News

Drybar

New York City — Drybar, a leading professional blowout beauty concept, has signed a multi-unit development agreement to bring three new locations to Delaware and New York City. Real estate developer and entrepreneur Angelique “Angel” Patterson will open the brand’s first location in Christiana, Del., within the next year, which will mark Drybar’s debut in the state. Drybar will also open its first shops in Brooklyn’s Park Slope and Williamsburg neighborhoods. “As a longtime client and real estate professional, I can appreciate all sides of the brand,” says Patterson. “Both the …

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Scott Norris

Anaheim, Calif. — Anaheim, California-based Friar Tux has appointed Scott Norris as president. Norris is a veteran of the men’s apparel and retail industry who has held various leadership roles for more than two decades. In his new role, Norris will lead Friar Tux’s growth strategy across its digital channels and e-commerce platforms, drive expansion into new brick-and-mortar markets and develop Friar Tux teams. He will also focus on reducing friction across the customer journey, while advancing technologies such as the company’s AI-powered Fit Calculator, which is designed to deliver sizing …

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SAMBAZON Açaí Bowls

South Carolina and Georgia — SAMBAZON®, a California-based açaí food and beverage concept, has signed a multi-unit franchise deal with Açaí SC to open 10 new açaí bowl shops over the next five years. The new shops will span South Carolina and coastal Georgia, including Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach and Savannah. The first location, which is expected to open in the Charleston area before the second quarter of 2026, will mark the company’s first brick-and-mortar locations in both states. Açaí SC is led by veteran operator Parag Patel, who has …

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New York City — Shake Shack Inc. has partnered with Union MAK Corporation, a leading Hawaii-based company with decades of experience across hospitality and retail, to bring the Shake Shack experience to the Aloha State with the first Shack set to open on Oahu in 2027. Union MAK is a Honolulu-based company deeply rooted in the Hawaii community through its restaurant operations. Union MAK’s proven track record, commitment to excellence and dedication to local communities makes it an ideal partner to introduce Shake Shack to Hawaii. “Bringing Shake Shack to …

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Miami — JLL has been selected to lead on-site property management services for 10 open-air retail centers across Florida and South Carolina, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s nationwide growth strategy. The newly added centers, recently acquired by 11North Partners (11North) and Bain Capital Real Estate, collectively span more than 1 million square feet of gross leasable area with occupancy rates exceeding 93%. The addition of these high-performing properties is part of a broader expansion of JLL’s retail property management portfolio, which has grown by 18 new centers in …

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Newport Beach, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill has signed a joint venture to open restaurants in Asia for the first time. In partnership with SPC Group, a leading South Korea-based food company, Chipotle plans to open its first restaurants in South Korea and Singapore in 2026. “With a rapidly evolving dining-out business, fueled by preferences for variety and convenience, expanding into Asia presents an incredible growth opportunity for Chipotle,” says Scott Boatwright, chief executive officer of Chipotle. “Real food prepared fast is in high demand in these markets and with …

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Columbia, S.C. — Groucho’s Deli, a South Carolina-based sandwich shop with an 84-year legacy, has chosen Square’s comprehensive commerce platform to power its operations across more than 30 locations. By leveraging Square’s integrated hardware, software and partner ecosystem, Groucho’s is unifying its operations, streamlining service and preparing for its next phase of franchise expansion — without losing the neighborhood hospitality that has defined the brand for generations. “As we look toward our next phase of growth, we needed a technology partner that could unify our operations across corporate and franchise …

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Murray, Utah — Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc., owner of Bed Bath & Beyond, Overstock, buybuy BABY and a blockchain asset portfolio, has completed a $10 million purchase of the Kirkland’s Home® trade name and related brand assets from The Brand House Collective, Inc. The move accelerates the companies’ national store conversion strategy, converting Kirkland’s Home locations into Bed Bath & Beyond stores to drive a larger national footprint, greater operating efficiencies and underscoring the company’s conviction in the power of ‘omnichannel.’ The companies will expand Kirkland’s Home into the …

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Irving, Texas — Chuck E. Cheese, a global family entertainment brand, will be making its debut in the United Kingdom. In partnership with a dedicated local team, this will mark the brand’s first location in Europe. “Chuck E. Cheese is an incredible global brand that brings families together across cultures through the universal language of fun,” says Mario Centola, chief operating officer of Chuck E. Cheese International. “We’re thrilled to bring our unique magic for family fun to the UK. We have partnered with an outstanding team that shares our …

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Charlotte, N.C. — Rack Room Shoes is building on its strategic growth plan with the opening of seven new “lighthouse concept stores” across the country. The new locations aim to reimagine and enhance the shopping experience for the entire family. The elevated locations provide customers with an improved, multi-layered experience with better visual navigation and eye-catching elements throughout the store. The latest generation stores improve the wayfinding of Rack Room’s athletic assortment and enhance the presentation of key brands and seasonal assortments. The stores also include upgraded service elements, including …

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