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Checkmate Raises $10 Million to Scale Restaurant Voice AI and Kiosk Solutions

by Katie Lee

New York City — Checkmate, a leader in AI-powered ordering solutions for enterprise restaurants, has secured $10 million in Series B funding led by Tiger Global. The round will enable Checkmate to accelerate the adoption of its voice AI and kiosk technologies across the industry. Checkmate has already developed expertise in integrating digital orders into restaurant point-of-sale (POS) systems. This foundation serves as a critical advantage in entering these new business segments. Checkmate offers best-in-class phone ordering and drive-thru AI solutions to some of the country’s largest brands, all seamlessly …

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The Placemaker

by Katie Lee

— By Katie Lee — PREIT is redefining the role of malls by transforming them into vibrant community hubs. As a premier developer and operator of retail and entertainment destinations all over the country, in some of the most sought-after, high barrier-to-entry MSAs, PREIT has long understood the importance of creating a “sense of place.” But with more than 6 decades of experience and a foresight to see beyond the traditional malls or power centers of its early years, today PREIT and its 17 premier properties offer so much more …

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Cousins Maine Lobster Opens 75th Unit

by Katie Lee

South Portland, Me. — Cousins Maine Lobster opened its 75th unit in early November, located in Jacksonville, Fla. The brand, which launched in April 2012 by real-life cousins Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, now has 4 restaurants and 71 food trucks with reach across more than 30 states. In addition to celebrating 75 units, the brand is also welcoming new franchisees to the system, business partners Mandy Ottesen and Damon Cole. From their initial training in Maine to the opening of their first truck, they’ve been able to launch their …

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Tropical Smoothie Cafe Names New CEO

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe has named Max Wetzel as its new chief executive officer. He succeeds Charles Watson, who is stepping down after more than 16 years with Tropical Smoothie Cafe, including the past 6 years as CEO. “I am so proud of what our support center team members and franchisees have accomplished during my time at Tropical Smoothie Cafe,” says Watson. “I am confident Tropical Smoothie Cafe is well positioned to build on our many achievements to date and to advance its rapid growth, and I remain invested …

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RH Opens 60,000-Square-Foot RH Raleigh, The Gallery at North Hills

by Katie Lee

Corte Madera, Calif. — RH has opened RH Raleigh, The Gallery at North Hills, an immersive retail experience in Raleigh, N.C., integrating luxury home furnishings collections from RH Interiors, Contemporary, Modern and Outdoor with rare art, antiques and artifacts from across the globe. RH Raleigh also features a dramatic, glass-encased rooftop restaurant. “We believe great architecture amplifies and renders our product and brand more valuable,” says Gary Friedman, RH chairman & chief executive officer. “We either find great historical architecture and re-adapt it, or we build it. RH Raleigh is …

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Red Lobster Appoints Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Red Lobster® has appointed Larry Konecny as chief operating officer (COO). In this role, Konecny will lead the operational strategy for Red Lobster’s 545 restaurants across the United States and Canada. Reporting directly to CEO Damola Adamolekun, he will drive initiatives to deliver elevated food quality, customer service and operational efficiency, while fostering a culture rooted in teamwork and excellence. “Larry brings an exceptional combination of operational expertise, a passion for developing high-performing teams, and a genuine understanding of what it takes to build strong restaurant brands,” …

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Mr Gatti’s Pizza Opening in 12 Walmart Stores Across Texas and Oklahoma

by Katie Lee

Fort Worth, Texas — Mr Gatti’s Pizza will begin opening its first 12 locations inside Walmart stores across Texas and Oklahoma this week, with all slated to open before Thanksgiving. Another 23 locations are already under construction and are scheduled to open in early 2025. This expansion is part of a larger plan to launch 92 Walmart in-store locations across four states over the next 18 months. The first location opened on Nov. 4, in Mexia, Texas, kicking off a series of grand openings at Walmart stores. The opening of …

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California-based Starbird Signs First Franchise Development Deal

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Starbird, one of the nation’s first super-premium fast food concepts, has signed its inaugural franchise development agreement with Whiplash Holdings to bring seven new locations to the greater Denver market. The first Starbird location is expected to open in Denver by mid-2025, with all seven locations set to roll out over the next few years. This partnership marks Starbird’s initial expansion beyond California. “Expanding beyond California for the first time is a landmark moment for Starbird and a testament to the demand for a new kind of …

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The Flying Biscuit Café Plans to Open 15 New Units Next Year

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Since opening its first location in 1993, the Flying Biscuit Café franchise has taken off as a leader within the breakfast and brunch industry. This year, Flying Biscuit opened five new locations and anticipates opening 15 new locations in 2025. Having just celebrated its 30th anniversary, Flying Biscuit Café currently has 35 locations, with a strong presence in Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Florida and the Carolinas. 2024 openings brought more than 150 jobs to local communities in Charleston, S.C., and throughout Texas. In 2025, the chain is excited to …

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El Pollo Loco Unveils New Restaurant Design Ahead of 50th Anniversary

by Katie Lee

Costa Mesa, Calif. — El Pollo Loco, a premier fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, has unveiled its new restaurant prototype showcasing an enduring, yet modern and efficient, design. As the brand approaches its 50th anniversary next year, it looks to create a modern legacy of curated experiences, inspired by place and punctuated by new menu innovation. While the new restaurant prototype includes existing brand elements — such as the fire stack gradient, logo and font — that fans have come to know and love, these elements now reflect an updated color …

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