Katie Lee, Retail & Restaurant Facility Business Journalist Profile

Articles

Rite Aid Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Explores Acquisition Opportunities

6 days ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 Camp Hill, Pa. — Rite Aid has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey and is exploring opportunities to be acquired by outside entities. The announcement marks the second time in 24 months that the Pennsylvania-based convenience and drugstore chain has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The previous filing in October 2023 preceded the closure of hundreds of stores across the country.
Restaurant Technologies Appoints Chief Financial Officer

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee |Katie Lee

2 Minneapolis — Restaurant Technologies has named Matthew Micowski as its newest chief financial officer (CFO), succeeding Bob Weil who has held the position since 2007 and has transitioned to a strategic advisor position within the organization. Micowski brings over two decades of strategic financial leadership across the technology and healthcare industries, most recently serving as the senior vice president and CFO at NAMSA since 2021.
Huddle House Unveils Brand Renovation, Including New Drive-Thru Prototype

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 Atlanta — Huddle House, an iconic family dining brand for the last 60 years, is undergoing a transformative evolution. Under the leadership of CEO James O’Reilly and Chief Operating Officer Blain Shortreed, the brand unveils a reimagined brand identity that includes a trio of new restaurant prototypes to accelerate the brand’s geographic expansion.
3G Capital Agrees to Acquire Skechers for $9.4 Billion, Take Company Private

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 Manhattan Beach, Calif. & New York City — Global investment firm 3G Capital has entered into an agreement to acquire footwear retailer Skechers USA Inc. The sales price is $9.4 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal. Upon completion of the transaction, Skechers will become a privately held company. New York City-based private equity firm 3G will pay $63 per share in cash, representing a premium of 30% to Skechers’ 15-day, volume-weighted average stock price.
Clear Standards

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

10 — By Alex Lundy —When fryers are at the heart of a kitchen, complete oil management protects profits. For restaurants where fried chicken, french fries, and other deep-fried dishes dominate the menu, fryer oil is not just an ingredient — it’s a cornerstone of the business. As one of the most significant recurring expenses, its management can directly impact both costs and customer satisfaction.
Make No Mistake

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 — By Scott Green —Pest control in restaurants: What you’re getting wrong and how to fix it. Pest control is a critical aspect of restaurant management that directly impacts health standards, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Despite best efforts, many establishments fall short in pest-proofing, often due to overlooked vulnerabilities and emerging pest threats.
Bob’s Discount Furniture to Open 20 New Stores in 2025, Including Debuts in Vermont and North Carolina

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

3 Manchester, Conn. — Bob’s Discount Furniture plans to open 20 new stores in 2025, further expanding its presence in the U.S. The new locations will include Bob’s first-ever stores in Vermont and North Carolina. Among the 20 stores, six will be located in North Carolina, marking Bob’s entry into the Southeast. Its Vermont location in Williston will be Bob’s first in the state, reinforcing the company’s strong ties to the Northeast, where it was founded in 1991.
Moe’s Southwest Grill Marks 25th Anniversary with 4 Straight Years of Growth

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

6 Atlanta — This May, Moe’s Southwest Grill®, one of the seven brands within the GoTo Foods platform company, unveils a record-breaking average unit volume (AUV) of $1,235,422 in 2024, showcasing 4 consecutive years of growth. It is also the brand’s 25th anniversary. Under the recent leadership of its chief brand officer, Mike Smith, who was appointed in October 2024, Moe’s continues to revolutionize the fast-casual Mexican dining space.
Lowe’s Deploys First At-Scale AI Assistant for Retail Associates

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

1 Charlotte, N.C. — Lowe’s has launched Mylow Companion, an AI tool aimed at improving customer service and speeding associate onboarding. Purpose-built for associate sales floor devices, the app provides fast access to product details, project advice and inventory information. The launch to all associates across Lowe’s more than 1,700 stores marks the first time a retailer has successfully implemented this kind of technology at scale.
Local Kitchens Names New CEO; Plans to Open First L.A. Location in June

1 week ago | retailrestaurantfb.com | Katie Lee

2 San Francisco — Local Kitchens, a category-defining restaurant brand known for its menu collaborations with award-winning chefs, has appointed Jay Gentile as its new chief executive officer. This leadership transition comes as its co-founders, Andrew Munday and Jon Goldsmith, step away from day-to-day operations, with Goldsmith continuing as chairman of the board.