Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store
• Aldi Inc. plans to open more than 70 new stores by the end of the year. The company also plans to build a regional headquarters and distribution hub in Loxley, LA, set to open in 2022.
• The Fresh Market Inc. has appointed Brian Johnson Senior VP Store Operations.
• Hannaford Bros. Co. plans to phase out tobacco products at all of its stores.
• The Kroger Co. has promoted Milen Mahadevan to President of its data science subsidiary 84.51°.
• Pilot Flying J announced CEO Jimmy Haslam will become Chairman on Jan. 1, 2021, and Shameek Konar will succeed Haslam as CEO at that time.
• Schnuck Markets Inc. has appointed Bill Bradley to serve as its Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.
• TravelCenters of America Inc. recently opened its first location in Florida.
Retail
• Ace Hardware Corp. has promoted Alison Dowell to the role of President and General Manager of Emery Jensen Distribution.
• Big Lots Stores Inc. announced Jack Pestello has taken the role of Exec VP, Chief Merchandising Officer, filling the shoes of outgoing Lisa Bachmann.
• BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. is opening two new locations in New York in early 2021.
• Dollar Tree Stores Inc. announced Michael Witynski has been promoted to President and CEO, replacing the retiring Gary Philbin.
• L.L. Bean Inc. is opening three new stores in Ontario, Canada by the end of this year. The company also announced an agreement to sell its products in Nordstrom, Staples and Scheels stores.
• Lowe’s Companies Inc. announced Lisa Schoder will join the company in a new role as VP Media.
• Nike Inc. announced Amy Montagne is taking the role of VP, General Manager of Mens, Whitney Malkiel is taking the role of VP, General Manager of Womens, and McCallester Dowers is taking the role of VP, General Manager of Kids.
• Rent the Runway has appointed Ellen Shultz as Chief People Officer and Larry Steinberg as CTO.
• Rue21 is opening three new locations this month in South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
• Tailored Brands, Inc. announced that Jack Calandra, Exec VP, CFO and Treasurer, will leave the company as of July 31.
• Tapestry, Inc. announced that Jide Zeitlin, Chairman and CEO, has resigned from the company. Joanne Crevoiserat has been appointed Interim CEO. Todd Kahn was appointed Interim CEO and Brand President of Coach. Andrea Shaw Resnick was tapped as Interim CFO.
• Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. named Mike Maresca its new CTO.
• Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. is entering a new partnership with For Eyes Corp. in which the companies have launched a co-branded website, For Eyes at Walgreens.
• Walmart Canada plans to invest $3.5 billion over the next five years to simplify the online and in-store shopping experience, including the creation of 150 “stores of the future.”
• Walmart Stores Inc. is expanding its stand-alone health clinic, Walmart Health, in Florida next year.
Restaurant
• Elite Restaurant Group is opening a new Slater’s 50/50 restaurant in Denver, CO.
• Golden Franchising Corp. has signed a new franchising deal that will add 20 new restaurants to Las Vegas, NV. No time frame has been announced for the expansion.
• Marco’s Pizza announced a new franchise development plan in Palm Beach County Florida. The plan will add 13 new restaurants by 2025.
• Mountain Mike’s Pizza is opening a new location in Newport Beach, CA.
• Pie Five Pizza has opened a new restaurant in Corvallis, OR.
• Potbelly Corporation has named Robert D. Wright President and CEO. He succeeds Alan Johnson.
• Ruth’s Hospitality Group Inc. announced that Executive Chairman Michael O’Donnell will be stepping down on Dec. 9. O’Donnell will remain on the board of directors.
• The Wendy’s Company has rolled out a new rewards program and app. Customers will earn points per $1 spent among other rewards and the program will not apply to purchases made through third party apps.
• Walk-On’s Enterprises is opening a new restaurant in Orlando, FL. and a new location in Amarillo, TX. Both locations are planned to open on July 27.
• Whataburger will begin franchising again and is planning to expand into Missouri and Tennessee. Further details have not been revealed, but the company is also planning to redesign their logo and branding.
