Houston — As evidence showing a real risk of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus responsible for COVID-19) continues to mount, Integrated Viral Protection (IVP) has published a peer-reviewed paper detailing a novel biodefense indoor air protection technology. The novel, heated HVAC filter has been proven to destroy 99.8% of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. In addition, this technology offers protection against other biological pathogens on contact using a propriety biodefense technology. The breakthrough studies were conducted at the Texas Center for Superconductivity at University of Houston (TcSUH) & Galveston …
COVID-19
San Francisco — Gap Inc. has launched a B2B product program focused on offering large organizations high-quality reusable, non-medical grade cloth face masks to supply to their employees as they welcome them back to work. With the tremendous impact COVID-19 has on the world, Gap Inc. has leaned in and worked quickly to serve customers in compelling and differentiated ways. As employers look to provide their teams and customers with a safe and healthy work environment, Gap Inc. has leveraged its deep supply chain relationships and agile operations to provide …
Smokey Bones Fully Reopens All Restaurants, Adds a New Location with Ghost Kitchen and Virtual Restaurant
by Katie Lee
Aventura, Fla. — Smokey Bones reopened all of its 61 restaurants in 16 states on June 30. During the pandemic, Smokey Bones created and opened its 61st restaurant, a ghost kitchen in Chicago and opened a new brand, The Wing Experience, in June as a virtual restaurant located inside its ghost kitchen. “We are proud to not only have reopened all of our restaurants, but we have demonstrated, with the launch of our ghost and virtual kitchens, that Smokey Bones is a growth brand, now and in the future,” says …
— By Brendan Kennedy — What retail businesses must do in a post-COVID world. It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation COVID-19 has had on the world, but especially for retailers and their employees abruptly impacted by the virtual halt of in-store commerce. From the small mom-and-pop shops to the big department stores, retailers are struggling to adapt business to “lockdown” status quo. Customers, too, have had their lives turned upside down with lines around the corner just to go into grocery stores, floor markers for 6 feet of social …
Bentonville, Ark. — Walmart, in partnership with Tribeca Enterprises, is creating a touring drive-in movie theater that will transform 160 Walmart parking lots into contactless outdoor cinemas. There, in the parking lots, customers can safely gather to watch movies programmed by the Tribeca Drive-in team. “Summer hasn’t really felt like summer yet, and I know I hear every day, ‘Mom, I’m bored!’” says Janey Whiteside, chief customer officer, Walmart. “We’re hoping to bring some summer fun to families across the country. We know Walmart plays a role in our communities …
Leawood, Kan. — AMC Theatres has delayed its U.S. reopening date until July 30. The company will resume operations of 450 U.S. theaters as part of a phased plan that is expected to bring the 600-plus U.S. theaters to full operation by early August. AMC says the new reopening date aligns with updated release timing for major movies such as “Tenet” on Aug. 12 and “Mulan” on Aug. 21. Previously, AMC had expected to be fully open globally in July when Christopher Nolan’s spy film “Tenet” was scheduled to release …
Pittsburgh — Global health and wellness company GNC Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GNC) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. GNC and all of its subsidiaries will remain open for business during the process. Pittsburgh-based GNC expects to use the bankruptcy process “to improve its balance sheet and capital structure while continuing to advance its business strategy, right-size its corporate store portfolio and strengthen its brands to protect the long-term sustainability of its business,” according to a press release from the company. Over the past year, the company has executed a strategy to close …
Plano, Texas — J.C. Penney Co. has revealed the locations of 13 additional stores it will permanently close, including seven in Michigan, as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The Plano-based retailer says the other six locations set to close include two in Washington state, two in New York, one in California and one in Maryland. J.C. Penney filed for Chapter 11 protection May 15 and unveiled a list of 154 stores in late May that were set to close. Multiple news outlets report that going-out-of-business sales at the 13 locations are expected to …
— By Matt Brown — Considerations for a successful return to growth for restaurants and retailers. When the COVID-19 pandemic sent everyone into their homes in March, businesses had to make fundamental changes to their operations. The restaurant industry “doubled-down” on takeout and delivery services, and essential retailers worked around the clock to clean and sanitize the store and restock in-demand items. Meanwhile, some restaurants and non-essential retailers were forced to close, hoping for the opportunity to reopen their doors sooner rather than later. Any way you slice it, when …
— By Deb Millette — Advice for facilities management teams in the midst of COVID-19. [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally appeared in the May 2020 issue of Retail & Restaurant Facility Business magazine.] In the face of the worldwide pandemic that is COVID-19, people and businesses alike are facing challenges that are testing both mindsets and financial stability. With very little historical data to reference and guide business owners, everyone is taking a different approach. Some businesses have been forced to shut down, others have drastically shifted operational hours, …