In Other Business News

Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store

• The Fresh Market Inc. has opened its first ever The Fresh Market Spirits & Wine store. The 7,000 sq. ft. store is located next to the company’s grocery store in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

• La Michoacana reportedly plans to open two new stores in Texas.

• Lund Food Holdings Inc. is closing a grocery store in downtown St. Paul, MN.

• The Parker Companies announced Greg Parker is transitioning to Executive Chairman.

• Rutter’s Holdings Inc. is opening two 14,000 sq. ft. bar and lounge spaces this spring in Johnstown and Milton, PA.

Retail

• Beyond, Inc. has announced that Dave Nielsen has left the company. Marcus Lemonis has been named as the company’s Principal Executive Officer. Leah Putnam has been promoted to Chief Accounting Officer. Alexander Thomas has been promoted to CFO.

• BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc. plans to open its first location in Texas in 2026.

• The Home Depot Inc. has named Michael Rowe as Exec VP of Pro. Stephanie Smith will succeed Tim Hourigan as Exec VP of Human Resources. Vinod Nalajala has been promoted to President, The Home Depot Canada.

• The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced the promotion of Stephen Perlowski to Senior VP of Industry Affairs and Member Relations.

• Ross Stores Inc. plans to open 90 new stores, comprised of about 80 Ross and 10 DD’s Discounts, during fiscal 2025.

• Rural King Supply recently opened a new location in Saraland, AL.

• Sky Zone, LLC has announced that Mike Revak has been promoted to COO. Additionally, Sherin Sakr has been appointed Chief Legal Officer.

• Sleep Number Corporation has appointed Linda Findley as President and CEO, effective April 7. She succeeds Shelly Ibach, who will retire.

• Uniqlo plans to open four new store locations in Ontario and Quebec this year.

• Versace USA Inc. announced that Donatella Versace is stepping down and be will succeeded by Dario Vitale as Chief Creative Officer, effective April 1.

• Westlake Ace Hardware will acquire Edgebrook Ace Hardware in Chicago, IL.

Restaurant

• Dine Brands is planning to launch 13 dual branded IHOP/Applebee’s locations in 2025, with the first opening in Costa Rica.

• Domino’s announced Joseph Jordan as COO and President of U.S., Weiking Ng as executive VP International, Ryan Mulally as Executive VP, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary.

• Craveworthy Brands has acquired Kinnamōns Bakery, a build your own cinnamon roll concept.

• McDonald’s has created a new division called the “Restaurant Experience Team.” This new decision is a direct response to increased competition and the new division is designed to help the company compete against specialists. The company is also establishing three new global category management teams that will focus on beef, chicken, and beverages.

• Mountain Mike’s Pizza has named Steven Adyani to COO.

• Noodles & Company has been testing a new menu since 2023 and the company finally launched it at all locations. The new menu is part of the company’s plan to have a brand transformation this year.

• Olive Garden has brought back their Buy One-Take One promotion for the first time in five years.

• Starbucks is rethinking its store design and operations after the company realized mobile and takeout orders received too much priority over in-store customers.

• Steak ‘n Shake’s recent shift away from frying in vegetable oil and instead using beef tallow has gotten backslash after the company showed support for RFK Jr.’s and the Make America Healthy Again movement on social media.

• Walk On’s has launched their new menu with six new food items and six new drink options. The company also overhauled how the physical menu was designed.