Oak Brook, Ill. — Ace Hardware, the world’s largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative, plans to roll out ELEVATE3 Ace, a new experiential store concept that will be launched in new and existing stores over the next 5 years, supported with a $1 billion investment. This groundbreaking, immersive store design was unveiled this month at the fall convention in Chicago, celebrating Ace’s 100-year anniversary and marking a fundamental shift in the Ace store model to boost both the customer experience and drive store growth. “Elevate Ace is not just a new store …
remodels
Atlanta — Diverzify, the country’s largest commercial flooring and interior services provider, has rebranded its national accounts division from Collaborative Turnkey Solutions (CTS) to Diverzify National Accounts (DNA). This strategic shift underscores Diverzify’s commitment to providing streamlined solutions to large-scale clients with national portfolios. DNA specializes in managing multi-location commercial flooring projects and renovations tailored to various sectors, including senior housing, early childhood, banking, retail and more. DNA leverages an expansive network of over 65 Diverzify-owned locations and more than 7,500 materials experts, trained installers and surface care technicians. “The …
Denver — Good Times Burgers and Frozen Custard is debuting a new, modernized prototype for all of its units, with the goal of completing the systemwide redesign over the next 2 years. So far, five Good Times units have been updated, one is in progress and 10 are slated to undergo remodels in 2025. All locations are expected to be completed by 2026. The popular Colorado brand — born in Boulder 37 years ago — aims to preserve its heritage of fast drive-thru burgers and frozen custard while modernizing the …
Reno, Nev. — Melting Pot, the 92-unit fondue franchise that has built a brand around providing a one-of-a-kind experiential dining atmosphere, has signed a franchise agreement in Reno, Nev. — returning to Reno 20 years after the last location closed. It also marks Melting Pot’s re-entry into the state of Nevada. “It was in the early 2000s when Melting Pot left Nevada,” says franchisee Bruce Witmer. “We had previously had family dinners there and really enjoyed it. Since it closed, we would go to Sacramento to eat at Melting Pot. …
Boise, Idaho — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, recently debuted its new store design near Boise in Meridian, Idaho. The new look features aesthetic updates in addition to operational enhancements. The prototype is set to fuel the brand’s continued nationwide growth and performance, while enhancing the guest experience. The Meridian corporate-owned store opened on July 23, 2024. Earlier this year, Marco’s announced its development plan to bring four new locations to the Boise market, using it as a test bed for forward-thinking innovations. Updates include: • …
— By David Gabbai — How restaurant tenants can be built to save. Due to challenges like high interest rates and construction costs, the price of owning, building, remodeling and leasing restaurant space has gone through the roof. It can be a difficult time to own and maintain a restaurant business and restaurant space. However, forward-thinking restaurant tenants and retail landlords are finding creative ways to make things work. We are seeing these imaginative solutions play out in lease terms and structures, which can be done in a way that …
Canton, Mass. — This Fourth of July, Dunkin’ is celebrating its 4,000th NextGen location now open in Jacksonville, Fla., operated by franchisee Rima & Raj, LLC. This marks a major milestone for the brand as Dunkin’ continues to open and remodel existing locations as innovative NextGen restaurants, offering guests a more modern design with premium beverages, creating an elevated in-restaurant and drive-thru experience. “NextGen is propelling the brand forward and continuing to exceed growth targets,” says Scott Murphy, chief brand officer of Inspire Brands, which acquired Dunkin’ in late 2020. …
Atlanta — Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is rebranding as Perkins American Food Co., where modern American hospitality is reimagined to both take you back and move you forward. The humble pancake house from 1958 in the heartland of the Midwest is now a leading family dining brand with nearly 300 locations across the United States and Canada. In addition to its new name, Perkins has a new logo, restaurant design and elevated services. “Our rebrand is way more than a new logo and descriptor,” says Toni Ronayne, president of Perkins …
— By Frank Mataipule and Megan Freckelton — Elevated, upscale dining experiences are moving to more suburban markets. In the past couple years, the restaurant sector has seen a strong movement in bringing what was once an urban, downtown experience into a more suburban market. As designers focused on restaurants and hospitality, our strategies have also shifted. Whereas we once focused primarily on urban, downtown concepts, we are now working with several restaurant groups looking to move their work into suburban locations as these sites create more revenue, have added …
Atlanta — US LBM, a leading distributor of specialty building materials in the United States, has named Russell Tiejema executive vice president and chief financial officer. Tiejema succeeds Patrick McGuiness, who retired from the company last year. Most recently, Tiejema was executive vice president and CFO with Masonite International Corporation, a leading global designer and manufacturer of interior and exterior doors for the residential and non-residential construction, repair and renovation markets. Tiejema began his career with General Motors, holding multiple financial leadership roles with the automotive manufacturer, and later served …