In Other Business News

Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store

• The American Frozen Food Institute has promoted Adrienne Seiling to COO and Director of Strategic Initiatives.

• The Fresh Grocer recently opened its first location in New York City. The 18,000 sq. ft. store is in Brooklyn, NY.

• The Kroger Co. has appointed Greg Foran as the company’s new CEO. Ron Sargent will no longer serve as Interim CEO but will continue to serve as Chairman. The company also announced it has promoted Mike Goodwin to the role of President of its Central Division, effective April 1. He will succeed Colleen Juergensen, who is retiring.

• Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc. plans to remodel more than half of its locations by 2035. In 2026, the retailer plans to open 20 new locations and remodel 35 stores.

• Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. announced it plans to open its first grocery store in Wisconsin.

• Sheetz Inc. reported it plans to open fourteen new convenience stores across southeast Michigan.

• Sunoco LP will acquire all Duck Thru Food Store locations from Jernigan Oil.

Restaurant

• CEC Entertainment Inc. announced the promotion of Nathan Hunstable to CIO and VP, Information Technology. He succeeds Jay Spears, who is stepping down.

• Freddy’s LLC has appointed Todd Paladini as its first Chief Information Officer of the company.

• The Portillo Restaurant Group has named Brett Patterson as the company’s new President and CEO.

• Velvet Taco plans to open eight new restaurants this year, in new markets.

Retail

• Designer Brands Inc. has named Sheamus Toal as Exec VP and CFO.

• Five Below Inc. reportedly has plans to open over 40 new store locations during February and March.

• Fossil Group Inc. announced Shannon Freeze has been named as the company’s next Chief People and Communications Officer, effective February 23.

• Francesca’s Holdings Corp. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and plans to close all its stores.

• Saks Incorporated is reportedly closing eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores by the end of April.

• Target Corporation announced its Chief Commercial Officer, Rick Gomez, has retired. Jill Sando, Chief Merchandising Officer, is also retiring. Cara Sylvester has been promoted to Chief Merchandising Officer. Lisa Roath has been promoted to COO of the company.

• Target Corporation is opening seven new stores in March in Bakersfield, CA; Delano, CA; Springfield, MO; Jersey City, NJ; Fuquay Varina, NC; Oak Cliff, TX; and West Orange, NJ.

• Warby Parker Inc. has named Adrian Mitchell as its new CFO.