Nashville, Tenn. — Lila Maternity, designers of modern and comfortable maternity gowns, has officially moved into the future home of its first retail shop, located in Hendersonville, Tenn., near Nashville. Founded by a military vet and former Mrs. USA, Lila Maternity is best known for its stylish and reimagined labor gowns for pre- and postpartum women, which have become a social media phenomenon. A grand opening is planned for March 15-17. Lila Maternity’s debut retail shop is the next step in the company’s expansion into more areas of maternal wellness. …
News
Bridgeview, Ill. — Rose Paving has acquired Marathon Solutions Group, LLC. Located just North of Houston, Marathon is a pavement maintenance company with a successful history completing projects throughout the state of Texas. Rose Paving is a premier pavement services provider, based in the Chicago area, with facilities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Connecticut. All members of the Marathon management team will remain with the company moving forward. “We have worked closely with [Marathon owner] Zach [Lovett] and his team …
Livonia, Mich. — TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants (TSFR), a Michigan-based family-owned restaurant group with an expansive portfolio of casual dining, fast-casual, quick-service, virtual kitchen and family dining restaurants throughout the state, has promoted John Andrews to chief operating officer. Andrews, whose previous post was senior vice president of TSFR’s casual dining division, has served more than 10 years in leadership at the restaurant group, overseeing some of its most significant brands. “In his many years at TSFR, John has led the way, inspiring our TEAM to be the best in …
New York City — JPMorgan Chase & Co. plans to expand its brick-and-mortar footprint by adding 500 Chase bank branches over the next 3 years. The New York City-based institution also plans to renovate 1,700 existing bank locations across the United States. New branches will expand JPMorgan Chase’s footprint in existing markets like Boston; Washington, D.C.; Charlotte, N.C.; Philadelphia; and Minneapolis. The company will also enter several new markets, including low- to moderate-income rural communities that previously had little access to traditional banking service. The multibillion-dollar expansion effort will also …
Chicago — McHugh Construction, one of the Midwest’s largest commercial contractors, has completed the $30 million adaptive reuse transformation of Chicago’s historic Ramova Theatre from a long-shuttered single-screen cinema to an 1,800-person concert hall in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. As part of the 36,000-square-foot project on S. Halsted Street, McHugh also built out space for Other Half Brewing, an independent craft brewery and taproom; Ramova Grill, an 18-seat diner; and Ramova Loft, a second-floor 200-person event venue. The renovated Ramova Theatre reopened on Dec. 31, 2023. Ramova Theatre originally opened in …
Toronto — The Popeyes® brand and Restaurant Brands Iberia (RB Iberia), the parent of the master franchisees for Burger King® Spain, Burger King Portugal, Popeyes® Spain and Tim Hortons® Spain, have entered into a master franchise and development agreement to develop and grow the Popeyes brand in Italy. The first Popeyes restaurant in Italy is scheduled to open later this year. “We’re very excited about growing the brand in Italy with RB Iberia, a long term partner and strong operator,” says David Shear, president of international, Restaurant Brands International, parent …
Zac Posen Named EVP, Creative Director of Gap Inc. and Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy
San Francisco — Gap Inc. has appointed American fashion designer Zac Posen to executive vice president, creative director of Gap Inc. and chief creative officer of Old Navy, based in San Francisco. Posen is an award-winning creator and entrepreneur, celebrated for his technical excellence and body-positive designs. Over 25 years, his extensive career has included red-carpet couture, ready to wear, accessories, costume design and more. “I’m thrilled to welcome Zac Posen, one of America’s most celebrated designers, at the onset of an exciting new chapter for Gap Inc. His technical …
Newport Beach, Calif. — Juice It Up!, a leading handcrafted smoothie, açaí bowl and raw juice chain, has concluded a successful year marked by strong sales and a robust development pipeline. In 2023, systemwide sales eclipsed $43 million — up 38% over 5 years. The brand also is on track to mark its 100-store milestone this year. “Consistent sales and franchise growth, segment-leading menu innovation and remarkably effective marketing initiatives made 2023 another extremely successful year for Juice It Up!, fueling significant brand momentum and increasing national recognition,” says Chris …
Hartland, Wis. — Batteries Plus, the nation’s franchise leader in battery retail, has promoted Joe Malmuth to the position of chief development officer. In this new role, he will lead the brand’s robust plans for franchise growth and development. Malmuth has been with Batteries Plus for nearly 4 years, serving in a multitude of roles related to Batteries Plus’ franchise development arm, most recently as chief franchising officer. Malmuth’s tenure as chief franchising officer, a position he’s held since fall 2022, has been marked by significant achievements of the growth …
Denver — Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is gearing up for a momentous 2024, following a year that saw 25 new franchise agreements and the opening of seven new stores, three of which were in new markets. The brand now has more than 100 stores in the development pipeline and aims to secure agreements for an additional 36 locations while opening more than 20 additional stores in 2024. During 2023, the company emphasized greater focus on implementing refined systems and processes with franchisees which resulted in improved store-by-store financial performance. …