Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store
• Albertsons Companies, Inc. announced that Allison Pinkham has been appointed as Exec VP and Chief Human Resources Officer. She succeeds Mike Theilmann, who recently retired.
• Amazon.com Inc. announced that it will close all its Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go locations. Some Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go locations will be converted into Whole Foods Markets, and the company plans to open more than 100 new stores over the next few years.
• The Food Industry Association has named Jennifer Shawgo its Senior Director, Technology Strategy and Programs.
• The Fresh Market Inc. recently opened a new store in South Miami, FL.
Restaurant
• BJ’s Restaurants Inc. announced Christopher Pinsak has been promoted to COO of the company.
• The Honey Baked Ham Company, LLC has named Deborah Derby as its new CEO. Jim Dinkins has retired.
• Newk’s Franchise Company has hired Chris Cheek as its new Chief Development Officer.
• Paris Baguette USA Inc. expects to open 150 new locations in 2026.
• Smoothie King Franchises Inc. reported it plans to open more than 90 new locations in 2026.
Retail
• Allbirds, Inc. reported it will close its remaining stores in the U.S. by the end of the month. The retailer plans to focus on e-commerce and partnerships.
• Arc’teryx Equipment Inc. has named Avery Baker as its Chief Brand Officer. The retailer has also appointed Tobia Prevedello as General Manager, EMEA.
• BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc. will open two new locations this week in Selma, NC, and Chattanooga, TN.
• Bob’s Discount Furniture reported it has gone public. The retailer is now listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BOBS.”
• Boise Cascade Company has appointed Dennis Fringuelli as VP of Sales and Marketing for the Building Materials Distribution. Jeff Dracup was named VP of Sales and Marketing for the Engineered Wood Products division.
• Caleres has appointed Dan Karpel, Senior VP and Chief Accounting Officer, to the additional role of interim CFO. He succeeds Jack Calandra, who is leaving the retailer.
• Edible Brands has named Angela Johnson as its new Chief Marketing Officer.
• Ganahl Lumber Co. has acquired Pine Tree Lumber Co. LP.
• Hibbett Inc. has partnered with DoorDash to offer another delivery option to its customers.
• PayMore Stores plans to open 96 new locations across the United States and Canada in 2026.
January 23, 2026
Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store • Food Lion LLC will open four new grocery stores in the first quarter of this year,https://www.chainstoreguide.com.
January 16, 2026
Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store • Aldi Inc. announced it plans to open at least 180 new stores this year. • Grocery Outlethttps://www.chainstoreguide.com.
January 9, 2026
Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store • Buc-ee’s Ltd. plans to open its first location in North Carolina. The new 74,000 sq. ft.https://www.chainstoreguide.com.