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Presto Pilots Drive-Thru Voice AI at Taco John’s

by Katie Lee

San Carlos, Calif. — Presto Automation Inc., one of the largest AI and automation technology providers to the restaurant industry, has been collaborating with Taco John’s® and Qu to implement a Presto Voice™ drive-thru pilot at select Taco John’s restaurants. Presto Voice enhances the drive-thru staff’s productivity by reducing the time they devote to taking orders, allowing them to focus on more critical tasks and reducing associated labor costs. It also provides customizable upsells to increase revenue and improve the guest experience with immediate, friendly service around the clock. Qu’s …

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Leslie’s Expands National Footprint with 15 New Stores in 2024

by Katie Lee

Phoenix — Leslie’s, the nation’s leading pool and spa care retailer, is expanding its 1,000-plus store chain and will open 15 new stores in 2024, with seven of those located in various communities across Texas. Texas is the largest state market for Leslie’s with 217 stores. The seven new stores are in Addison, Casa Linda, Dallas, Plano, Southlake (Dallas-Fort Worth metro), Cibola (San Antonio metro) and Spring (Houston metro). Additionally, 8 new locations are opening in California, New York, Arizona, Nevada, Florida and Washington. “We are thrilled to announce these …

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Blackstone Completes Acquisition of Tropical Smoothie Cafe

by Katie Lee

Atlanta and New York City — Private equity funds managed by Blackstone have completed the acquisition of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a leading franchisor of fast-casual restaurants, from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners. This marks the first transaction in Blackstone’s most recent vintage of its flagship private equity vehicle. “Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a nationally recognized brand with an impressive growth trajectory underpinned by a base of loyal franchisees and guests,” says Peter Wallace, a senior managing director, and Michael Staub, a managing director, in Blackstone’s private equity business. “With Blackstone’s capital …

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RVLV Plans First Brick-and-Mortar Store Following Successful Pop-Up

by Katie Lee

Aspen, Colo. — Revolve Group (RVLV), a next-generation fashion retailer for Millennial and Generation Z consumers, is opening its first-ever permanent physical retail store, located in downtown Aspen, Colo. This decision follows the success of the REVOLVE and FWRD pop-up shopping experience that opened in the same location in December 2023. The Aspen pop-up not only drove substantial sales but also proved to be an exceptional channel for brand building and acquiring new customers. REVOLVE and FWRD are excited to continue deepening the relationships with their brand partners and providing …

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Jack in the Box Plans First-Ever Entry into Georgia with 15 New Locations

by Katie Lee

San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc., a leading franchisor in the quick-service restaurant industry, has signed a development agreement to open 15 new Jack in the Box locations throughout Georgia. This expansion marks the company’s entry into the Peach State. “This new franchise commitment represents a significant step forward in our strategic expansion across the southeastern United States,” says Tim Linderman, chief development officer, noting that the 15 new franchise commitments in Georgia come on the heels of 30 recently announced commitments for Jack in the Box in …

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Wawa Breaks Ground on First Stores in Indiana and Ohio

by Katie Lee

Indianapolis and Cincinnati — Wawa, a privately held, family and associate-owned chain of more than 1,050 convenience retail stores currently operating in eight states and Washington, D.C., officially broke ground on its first stores in the states of Indiana and Ohio. Wawa’s first Indiana store is located at 3835 East 96th St. in Indianapolis. The first store in Ohio is located at 5308 Fields Ertel Rd. in Cincinnati. Both stores are projected to open in second quarter 2025. “We are excited to begin construction on our stores in Indiana and …

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Rosso Pomodoro, Italy’s Largest Pizza Franchise, Launches in the U.S.

by Katie Lee

Denver — Rosso Pomodoro, Italy’s largest Neapolitan pizza franchise, has launched franchise opportunities in the United States. Founded in Naples, Italy, in 1998, the Milan-based pizza chain has expanded globally to 70 locations in Italy and 140 locations worldwide including the operation of restaurants in 12 Eataly locations across the U.S. and Canada. The first two Rosso Pomodoro locations in the U.S. are set to open this month in Denver. Rosso Pomodoro’s U.S. franchise locations will offer a fast-casual concept for authentic Neapolitan pizza and other specialties. Backed by over …

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US LBM Names Executive Vice President and CFO

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — US LBM, a leading distributor of specialty building materials in the United States, has named Russell Tiejema executive vice president and chief financial officer. Tiejema succeeds Patrick McGuiness, who retired from the company last year. Most recently, Tiejema was executive vice president and CFO with Masonite International Corporation, a leading global designer and manufacturer of interior and exterior doors for the residential and non-residential construction, repair and renovation markets. Tiejema began his career with General Motors, holding multiple financial leadership roles with the automotive manufacturer, and later served …

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Tractor Supply Garden Centers Reach 500-Store Milestone

by Katie Lee

Brentwood, Tenn. — Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has opened its 500th Garden Center, located in Lowell, Ind. The company opened its first Garden Center in Rome, Ga., in summer 2020. To date, Tractor Supply operates Garden Centers in 41 states and plans to open more than 100 Garden Centers by the close of 2024. Tractor Supply began outfitting selected new stores with Garden Centers and adding them to existing stores as part of its Project Fusion store format initiative in 2020. Each …

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TGI Fridays Opens New Restaurant Within Hotel, Representing New Growth Opportunity

by Katie Lee

Dallas — TGI Fridays, the world’s first casual bar and grill, has opened a new restaurant inside the Hilton Garden Inn in Hollywood, Calif. The newest Fridays location is core to the brand’s transformation strategy — offering hotel guests a quintessential Fridays experience while creating a model that’s focused on operational value and efficiency within the hospitality industry. To develop the new Fridays location, the brand reimaged existing restaurant space within the Hilton Garden Inn Hollywood to create a profit center for the hotel and a value add for both …

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