News Briefs

Cava has opened its first store in a major Sunbelt city as it continues its national expansion.

The fast-casual Mediterranean chain has opened its first Miami location in the upscale Brickell neighborhood. The 2,700-sq.-ft. location features a dining room and patio seating, digital order pick-up and delivery, and will employ between 25 and 40 people.

Cava opened its first two South Florida restaurants in Hialeah and Plantation earlier this year. With a target of at least 1,000 restaurants by 2032, the chain is continuing to grow its national footprint, with plans to soon open additional restaurants in South Florida.

Cava recently opened its 400th location, and has a total national footprint of 28 states and the District of Columbia. The chain opened 58 net new restaurants in its 2024 fiscal year.

[READ MORE: Cava opens debut location in Michigan with more in the works]

“We’re honored to join such a vibrant neighborhood and welcome the Brickell community to our table,” said Jeff Gaul, chief development officer of Cava. “Following the warm reception of our first two South Florida restaurants, we’re excited to continue expanding in the Sunshine State and sharing the bold flavors of the Mediterranean with even more guests.”

Founded in Rockville, Md., Cava went public in 2023. Its fully-customizable menu includes 38 ingredients, creating over 17 billion combinations for guests to enjoy through bowls, pitas, chips, dips, juices and dressings.

The world’s largest open-air shopping center is gearing up for Halloween in a big way.

Honolulu’s Ala Moana Center is inviting families to celebrate Halloween at the center with its annual Ala-Ween Spooktacular on Friday, Oct. 31, from 4-7 p.m. The event will feature center-wide trick-or-treating at more than 100 stores and restaurants, live entertainment, balloon creations, and festive photo opportunities. Participating merchants will include Aloha Collection, Big Island Candies, Foodland Farms, Local Motion Hawaiʻi, Macy’s, Rolex, and Target, among others.

[READ MORE: Survey: Halloween candy budgets impacted by higher prices] 

In addition to the Halloween night celebration, guests can enjoy Halloween décor, themed experiences, and special promotions happening throughout October. Extra Halloween festivities include: 

• Dave & Buster’s On Oct. 31, Dave & Buster’s will host its “Dave and Boo’sters” party, offering crafts, games, and awards for best costume. Guests can enjoy a lively mix of family-friendly fun alongside the restaurant’s signature food and arcade experience.
• Ghost Bar Guests can Halloween all month long at Ghost Bar, a pop-up featuring specialty cocktails in a spooky atmosphere. Ghost Bar will be open nightly from Oct. 10-31, 6 p.m. to midnight.

Also, select stores and restaurants at the center will feature limited-edition Halloween treats, products, and exclusive promotions throughout the month of October.

Opened in 1959, Ala Moana Center spans 2.4 million-sq. ft. of retail space, attracting 53 million shopping visitations each year. It is home to more than 350 retail and restaurant tenants.

Pearle Vision has launched a new store experience that combines modern design and the latest technology to deliver elevated personalized care.

The national eye care franchise’s updated format is designed to deliver an engaging and personalized customer journey, while also streamlining operations for optometrists to improve efficiency, drive sales and foster long-term loyalty. The new design features sleek, trend-forward eyewear displays and zoned spaces that streamline the exam-to-retail experience, along with enhanced lighting and natural finishes. Advanced technology is deployed in the exam room for excellence in clinical care, reduced wait-times and overall greater efficiency.

"Today's consumers demand more from their eye care experience and at Pearle Vision, we're proud to set a new industry benchmark," said Gunjan Kumar, president of Pearle Vision and Retail License Brands. "We actively engage with our patients and optometrists, whose insights are essential to shaping every aspect of our brand and new store layout. Their feedback drives our innovation, informs our strategy, and fuels our momentum. This is an exciting chapter for Pearle Vision, and we're committed to elevating the standard of care across the optical sector."

Pearle Vision was founded by Dr. Stanley Pearle in 1961. It is now part of EssilorLuxottica, supports over 560 locations through a strong franchise network.

A growing indoor pickleball franchise has tapped a new construction partner to help fuel its growth.

The Picklr has announced a strategic partnership with general contractor NRF Contracting Group to accelerate the 70 club openings that the chain has planned for the next 12 months. The Picklr says that partnering with NFC will ensure that each new location is built to the “highest standards of consistency, quality and design,” delivering a premium experience for all guests.

"NFC strives for excellence, and our goal is to build these facilities with the quality and consistency that franchisees expect," said Nick Crisci, principal of NFC Contracting Group, which specializes in retail, sports and franchise buildouts. "We know The Picklr brand and take pride in protecting its reputation while building strong relationships and supporting the success of every franchisee."

Utah-based The Picklr currently has 52 clubs open nationwide. Membership at the chain includes access to all club locations nationwide, free court reservations, four clinics per month, and unlimited participation in leagues, competitive play/events and tournaments.

[READ MORE: The Picklr taps Crumbl veteran as COO]

"As we scale across the country, it was critical to align with a construction partner who shares our vision and commitment to excellence," said Chris Walker, chief development officer at The Picklr. "NFC has already proven its expertise by successfully delivering multiple Picklr clubs in Arizona. Their precision, reliability, and alignment with our values make them the ideal partner for this next phase of growth."

[READ MORE: Dollar Tree breaks ground on replacement Oklahoma distribution center]

After 136 years in business, Carhartt has unveiled its first New York City store. 

The family-owned workwear brand has opened a 5,000-sq.-ft. store in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. It’s Carhartt’s fifth location in New York state and 57th overall in the U.S. 

Carhartt plans to increase its retail footprint to roughly 100 stores by 2030, reported WWD. Upcoming locations include Sioux Falls, S.D.; Tempe, Ariz.; Prosper, Texas, and Memphis, Tenn.  

The assortment in the new Flatiron store covers the company’s iconic durable clothing and gear, including footwear and accessories. It also showcases Carhartt’s growing womenswear items.

"Like so many places in America, New York City has been built by the hands of hard working men and women,” said Chad Cornstubble, senior VP of direct-to-consumer at Carhartt. “Electricians, plumbers, ironworkers and construction crews have shaped this city’s dramatic skyline and keep it running every day. We’re excited to now directly serve the Big Apple’s workforce to meet an increased need for gear that celebrates what can be made possible through hard work – both on and off the job site.”

As it expands, Carhartt is staying true to its blue-collar roots.

“We may offer new colors and fits, but everything is still rigorously tested for breaks and tears,” Cornstubble told WWD. “We never waver from authenticity.”

Founded in 1889, Carhartt is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is managed by descendants of the company’s founder, Howard Carhartt.