwell as executive vice president of people & culture. “These organizational updates symbolize our unwavering dedication to excellence and expansion at SPB Hospitality,” says Josh Kern, CEO of SPB Hospitality. “These transformations are a testament to our continual endeavor to refine our leadership framework and cultivate a culture marked by excellence and innovation. With Ellen and Amanda stepping …

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Shoe Carnival Acquires Rogan’s Shoes for $45 Million

by Katie Lee

Evansville, Ind. — Shoe Carnival, Inc. has acquired Rogan Shoes, Incorporated, a 53-year-old work and family footwear company with 28 store locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois, for a purchase price of $45 million. The acquisition is expected to generate approximately $84 million in sales and approximately $10 million in operating income. The Rogan’s acquisition advances the company’s strategy to be the nation’s leading family footwear retailer. It immediately positions Shoe Carnival as the market leader in Wisconsin, and it establishes a store base in Minnesota, creating additional expansion opportunities. …

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construction and designNewspeople

Westwood Contractors Hires Director of Construction

by Katie Lee

Fort Worth, Texas — Westwood Contractors, renowned for its national expertise in retail and commercial construction, has hired Allen Crowley as its new director of construction. Crowley’s inclusion represents a significant milestone for the company, leveraging his wealth of experience amassed through a multifaceted career in construction spanning over four decades. His expertise encompasses a diverse array of projects, including those within retail, restaurant, commercial, industrial and institutional sectors. As an integral member of the leadership team, Crowley plays a critical role overseeing the operations department, ensuring projects are completed …

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Restaurant365 Names New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Irvine, Calif. — Restaurant365, a leading all-in-one restaurant enterprise management platform, has named Jessica Lanier as its new chief financial officer, effective immediately. Lanier most recently served as vice president of finance at Qualtrics. “Jessica is a world-class finance leader, and we’re grateful to add her to our talented team. She will fit right in as she brings a passion for high-growth SaaS and experience with the milestones we plan to reach on the road ahead,” says Tony Smith, CEO and co-founder of Restaurant365. Prior to Qualtrics, Lanier served as …

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Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken™ Record Blockbuster Growth in 2023

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Continuing its impressive growth trajectory in the U.S. and internationally, quick-service chicken restaurant chain Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken™ recorded blockbuster development growth in 2023. The company is also continuing its successful remodeling program. “2023 was a monumental year for the Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken™ brands as we significantly grew our footprint and development pipeline, while at the same time, refining our brand positioning and strategy, investing substantially in new capabilities and breaking unit-level sales records across the board,” says Joe Guith, who was named …

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Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash Award 95 Agreements in 2023

by Katie Lee

Livonia, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are embarking on a new year with double-digit signed franchise agreements and openings in 2023. Legacy brand Pet Supplies Plus and emerging concept Wag N’ Wash both have the billion-dollar backing of 30+ years of franchise and industry experience. As the largest pet retail franchise in North America, Pet Supplies Plus wrapped the year awarding 83 franchise agreements and maintaining its robust store services growth. Wag N’ Wash, the emerging self-wash, grooming and natural pet food franchise, secured 12 agreements …

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Marble Slab Creamery Expands in Canada with 40-Unit Development Deal

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Marble Slab Creamery and 17 other restaurant concepts, has a new development deal to open 40 new Marble Slab Creamery franchised locations throughout Canada in partnership with Canadian Ice Cream Company Inc. The Marble Slab Creamery locations are set to open over the next 10 years, with the first of the new locations slated to open by the end of 2024. The development deal will bolster the brand’s presence from approximately 100 stores that are operating today in …

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2nd & Charles Opens 5th Store in Louisiana

by Katie Lee

Lafayette, La. — 2nd & Charles, a retailer of new, used and collectible books, will host a grand opening celebration of its newest store in Lafayette, La., on Feb. 24. Located next to Target in the River Marketplace, Lafayette will be 2nd & Charles’ fifth Louisiana location to date. 2nd & Charles Lafayette is opening as the Books-A-Million in the same shopping center closes its doors. 2nd & Charles is a sister store to Books-A-Million — both serving the book community but in uniquely different and valuable ways. A bookstore …

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Philly Pretzel Factory Expands into St. Louis with Conversion of 11 Pretzel Pretzel Locations

by Katie Lee

St. Louis —  Philly Pretzel Factory is about to become a household name in the St. Louis market. The nation’s largest Philly-style pretzel brand will convert 11 Pretzel Pretzel locations throughout the region into new Philly Pretzel Factory locations within the next month. Philly Pretzel Factory CEO and co-founder, Dan DiZio, met with Pretzel Pretzel franchisees, sharing his humble founding story, mission and explaining the strengths of the Philly Pretzel Factory franchise support system. The message resonated — as all 11 Pretzel Pretzel franchisees opted to convert their stores to …

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