In Other Business News

Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store

• Ahold-Delhaize has appointed Jan Brecht as its new CTO. He will succeed Ben Wishart, who has left the company.

• Albertsons Companies, Inc. has named Brian Monahan as Director of Albertsons Media Collective.

• Albertsons Companies, Inc. announced its Exec VP, Chief Digital Officer and Chief Merchandising Officer, Omer Gajial, is leaving the company. Michelle Larson is transitioning into the role of Exec VP, Chief Merchandising Officer. Jennifer Saenz has been promoted to Exec VP, Chief Commercial Officer. Mike Withers has added the title of Exec VP, West Operations.

• Aldi Inc. will open 21 new locations across Florida soon. The majority of these new locations are former Winn-Dixie stores.

• Aldi Inc. reported it has promoted Karla Waddleton to the role of COO.

• Bi-Rite Market, Dave’s Supermarkets, Dorothy Lane Market, Lucky’s Market LLC, Lunardi’s Supermarkets Inc., and Super Center Concepts Inc. recently partnered with DoorDash to offer delivery.

• Cava Group, Inc. recently opened its first location in Michigan, as part of its plan to expand across the state.

• Dollar General Corp. announced Kelly Dilts resigned from her role as Exec VP and CFO. Austin Leonard has been named VP and General Manager of DG Media Network.

• The Food Industry Association has appointed Brian Updegraff as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis.

• Hammond Lumber Company recently acquired 15 Ware-Butler Building Supply locations in Maine.

• Heritage Grocers Group announced Suzy Monford has stepped down from her role of CEO and Chairman. David Hirz was named Chairman.

• Homeland Acquisition Corp. is planning to close four supermarkets in Oklahoma and one in Georgia next month.

• House-Hasson Hardware Co. Inc. has appointed Jay Bunch as CFO, and Matthew Patti as VP of Purchasing.

• The Kroger Co. has named Ed Oldham as its new Group VP of Store Brands. Ann Reed has been named Group VP of Our Brands. Jake Cannon will replace her as President of the Cincinnati-Dayton Division. Josh Harpole was named as President of the Louisville Division.

• The Kroger Co. has named George Vincent as its new Secretary and General Counsel. He succeeds Christine Wheatley, who is retiring.

• The Kroger Co. has consolidated its Dallas and Houston Divisions, and appointed Rudy DiPietro as President of the Texas Division. The company announced the retirement of Laura Gump.

• Miner’s Inc. will acquire all three locations operated by S & R Quisberg Inc. The stores will be converted to Super One Foods stores.

• National Association of Chain Drug Stores has promoted Mary Medawar to VP Exhibit Programs and Services. Andrew Klapmust has been promoted to VP Membership.

• National Association of Convenience Stores has named Frank Gleeson as President and CEO, effective January 2. He will succeed Henry Armour.

• Stewart’s Food Store Inc. has closed its last location and is no longer in business.

• The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC has promoted Bob Yager to Exec VP of Operations.

• United Natural Foods Inc. announced its President and CEO of Retail, Andre Persaud, is no longer with the company.

• Uwajimaya Inc. plans to open a new supermarket in Issaquah, WA.

• Whole Foods Market Inc. will open a new 46,700 sq. ft. store in Reston, VA, on August 6.

 

Restaurant

• BJ’s Restaurants Inc. has named William J. Atkins its Interim CFO.

• Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. announced the appointment of Tarun Lal as CEO.

• Doctor’s Associates Inc. reported that Jonathan Fitzpatrick will join the company as its new CEO.

• Galardi Group has plans to open seven new Wienerschnitzel locations in Virginia.

• Inspire Brands has named Scott Catlett as its new Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, effective September 1.

• Insomnia Cookies announced that it plans to open 1,500 new locations in the next decade.

• KFC Corporation has named Tiffany Furman as its new Chief Growth Officer.

• McDonald’s Corporation has named Annemarie Swijtink as CEO and President of its Canada division, effective September 1. She succeeds Michele Boudria, who is retiring.

• Naf Naf Grill has announced the retirement of its CEO, Greg Willman. Grady Metoyer, the company’s CFO, will take on the Interim CEO role.

• Perkins American Food Co. plans to expand its new Perkins Griddle & Go concept into New Jersey.

• PopUp Bagels reported it plans to have 100 locations by the end of 2027. It currently operates 14 locations in CT, MA, and NY.

• Shake Shack Inc. has named Jamie Griffin as its new Chief People Officer.

• Shipley Do-Nuts reportedly plans to open at least 40 new locations this year. The company recently opened its first location in Virginia.

• Smoothie King Franchises Inc. plans to open 105 new locations this year, including many stores in Georgia and Texas.

• SPB Hospitality has sold its Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom concept.

• Starbird has named Maria Rivera as its new CEO. Aaron Noveshen will transition to Chairman of the company.

• The Wendy’s Company has named Pete Suerken as its new President of its U.S. operations. He will succeed Abigail Pringle, who will leave the company.

 

Retail

• Atlanta Hardwood Corporation announced Jim Howard has stepped down from his role as CEO. He will become Executive Chairman and be succeeded by Chris Rider. Jeff Leake has been named COO of the company.

• Barnes & Noble Inc. announced it will open three new stores in Texas and South Carolina.

• Costco Wholesale Corp. will open seven new locations next month, including four in the United States.

• Gap Inc. reported that Maggie Gauger will join the company as Global Brand President and CEO of Athleta.

• The Hershey Company announced Kirk Tanner has been hired as its new CEO and President.

• McLaughlin has named Greg Unis as CEO of the company.

• James Avery Craftsman Inc. has expanded into Arizona with the opening of two new stores in Glendale and Chandler.

• Kohl’s Corporation has appointed Arianne Parisi as its new Chief Digital Officer.

• Leslie’s Poolmart Inc. has appointed Amy College as its new Chief Merchandising and Supply Chain Officer.

• L.L. Bean Inc. announced its President and CEO, Stephen Smith, will leave the company in the spring of 2026.

• National Retail Federation reported that Jack Kleinhenz, its Chief Economist, is stepping down. Mark Mathews has been promoted to the position.

• Nordstrom Inc. plans to open new Nordstrom Rack stores in FL, LA, MA, NJ, OH, TN, and VA, in 2026.

• Outdoor Voices announced it has hired Tiffany Wilkinson as Creative Director.

• PGA Tour Superstore, Inc. has named Troy Rice as its new CEO, effective September 2.

• Saks Incorporated has announced the appointment of Brandy Richardson as CFO. She succeeds Interim CFO Mark Weinsten.

• Sleep Number Corporation reported Bob Ryder has been appointed Interim CFO.

• Sur La Table has appointed Daniel Goldman as President. He recently left his role at Gap Inc.

• Sunshine Ace Hardware Inc. recently opened a new location in Golden Gate Estates, FL.

• Target Corporation will open new store locations in CA, CT, FL, NJ, NY, and PA.

• Tilly’s Co. has appointed Nate Smith as President and CEO director. He will succeed Hezy Shaked who will transition to the role of Executive Chairman.

• Von Maur Inc. plans to open four new Dry Goods stores this year in IL, NJ, PA, and VA.

• Walmart Stores Inc. announced Daniel Danker has been hired as Exec VP, AI Acceleration, Product and Design.