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Saks Global Secures $500 Million in Exit Financing, Expects to Emerge from Chapter 11 This Summer

by Katie Lee

New York City — Saks Global Enterprises LLC, a leading multi-brand luxury retail company, has entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement with an ad hoc group of its senior secured bondholders under which these capital partners have committed to provide $500 million in exit financing upon the company’s emergence from Chapter 11. “Achieving this important milestone underscores the progress we are making on our transformation and reflects our capital partners’ confidence in our go-forward vision, guided by our relentless devotion to the luxury customer,” says Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of …

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Playa Bowls to Make International Debut with First Shop in Canada

by Katie Lee

Toronto — Playa Bowls, the U.S.’s leading superfruit bowl shop with nearly 400 locations, is officially bringing its tropical vibe north of the border. Eat Up Canada, Inc., the restaurant development group leading Playa Bowls’ Canada expansion, has signed a lease for the brand’s first Canadian shop in downtown Toronto. The shop will mark Playa Bowls’ international debut when it opens this spring. The new shop is part of Playa Bowls’ master franchise agreement with Eat Up Canada, led by George Heos and Alex Gerzon. The pair previously built a …

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Bed Bath & Beyond to Acquire The Container Store

by Katie Lee

Murray, Utah — In a letter to shareholders from Marcus Lemonis, executive chairman and CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc., Lemonis outlined the strategic decision of Bed Bath & Beyond to acquire The Container Store, Elfa and Closet Works. The closing of this acquisition is expected to be in July 2026. “This transaction will fill critical gaps in both our retail and home services strategy,” Lemonis explains. “As we build our company platform, any additional assets including talent must serve a clear purpose to our company’s long term strategy.” …

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Canadian Retailer Pet Valu® Marks 50th Anniversary

by Katie Lee

Markham, Ontario (Canada) — Canadian specialty pet retailer Pet Valu is marking its 50th anniversary. Pet Valu opened the doors of its first store in Toronto in 1976, with a commitment to helping pets live healthy, happy and active lives. Today, Pet Valu has grown to more than 800 locally owned and operated stores across Canada and this commitment remains the same. “Pet Valu has had the privilege of being part of so many memorable moments over the past 50 years,” says Greg Ramier, CEO at Pet Valu. “As we …

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CRAFT Restaurant & Beer Market Opens First U.S Location

by Katie Lee

Dallas — CRAFT Restaurant & Beer Market has officially opened its first U.S. location in Dallas’ Preston Center, bringing a 500-seat, high-energy dining and social destination featuring over 100 taps, a chef-driven menu and one of the area’s first rooftop patios. The restaurant opened on April 1. CRAFT’s expansion into Texas marks a major milestone for the brand as it brings its community-driven hospitality model to the U.S. market. “Dallas is an exciting market for us, and opening here represents an important next step for the brand,” says founder PJL’Heureux. …

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WAC Group Appoints Director of Commercial Lighting Systems

by Katie Lee

Port Washington, N.Y. — WAC Group has named Greg Barrett as its new director of commercial lighting systems. This announcement is released as the organization recently launched WAC Architectural, its new commercial specification-grade lighting brand. Barrett is an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in lighting and control systems, grounded in both design and technology. In his new position, he will play a key role in shaping product strategy, education and marketing, helping to drive innovation and bridge the gap between complex technologies and design-driven applications. He has …

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Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers Promotes CFO to CEO

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, an automotive service provider and tire retailer, has successfully completed its CEO succession plan, with Derek Basile assuming the role of chief executive officer. He succeeds Frank Kneller, who will transition to executive chairman and continue to support Dobbs’ strategy and M&A initiatives. Basile joined Dobbs in early 2024 as chief financial officer and has played a key role in strengthening the company’s financial performance and strategic direction during a period of rapid growth. In 2025, Basile assumed additional responsibilities as chief …

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PopUp Bagels® Makes Midwest Debut with First Chicago Location

by Katie Lee

Chicago — PopUp Bagels is expanding across Illinois, with the first of 25 Chicago locations set to open in Lincoln Park. Expanding to the Chicago area marks a major milestone for PopUp Bagels as it expands the brand’s footprint to the Midwest for the first time. The brand, which debuted in Westport, Conn., in 2021, serves hot, whole bagels straight from the oven — never sliced, never toasted — designed to be torn apart and dipped into schmear. The Chicago locations will deliver the same bagel experience as those in …

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The Home Depot Names EVP and Chief Technology Officer

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — The Home Depot® has named Dr. Franziska “Fran” Bell as executive vice president (EVP) and chief technology officer (CTO), effective April 6. As CTO, she will lead the strategy, development and alignment of technology, product management, data and artificial intelligence (AI) for The Home Depot. Most recently, Bell led AI transformation as chief data, AI and analytics officer for Ford Motor Company. Prior to Ford, she served as senior vice president of digital technology at BP and held executive roles at Uber and Toyota. As a globally recognized …

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Zaxbys Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Zaxbys® has appointed Michael Dixon as its new chief financial officer, effective March 30. Dixon will report to Bernard Acoca, chief executive officer at Zaxbys. “Mike’s demonstrated success in accelerating and scaling financial performance across QSR organizations, maximizing unit economics and managing complex financial environments makes him a perfect fit for Zaxbys next chapter,” says Acoca. “As Zaxbys continues the brand’s national growth and expansion I am confident in our ability to grow to win with Mike’s leadership.” Dixon brings over 30 years of accomplished financial leadership experience …

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