Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store
• Kowalski’s Companies Inc. announced it will open a new store in Edina, MN, this spring. Another new store is planned for Minnetonka, MN, which is expected to open in early 2025.
• The National Grocers Association has promoted Jonathan Downey to COO and Senior VP. Christopher Jones has been promoted to Chief Government Relations Officer and Counsel and Senior VP. Laura Strange has been promoted to Chief Communications and Engagement Officer and Senior VP.
• Performance Food Group Co. has appointed Chris Hobson to the role of President and CEO of Core-Mark Holding Company Inc. He takes over from Scott McPherson, who has been promoted to Exec VP and Chief Field Operations Officer.
• Pops Mart Fuels LLC has recently acquired Fuel Service Dj’s Mart LLC, including 5 convenience store locations.
• RaceTrac Petroleum Inc. has promoted Natalie Morhous to CEO. She takes over for Max McBrayer who is no longer with the company.
• Seafood City Supermarket has opened its first location in Texas. The new 50,000 sq. ft. store recently opened in Sugar Land.
• VISTAR Specialty announced the promotion of Sean Mahoney to President and CEO.
Retail
• Academy Sports & Outdoors announced it plans to open 120 to 140 new store locations by 2027.
• Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. said it plans to open 50 new locations this year.
• The Container Store Inc. has promoted Lindy Rawlinson to Chief Digital Officer. In addition, Jennifer Pape has been promoted to Senior VP of Stores.
• Five Below Inc. reportedly plans to open 255 new stores in 2024.
• Gypsum Management & Supply Inc. announced that it is acquiring Kamco Supply Corp.
• McLaughlin recently opened its first store location in Nebraska.
• Recreational Equipment Inc. announced that it will open 4 new stores in 2024 in Ithaca, NY, Beavercreek, OH, Tulsa, OK, and Beaverton, OR.
• Rothy’s Inc. reported it plans to open 10 new stores in 2024 in Florida, Texas and the northeast region.
• Thrifty White Drug Stores Inc. announced that Justin Heiser has taken the role of President and CEO.
• Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. has appointed Bishu Jayaram as its new Chief Supply Chain Officer. The company also announced that James Zwiers, Exec VP and President of its Global Operations Group, will leave in early 2024.
• Zara plans to open or remodel at least 30 stores in the US by 2025.
Restaurant
• Chuck E. Cheese is launching a “Grown-Up” menu that features specialty pizzas and wings to target adults.
• McDonald’s CEO said that misinformation surrounding the Israel-Palestine war is negatively impacting their business operations in the Middle East.
• Pizza Inn has signed a 50-unit development deal to expand into Saudi Arabia.
• Starbucks has partnered with Volvo to add 50 Volvo and Starbucks and Volvo branded EV chargers at 15 Starbucks locations that are located on a route between Seattle and Denver.
• T.G.I. Friday’s is selling eight corporate owned stores and will be closing 36 underperforming locations.
• Two Pizza Hut franchisees in California have laid off over 1,200 delivery workers ahead of the rising minimum wage that will take effect in April. The two companies have eliminated first-party delivery and will likely rely on third-party delivery in the future.
• Zaxby’s has opened two new locations, one in Mississippi and the other in South Carolina.
