Georgetown, Texas — Sport Clips Haircuts has reopened 98% of its more than 1,800 locations in the U.S. and Canada. At the onset of the pandemic, Sport Clips sent out a letter to landlords saying it would waive franchise agreement fees for franchisees in an attempt to make paying rent more feasible. By paying more than $300,000 in rent for 69 company-owned locations in Texas, Arkansas, Nevada and Oklahoma, Sport Clips was able to prioritize tools and resources for franchisees. “Few times does a company get the opportunity to truly illustrate that values are not …
COVID-19
Maryville, Tenn. — Ruby Tuesday Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with plans to permanently close 185 restaurants that were shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company’s 236 open locations will remain operational throughout the reorganization process. The Maryville, Tenn.-based chain is the latest restaurant group to fall victim to the economic pressures caused by the coronavirus pandemic. California Pizza Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 protection in July citing similar struggles. “This announcement does not mean ‘Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday’ — this is ‘Hello, to a stronger Ruby Tuesday’,” …
— By Katie Lee — Even during a pandemic, Jersey Mike’s continues to grow and evolve — adding 200 stores this year and fully funding the ongoing retrofits of its 1,800+ locations. Ten years ago, Retail & Restaurant Facility Business first featured Jersey Mike’s on its cover. At the time, the iconic sub sandwich chain, which launched in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, had 450 stores open and under development in 29 states. One short decade later? Jersey Mike’s is just getting started. The company has more than …
Knoxville, Tenn. — Regal Cinemas will temporarily suspend operations at all of its 536 U.S. theaters beginning Thursday, Oct. 8. British owner-operator Cineworld owns Knoxville, Tenn.-based Regal Cinemas, which has about 7,000 screens across its U.S. portfolio of theaters. Cineworld also announced plans to close all of its theaters in the United Kingdom this week. The closures will impact about 40,000 employees, according to Cineworld. “This is not a decision we made lightly, and we did everything in our power to support a safe and sustainable reopening in the United …
East Rutherford, N.J. — Triple Five Group has reopened the American Dream shopping and entertainment destination in East Rutherford, located just outside New York City. American Dream is located in the Meadowlands Sports Complex by MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Jets and Giants and features some 3 million square feet of retail and entertainment space. According to local media reports, marquee attractions such as the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, DreamWorks water park, Angry Birds mini-golf and an NHL-sized ice skating rink are now open under limited capacities. Masks …
Save Mart Launches Contactless Robotic Grocery Delivery Service with Starship Technologies
by Katie Lee
Modesto, Calif. — The Save Mart Companies has launched an on-demand grocery delivery service to its customers at the Save Mart flagship store in Modesto, Calif., in partnership with leading robot delivery company Starship Technologies. The Save Mart Companies is the first grocer in the U.S. to partner with Starship Technologies. The debut of the advanced contactless delivery service embraces the flagship store’s role as an innovation lab and precedes the 1-year anniversary of the store’s opening in October 2019. Based in San Francisco and a leader in the field, …
“Challenges in Restaurant Facilities Management: How are Restaurant Facilities Maintenance Teams Responding to COVID-19?”
by Katie Lee
The “Challenges in Restaurant Facilities Management: How are Restaurant Facilities Maintenance Teams Responding to COVID-19?” webinar, hosted by Retail & Restaurant Facility Business, delves into importance issues of cleanliness, technology, layout and protocols. In a new reality where restaurant operations have suddenly become a visible part of the customer experience and level of satisfaction, restaurant leaders and service providers weigh in on what the restaurant industry needs to take on the challenges of COVID-19 and keep staff and customers safe. See a list of some topics covered below: Evolving cleaning …
Arlington, Va. — Bob & Edith’s Diner, an iconic Washington, D.C., eatery beloved by celebrities and locals alike, recently opened its fifth corporate location in Arlington, Va., despite COVID-19-related delays. The new location welcomed more customers than anticipated in its first week (both on- and off-premise), highlighting the concept’s popularity and cult-like following in D.C. and surrounding areas. The new location has special significance to owner Greg Bolton. “My dad worked at this very location 65 years ago, before he opened the first Bob & Edith’s Diner,” he says. “I …
— By David Ramirez and John Prall — Have you disconnected your refrigeration equipment during quarantine? Check the measures to protect your equipment when turning it back on. During these times of coronavirus pandemic, quarantine and lockdown procedures, many foodservice businesses have had to shut down for a while or had their demand strongly reduced. As a result, some may have chosen to disconnect their equipment to save energy. In this case, there are some easy measures that can be taken to protect your investment. If the equipment …
Union, N.J.— Through new partnerships with Shipt and Instacart, Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has launched same-day delivery at Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY. Same-day delivery follows the successful introduction earlier this year of Buy-Online-Pickup-In-Store (BOPIS) and contactless curbside pickup, and will enable customers to shop their favorite products online and have them delivered to their doorstep within hours of purchase. The same-day delivery service is available at a flat rate fee of $4.99 for orders over $39, providing an easy, convenient and affordable option. Customers in eligible …