Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store

• Albertsons LLC, Hy-Vee Inc., and Publix Supermarkets Inc. are working with local and federal governments to administer COVID-19 vaccines.

•The Kroger Co. is closing two locations in Long Beach, CA, because of a law that mandates hazard pay to workers amid the pandemic.

Retail

•CVS Health said that on Feb. 11 it will begin offering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible patients at stores in 11 states, with its initial supply of roughly 250,000 doses coming from the federal government.

• Tru Kids Brands, Inc. has permanently closed its only two Toys “R” Us stores, just a year after a highly anticipated relaunch, because of the pandemic.

• Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. announced vaccinations would begin Feb. 12 for eligible patients at locations in 12 states, as well as Puerto Rico, New York City and Chicago.

• Walmart Stores Inc. announced it has doubled the number of stores offering same-day delivery over the past year to meet pandemic-fueled demand.

Restaurant

•  Bennigan’s will be opening two virtual kitchens in Iowa under the Bennigan’s On The Fly Brand.

• El Pollo Loco Inc. is focusing on expanding their restaurants with two new prototype designs based on responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. One prototype will feature no dining room with dual drive-thrus and patio seating. The other prototype will focus on a smaller dining room that leads into a large outdoor patio along with a dual drive-thru. Both new designs will feature curbside pick-up areas and lockers for to-go orders.

• Luby’s Inc. has named John Garilli as interim President and CEO after Chris Pappas resigned. The company is currently liquidating their restaurants after facing financial trouble related to COVID-19.

• McDonald’s Corporation will be giving employees at corporate-owned stores up to four hours of paid time off to receive two dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

• Shake Shack will be giving its employees up to six hours of paid time off in order for to get two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.