News Briefs

An Atlanta-based quick-serve chain is planning to grow its footprint in the City of Brotherly Love.

Zaxbys, known for its chicken fingers, wings and signature sauces, has announced a franchise agreement to open 10 locations in the Philadelphia area over the next five years. The first two are slated to open next year.

"The chance to bring Zaxbys to Philadelphia is both exciting and meaningful," said George Abdelmessieh, a seasoned franchise owner who also operates over 30 Dunkin’ locations across southern New Jersey and Philadelphia. "I recognize that Zaxbys is a strong brand with an excellent product. These values align with the principles I've relied on to build my other franchise businesses. Bringing Zaxbys to Philly is something I'm building not only for my community, but also for my family, creating a legacy I hope will benefit my children and grandchildren."

Abdelmessieh said he was drawn to Zaxbys by his daughter, who experienced the chain while studying at Emory University in Atlanta. He and his team are currently securing sites across the Philadelphia area in preparation for next year's openings. 

The expansion in Pennsylvania is just the latest East Coast growth for Zaxbys. Also this month, the recently announced plans to enter two new states: Maryland and New Jersey. 

"Zaxbys is thrilled to enter the Philadelphia market, and we couldn't ask for a better partner than George to lead the way," said Mike Mettler, chief development officer of Zaxbys. "George's decades of experience and dedication to building strong franchise operations make him the perfect fit to introduce our brand to Philadelphia. We're excited to see the impact his leadership will bring."

Founded in 1990, Zaxbys operates over 950 locations in 17 states.

A prescription drug savings platform is now directly selling and fulfilling orders for eligible prescription and over-the-counter medications online.

This new GoodRx capability enables consumer health and pharmaceutical brands to integrate their offerings directly within the the company’s platform. Previously, customers could only purchase prescription medications with a GoodRx discount via a partner pharmacy retailer.

In addition, GoodRx, which reduces prices on nearly 200 prescription medications by an average of 40%, is entering the over-the-counter medication market for the first time with non-prescription contraceptive provider Opill.

"We are thrilled to launch our e-commerce solution with Opill, an initiative that underscores our mutual commitment to more accessible healthcare," stated Dorothy Gemmell, chief commercial officer at GoodRx. "This new feature will provide patients with a simple, seamless way to obtain their eligible medications, building on how GoodRx has already made prescription medications more affordable and accessible for millions of consumers. It also paves the way for other OTC brands and pharma partners to leverage our platform’s reach to expand market presence, increase consumer access to essential medications and ultimately help drive growth."

GoodRx partners with drugstore retailers including Walgreens. The company also collaborates with diabetes care provider Sanofi to offer access to Lantus (insulin glargine injection) 100 Units/mL in the U.S. for a discount price of $35 for a 30-day supply, directly competing with reduced-cost insulin programs offered by Amazon and Walmart. 

[READ MORE: GoodRx takes on Amazon, Walmart with discount insulin coupons]

Walmart Inc.’s Mexico and Central America business unit is utilizing artificial intelligence to streamline store workflows.

Walmart de México y Centroamérica, the largest retailer in Latin America, is implementing the Quorso Co-Pilot AI workforce management tool across its 2,850 Bodega Aurrera and Walmart Supercenter stores.

"Walmart de México y Centroamérica uses technology to simplify our associates' work and to improve the customer experience," said Walmart Mexico portfolio manager Leonardo Golfin. "Quorso is a valuable partner in our desire for continuous improvement."

The retailer will leverage Quorso technology in an effort to digitize and simplify activities for its store associates and managers. The AI-based solution is designed to analzye terabytes of retail data to create personalized priorities for each field and store leader. 

Utilizing the tool, field leaders can help prioritize what to focus and act on, and then measure their impact.  

"Walmart de México y Centroamérica has a reputation as one of the best operators globally," said Quorso CEO Julian Mills. "We are delighted to partner with them and help them to implement our new technology across their store network."

Walmart Mexico operates in six countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua. The company operates 3,631 stores and clubs in 696 cities, as well as 31 distribution centers in the region. In Mexico, it operates under the Bodega Aurrera, Walmart Express, Walmart Supercenter and Sam’s Club banners.

[READ MORE: Walmart Mexico bolsters retail media capabilities]

Meijer is looking to bring on construction suppliers across multiple trades as its gears up for a busy 2025 and beyond.

The Michigan-based discounter will host an open call for new construction services companies to be considered for its upcoming 2025 and 2026 construction projects. Qualified companies must be able to perform work within Meijer’s six-state footprint — Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky — and specialize in earthwork, landscaping, paving, concrete, roofing, floor painting, metal stud/drywall, fixturing, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, electrical, traffic signals and other general skilled trades.

Companies of all sizes can apply here from Nov. 1 - 30 for consideration. Interested vendors can register here for a virtual information session on Nov. 13. The session will provide more background on the opportunities and qualifications, and include a Q&A portion for any further questions.

"With many upcoming projects under development, we're excited to continue the expansion of our construction partners and invite companies of all sizes to join our roster," said Roger Whitford, director of construction at Meijer. "We look forward to working alongside these great companies to enhance our customers' in-store experience." 

[READ MORE: Meijer expands footprint with three new stores] 

Once applications are submitted, Meijer will review them to ensure suppliers are qualified. Accepted suppliers will be notified and included in the retailer's communication of future construction project opportunities.  

“We are dedicated to cultivating a supplier base that reflects our current and future needs," said Carla Hendon, director of supplier inclusion & indirect procurement at Meijer. "This open call represents a significant opportunity for companies of all sizes, across multiple trades to collaborate and grow with us." 

Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., Meijer operates more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets and express locations throughout the Midwest. 

Delivery service Grubhub has added its first pet retail partner to its marketplace.

More than 14,000 items are available for delivery from more than 1,400 PetSmart locations on Grubhub in all 50 states. Customers can choose from premium pet food, treats, toys and apparel, available for on-demand delivery. The addition of PetSmart marks Grubhub’s first expansion outside of restaurants, convenience and grocery.

"Now with PetSmart, we're giving our customers the ultimate convenience of getting more of what they want delivered right to their door," said Craig Whitmer, VP of new verticals at Grubhub. "Americans are investing in their pets more than ever, and I'm thrilled that customers can cater to their pets' needs where they already order their favorite meals, grocery and convenience items."

[READ MORE: Former Academy, Foot Locker CEO to take reins at PetSmart]

PetSmart is also available as a part of Grubhub+, Grubhub's loyalty program that provides access to unlimited $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. To celebrate the partnership with PetSmart, Grubhub is offering customers $10 off delivery orders of $40 or more for up to 10 orders from now until Dec. 31.

Part of Just Eat Takeaway.com, Grubhub's marketplace features 375,000 merchants in over 4,000 U.S. cities. PetSmart operates nearly 1,700 pet stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel dog and cat boarding facilities. 

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. has appointed a new chief brand officer.

The experiential stuffed animal and character retailer has named Kim Utlaut as senior VP and chief brand officer. Reporting directly to the chief operations officer Chris Hurt, Utlaut’s responsibilities will include overseeing Build-A-Bear’s brand and communications strategy in addition to growing its customer base.

Utlaut joins the retailer from The Coca-Cola Company, where she spent more than 23 years in a variety of roles. Most recently, she served as general manager of franchise leadership since February of 2021. During her tenure at Coca-Cola, Ultaut developed strategic partnerships with organizations such as the NCAA, U.S. Soccer and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

[READ MORE: Build-A-Bear brand effort includes 50 new stores, Roblox]

"Kim's appointment is a testament to management's focus on the ongoing evolution of Build-A-Bear as we drive toward delivering accelerated profitable growth," said Hurt. "Her deep expertise in brand strategy and marketing, along with her innovative vision and passion, is expected to provide valuable insights as we look to continue to build momentum for the brand. We are confident her remarkable background and proven leadership will be valuable as we focus on opportunities to take Build-A-Bear to new heights, bringing even more joy to kids and those young at heart across the globe.”

Headquartered in St. Louis, Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. operates more than 500 interactive brick-and-mortar experience locations through a variety of formats.