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McHugh Completes Restoration of 95-Year-Old Theatre in Chicago, Adds Brewery and Diner

by Katie Lee

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 …

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Popeyes® to Debut in Italy in 2024

by Katie Lee

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 …

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Newspeopleretailers

Zac Posen Named EVP, Creative Director of Gap Inc. and Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy

by Katie Lee

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 …

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Juice It Up! Expects to Surpass 100 Locations in 2024

by Katie Lee

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 …

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franchise developmentNewspeopleretailers

Batteries Plus Promotes Joe Malmuth to Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

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 …

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Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii Aims to Open 20+ New Stores in 2024

by Katie Lee

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. …

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construction and designNewsremodelsretailers

Walmart Plans to Add 150 New Stores, Remodel 650 Existing Locations

by Katie Lee

Bentonville, Ark. — Walmart plans to expand by more than 150 new stores over the next 5 years, both through new construction and converting existing buildings. The first two stores under this initiative — both under the company’s smaller-format Walmart Neighborhood Market banner — are scheduled to open this spring in Santa Rosa, Fla., and Atlanta. The company is currently finalizing plans for 12 new projects, one of which will be the conversion of a smaller existing location into a large-format Walmart Supercenter, which serves as both a grocery store …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Fogo de Chão to Open New Waterfront Santa Monica Location

by Katie Lee

Santa Monica, Calif. — Fogo de Chão has signed a lease agreement for its 11th Southern California location. The new 7,246-square-foot restaurant is scheduled to open in late 2024 at 1551 Ocean Ave. and joins existing Fogo restaurants across metropolitan L.A. area, Orange County and San Diego. The Santa Monica restaurant will offer a new dining experience in the city’s westside area which features popular attractions like the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade shopping district and a stretch of the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. This Los Angeles lease agreement …

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Men’s Wearhouse Opens 6th New Store in Recent Months

by Katie Lee

Houston — Men’s Wearhouse, the largest specialty retailer of menswear and rental products in the United States, has opened a new 6,000-square-foot store at the Shops of Bella Terra in Richmond, Texas, located within the greater Houston metropolitan area. With this new opening, Men’s Wearhouse now totals 638 brick-and-mortar locations across the U.S. It marks the last of six new stores scheduled to open across recent months, following new storefronts recently opened in Prosper and Harker Heights, Texas; Bala Cynwyd, Pa.; and Burlington and Gastonia, N.C. This growing roster reinforces …

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Marra Forni Welcomes New Chief Pizzaiolo Officer

by Katie Lee

Beltsville, Md. — Marra Forni, an international manufacturer of artisan commercial brick oven cooking solutions, has hired Giulio Adriani in the new position of chief pizzaiolo officer. Adriani brings with him vast accomplishments including his experience as a successful pizza maker, pizzeria owner, instructor and industry expert. Adriani officially joined the organization in December 2023. Adriani comes to Marra Forni with over 30 years of cooking experience starting in the kitchen of his Naplese grandmother. He has opened a dozen successful and highly acclaimed pizza restaurants and consulted on nearly …

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