Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store

• Casey’s General Stores Inc. reported it has closed on the purchase of 48 convenience stores from Couche-Tard Inc.

• Grocery Outlet Inc. recently reached a milestone with the opening of its 400th store, in Hailey, ID.

• Raley’s Family of Fine Stores has named Craig Benson as Senior VP of Technology. The company also name Levi Wingo as VP Operations.

• The Parker Companies announced it has hired Katie Kerney as Chief People Officer. John Rudolfs has been hired as Chief Development Officer. Scott Smith has joined the company as Director of Information Technology. Kara Hardiman has joined the company as Director of Learning and Development. Also, Johnny Wood Jr. has been hired as the company’s new Controller.

Retail

• Hamshaw Lumber Inc. has acquired Leader Home Centers, a chain of five retail stores with locations in Massachusetts and Vermont.

• Hibbett Sports Inc. has changed its name to better reflect its expanded fashion focus. The new corporate name is now Hibbett Inc.

Restaurant

• Ampex Brands has acquired Au Bon Pain from Panera Bread Company for $60 million.

• Brinker International Inc. has promoted Michael Breed to Senior VP of Marketing for domestic operations and virtual brands.

• Curry Up Now has signed a lease agreement to open their first location in Austin, TX.

• Fat Brands, Inc has acquired Global Franchise Group for $442.5 million. The acquisition will add five new franchises including Hot Dog On A Stick, Marble Slab Creamery, and Round Table Pizza.

• Fazoli’s has opened a new location in Zanesville, OH.

• Honeybee Foods Corporation plans to grow their Jollibee locations to 300 units by 2025.

• Inspire Brands has hired John Varughese as COO of their international division.

• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts raised $500 million during their IPO.

• Marco’s Pizza has signed two development agreements that will add 20 locations in Denver, CO, by the end of 2024.

• Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs is planning to revive quick service chain Arthur Treacher’s as a ghost kitchen concept before eventually adding physical locations.

• Noodles & Company has opened a new location in Minot, ND.

• On The Border LLC has opened a new location in South Padre Island, TX.

• Pizza Guys is currently seeking partners to develop new location in the San Diego, CA, area.

• Red Lobster has named Kelli Valade as CEO.

• Slim Chickens has opened a new location in Bowie, MD.

• Taco Cabana Inc. has been sold to Yadav Enterprises, Inc. for $85 million.

• The Wendy’s Company is currently testing a new plant based spicy burger creation.

• Twin Peaks Restaurant has opened a new location in Bryan, TX.

• Walk-On’s Enterprises has opened a new location in Wilmington, NC.