Tampa, Fla. — The first location of api(+)’s new grocery store prototype for Walmart China has opened in the southern city of Shenzhen. It is the first of a new small-format, tech-centric chain.
China
Paducah, Ky. — More than 3 years in the making, Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn will debut in China for the first time. America’s leading flash frozen beaded ice cream company and the largest franchisor of fresh-popped popcorn plan to open six locations by this fall and a total of 10 by May 2019.
Scottsdale, Ariz. — P.F. Chang’s, the full-service Asian restaurant industry leader, has opened its first restaurant in China at the No1 Mall on the iconic Nanjing Road in Shanghai. P.F. Chang’s currently owns and operates more than 300 restaurants in 23 countries and territories.
New York City — Subsequent to its successful re-launch in 2017, the iconic toy retailer FAO Schwarz continues its international growth strategy, propelling the brand into new global markets, channels and categories. FAO Schwarz also recently revealed plans to build a new 20,000-square-foot flagship location in the heart of New York’s historic Rockefeller Plaza in time for the holiday 2018 season.
Through $1.3 Billion JV Acquisition, Starbucks Will Operate All Starbucks Stores in Mainland China
by Katie Lee
Seattle — Starbucks Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 50% share of its East China (East China JV) business from joint venture partners, Uni-President Enterprises Corporation (UPEC) and President Chain Store Corporation (PCSC) for approximately $1.3 billion in cash consideration in the largest single acquisition in the company’s history.
Hollywood, Calif. — Wahlburgers, the better burger restaurant brand founded by Chef Paul Wahlberg and celebrity brothers Mark and Donnie, will expand to Asia in 2017 through a joint venture with Cachet Hospitality Group (CHG). The first three restaurants are slated to open in Hangzhou, Wuhan and Shanghai, China. The objective is to open 100 restaurants in China and the surrounding region over the next 5 years.
Atlanta — FOCUS Brands welcomes Ken Chen as senior vice president and managing director of Asia Pacific. In his new role, Ken will continue to grow FOCUS Brands’ current retail business in existing markets, as well as expand the portfolio in China, Australia, Indonesia and others. Cinnabon® and Auntie Anne’s® are currently leading international growth efforts, followed by Carvel®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s®.
Tampa, Fla. — World of Beer, the Tampa, Fla.-based craft tavern concept featuring 550+ craft and international beers, has signed a franchise agreement to expand internationally for the first time. The new tavern will be located in Shanghai, China, and is slated to open in the second quarter of 2016. Franchisee Cong Yin and his two partners plan to open at least three locations in Shanghai over the next 3 years.
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