In Other Business News

Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store

• 7-Eleven Inc. reported it plans to open 200 convenience stores in North America annually for the next 6 years.

• Fareway Stores Inc. recently opened a new 15,000 sq. ft. supermarket in Denver, IA.

• The Raley’s Companies has promoted Jessica Blakely to VP of Sales and Merchandising for Bashas’ Inc. Faith Garrard was named VP of Sales and Merchandising for Raley’s Operating Company.

• Sprouts Farmers Markets Inc. has officially rolled out its customer loyalty program.

• United Natural Foods Inc. has appointed David Best as President and CEO of Retail Operations.

• Wakefern Food Corp. has entered into an agreement to acquire Morton Williams Supermarkets.

Restaurant

• Bloomin’ Brands Inc. reported Eric Christel has been hired as its new CFO. Susan Cline was promoted to Group VP Strategy and Transformation. Jessica Mitory will join the company as Chief Human Resources Officer. Ali Charri has been named Senior VP Consumer Insights and Customer Analytics. Randy Scruggs has been promoted to Senior VP Supply Chain. Tara Kurian has been promoted to Senior VP Investor Relations, Financial Planning, and International. John Bettin will join the company as President of Bonefish Grill.

• First Watch Restaurant Inc. recently opened its first location in the state of Idaho, and its 600^th location for the company.

• Noodles & Company reported Joseph Christina has been promoted to President and CEO. He replaces Drew Madsen, who is leaving the company.

• Pizza Factory Inc. has named Lisa Roscoe as its new CEO.

• Premier Food Concepts, LLC announced that it has promoted Rich Pinnella to CEO. He succeeds Sean Pourteymour, who is transitioning to Executive Chairman.

• Smashburger Master LLC announced the promotion of Jim Sullivan to CEO.

Retail

• Academy Sports & Outdoors has appointed Brandy Treadway as its new Exec VP, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary.

• Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. will open 65 to 70 new stores this year.

• Claire’s Holdings LLC has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and plans to close 18 locations.

• Dollar Tree Stores Inc. has promoted John S. Mitchell Jr. to the role of Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, following the departure of Jonathan Leiken.

• PetSmart Inc. has appointed Jesica Duarte as its new Exec VP and Chief Commercial Officer.

• Primark USA recently opened a new 36,000 sq. ft. store in Jersey City, NJ.

• Signet Jewelers Limited has appointed Julie Yoakum as President of Kay Jewelers and Peoples Jewelers. Stacee Johnson-Williams has been promoted to Chief Merchandise Operations and Sourcing Officer. Lisa Laich has been hired as Chief Marketing Officer.

• The TJX Companies Inc. reported it will open six new T.J. Maxx stores this month in CT, DC, ND, UT, and VA.

• TopGolf International, Inc. reported its CEO, Artie Starrs, will leave the company.

• The Vitamin Shoppe reported Mike Forbes has joined the company as Exec VP and Chief Strategy Officer.

• Wayfair Inc. announced it will open a new store in Northfield, CO, in late 2026.