— By Michelle Boggs — While COVID-19 has undeniably disrupted operations, MUTTS® Canine Cantina has found some advantages among the challenges. MUTTS Canine Cantina®, a dual-concept restaurant and dog park with locations in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, has been affected by COVID-19 like all other businesses in the hospitality industry; however several positive components of our unique concept — including our membership model, attractive footprint for developers and an engaging social media presence — have been advantageous for us during this time. Initially, as local and state guidelines …
COVID-19
Union, N.J. — Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has unveiled a $10 million plan to donate essential items to those affected by COVID-19. The ‘Bringing Home Everywhere’ program will deliver products that provide home comfort and essential support to communities and those on the front line of the pandemic across the U.S. and Canada. “Our homes have become even more central to our lives during this crisis, yet we know that for many people that sense of home has been affected by the health and economic impacts of COVID-19,” says …
Austin, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released plans for the second phase of the state’s plan to reopen the economy at a press conference on May 18, notably giving bars the option to begin reopening on May 22. Under the terms of the plan, Texas bars, wine tasting rooms and craft breweries may initially reopen at 25% occupancy with regard to indoor seating only. Restaurants may increase their occupancy levels to 50%. The order stipulates that these businesses must adhere to proper social distancing guidelines and minimum standard health …
Tampa, Fla. — 2020 has been difficult for facility managers (FMs), especially those in small businesses. Challenges surrounding cash flow, remote work and personal safety are understandably top of mind. In addition to all these COVID-19 related challenges, hurricanes and summer heat are on their way. CNN reports that a broad spectrum of experts predict an above-average number of storms; some project an extremely active season. An average of predictions for the season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, forecasts eight hurricanes and 17 named storms. By comparison, …
Fort Worth, Texas — Pier 1 Imports, Inc. has filed a motion seeking Bankruptcy Court approval to begin an orderly wind-down of the company’s retail operations as soon as reasonably possible after store locations are able to reopen following the government-mandated closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the wind-down, the company intends to sell its inventory and remaining assets, including its intellectual property and e-commerce business, through the court-supervised process. “We are grateful to our dedicated and hardworking associates, millions of customers and committed vendors who have collectively …
Plano, Texas — J.C. Penney Co. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a bid to strengthen its finances through an extensive debt restructuring. The company filed on May 15 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, located in Corpus Christi. The Plano, Texas-based retailer has secured $900 million in debtor-in-possession financing from its existing first-lien lenders that is expected to knock several billion dollars off its total debt load. J.C. Penney, a company with a 118-year operating history, said that it would disclose in …
— Interview with Christina Cornell — The Home Depot, which remains open during COVID-19, prioritizes the safety of its employees and customers, while still getting the job done. The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,292 stores. Whether facing a natural disaster or pandemic, the Atlanta-based retailer remains an essential business, so its stores stay open. In mid-April, Retail & Restaurant Facility Business interviewed Christina Cornell of The Home Depot about its business response, how it has adapted store operations, safety measures that have …
Fremont, Calif. — In observance of Governor Newsom’s new directive, Pacific Commons, a regional lifestyle center in Fremont, Calif., is now offering retail-to-go services with curbside pickup options available to shoppers. While the center itself is open, individual retailers will each determine when they will begin offering sales and curbside services, and their hours will vary. Shoppers taking advantage of retail-to-go services are asked to make their purchases from each retailer or restaurant online or over the phone; payment must be made electronically. When shoppers arrive at Pacific Commons, they …
Fairfax, Va. — As various states begin to open back up, Peterson Companies, known throughout the Washington, D.C., region as one of the largest shopping/lifestyle center owners and managers, has developed a plan to safely welcome back its tenants and their customers, once permitted to do so. Elements of this plan will be implemented at several of its signature properties throughout the DMV including National Harbor, Downtown Silver Spring, Rio in Gaithersburg, Fairfax Corner and Fair Lakes. To better understand changing consumer preferences, the company recently surveyed its customers and …
Seattle — Seattle-based Starbucks has started reopening its company-operated stores across the United States. Operating under modified operations and hours, including heightened safety protocols, the company has approximately 85% of stores open now and expects to have more than 90% of stores open by early June. The company is using its experience in China, where more than 98% of its stores are open and operating under revised protocols, as the foundation for its reopening in the United States amid the continued concerns of the global COVID-19 pandemic. “We have adapted …