Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store
• Lidl US, LLC announced it will open a new store in Bethesda, MD.
• Raley’s Family of Fine Stores has named Tiffanie Burkhalter as its new CFO.
• Trader Joe’s Co. reported it is planning to build a distribution center in Franklin, KY.
Retail
• Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. reported it will close all its operations in Canada, including 54 Bed Bath & Beyond stores and 11 Buybuy Baby stores.
• BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc. will open its first store location in the state of Tennessee by the first half of this year. The retailer has plans to open new locations in Davenport, FL, and McDonough, GA, later this month.
• CVS Health announced it will close 900 stores through 2024.
• Drexel Building Supply reported it has acquired McMahon & Co., a custom door manufacturer.
• Hanna Andersson Inc. recently rolled out its first-ever line of activewear made specifically for children.
• Sur La Table will open four new stores by this summer in Canton, CT; Albany, NY; White Plains, NY; and in Glendale, WI.
• Tractor Supply Co. has extended the contract of President and CEO Harry Lawton for another three years.
• Tuesday Morning Corp. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. 487 stores
• United Hardware Distributing Co. announced that Chad Ruth has been named Interim President and CEO. Doug Audette, the former President and CEO has stepped down to pursue other opportunities.
• Walmart Stores Inc. reported it plans to close its last two remaining pickup and delivery only stores. There are five other stores the retailer will close in FL, IL, NM, and WI.
Restaurant
• Brinker International Inc. has hired James Butler as Senior VP and Chief Supply Chain Officer.
• Chick-fil-A has opened a “Brake Room” in New York City that will offer refreshments and restrooms for food delivery workers.
• Chipotle is launching a new restaurant concept called Farmesa. It is set to open in March, but it will have a soft opening with a limited menu and hours this month. The restaurant is a fast casual bowl concept and will be located inside a Kitchen United space and be available through kiosk or online ordering.
• Chipotle has hired an independent third-party to conduct a Talent Management Equity Audit in order to determine if the company needs to create more equitable policies in their management cycle.
• Crave Hot Dogs & Barbecue has opened a new location in Chicago, IL.
• Denny’s is planning to expand their menu in an effort to diversify their customer base. The company has not revealed the new products yet, but they did specify that the new kitchen equipment installed in all stores would allow them to bake and roast new items.
• Krispy Kreme had a successful fourth quarter with revenue growing 9.2% and the company has attributed this success to their focus on doughnut hubs that provide easier access for consumers. The company is looking to expand their omnichannel offerings in 2023.
• Krystal has debuted their new company tagline – “Now You Know.” The new tagline was selected by fans during a campaign created by 2 Chainz, Krystal’s Head of Creative Marketing.
• Restaurant Brands International has named Joshua Kobza CEO effective March 1st. José Cil will remain with the company for a year to aid in the transition.
• Subway has confirmed that they are exploring a possible sale of all restaurants. The entirety of their units may be valued at over $10 billion.
• TravelCenters of America LLC has agreed to be purchased by BP Products North America Inc. for $1.3 billion.
• Virginia has introduced a bill that would create a council to regulate the wages of fast-food employees in a similar vein to California’s Fast Food Act.