In Other Business News

Supermarket, Grocery, & C-Store

• Casey’s General Stores Inc. has named Joe Cruz as its first-ever Chief Pizza & Beer Officer.

• EG America LLC has named Brian Ferguson as Chief Marketing Officer. In addition, Brian Potvin has joined the company as VP of Procurement.

• Fareway Stores Inc. has promoted Bret Wiltse to Exec VP of Merchandising. Rick Beckwith was promoted to VP. Stephen Morgan was promoted to VP Information Technology, effective March 1.

• Publix Super Markets Inc. announced its VP of Customer Experience, Bob Bechtel, will retire March 31. The company is promoting David Finger to replace him in the role.

• Sheetz Inc. reported it has promoted Emily Sheetz to Exec VP, Strategy. Ryan Sheetz was promoted to Exec VP, Branding. Trevor Walter was promoted to Exec VP Petroleum Supply Management.

• Town & Country Market Inc. has promoted Ryan Ritter to President and CEO, as Bill Weymer is retiring. The company hired Wendy Oliver as its new Senior Director of Retail Operations.

Retail

• Barnes & Noble Inc. plans to open more than 50 new store locations across the U.S. in 2024.

• Davis Hawn Lumber Co. announced that Wayne Tarver has joined the company as Director of Sales.

• Jeld-Wen Holding Inc. reported that Gustavo Vianna has been named Exec VP and President for Jeld-Wen Europe. Dan Valenti has been appointed Exec VP, North America Doors & Distribution. Matt Meier has been named Exec VP, Chief Digital and Information Officer.

• J McLaughlin reported it plans to open 10 to 15 new stores this year.

• The National Confectioners Association has hired Sarah Atkinson as VP of Membership and Business Development.

• Nordstrom Inc. announced it will open new Nordstrom Rack stores in Geneva, IL, and Manalapan Township, NJ, in spring 2025.

• Pet Supplies ‘Plus’ Inc. announced it will open more than 60 new locations in 2024.

• Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. has appointed Holly May as its next Chief Human Resources Officer.

• Rebecca Minkoff is relaunching its footwear collection in fall 2024.

• Shoe Carnival Inc. is acquiring Rogan’s Shoes Inc. which operates 28 locations across IL, MN, and WI.

• Spahn & Rose Lumber Co. has hired Lori Hoffmann as VP Human Resources, and Ivy Su Johanson as its new Director of Purchasing.

Restaurant

• Boston Market owner Jay Pandya has filed for personal bankruptcy. Pandya filed for bankruptcy for 63 days ago and it was dismissed by a judge.

• El Pollo Loco has named Elizabeth Williams as CEO. Interim CEO Maria Hollandsworth will become President of the company.

• Firehouse plans to go fully digital by 2026. There are plans to pull out all ordering counters at stores and replacing them with kiosks.

• Inspire Brands is considering going public in late 2024 or 2025 with a $20 billion IPO.

• Jersey Mike’s has added a guest-facing tablet that allows them to review and complete their order. The tablet is designed to promote the company’s reward program and boost transaction time.

• McDonald’s is facing a class action lawsuit from two employees that allege the chain does not provide reasonable and adequate space and time for nursing mothers.

• Shake Shack is testing combo meals in an effort to provide more value to customers.

• SPB Hospitality has named Ellen Rockwell as Executive VP of People and Culture and Amanda Hyde as Senior VP of Operations for Krystal.

• Taco Bell has announced plans to bring twelve new items to the menu throughout the year. The new items include chicken nuggets and Mountain Dew gelato.

• Wendy’s announced that they will have digital menu boards in all U.S. company-operated stores by the end of 2025. In 2025 the company will also be testing dynamic pricing and AI menu changes and suggestive selling.