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Shoe Carnival Promotes Chief Accounting Officer to CFO

by Katie Lee

Evansville, Ind. — Shoe Carnival, Inc., a leading retailer of footwear and accessories for the family, has named Patrick Edwards as the company’s senior vice president, chief financial officer, secretary and treasurer. Edwards had served as chief accounting officer and secretary since 2021 and had served as vice president and controller since he joined the company in 2019. Prior to joining Shoe Carnival, Edwards served in increasing roles of responsibility in finance and accounting during his 18-year career with Vectren Corporation, a publicly traded utility holding company, including serving as …

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NewsProduct Spotlightretailerssoftware/technologyvendors

Runit Systems Introduces Next-Level Features in its POS for Specialty Retailers

by Katie Lee

New York City — Runit Systems, a leading provider of innovative retail management systems, has released Sellit 6.0, its newest POS module, which includes features designed to revolutionize the retail experience. With a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, these features reinforce Runit’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for the apparel, footwear, sporting goods and luxury retail sectors. The new module ensures uninterrupted sales operations even during internet outages. This safeguard empowers retailers to maintain seamless operations, granting access to critical functions like inventory management, customer receipt histories …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

FAT Brands Acquires Smokey Bones Barbecue Chain for $30 Million

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. has acquired the Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill restaurant chain from an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. The $30 million acquisition marks the company’s first foray into barbecue and expands FAT Brands’ portfolio of polished dining chains, which currently includes Twin Peaks. The purchase is expected to bring 61 new corporate locations under FAT Brands’ umbrella. “We continue to be selective and opportunistic in our acquisition strategy, targeting brands that are both scalable and synergistic with our existing platform,” …

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Newsretailers

Wawa Plans to Build at Least 40 Stores Across Kentucky Markets

by Katie Lee

Wawa, Pa. — Wawa, a privately held, family-owned chain of more than 1,000 convenience retail stores currently operating in six states and Washington, D.C., plans to expand into the state of Kentucky for the first time, with 40 new stores across various markets. The approximately 40 stores across the region are projected to open over the next 8-10 years with the first groundbreakings beginning in mid-2024. So far, Wawa has more than 15 sites under contract across Boone, Bullitt, Fayette, Hardin, Jefferson, Jessamine, Oldham, Scott, Shelby and Warren counties, Ky. …

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construction and designNewsproperty managementrestaurantssoftware/technology

OTG Debuts Starbucks’ First Airport Pick Up Concept

by Katie Lee

Houston — Airport hospitality group OTG is unveiling Starbucks’ first airport Pick Up concept, with three initial locations opening at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in IAH Terminal E this fall. Starbucks Pick Up will be exclusively designed for mobile orders — quick pickup without the wait — offering convenience, comfort and guaranteed immediacy to meet the needs of digitally savvy, ‘on-the-go’ travelers. Tailored for the airport environment, all stores will reflect Starbucks’ signature design DNA, featuring warm wood tones, fresh green accents and botanical art pieces inspired by the coffee’s …

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exterior services/landscapinggreen building/LEEDgreen newsmanagementNewsparking lotsproperty managementvendors

Vestar and ASU Partner to Launch First-Ever ‘Cool Pavement Project’ at a Commercial Shopping Center

by Katie Lee

Phoenix — Vestar, one of the leading privately held shopping center owners and managers in the western United States, has joined forces with Arizona State University’s (ASU) Southwest Integrated Field Laboratory (SW-IFL) to launch the first-ever ‘Cool Pavement Project’ at a commercial retail center. The partnership comes on the heels of this summer’s record-breaking heat and aims to help mitigate elevated temperatures in communities dense with impervious and solar-absorbing materials — known as the ‘Urban Heat Island Effect.’ As stewards of the communities it serves in, Vestar is invested in …

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Newsrestaurants

Sullivan’s Steakhouse Opens First Michigan Restaurant in Detroit

by Katie Lee

Detroit — Sullivan’s Steakhouse has opened the doors of its newest restaurant in Detroit. Located at 1128 Washington Blvd., inside the newly transformed Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, the 9,300-square-foot restaurant space is the brand’s first location in Michigan and 15th in the United States. The one-of-a-kind steakhouse offers guests bone-in and hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood and signature cocktails with the sounds of live, local jazz music in a friendly, familiar atmosphere. “Detroit is a such a unique city with rich traditions and a storied history. It cannot be matched and …

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Newspeopleretailers

AutoNation Hires Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Automotive retailer AutoNation, Inc. has appointed Jeff Parent as its new chief operating officer (COO). With extensive experience in senior executive roles spanning sales, supply chain management and business strategy, Parent brings a wealth of expertise to lead the company’s operational and strategic initiatives. His start date is expected to be Oct. 16, 2023. As COO, Parent will play a pivotal role in AutoNation’s continuous efforts to drive growth, enhance operational efficiency and provide exceptional customer experiences across its extensive network of locations. “Jeff Parent is …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

La Madeleine Appoints Senior Director of Franchise Development

by Katie Lee

Dallas — French-founded and French-owned la Madeleine has appointed seasoned industry executive Mark Ramage as senior director of franchise development, effective immediately. The newly appointed executive wants to attract experienced restaurant operators and investors to the brand, with the ambitious goal to sign and develop 50-100 new locations in the next 5 years. Ramage has more than 20 years of experience in the franchise development industry, with success spearheading development strategy, sales and real estate across multiple franchise restaurant and quick service brands. He has held leadership titles at a …

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Newsretailers

Bass Pro Shops to Open New Outdoor World Store in Tucson, AZ

by Katie Lee

Tucson, Ariz. — Bass Pro Shops plans to open a new destination retail store in Tucson, Ariz., in late 2024. The opening of the Outdoor World will mark the third Bass Pro Shops location in Arizona, as it continues to expand its presence in the Southwest. “We are very excited about this opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the sportsmen and women of southern Arizona,” says Johnny Morris, conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops. “This new store will make it easier for the people and families who love to …

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