Vitamin Shoppe parent going private in $2.6B deal
Franchise Group, which owns several brands including The Vitamin Shoppe and Pet Supplies Plus, has announced that it will become a privately held company through a deal worth $2.6 billion. The acquisition will be led by Brian Kahn, the CEO of Franchise Group, along with other senior management team members. Financial partners, including B. Riley Financial and Irradiant Partners (a private equity firm), will also be involved in the transaction.

The deal is anticipated to be finalized in the second half of this year, and the current leadership team, headed by Brian Kahn, is expected to remain in their positions. Franchise Group has expressed its intention to retain its portfolio of brands.

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop to open first Texas location
First opened in New York City in May 2021; Dallas marks the quick-serve concept’s 6th location and first outside of the New York area.

Pizza Guys expects 185 new locations in Texas
The company plans to open up to 66 stores in Dallas/Fort Worth, 71 stores in Houston, 26 stores in San Antonio, and 23 stores in Austin.

Panda Express unveils new store model
The revamped interior includes a 15% reduction in seat count, with a larger back-of-house area. The new store model will be expanded to new locations in several U.S. markets in 2023 and beyond.

Wendy’s (WEN) earnings report
The company reported total revenue of $528.8 million, up 8.2%.