News Briefs

OTB Hospitality is winding down operations. 

The operating company of On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has voluntarily filed for liquidation under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The move followed the closing off all company-owned locations earlier this month. The shutterings came a little over a year after the casual-dining chain was acquired out of bankruptcy by Houston-based Pappas Restaurants.

OTB Hospitality is a separate legal entity wholly owned by Pappas Restaurants, and this filing applies only to OTB Hospitality, Pappas noted it is not part of the filing and continues to operate with financial stability and a continued focus on its core brands. The company operates about 90 restaurants across several other brands, including Pappasito’s Cantina, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and Pappas Bar-B-Q.

"This was an incredibly difficult decision,” said Chris Pappas, spokesperson for OTB Hospitality. “Our teams worked hard over the past year to stabilize the business, but it became clear that OTB would require substantial ongoing investment that would pull focus and resources away from the core operations that define who we are. While this was a necessary step, we remain incredibly proud of our team members and the heart they brought to this brand, and we are deeply grateful to the guests and employees who supported On The Border for so many years."

On The Border franchise locations in South Dakota, Florida, Nevada, California and South Korea continue to operate independently and are not included in the filing.

Sweetgreen is making its debut in a fast-growing Southern market.

The health-focused fast-casual chain will open its first restaurant in Tennessee on June 30 in Nashville’s upscale Gulch neighborhood. The 2,755-sq.-ft. location will offer guests Sweetgreen’s signature salads, warm bowls, protein plates, wraps and sides. Visitors can order in-restaurant, online or through the Sweetgreen app,

Sweetgreen will celebrate the opening with a week of community activations at The Gulch, beginning with a grand opening event with giveaways, pop-ups and a wellness event with neighboring fitness studio Barre3 and Lululemon to follow.

“Choosing where to grow is one of the most important decisions we make, and Nashville was an easy one,” said Ryan Slemons, chief development officer at Sweetgreen. “We're not just opening a restaurant here; we're investing in a community we believe in and planning to be a great neighbor for the long haul.”

To mark the Nashville debut, Sweetgreen is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, a nonprofit committed to ending hunger across the region. For every meal purchased on opening day, Sweetgreen will donate a bowl to Second Harvest to nourish people experiencing food insecurity in the Nashville community.

[READ MORE: Sweetgreen names first chief strategy officer]

Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen operates more than 285 locations nationwide.

A U.K.-based footwear brand is increasing efforts to solidify its presence in the U.S. market.

Clarks is deploying the Awin affiliate marketing platform to support both its U.K. and U.S. affiliate programs. With this step, Clarks is taking a more integrated, brand-led marketing approach that it intends to improve efficiency, collaboration and long-term growth. 

The move comes as consumers, especially younger Gen Z and millennial shoppers, now often look to influencers as their primary source of product discovery and purchase inspiration.

[READ MORE: Survey: Majority of social media purchases fueled by online influencers]

“Awin has been a strong partner for us since day one,” said Mario Protano, director of performance marketing at Clarks. The migration and onboarding process was seamless, and the support has been excellent. While our previous platform had reached a plateau in terms of growth, since moving to Awin, we’re already seeing positive momentum and more proactive engagement from high-quality publishers. Consolidating our affiliate program with Awin has given us the confidence, scale and partnership we need to build more meaningful affiliate relationships.” 

Clarks is also attempting to increase its U.S. presence by bringing its Cloudsteppers lifestyle store concept here. Known for their signature “walk-on-air” feel, Cloudsteppers sandals and other footwear products combine “lightweight comfort, dependable quality, and exceptional everyday value,” according to Clarks. The brand is best known for its Breeze Sea flip-flops and also includes casual lifestyle essentials. 

Founded in Somerset, England, in 1825, Clarks operates as a global business, with a presence in over 100 markets through retail, wholesale, franchise, and online channels. The brand owns and operates 512 full-price and outlet stores across Europe, North America, and the U.K.

Mall-man Greg Maloney, who spent 25 years at JLL and rose to be the president and CEO of JLL’s Americas Retail Business unit, has joined Second Horizon Capital as a senior advisor.

In his new role, Maloney will work closely with Second Horizon’s leadership team to support portfolio strategy, leasing execution, operational improvements, and future growth opportunities.

 "His leadership experience and industry perspective will be invaluable as we continue executing our business plan,” said Howard Levine, founder and managing partner of Second Horizon. “Greg's focus will be on helping us drive value creation through asset strategy, leasing execution, operational excellence, and portfolio growth."

Second Horizon Capital has focused on acquiring large-scale, underinvested retail properties and strengthening them with a combination of targeted capital investment, active operations, community engagement, and long-term stewardship. 

"Second Horizon Capital has assembled an exceptional team and built a strong platform with a clear vision for growth," said Maloney. "The company has established a reputation for thoughtful investment, disciplined execution, and long-term stewardship of its assets and communities.”

The firm is well known for bringing community stakeholders--including business owners, community groups, and tenants to the forefront in reinvigorating community hubs.

"Greg brings to us a unique combination of operational expertise, strategic vision, and industry relationships that will be tremendously valuable as we continue to grow our company," noted Second Horizon co-founder Camilo Varela.

The Kroger Co. exceeded analyst projections for sales with help from e-commerce, even as it came in slightly below expectations for profits.

The supermarket giant reported net earnings of $903 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 ended May 23, 2026, up 4% from $866 million during the first quarter of the prior fiscal year. On an adjusted basis, the company earned $1.58 per share, just missing consensus estimates of $1.59 per share but up from $1.49 in the previous period.

Total company sales were $46.1 billion, a 2% year over year increase from $45.1 billion. Adjusted e-commerce sales growth of 19% helped drive overall sales improvement. 

[READ MORE: Kroger to host weeklong omnichannel savings event]

In addition, Kroger Precision Marketing (KPM), the retail media business of Kroger running on its 84.51˚ data analytics subsidiary, reported profit growth of more than 20% from the prior year fiscal first quarter.

The company also reaffirmed its full year fiscal 2026 guidance for identical sales growth (without fuel) of 1-2% and earnings per share of $5.10 - $5.30.

"I joined Kroger because I believe it represents the best opportunity in retail.,” said Kroger CEO Greg Foran. “We have the right stores in the right places, unmatched customer insights, and the ability to win. Our focus is clear: to become America's best grocer. We will measure ourselves against that every day. We are pleased with our first quarter results, but we know there is more work to do.”

Based in Cincinnati, The Kroger Co. operates approximately 2,800 stores under a variety of banners across the U.S., including Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith's, King Soopers, Fry's, QFC, City Market, Owen's, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker's, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick 'n Save, Metro Market and Mariano's.

New tenants are set to arrive at an expanding shopping center in Idaho’s second-largest city.

CenterCal Properties LLC has announced new retail and dining tenants coming to Phase II of The Village at Meridian, a 846,000-sq.-ft. mixed-use retail and lifestyle property in Meridian, Idaho. Fashion, lifestyle and wellness retail additions include Vuori, Alo, Kendra Scott, Tecovas, Gorjana and Tempur-Pedic, expanding the center's mix of leading national brands.

New dining offerings at the property will include Flower Child and Paris Baguette, bringing a fresh fast-casual concept and bakery café to the center. Solidcore, a high-intensity, low-impact strength training brand, will soon join the roster at The Village at Meridian as well.

Additional tenants will be announced as leasing activity continues. Initial openings are expected in September 2026, with full Phase II completion anticipated in February 2027. 

CenterCal says The Village at Meridian benefits from strong regional population growth, rising household incomes, and continued residential and commercial development.

[READ MORE: CenterCal Properties acquires San Diego’s Mira Mesa Market]

"The Village at Meridian continues to be one of the strongest retail environments in the country," said Jean Paul Wardy, CEO of CenterCal Properties. "This expansion allows us to introduce retail and dining options that align with how the market has evolved and what customers are looking for today.”

Founded in 2004, CenterCal Properties operates 18 centers in California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington.