In Other Business News

Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store

• Aldi Inc. will open nine new grocery stores in the coming weeks, in AL, FL, MI, OH, PA, and SC.

• Baldor Specialty Foods Inc. has appointed Teepoo Riaz as its new Chief Legal and Administrative Officer. Vladimiro Sinatti has been named as the company’s CFO. He replaces Eileen Manitsas who has retired.

• The Fresh Market is closing reportedly closing two stores, in Framingham, MA, and Naperville, IL.

• Vallarta Supermarkets announced it plans to open its first store outside California. The new 49,000 sq. ft. location is scheduled to open in Glendale, AZ, in January 2026.

Restaurant

• Angry Chikz announced it plans to open 20 new restaurants in the next year in AZ, CA, IL, IN, NV, PA, and TX.

• Biscuit Belly reported it plans to open six new restaurants in FL, GA, and NC.

• Layne’s Chicken Fingers has signed franchise agreements to open at least 55 new restaurants, including its entry into Oregon.

• Panera Bread Company announced that Earl Ellis has been appointed as its new CFO.

• Playa Bowls announced a franchise agreement to expand across Canada.

Retail

• ABC Supply Co. Inc. announced Dan Gaddini has been promoted to VP of National Accounts. Lloyd Hamilton has been promoted to VP of the Southeast Region.

• Bambi Baby announced it will open new 9,400 sq. ft. store in New York City, NY.

• Bass Pro Shops announced that it will open a new 90,000 sq. ft. store in Victor, NY.

• Bombas reported it is opening its first store locations. Stores are planned for Austin, TX, Boca Raton, FL, and New York City, NY, by the end of the year.

• Five Below Inc. will open eight new stores across Oregon and Washington by the end of November.

• Grown Brilliance recently opened a new 2,500 sq. ft. location in New York City, NY. The retailer plans to open four additional locations by the end of this year, in FL, GA, MA, and TX.

• Koopman Lumber & Hardware announced it will acquire Lyon & Billard Co.

• Lowe’s Companies Inc. has officially completed its acquisition of Foundation Building Materials LLC.

• R.P. Lumber Co. Inc. announced it has acquired Dye Lumber Inc.

• Rural King Supply recently opened its first location in South Carolina.

• Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. has appointed Christopher DelOrefice as its new CFO.

• The Vitamin Shoppe announced the appointment of Kate Vukelich as Exec VP and Chief People Officer.

• Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. has appointed Rachael Vegas as Chief Commercial Officer.

• Wayfair Inc. recently opened its second Perigold location. The 30,000 sq. ft. store is in West Palm Beach, FL.