Hospitality

The story of Houston, Texas has added some exciting new chapters in recent years. With low unemployment, a booming economy and one of the fastest-growing populations of any city in the nation, Houston’s rise alongside some of the most prominent cities in the nation continues unabated. Trailing only New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago in size, Houston’s growing influence as a cultural and financial icon has made it a player on the national and international stage.

Kansas City, Kansas -- Designer outlet center Legends Outlets Kansas City announced that SweetFrog, a premium frozen yogurt chain based in Richmond, Virginia, has officially opened its first area location. The newest store is part of an expansion plan that adds to an existing 325-plus locations in the United States and abroad.

New York -- Fred Segal will open The Fred Segal Collective, a multi-store retail experience, at SLS Las Vegas as part of the hotel’s opening on Aug. 23. In an unusual move, the brand will occupy all of the retail space in the resort.

The Collective will be integrated throughout the entire SLS experience, creating shopping opportunities from the pool to the casino and dining areas. It will encompass nearly 10,000 sq. ft., with seven individual stores, including She, He, Jeans, Shoes, Jewels, Play and Goods.
 

Eatontown, N.J. -- Vietnamese noodle restaurant Pho 99 and nail salon Affinity Nails & Spa have leased a combined 7,700 sq. ft. of space at Eatontown Plaza in Eatontown, New Jersey, announced Levin Management, exclusive leasing agent for the 30,000-sq.-ft. center.

The lease signing brings Eatontown Plaza to 100% occupancy.

Seattle – Starbucks Corp. is reportedly changing its scheduling rules to prevent employees from having to work an opening shift after a closing shift the previous evening. According to Bloomberg, Starbucks is altering its scheduling policy following a report in the New York Times about a Starbucks barista who had difficulty managing her schedule with her childcare needs.

Orlando, Fla. - Darden Restaurants Inc. has retained global executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates to assist the company with the recruitment of its next CEO. As previously announced, Clarence Otis is stepping down as chairman and CEO of Darden.  

To ensure a smooth transition, Charles A. Ledsinger Jr. has been appointed independent non-executive chairman of the board, and Mr. Otis has agreed to continue serving as CEO of Darden until the earlier of the appointment of his successor or Dec. 31, 2014.

New York -- Following Starbucks Corp.’s announcement that it would change its scheduling rules to prevent employees from having to work an opening shift after a closing shift the previous evening, some workers have expressed skepticism that the changes would be universally enforced.

Herndon, Va. -- Salon Plaza has leased a 7,659-sq.-ft. endcap space next to McAlister’s Deli at Worldgate Centre in Herndon and plans to open in fall 2014. This will be the salon chain’s 21st location nationwide.

Kristin Perry of Rappaport represented the landlord in the transaction. Worldgate Centre features an AMC Theatre and fitness club Sport and Health. Co-tenants include TGI Friday’s, Starbucks, Tara Thai, FedEx Kinkos, Vocelli Pizza and Cold Stone Creamery.