News

Newspeoplerestaurants

Panera Brands Appoints Interim CEO

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the iconic fast-casual concept Panera Bread as well as the Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. brands, has named Paul Carbone, currently its chief financial officer, as interim chief executive officer of Panera, effective Jan. 7, 2025. Carbone, who joined Panera in 2023, brings decades of experience in the restaurant, consumer goods and retail industries, including as long-time CFO of Dunkin’ Brands. Carbone will lead the company while the board of directors completes a comprehensive search process, considering both internal and external candidates …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designfranchise developmentNewsretailers

URBAN REVIVO Unveils Global Expansion Plans for 2025

by Katie Lee

Guangzhou, China — At the dawn of a new year, fast-fashion brand URBAN REVIVO (UR) is celebrating significant milestones in its international market expansion throughout 2024 and unveiling ambitious plans for further global outreach in 2025. Building on a successful entry into Southeast Asian markets, URBAN REVIVO now sets its sights on major fashion capitals worldwide. In a pivotal year, URBAN REVIVO opened nine new stores across key Southeast Asian markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. This expansion brings the total number of the brand’s stores in …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Blaze Pizza Plans 25 New Units in Southern California

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Blaze Pizza has signed a 25-unit expansion agreement with longtime franchisee SoCal Blazers, Inc. The agreement spans Southern California counties, including Los Angeles, San Bernadino, Riverside, Orange and San Diego. Led by Reza Medali, Mehdi Khosh and Ryan Khosh Medali, the franchisee group currently operates 21 locations in the region. The agreement includes the opening of four new restaurants in 2025. “Reza and his team exemplify what it means to be exceptional operators, and we couldn’t be more excited to champion their continued success with Blaze,” says Beto …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newsretailers

Nordstrom Family, Liverpool to Take Namesake Department Store Chain Private in $6.25B Deal

by Katie Lee

Seattle — In late December 2024, Nordstrom Inc. signed a definitive agreement with the Nordstrom family and Mexican omnichannel retailer El Puerto de Liverpool SAB de CV (Liverpool) in a deal that will take the fashion department store giant private. The all-cash transaction is valued at $6.25 billion. Erik, Pete and Jamie Nordstrom, along with other members of the Nordstrom family, and Liverpool plan to acquire all the outstanding common shares of Nordstrom that they do not already beneficially own. The deal would give the Nordstrom family a majority ownership …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Smalls Sliders Makes Texas Debut

by Katie Lee

Willis, Texas — Smalls Sliders, the industry-disrupting cheeseburger slider brand, is hosting an opening celebration on Jan. 4 for its first Texas location, situated in the suburban Houston town of Willis. “The excitement of bringing Smalls Sliders to Texas is something I’m proud to be part of, and there’s no better place to start than Willis,” says Preston Cunningham, local franchisee and operator. “This community has a unique charm and a welcoming spirit that makes it the perfect home for our first Texas Can. The city has grown tremendously over …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newsretailersstore closings

Party City to Close All Stores, The Container Store Files for Chapter 11

by Katie Lee

Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and Coppell, Texas — In a one-two punch of holiday retail bankruptcy announcements, Party City has issued a formal statement declaring that it will close all its U.S. stores within the coming months, while The Container Store has also formally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. CNN first reported on Dec. 20, 2024 that Party City, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2023 to restructure its debt, would now be liquidating. The New Jersey-based entertainment accessories retailer, which does business as Party City Holdco …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
construction and designNewsrestaurants

Jersey Mike’s Subs Opens 3,000th Location

by Katie Lee

Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs held a 12-store opening celebration to mark the company’s 3,000th location on Dec. 18. In 2024 alone, Jersey Mike’s will have opened a record-breaking 322 locations. “Congratulations to all our owners and teams for all they have accomplished with their commitment and hard work,” says Peter Cancro, founder and CEO, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “Reaching 3,000 stores is a celebration of all who have helped build Jersey Mike’s into a brand that resonates on a national level due to our powerful giving culture.” …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newspeopleretailerssupply chain

AutoZone Promotes 2 Vice Presidents of Merchandising

by Katie Lee

Memphis, Tenn. — AutoZone, Inc. has promoted two vice presidents to senior vice president positions. Bailey Childress, vice president, merchandising, has been promoted to senior vice president, omnichannel and merchandising support, and Luke Rauch, vice president, merchandising, has been promoted to senior vice president, merchandising and global sourcing. Childress and Rauch will join the company’s executive committee and report to Bill Hackney, executive vice president, merchandising, marketing and supply chain. “We are very pleased to announce today’s promotions. Bailey is a proven leader who has delivered outstanding results throughout his …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Savvy Sliders Acquires All 85 BurgerFi Locations

by Katie Lee

Detroit — Savvy Sliders, America’s fastest growing slider brand, has acquired Florida-based BurgerFi, a chef-driven, fast-casual chain. Each of BurgerFi’s 85 restaurants, located in 15 states and counting, will continue to operate as BurgerFi. With this acquisition, BurgerFi will be a sister brand to Savvy Sliders, Happy’s Pizza and Fat Boy’s Pizza, bringing the company’s combined portfolio to 206 stores. “BurgerFi shares our commitment to using the highest-quality, freshest ingredients in each menu item while prioritizing the customer’s dining experience,” says Happy Asker, CEO/founder of Savvy Sliders. “We are pleased …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newspeoplerestaurantssoftware/technologyvendors

ChowNow Names New Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — ChowNow, a leader in online ordering and delivery for local restaurants, has appointed Kanika Soni as its new chief executive officer. Soni brings over 20 years of experience in the consumer tech sector with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. As the new CEO, Soni will be responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives to accelerate growth for ChowNow in this rapidly-changing market for online restaurant delivery platforms while ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction for restaurants and diners alike. Most recently, Soni served as chief …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts