Los Angeles — Fazoli’s, FAT Brands’ fast and fresh Italian chain, has officially reached a new milestone, the opening of its first international location in Canada in Calgary, Alberta. This marks the first of 25 units set to open across the country over the next 9 years in partnership with Briwin Restaurants Inc. “For over 35 years, we have experienced strong growth domestically, and look forward to this new global chapter,” says Gregg Nettleton, president of Fazoli’s. “Our partner, Briwin Restaurants Inc., has also seen great success within this market …
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Cambridge, Mass. — CambridgeSide, a New England Development shopping and entertainment destination in Cambridge, Mass., has added fashion brand Zara to its retail lineup. The expansive new Zara store spans two floors, dedicated to Women’s and Men’s collections. Conceived and developed by the Zara Architecture Studio, the store’s interior is accented with neutral tones and natural textiles that create a clean backdrop for customers to visit each section. Customer service is a pillar of the project. Zara is focused on providing all customers, wherever they are, with a seamless shopping …
Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs, a leading franchisor of fast-casual sandwich shops known for its fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs, has appointed Charlie Morrison, an industry veteran who has driven long term growth and international expansion at several of the world’s most recognizable restaurant brands, as chief executive officer. Most recently, he was CEO as Salad and Go. As CEO of Jersey Mike’s, Morrison will build on the company’s strong momentum and continue to accelerate its expansion in the U.S. and international markets, as well as its ongoing …
Petoskey, Mich. — Kilwins, a beloved American confectionery brand known for hand-crafted chocolates, super-premium ice cream and warm, nostalgic in-store experiences, is set to expand its footprint in Texas in a big way, announcing plans for 10 new locations across the state. With store openings scheduled to begin this summer, the expansion marks a strategic move into one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. “Texas is a natural fit for Kilwins,” says Brian Britton, president and CEO of Kilwins. “The climate supports year-round ice cream sales, the population is …
Wawa, Pa. — Wawa, Inc. has opened its first three stores in Indiana, located in Daleville, Noblesville and Clarksville. These new stores are the first of eight stores slated to open in Indiana by year’s end. “We’re thrilled to fly into Indiana and bring our unique combination of fresh food and beverage, convenience and service to new friends and neighbors,” says Brian Schaller, president of Wawa. “This historic milestone kicks off the next chapter of our growth in the Midwest, and we’re overjoyed at the warm welcome we continue to …
Newton, Mass. — Paytronix, an Access Group company, and the leader in guest engagement for restaurants and convenience stores, has appointed technology industry veteran Nonita Verma as its new general manager. A seasoned executive with over two decades of leadership experience, Verma brings a proven track record of scaling global platforms and driving hyper-growth. Verma’s appointment, along with changes to Paytronix’s executive team, will help accelerate its growth and provide its customers with a flexible, industry-leading guest engagement platform that meets their challenges. Verma previously served as a chief strategy …
St. Petersburg, Fla. — Saladworks, a growing fast-casual salad franchise and a leading brand under the dining platform WOWorks, has signed a 10-unit development agreement that will bring its health-forward dining experience to several communities in North Carolina. The first location is expected to open in Greenville, N.C., in spring 2026, with additional locations planned for the Greenville-New Bern-Washington, Raleigh-Durham (Fayetteville) and Wilmington DMAs. Driving this growth is local restaurateur and CEO of Mixon Foods, Zack Mixon. Mixon also plans to explore other WOWorks concepts such as Frutta Bowls, a …
Fort Mill, S.C. — Shoe Carnival, Inc. has appointed Kerry Jackson as senior vice president, new business development. In this newly created role, he will report directly to Shoe Carnival’s president and chief executive officer, Mark Worden, and spearhead the company’s merger and acquisition activities, integration of acquired businesses and synergy capture initiatives as part of the company’s strategic vision to become the nation’s leading family footwear retailer. Jackson brings 35 years of experience with Shoe Carnival, including 27 years serving as chief financial officer before retiring in 2023. He …
Las Vegas — Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned restaurant from Brazil known for its elevated churrasco dining experience, has signed a lease agreement for its second location in Las Vegas, at The Venetian resort, marking its first location on the Las Vegas Strip. The 14,000-square-foot space is set to open in December 2025. “Signing a lease for The Venetian Resort is an incredible milestone for Fogo de Chão. The Venetian is synonymous with elegance, world-class hospitality and immersive experiences — values that align perfectly with our vision,” says Barry …
Batavia, Ill. — ALDI U.S. has promoted Jason Hart, currently ALDI U.S. chief executive officer, to join the executive board of ALDI South as group chief operating officer. Hart will help oversee the company’s global operations in Salzburg, Austria, effective Sept. 1. Atty McGrath, currently chief operating officer, will assume the ALDI U.S. chief executive role. During his decade-long leadership as ALDI U.S. CEO, Hart has led the rapid expansion and development of the ALDI brand, overseeing the store count nearly double from 1,300 in 32 states to 2,500 across …