In Other Business News

Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store

• Kroger Co. has named Mark Ibbotson Executive Vice President and Chief Store Operations Officer, effective September 14.

• Loblaw Companies Limited now expects to open approximately 75 new locations in 2026, up from about 70 planned earlier, and renovate more than 190 existing locations.

• Sprouts Farmers Market has named President and COO Nick Konat its next CEO, effective January 4, 2027. Jack Sinclair will become Executive Chairman.

• TXB Stores has named Nate Brazier President. Owner and CEO Kevin Smartt will remain focused on growth, strategy, acquisitions and long-term direction.

Restaurant

• Brooklyn Water Bagel has opened its first campus location at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

• Caribou Coffee has named Zane Thomas-Rogers Chief Operations Officer. John Walbrun is retiring and will remain as a strategic advisor during the transition.

• CC’s Coffee House has named Bailey Richard Director of Marketing to lead brand positioning, guest engagement and local restaurant marketing.

• Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened its first restaurant in Asia in Seoul, South Korea, through a joint venture with Sangmidang Holdings.

• Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has closed its three Houston-area locations in Katy, Kingwood and Sugar Land, Texas.

• KFC Global has named Amy Ellis Durini Global Chief Brand Officer, effective November 1.

• Little Caesars plans to open four new restaurants across U.S. Navy installations as part of its nontraditional expansion strategy.

• Rosati’s Pizza plans to open 11 new locations over the next 90 days, marking a record year for store growth.

• SoFresh has opened its 28th location in Nocatee, Florida, at the Marketplace at Nocatee shopping center.

• WOWorks has opened 23 restaurants so far in 2026 and has 15 additional locations in development, putting it on pace for nearly 40 openings this year.

Retail

• Ace Hardware has opened its 100th new store of 2026 and remains on pace to open more than 170 new stores by year-end.

• Dollar General will promote Kelly Collier to Executive Vice President and General Counsel effective December 7. Rhonda Taylor will retire from her current role December 6 and remain a senior advisor through at least April 2, 2027.

• Kohl’s has named Ryan Waymire Chief Merchant, effective September 28, replacing Nick Jones.

• Kohl’s has promoted Arianne Parisi to the newly created Chief Customer Officer role. Chief Marketing Officer Christie Raymond will depart the company.

• Macy’s has named Maya Dukes Senior Vice President and Executive Creative Director, effective August 31.