Katie Lee, Retail & Restaurant Facility Business Journalist Profile

Articles

Abercrombie & Fitch Opens Women’s-Only Store at Domain NORTHSIDE

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

1 Austin, Texas — Abercrombie & Fitch has officially opened at Domain NORTHSIDE with a women’s-only concept store. Located near Grimaldi’s, it will offer the latest styles in women’s fashion and accessories catered to millennials and Gen-Z alike. Domain NORTHSIDE, home to the Rock Rose entertainment district, is the latest evolution in mixed-use real estate in Austin with over 120 tenants comprised of restaurants, retailers, services and entertainment venues.
Bobby’s Burgers By Bobby Flay Names New Chief Development Officer

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 Charlotte, N.C. — Bobby’s Burgers By Bobby Flay has appointed Patrick Cunningham as chief development officer (CDO). This move underscores the brand’s continued momentum and dedication to building a powerhouse franchise network. He joins the company from Little Caesars Pizza. With nearly three decades of experience in the QSR and franchising spaces, Cunningham brings a wealth of expertise to Bobby’s Burgers.
Lighten the Mood

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 — By Brett Anderson —How to transform your dining experience through architectural lighting design. Lighting can transform a diner’s evening. A restaurant’s lighting should be functional while also providing the right ambiance. Hiring a professional lighting designer ensures a cohesive approach that balances aesthetics and technical considerations, including LED technology and control systems.
Fabletics Promotes 2 Executives to Fuel Next Phase of Growth

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 El Segundo, Calif. — Fabletics, the world’s largest digitally native activewear brand, has expanded Meera Bhatia’s role from chief operating officer (COO) to Fabletics’ president and COO, and promoted Carly Gomez to chief marketing officer (CMO). As Fabletics enters its next phase of growth, both leaders will continue to play critical roles in propelling the brand forward, enhancing customer engagement and driving operational excellence.
Berner International Doubles Manufacturing Footprint in New Castle, PA

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 New Castle, Pa. — Berner International, North America’s leading manufacturer of air curtains, plans to double its current manufacturing footprint in New Castle, Pa., by adding 55,000 square feet of new production space and 70 new jobs, in order to meet growing global demand. Construction will begin in summer 2025 and is expected to conclude in early 2026. Operations will commence as early as second quarter 2026.
Smalls Sliders® Names Industry Veteran as Chief Operating Officer

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 Atlanta — Smalls Sliders has appointed veteran restaurant operations leader Clint Penfield as its new chief operating officer. In this role, Penfield will oversee systemwide operations and focus on building scalable infrastructure to support franchisee growth, while preserving the brand’s bold identity and relentless focus on guest experience. Penfield brings over two decades of leadership from Raising Cane’s, one of the most admired growth stories in the restaurant industry.
Automotive Repair Retailer Monro, Inc. Sets Goal of 100% LED Lighting in All Stores

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 Fairport, N.Y. — Monro, Inc., a leading provider of automotive undercar repair and tire services, has released its fifth annual environmental, social and governance (ESG) report. The “2025 ESG Report” highlights Monro’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and responsible business practices. The report also lays out the company’s environmental progress toward its 2028 goal of achieving 100% LED lighting across all store locations.
Ascent Hospitality Management Appoints Chief Technology Officer

2 weeks ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 Atlanta — Ascent Hospitality Management, franchisor to family dining brands Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., has named Brian Wallunas as chief technology officer. In this role, Wallunas will lead the company’s digital strategy, with a focus on implementing customer-centric technology solutions that drive operational efficiency, elevate the guest experience and fuel brand growth. Most recently, Wallunas served as chief technology officer at Smokey Bones.
T&T Supermarkets Plans Largest California Store in Chino Hills

2 weeks ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 Chino Hills, Calif. — T&T Supermarket Inc., Canada’s largest Asian grocery retailer, plans to open its second store in Southern California at the Crossroads Marketplace Chino Hills, set to open in fall 2026. Following the announcement of its upcoming store in the Great Park community of Irvine, this will mark T&T’s sixth planned location in the United States.
Chicago Faucets to Host Public Health Webinar

2 weeks ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 Des Plaines, Ill. — As water safety regulations continue to evolve across the U.S., Chicago Faucets is hosting a new, expert-led webinar on June 19 at 11am CST designed to help facility managers stay ahead of compliance challenges. The webinar will be presented by Spenser Johnson, director of water safety and management at Barclay Water Management, Inc. This educational topic will be presented Thursday, June 19, 2025, 11:00 am CST. Click here to register.