BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open a dozen locations across the US this year, including four locations in the Southeast and one in the Midwest, giving BJ’s a presence in 21 states as it seeks to further expand beyond the East Coast. BJ’s also plans to open 10 to 12 clubs each year and differentiate itself from bigger members-only retailers Costco and Sam’s Club with a focus on fresh foods and smaller-sized grocery items. CNBC <p>The post BJ’s aims to grow its presence in new US markets first appeared on CCR-Mag.com.</p> ..read more

Epic Burgers is expanding from six stores in the Chicago area to 11 with the acquisition of Meatheads Burgers, a direct competitor in the same market. The Meatheads name will go away so the brand can invest more into having one voice. Forbes <p>The post Chicago burger chain has plans after buying competitor first appeared on CCR-Mag.com.</p> ..read more

Inspire Brands, which owns Dunkin‘, Baskin-Robbins, Jimmy John’s and other brands, is looking to continue its global expansion and has already opened its 10,000th international location, a Dunkin’ in Lelystad in The Netherlands. Meanwhile, plans call for expanding Jimmy John’s into Central America and Canada. Nation’s Restaurant News <p>The post Inspire Brands hits international growth milestone first appeared on CCR-Mag.com.</p> ..read more

Potbelly is working with four franchisees to open 18 more locations as part of its goal to have 85% of stores franchised, up from the current 17%. Chicago-based Potbelly operates 425 units with a long-term goal of 2,000 units. Restaurant Business <p>The post Potbelly accelerates growth of franchised units first appeared on CCR-Mag.com.</p> ..read more

H&M is among the growing group of fashion retailers that have been opening more stores and expanding both product assortments and their focus on experiential retail. A store opened last month in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood spans 10,000 square feet and includes a secondhand section, vintage design pieces curated by designer James Veloria, smart mirrors in fitting rooms and self-service order pickup lockers. Glossy <p>The post H&M showcases experiential retail at NYC store first appeared on CCR-Mag.com.</p> ..read more

Malaysia-based Genting Group unveiled a $5 billion plan to expand its Resorts World casino complex in the New York City borough of Queens. The plan, which depends on securing one of three upcoming casino licenses, includes a hotel, an entertainment venue and community space, as well as the expansion of the existing casino. Queens Daily Eagle <p>The post Hotel part of Resorts World’s NYC casino expansion plan first appeared on CCR-Mag.com.</p> ..read more

Crumbl Cookies, which bought savory and sweet pie company Crust Club last year, is set to open its first franchised Crust Club in Logan, Utah. Since the acquisition, Crust Club has launched a brand refresh, a new VIP program and a menu expansion to include personal meals. Nation’s Restaurant News <p>The post Crumbl Cookies to open first Crust Club franchise first appeared on CCR-Mag.com.</p> ..read more

Canadian lingerie retailer La Vie en Rose will open its first three US stores later this year, starting in the northeastern part of the country, with ambitions to eventually grow to about 400 US locations. The family-owned business began expanding outside of Canada with the 2004 opening of a shop in Saudi Arabia, and today, it has a presence in 20 countries through franchise agreements. Dealtown <p>The post La Vie en Rose looks to US for future growth first appeared on CCR-Mag.com.</p> ..read more

Black Bear Diner aims to open around 14 new units this year as part of the California-based chain’s ultimate goal of growing beyond its current 13-state presence to become a coast-to-coast brand. The company is exploring potential new markets, including locations in Florida and Texas, Adams said, and it is also continuing to grow its off-premises business, which now generates 15% of total sales. Nation’s Restaurant News <p>The post How Black Bear Diner plans to grow its US pawprint first appeared on CCR-Mag.com.</p> ..read more

Dave & Buster’s is on a mission to modernize, with the biggest investments this year slated to go toward remodeling restaurants. The projects will include redesigned dining rooms and kitchens to create efficiency and improve food quality. Nation’s Restaurant News <p>The post Dave & Buster’s modernization plans include focus on food first appeared on CCR-Mag.com.</p> ..read more