Doner Shack Expands Southern Footprint with Alabama & Arkansas Development Deals: Doner Shack’s expansion across the United States continues at pace with new multi-unit agreements now signed in Alabama and Arkansas. These commitments follow recent announcements in Tennessee and Mississippi, expanding the brand’s Southern footprint with new multi-unit agreements across four key states in the region, signed in recent weeks.
These additions represent one of Doner Shack’s largest regional growth commitments to date. With prime, high-traffic locations already in focus, the agreements will bring the brand’s innovative QSR model to new markets, accelerating development across the South.
“Securing multi-unit agreements in Alabama and Arkansas, alongside Tennessee and Mississippi, reflects operator confidence in Doner Shack’s model and creates a connected region for efficient growth,” said Jason Steele, Founder & CEO of Steele Advisory Group.
LUX Real Estate Company ERA Powered Expands Into Vail With Strategic Merger: LUX Real Estate Company ERA Powered today announced its expansion into Vail with the acquisition of Vail Real Estate Center. The move enhances LUX’s presence in Colorado’s most exclusive markets and debuts with one of the most exceptional homes currently available in Vail Village.
“This is a quintessential example of what LUX brings to our clients,” said Emily Duke, Founder and Managing Broker. “A home where you can watch the slopes from your living room, enjoy it at your leisure, and generate income when you’re away. That balance of lifestyle and investment is exactly why Vail is such a coveted market — and why we’re here.”
Founded in 2013 by longtime Vail residents Gil Fancher and Ted Steers, Vail Real Estate Center has built a reputation for serving the resort’s most discerning buyers and sellers.
Ace Hardware Celebrates 100th New Store Opening of 2025, Continues Nationwide Growth:Ace Hardware, the world’s largest hardware cooperative, is proud to mark the opening of its 100th new store of 2025. The achievement is a key milestone as the brand continues expanding its footprint to serve more neighborhoods nationwide. Over the past five years, Ace has opened more than 930 new stores and remains on pace to open more than 175 by the end of 2025.
“This milestone reflects the continued strength of our local ownership model, our commitment to service, and the trust our customers place in Ace,” said Andy Enright, Senior Vice President, Retail Strategy and Operations, Ace Hardware. “Even in a world of rapid change, we believe that helpfulness, human connection and a commitment to community will always be at the center of enduring retail success.”
D1 Training Appoints Clif Marshall as Senior Director of Coaching and Pro Training: D1 Training from youth athletes to fitness-minded adults, announces the appointment of Clif Marshall as Senior Director of Coaching and Pro Training.
Marshall, a nationally recognized strength and conditioning coach, brings more than 20 years of experience training elite collegiate and professional athletes. His career highlights include coaching at universities and NFL programs including Indiana University, University of Dayton, and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Throughout his career, Marshall has helped athletes secure contracts totaling more than $1.89 billion, training MVPs, Defensive Players of the Year, All-Stars, and First-Round Draft Picks. His client roster includes Kel’El Ware, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Luke Kuechly, AJ Green, and Devin McCourty.
Kumon North America Appoints Yusuke Nakamura as New CEO and COO to Lead Canada, the United States and Mexico: Kumon North America announced today the appointment of Yusuke Nakamura as new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer of the North American region. He succeeds Minoru Tanabe who is transitioning to Senior Executive Officer and President of Kumon Europe and Africa.
Nakamura brings nearly 30 years of leadership and strategic development experience along with a deep understanding of the evolving needs of students and educators.
"I am honored to lead Kumon North America, alongside our talented and passionate Instructors and Associates, at a time when education is being reimagined to meet the evolving needs of learners—where personalization, accessibility, and lifelong learning are becoming essential,” said Nakamura.
Replay Sports Cards Aims to Donate 1 Million Cards to 40,000+ Kids in Chicago Area: Replay Sports Cards (“Replay”) is going all-out at the 2025 National Sports Card Convention (July 30-Aug. 3) at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., to spread the joy of collecting and supporting Chicagoland Youth
Throughout the convention, attendees can visit the Collectors Lounge to support the company’s bold goal: collecting 1 million sports cards to donate to over 40,000 children, ensuring the magic of card collecting reaches those who may otherwise be left out. Replay will donate all cards collected to local youth-focused organizations, such as Boys & Girls Club of Chicago and Noah’s Arc Foundation, among others.
Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Opens First-Ever Florida Location in Sarasota: Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs has opened in Florida for the very first time with a new location in Sarasota under the leadership of new franchise owner Dani Stiegelmeyer. With a strong background in fitness, sports and marketing, Stiegelmeyer is excited to bring Fitness Premier’s community-focused approach to Florida for the first time.
The gym is located just outside Gulf Gate Estates in South Sarasota. It’s conveniently situated less than 10 minutes from Siesta Key Beach and 10 to 15 minutes from the UTC District and University Parkway. Nearby landmarks include the intersection of Beneva Road and Clark Road, with easy access from U.S. Route 41.
Dog Haus Signs Area Development Agreement to Launch in Florida: Dog Haus will soon make its Florida debut. The concept has signed an area development agreement with seasoned restaurant franchisees Livingston and Terri Chatman, marking the brand’s first expansion into the state.
Livingston — a notable University of Florida basketball alumnus — and his wife, Terri, bring more than 20 years of experience in franchising multiple restaurant concepts.
“We were immediately drawn to Dog Haus’ innovative approach to comfort food and how it stands out in a crowded industry,” said Livingston Chatman. “We’re proud to introduce this brand to Florida.”
McDonald’s Combo Meal Prices Cut to Bring Back Diners: To maintain profits as inflation climbed, McDonald’s restaurants significantly raised prices, and the brand took a public relations hit after reports that a Big Mac combo meal cost $18 at a Connecticut location. Inflation-weary consumers pushed back, staying away from McDonald’s (and other restaurants). Starting early next month, McDonald’s hopes to woo customers’ return by reducing prices on McDonald’s Combo Meal options nationwide.
The value-meal discounts will include Big Macs, Chicken McNuggets, Quarter Pounders with cheese, McCrispy chicken sandwiches, Egg McMuffins and other breakfast sandwiches, according to The Wall Street Journal. The price cuts will last at least through early 2026, the newspaper said.
