In Other Business News

Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store

• Aldi Inc. announced it plans to open at least 180 new stores this year.

• Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. announced that Exec VP and Chief Purchasing Officer, Steve Wilson, will retire in March. Matt Delly, Chief Merchandising Officer, will take on additional role of Chief Purchasing Officer.

• The Kroger Co. has promoted Victor Smith to Senior VP of Retail Divisions. Monica Garnes will take on the role of President of the Atlanta Division. Ken DeLuca has been named President of the Fry’s Division. Tom Schwilke and Colleen Juergensen are retiring.

• Publix Super Markets Inc. announced the promotion of Katie Scanlon to VP of Pharmacy. She succeeds Dain Rusk, who has resigned from the company.

• The Raley’s Companies announced Chelsea Carbahal has stepped down from her position.

• Sprouts Farmers Markets Inc. will open its first store location in New York this month.

Restaurant

• Cava Group, Inc. has appointed Doug Thompson as its new COO, effective March 2.

• Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. announced that its President and Chief Brand Officer, Chris Brandt, has left the company. Stephanie Perdue, VP of Brand Marketing, will serve as Interim Chief Marketing Officer. The company also reported that its Chief Legal Officer, Roger Theodoredis, has left the company. Ilene Eskenazi has been named as its new Chief Legal Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer.

• Dave’s Hot Chicken announced Joshua Liggins has been named VP of Franchise Development.

• Guthrie Franchise Corp has appointed Tom Carr as its new President and CEO.

• Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems has signed a franchise agreement to open 400 stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with plans to open the first location this year.

• Noodles & Company announced that it plans to close 30 to 35 restaurants in 2026.

• Shipley Do-Nuts has appointed Bill Leibengood as its new Chief Marketing Officer.

• White Castle Management Co. has named Jamie Richardson as its new Chief Marketing Officer.

• Wingstop Inc. announced the promotion of Rajnesh Kapoor to COO.

Retail

• American Signature Inc. reported it is closing all remaining American Signature Furniture and Value City Furniture locations.

• Gap Inc. announced the appointment of Pam Kaufman as Exec VP, Chief Entertainment Officer.

• L.L. Bean Inc. has promoted Greg Elder to the role of CEO. He will succeed Stephen Smith, who will step down from the role.

• Macy’s Inc. reported it plans to close 14 Macy’s stores this year.

• The National Community Pharmacists Association has named Casey McAllister as its new Director of Finance.

• Nordstrom Inc. announced it will open new 30,000 sq. ft. Nordstrom Rack locations in Exton, PA, and Media, PA, this fall.

• Saks Incorporated has appointed Geoffroy Van Raemdonck as its new CEO. He succeeds Richard Baker, who has left the company. Darcy Penick has been named President, Chief Commercial Officer. Lana Todorovich has been named Chief of Global Band Partnerships.

• Tractor Supply Co. recently opened its 2,400^th Tractor Supply store.