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Modern Market Eatery Projects Strong 2024 Growth; Will Remodel All Locations in Colorado

by Katie Lee

Denver — Modern Market Eatery, a better-for-you fast-casual dining brand, expanded its presence in 2023, opening restaurants in new and current markets, including its first new franchised location and drive-thru restaurant. The brand continues to expand in 2024 with 42 locations slated to open over the next 6-7 years. In addition to new growth, the brand started its first extensive remodel project in brand history, which will update all of its legacy Colorado restaurants. In 2023, the brand opened three new restaurants, which included the following: • One new company-owned …

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Nordstrom Rack to Open 2 New Stores in North Carolina

by Katie Lee

Seattle — Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. plans to open two new Nordstrom Rack stores in North Carolina. The new stores will be located in Raleigh and Matthews, which will open in fall 2024 and spring 2025, respectively. “We look forward to being a part of the Raleigh and Matthews communities and serving our customers with an amazing offering of great brands at great prices,” says Gemma Lionello, president of Nordstrom Rack Stores. “We’re excited to grow our footprint in these regions and introduce new customers to the Nordstrom experience.” …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to Enter New North American Markets in 2024

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, a Southern California global roaster and retailer of premium coffee and tea, is marking 60 years in business by unveiling a strategic franchising initiative aimed to accelerate growth in North America. Expansion goals for 2024 include venturing into new and untapped markets, notably Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Canada and Mexico. The company is projected to sign more than 225 new store commitments through multi-unit development agreements and single café franchise agreements, emphasizing both traditional and non-traditional growth avenues such as …

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Newspeopleretailerssupply chain

Academy Sports + Outdoors Names SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer

by Katie Lee

Katy, Texas — Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. has appointed Robert (Rob) Howell to the role of senior vice president and chief supply chain officer. In this role, he will oversee supply chain operations, distribution centers, and domestic & international logistics. Howell will join the company in February 2024 and report to Sam Johnson, president of Academy. Howell brings nearly 30 years of supply chain, distribution and logistics experience to Academy. Previously, he spent nearly 20 years with Sysco Corporation, a wholesale restaurant food distributor, where he performed various supply …

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energy managementfacilities managementgreen building/LEEDgreen newsHVAC/RNewsrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendors

Panda Express Partners with GridPoint Across All U.S. Restaurant Locations

by Katie Lee

Reston, Va. — GridPoint, a leading cleantech company that decarbonizes commercial buildings and accelerates the transition to a sustainable energy future, has expanded its partnership with Panda Express, the largest Asian dining concept in the United States. With nearly 2,500 locations, Panda Express will deploy GridPoint Intelligence™ to all U.S. locations during the next 18 months to optimize energy consumption, reduce energy costs and ensure that all restaurants remain at maximum temperature comfort for its guests and associates throughout varied climate conditions year-round. “We have sought solutions that can deliver …

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UNIQLO Partners with the Nature Conservancy to Plant 100,000 Trees Across the U.S.

by Katie Lee

New York City — UNIQLO has formed a new partnership with The Nature Conservancy, a global nonprofit committed to helping preserve the environment for future generations. UNIQLO in the U.S. is contributing $150,000 that will go toward the organization’s ‘Plant a Billion Trees’ program, aiding in forest restoration to slow the spread of biodiversity loss and climate change. “We’re very proud to support The Nature Conservancy in their critical work around reforestation,” says Jean Shein, UNIQLO’s global director of sustainability. “UNIQLO’s brand purpose is to help make everyday life better, …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux Adds to Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Baton Rouge, La. — Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux has appointed Trey Hughes as senior director of franchise sales. The nationally renowned restaurant and sports bar has also hired Andy Izquierdo as its vice president of communications. “We are excited to welcome Andy Izquierdo and Trey Hughes to the Walk-On’s family. Their impressive backgrounds and proven track records align seamlessly with our commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience. As we continue our journey of expansion, their strategic insights and leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in further elevating Walk-On’s Sports …

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Bob Evans Selects PAR Technology to Enhance Guest Experience and Loyalty

by Katie Lee

New Hartford, N.Y. — ParTech, Inc. (PAR), a global restaurant technology company and provider of unified commerce solutions for enterprise restaurants, has been chosen by Bob Evans, the iconic family-style restaurant chain with 437 locations in the U.S., for its industry-leading loyalty and offer solution PAR Punchh®. PAR Punchh will provide customers with personalized offers and rewards through the Bob Evans app, including family deals, value offers and convenient online takeout options. “At Bob Evans, we extend our hospitality well beyond the delicious dishes we serve. We want every guest …

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Gibson Garage to Open First Flagship Store Outside of the U.S., in London

by Katie Lee

Nashville, Tenn. — Gibson, the iconic and leading global instrument brand, will officially open a Gibson Garage flagship store in Historic London on Feb. 24, 2024. The London location marks the first-ever Gibson flagship store outside of the U.S. and follows the successful opening of the Gibson Garage Nashville. The Gibson Garage is the ultimate guitar experience and destination for music lovers across the globe and the place to explore Gibson’s 130-year music history. Located in historic London just off Oxford Street, and featuring 4,500 square feet of retail space, …

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Newspeopleretailerssupply chain

Academy Sports + Outdoors Names SVP & Chief Supply Chain Officer

by Katie Lee

Katy, Texas — Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. has appointed Robert (Rob) Howell to the role of senior vice president and chief supply chain officer. In this role, Howell will oversee supply chain operations, distribution centers and domestic & international logistics. Howell will join Academy in February 2024 and report to Sam Johnson, president of Academy. Howell brings nearly 30 years of supply chain, distribution and logistics experience to Academy. Previously, he spent nearly 20 years with Sysco Corporation, a wholesale restaurant food distributor, where he performed various supply chain, …

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