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Stop Flying Insects at the Door

by Katie Lee

— By Natalie Clarke — How air curtains deliver proactive, chemical-free pest control for retail and restaurant facilities. For facility managers in retail stores and restaurants, flying insect control is a constant operational challenge. A single open door can invite flies into food prep areas, dining spaces and checkout lines — creating sanitation risks, failed inspections, and negative customer experiences. The challenge is compounded by increasing pressure to reduce chemical use and adopt more environmentally responsible pest management strategies. Traditional tools like insect light traps and sprays still play a …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsproperty managementretailers

IKEA to Open Small-Format Store in Northeast Ohio

by Katie Lee

Westlake, Ohio — IKEA will open its newest Ohio location at the Crocker Park mixed-use lifestyle center in Westlake in spring 2027. The new store will feature the Swedish retailer’s small-format concept and will occupy about 80,000 square feet in the former Dick’s Sporting Goods space. For more than two decades, Crocker Park has attracted visitors from across the region with its mix of shopping, dining, office, residential and entertainment experiences. Combined with its location along the I-90 corridor, accessibility and strong demographics, Crocker Park was the natural choice for …

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Cracker Barrel Plans CEO Succession

by Katie Lee

Lebanon, Tenn. — Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. has appointed David Deno to serve as its next chief executive officer and on the board of directors, both effective Aug. 10, 2026. He succeeds Julie Masino, who will step down as CEO and a member of the board on the same date. Masino will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until Oct. 9, 2026 to support a smooth transition. Deno joins the company from Bloomin’ Brands. “Following a robust and thoughtful search process, we are pleased to welcome …

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Mavis Tire to Acquire Pep Boys for $700 Million

by Katie Lee

White Plains, N.Y., and Sunny Isles Beach, Fla. — Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. and Icahn Enterprises LP have entered into a definitive agreement under which a subsidiary of Mavis will acquire Pep Boys from Icahn Automotive Group LLC for approximately $700 million in cash. IEP will retain the owned real estate previously transferred to IEP from Pep Boys, as well as the AAMCO Transmissions and Precision Tune Auto Care businesses. Formally named The Pep Boys-Manny, Moe & Jack Holding Corp., Pep Boys is an automotive service company offering tires, …

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Albertsons Companies’ President and CFO to Retire

by Katie Lee

Boise, Idaho — Albertsons® Companies, Inc. has announced that Sharon McCollam, the company’s president and chief financial officer, plans to retire later this year. McCollam will remain in her role until a successor is named. Thereafter, McCollam will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until the end of the fiscal year, Feb. 27, 2027, to ensure a seamless transition. “Sharon has been an exceptional partner in helping position Albertsons Cos. for its next chapter of growth,” says CEO Susan Morris. “Since joining the company in 2021, she has …

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Industry Voicesrestaurantsretailerssoftware/technologyvendors

Strategy First

by Katie Lee

— By Tara Buchler — Why strategy — not software — determines whether technology investments actually deliver value. Technology buying failures rarely happen because a team chose the “wrong” software. They happen earlier when facilities or restaurant operations enter the RFP process without the strategy, clarity or alignment required to make a good decision. Most technology buyers in retail and restaurant facilities only see a handful of locations, kitchens or service workflows over the course of their careers — often within the same company, sometimes within the same operational model. …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsretailers

Batteries Plus Signs 15 Agreements for 30 New Units

by Katie Lee

Hartland, Wis. — Batteries Plus has signed 15 franchise agreements covering 30 units and opened 12 new stores in the first 6 months of the year. “Our growth so far this year reflects the strength of a model built for durable, everyday demand,” says Victor Daher, vice president of franchise development at Batteries Plus. “Owners are increasingly investing in more than one unit, and many are seeing their strongest returns on the commercial side, serving the hospitals, schools and municipalities that depend on reliable power. That commercial-first mindset is fueling …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsretailers

BaseCamp Franchising Opens 300th Store; Signs 45 New Agreements in 2026

by Katie Lee

Salt Lake City — BaseCamp Franchising, the parent company behind upscale thrift brands Uptown Cheapskate and Kid to Kid, is meeting a growing wave of demand from both customers and prospective franchise owners. In the first half of 2026, BaseCamp’s two concepts opened 16 stores across 10 states, and recently celebrated the company’s 300th store in Weatherford, Texas. BaseCamp has also signed over 45 new franchise agreements so far in 2026 from a combination of existing franchisees expanding their portfolios and new franchisees opening their first stores. As part of …

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Lawrence Group Designs Chicago Flagship Store, Gallery for Upscale Camera Brand Leica

by Katie Lee

New York City — Architect-of-record Lawrence Group, along with design partner Jetsen of Singapore, recently designed Leica Camera’s new flagship store and gallery in Chicago. Leica Camera AG is an international premium manufacturer of cameras, lenses and sports optics products with over 150 years of company history. As part of its growth strategy, the company has expanded its business to include mobile imaging (smartphones) and the manufacture of high-quality eyeglass lenses, watches and home cinema projectors. Headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany, with a second production site in Portugal, Leica Camera AG …

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AutoZone Promotes VP to SVP, Finance

by Katie Lee

Memphis, Tenn. — AutoZone has promoted Grace Sharpley, vice president, merchandising pricing and analysis, to senior vice president, finance, effective July 10, 2026. Sharpley will join the company’s executive committee and report to Jamere Jackson, chief financial officer. Sharpley is a 12-year AutoZoner who has held several progressive leadership roles during her AutoZone career in audit, finance and as vice president, strategy and vice president, merchandising pricing and analysis. “We are very pleased to announce Grace’s promotion and addition to the executive committee. Her leadership, expertise and consistent delivery of …

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