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Bar Louie Unveils Brand’s First-Ever Redesign in Denver

by Katie Lee

Denver — Denver is now home to Bar Louie’s first-ever new prototype. Located in The Shops at Northfield, Bar Louie closed for several weeks during renovations and officially reopened on Dec. 10. From the menu and flatware to the interior and exterior design, everything about the look is new. The enhanced gastrobar design features new colors, lighting, booths, tables, chairs and barstools. Also included are renovated bathrooms, a takeout and delivery station and upgraded high-efficiency kitchen equipment. In addition, Bar Louie enlisted the famous Denver muralist, Randy Segura, to paint …

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Intentional Design

by Katie Lee

— By Greg Houck — How emerging mixed-use trends can translate to long term success.   Mixed-use projects have a retail problem. Too often, incorporating retail spaces into a mixed-use project is straightforward and static: a single complimentary demand driver, such as a high-rise multifamily with convenient ground-floor grocer. With this approach, the residential component may subsidize a portion of revenues for the tenant, but most often it isn’t sufficient enough and local demand has not been fully understood. Over the past several years there has been many exciting innovations …

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REEF Acquires Foodtech Startup 2ndKitchen

by Katie Lee

Chicago and Miami — REEF Technology Inc., the largest operator of delivery kitchens, logistics and proximity hubs in North America, has acquired 2ndKitchen, a leader in virtual kitchens for hotels, offices, buildings, venues and other hospitality companies. REEF and 2ndKitchen’s existing businesses will be combined under the REEF brand, and will operate under REEF’s Hospitality division. Together, REEF and 2ndKitchen will expand their customer base and enable any business to be able to turn on foodservice without physical infrastructure and the associated expenses. The transaction strengthens REEF’s position in the …

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MILA Restaurant Owners to Open 4 New Concepts

by Katie Lee

South Beach, Fla. – Mohari Hospitality, the global investment company founded by entrepreneurial investor Mark Scheinberg, has taken a significant minority stake in luxury restaurant business Riviera Dining Group (RDG) to support the development of new concepts and to fund its ambitious expansion plans. This investment marks the first time Mohari has invested directly in the food & beverage (F&B) space. Envisioned by Gregory and Marine Galy through their travels, experiences and thirst for discovery and adventures, the first MILA restaurant (part of RDG) opened in South Beach, Fla., in …

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Shipley Do-Nuts Names New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts, a leading do-nut restaurant franchisor and manufacturer of specialty food products, has hired Bob McGahan as its new chief financial officer. McGahan adds over 30 years of experience to Shipley’s already strong leadership team as the brand continues its robust growth. Most recently, McGahan served as CFO at private equity-owned Friedrich Air Conditioning Inc. and AirBorn Inc., and has also held management positions at Dell Inc. and Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. McGahan started at Shipley in November. “Bob knows how to aggressively grow a brand in a …

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Slim Chickens Inks Largest Franchise Deal in Brand History

by Katie Lee

Miami — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the better-chicken segment, has inked a deal for the entire state of Indiana and the Southeast region of Florida for a total of 60 locations. “Slim Chickens’ leadership team is top-notch,” says Al Cabrera, the franchise partner with over 35 years of experience who is spearheading the 60-unit deal. “After three decades in the restaurant industry, it is easy to spot an amazing opportunity, and Slims’ was a clear choice for the next addition to my portfolio.” “This is a huge …

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Jack in the Box, Del Taco Enter into $575 Million Merger Agreement

by Katie Lee

San Diego and Lake Forest, Calif. — Jack in the Box Inc. and Del Taco Restaurants have entered into a merger agreement valued at approximately $575 million, inclusive of existing debt. Under the terms of the agreement, Jack in the Box will acquire Del Taco for $12.51 per share in cash. The deal, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022, would yield a company with more than 2,800 restaurants across 25 states. In addition, the new entity plans to grow its store count by 4% annually …

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WOWorks Restaurant Brands Finalizes 12 Franchise Agreements and Openings in 10 States in 2021

by Katie Lee

St. Petersburg, Fla. — The WOWorks family of restaurant brands — Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh and The Simple Greek — experienced growth of its co-branded restaurant concepts in 2021 with six locations opening and six additional franchise agreements signed across 10 states by the end of the year. “We are seeing an accelerated growth in co-branded WOWorks restaurants because our healthy-halo brands meet growing menu and flavor demands, and have the flexibility in size and operation to open alongside current restaurants and inside many non-traditional spaces,” says Eric …

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Blaze Pizza to Develop 9 New Restaurants Across South Florida

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Blaze Pizza, a leading fast-casual franchise pizza concept, has signed a new franchise development agreement that will significantly expand the brand’s South Florida footprint, bringing nine new units to the greater Miami market. Spearheading this development are seasoned multi-unit operators Asif Ghaffar and Tahir Mahmood of BLD Restaurant Group, who are expanding their existing portfolio. Blaze Pizza currently has 25 locations throughout the Sunshine State and a strong development pipeline that will further propel its expansion statewide over the next several years. Local franchisees Ghaffar and Mahmood …

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L.A.-based The Dolly Llama to Open First Locations in Nevada

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — The Dolly Llama, the waffle and artisanal ice cream destination with three locations currently open in L.A. and three more in development, has signed a 4-unit franchise deal that includes the brand’s entry into Nevada. One Nevada unit is planned for Reno, and another in Lake Tahoe; The Dolly Llama also plans two units in Sacramento. The brand aims to open all four locations in early 2022, along with the existing units currently in development in Bethlehem, Pa., Jacksonville, Fla., and Dallas. “This year has been a …

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