Who's Opening & Where

Steve & Barry’s University Sportswear (516-740-7971) is planning to open a 24,000 sq.ft. Steve & Barry’s University Sportswear at Eastfield Mall in Springfield, MA. Opening is slated for later summer. The stores offer sportswear, jeans, sweaters, hats and T-shirts. Steve & Barry’s sells officially licensed merchandise for over 350 colleges and universities, as well as apparel for many favorite American brands, such as Marvel comic book characters.

Carnival Booking, Inc. (800-408-7707) is planning to open locations nationwide this year. The temporary tenant, which specializes in booking carnivals on the parking lots of malls and strip centers, occupies land areas of 80,000 sq.ft.

PWS the laundry company (323-490-1835) is planning to open locations throughout AZ, CA; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; New Orleans and southern LA; Kansas City, MO; NV; Philadelphia, PA and Houston and southeastern TX. The company operates the following concepts: SpinCycle with freestanding and inline locations of 3,500 sq.ft. to 5,000 sq.ft.; Lucy’s LaundryMart with freestanding locations of 6,000 sq.ft. to 9,000 sq.ft.; Wash & Dry Launderland with freestanding and inline locations of 2,500 sq.ft. and 3,500 sq.ft.; Suds with inline locations of 1,800 sq.ft. to 2,500 sq.ft. and Super Wash ‘n Dry with freestanding locations and inline spaces of 2,000 sq.ft. to 5,000 sq.ft.

Bear Rock Café (919-859-6610) is looking to open sites throughout AZ, CA, CO, DE, GA, KS, MA, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NV, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA and WI. The cafes occupy spaces of 2,800 sq.ft. to 3,800 sq.ft. in community, neighborhood and power centers. The company prefers endcaps or multitenant outlot space. Preferred sites have an average daily traffic count of 25,000 vehicles.

Sport Clips (800-872-4247) is looking to open locations nationwide. The hair salons occupy spaces of 1,000 sq.ft. to 1,400 sq.ft. in outparcels, strip centers and inline spaces. Preferred demographics include a population of 30,000 within three miles.

The Quiznos Master, LLC (720-359-3300) is planning to open more Quizno’s locations this year. The company currently operates approximately 4,600 quick-service restaurants. Patrons can choose from a variety of signature subs. The company operates in more than 20 countries, and nearly all of the company’s restaurants are owned by franchisees.

Bakers Footwear Group, Inc. (314-621-0699) is planning to open 30 stores and remodel 25 locations this year. The mall-based vendor of women’s shoes and accessories operates approximately 220 stores throughout 36 states, with nearly 30 stores doing business under the Wild Pair banner. Bakers Footwear sells dress, casual, and sport shoes, as well as boots, sandals, and accessories, targeting women ages 12 to 29. Private labels account for the majority of company sales.

Kirkland’s, Inc. (731-668-2444) is planning to open 60 Kirkland’s stores during fiscal 2006, while closing 30 locations. The company currently operates approximately 335 stores throughout 37 states, which stock decorative home accessories and gifts, including framed art, mirrors, candles, lamps, picture frames, artificial flowers, rugs, garden accessories, and coffee-table books. Kirkland’s also offers holiday items during Christmas and Easter.

The Wet Seal, Inc. (949-699-3900) is planning to open between 20 to 25 Wet Seal stores during the fiscal year. The company currently operates approximately 400 shops throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico that sell moderately priced casual clothing and accessories. Most of the 308 Wet Seal stores are mall-based and appeal to junior women. The retailer’s more upscale Arden B. chain operates about 92 stores that target women ages 18-40. About 25% of the company’s stores are in CA, FL and TX.

Kuhlman Co., Inc. (612-338-5752) is planning to open more Kuhlman stores this year. The company sells men’s and women’s clothes wholesale and through more than 40 Kuhlman retail stores in malls throughout 16 states. Some 70% of Kuhlman’s clothing is comprised of shirts, but it also puts its name on blazers, skirts, sweaters, ties, and trousers. Its clothes are sourced from third-party manufacturers in Italy and Turkey. The company expects to have 100 stores by 2007.

CBRL Group, Inc. (615-444-5533) is planning to open a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurant off Winstead Avenue in Rocky Mount, NC. The company operates more than 530 Cracker Barrel restaurants throughout approximately 40 states, which are known for their country kitsch, rustic decor and down-home cooking. The eateries offer mostly standard American fare, such as chicken, ham, and roast beef dishes; the restaurants are also popular breakfast spots. Each Cracker Barrel location features a retail area where patrons can buy hand-blown glassware, cast iron cookware, and woodcrafts, as well as jellies and old-fashioned candies. CBRL also owns about 60 and franchises about another 60 Logan’s Roadhouse restaurants throughout about 20 states.

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. (310-536-0611) is planning to open approximately 20 Big 5 Sporting Goods stores during fiscal 2006. The company, which started out with five army surplus shops in 1955, is now a leading sporting goods retailer with approximately 325 stores throughout AZ, CA, WA and seven other western states. The company sells brand-name equipment and clothing for indoor and outdoor activities. Big 5 has stuck with a neighborhood-store format rather than opening large superstores. The company plans to add about 15 stores per year.

The Fresh Market, Inc. (336-272-1338) is planning to open a 25,000 sq.ft. Fresh Market store at Sycamore Plaza, a center located on Montgomery Road in Cincinnati, OH. The Fresh Market operates approximately 60 full-service upscale specialty supermarkets throughout 10 U.S. states. The company specializes in perishables goods, including fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood. The chain plans to open eight to 10 stores per year. The company also is planning to open a 20,000 sq.ft. Fresh Market store at Quarry Lake, a 230-acre mixed-use center located just off Beltway 22 on Greenspring Avenue in Baltimore County, MD. The company is currently looking to expand throughout northern VA; Washington, DC and the suburban MD region.

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. (724-273-3400) is planning to open 40 Dick’s Sporting Goods stores, while relocating two stores, this year. Dick’s Sporting Goods operates some 255 stores throughout 34 states, following the acquisition of rival Galyan’s in mid-2004. The stores, which are located primarily throughout the eastern U.S., contain on average five smaller stores-within-a-store featuring sporting goods, apparel, and footwear for leisure pursuits ranging from football, golf, and cycling, to hunting and camping.

Christopher & Banks Corp. (763-551-5000) is planning to open approximately 85 to 100 stores in 2007. The openings will include 35 to 40 Christopher & Banks stores; 40 to 45 C.J. Banks stores and up to 15 Acorn stores. Approximately 35 stores are planned to open in the second and third quarters. Christopher & Banks sells moderately priced private-label women’s fashions throughout approximately 705 stores in 45 states. Sportswear accounts for two-thirds of sales; the rest comes from sweaters and accessories. Its C.J. Banks stores offer specialty apparel in sizes 14W and up. The chains cater to working women 40 to 60 of age. In 2004 the company purchased the upscale women’s fashion 21-store Acorn chain from womenswear retailer Gilmore Brothers Inc.

Kona Grill, Inc. (480-922-8100) is planning to open five Kona Grill restaurants this year. The company currently operates locations in Scottsdale and Chandler, AZ; Denver, CO; Carmel, IN; Kansas City, MO; Omaha, NE; Las Vegas, NV; and Houston and San Antonio, TX. The restaurants serve a diverse selection of mainstream American dishes, as well as a variety of appetizers and entrees with an international influence. Each restaurant also features a full-service bar, sushi, and a 2,000-gallon saltwater aquarium.

Starbucks Corp. (206-447-1575) is planning to open approximately 1,800 Starbucks stores on a global basis in fiscal 2006. Throughout the U.S., Starbucks plans to open approximately 700 company-operated locations and 600 licensed locations. In international markets, the company plans to open approximately 150 company-operated stores and 350 licensed stores. Starbucks operates and licenses more than 8,500 coffee shops throughout more than 30 countries. The company also owns and franchises the Seattle’s Best Coffee and Torrefazione Italia chains in the U.S. with more than 100 shops.

Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. (626-799-9898) is planning to open a 2,448 sq.ft. Panda Express restaurant in western Eugene, OR later this year at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Seneca Street. The company operates Panda Express, the largest chain of Chinese restaurants in the U.S., with more than 680 locations throughout approximately 35 states. The chain offers quick-service Chinese food primarily in high-traffic locations, including malls, airports, and sporting arenas. It also runs more than a dozen mall-based Hibachi-San outlets that offer a quick-service Japanese grill menu. The company also operates a handful of Panda Inn branded units throughout CA.

Cosi, Inc. (847-597-8800) is planning to open company-owned Cosi locations, as well as 20 franchised restaurants. The company owns and operates more than 94 eclectic Cosí cafés throughout approximately 20 states offering premium and specialty coffees and made-to-order sandwiches. Its menu also features breakfast items, salads, soups, and desserts. Most of its restaurants also offer dinner and drinks after 5 p.m., while its Cosí Downtown units, which are primarily located in non-residential business districts, close in the evening. Cosi also offers delivery and catering services and operates a handful of coffee kiosks in Macy’s department stores.

Wild Oats Markets, Inc. (303-440-5220) has signed 16 leases or letters of intent for store openings for this year and next year. Plans call for 10 openings this year. Wild Oats Markets operates approximately 113 full-service stores throughout 24 states and British Columbia, Canada. Its stores provide natural, organic, and traditional grocery items, as well as environmentally-friendly household products. The stores operate under the Capers Community Market, Henry’s Farmers Markets, Sun Harvest Farms and the Wild Oats Natural Marketplace names. It also has bakeries, coffee and juice bars, and massage therapists in most stores.

Charming Shoppes, Inc. (215-245-9100) is planning to open approximately 155 to 160 stores in fiscal 2007, including the opening of approximately 75 to 80 outlet stores. Charming Shoppes currently operates approximately 2,236 stores throughout 48 U.S. states. The sites include 1,025 Fashion Bug stores that sell moderately priced apparel and accessories in girls, juniors, misses and plus sizes; more than 470 Catherines Plus Size stores; and approximately 720 Lane Bryant stores. Nationwide, Charming Shoppes serves low- to middle-income women and teens who follow fashion styles. Overall, plus-size apparel accounts for more than 75% of the company’s sales.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Inc. (602-957-8986) is planning to open a 7,000 sq.ft. P.F. Chang’s restaurant in downtown Baltimore, MD. The company currently operates two other MD locations with sites in Columbia and North Bethesda. The company also is planning to open a Pei Wei Asian Diner location on Dobbin Center Way in Columbia, MD. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro owns and operates about 100 full-service bistro restaurants throughout approximately 30 states. The chain’s restaurants offer stylish dining areas, display kitchens, and narrative murals. The company also owns and operates limited-service Pei Wei Asian Diners.

Stage Stores, Inc. (713-667-5601) is planning to reopen stores acquired from B.C. Moore later this year. Upon the completion of the liquidation of the B.C. Moore locations, the company will open the stores as Peebles locations. The grand openings of 69 Peebles stores will occur, also in phases, between mid-July and mid-October. The company currently operates approximately 558 department stores, mainly in rural towns throughout 31 U.S. states. Through its Stage, Bealls, Palais Royal and Peebles stores, the company offers moderately priced apparel, cosmetics, gifts, and footwear. Nationally recognized brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Liz Claiborne, Chaps, and Polo are sold alongside Stage Stores’ private-label merchandise.

Costco Wholesale Corp. (425-313-8100) is planning to open a 149,000 sq.ft. Costco store in Juarez, Mexico next month. The store will be located at Panamericana and Ejercito Nacional. The company currently operates two stores in Tijuana and one in Mexicali. Costco Wholesale currently operates approximately 470 membership warehouse stores throughout 37 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, Canada, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Stores offer discount prices on, on average, 4,000 products, ranging from alcoholic beverages and appliances to fresh food, pharmaceuticals and tires. Certain club memberships also offer products and services such as car and home insurance, mortgage and real estate services, and travel packages.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (614-283-6500) is planning to open 64 Hollister Co. stores, 19 abercrombie stores, 12 Abercrombie & Fitch stores and eight RUEHL stores. Abercrombie & Fitch sells upscale men’s, women’s, and kids casual clothes and accessories. A&F has approximately 790 U.S. stores, mostly in malls, and also sells from its catalog and online. Its newest format, RUEHL, is a Greenwich Village-inspired concept for the post-collegiate set.

Culver Franchising System, Inc. (608-643-7980) is planning to open a Culver’s Restaurant at the intersection of United Drive and Illinois 157 in Belleville, IL. Culver Franchising System operates a chain of more than 300 Culver’s quick-service restaurants, popular for its signature ButterBurgers (hamburgers served on a grilled buttered bun) and frozen custard. The menu also includes chicken, fish, and pork sandwiches, salads, and dinner items such as shrimp and Norwegian Cod. The chain is in more than 15 states, mostly in the upper Midwest. Nearly all of the restaurants are operated by franchisees.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc. (407-236-0556) is planning to open 11 to 15 restaurants this year, including six to eight company-owned and five to seven franchised locations. The company is the nation’s largest chain of high-end steak houses in terms of number of restaurants. Its 90 company-owned and franchised restaurants are located in approximately 30 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico and Taiwan. The menu features steak dinners, fresh seafood and an extensive wine list.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. (212-633-3300) is planning to open a 29,000 sq.ft. Barnes & Noble bookstore at Pearland Town Center, a mixed-use development located at the intersection of FM 518 and Highway 288 in Houston, TX. The retail portion of the center, with 700,000 sq.ft. of GLA, will feature the bookstore, as well as Dillard’s and Macy’s, and more than 60 specialty retailers and restaurants. Opening for Barnes & Noble is slated for 2008. Barnes & Noble, Inc. currently operates approximately 799 Barnes & Noble superstores throughout 50 states and Washington, DC. It also owns about 155 mostly mall-based B. Dalton bookstores.

Best Buy Co., Inc. (612-291-1000) is planning to open a 30,000 sq.ft. Best Buy store at the McKinley Mall in Hamburg, NY during the middle of next year. The store will be part of the redevelopment of the mall. Best Buy currently operates a chain of about 742 stores throughout the U.S. and Canada offering electronic gadgets, movies, music, computers, and appliances. In addition to selling products, the stores offer installation and maintenance services, and subscriptions for cellphone and Internet services. Covering an average of more than 42,000 sq.ft., the big box stores are located in 48 states and five provinces. Best Buy also operates 20 Magnolia Audio Video stores in the US and more than 105 Future Shop locations in Canada.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (303-595-4000) is planning to open approximately 80 to 90 Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants this year. Chipotle Mexican Grill operates approximately 500 quick-service Mexican eateries throughout 21 states. Customers can build a burrito or taco from a lineup that includes chicken, steak, barbecue or free-range pork, as well as beans, rice, guacamole, and various other veggies and salsas.

Outback Steakhouse, Inc. (813-282-1225) is planning to open a Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurant at the Shopps of Lakeland Plaza, a center located on U.S. 98 North in North Lakeland, FL. Opening is slated for the middle of next year. Outback Steakhouse, Inc. currently operates approximately 1,200 locations throughout the U.S. and 20 other countries. Its 881-unit signature concept offers steak, chicken, and seafood served in an Australian-themed atmosphere. Outback also operates 200 Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurants, which offer pasta, chicken, and seafood dishes. Other concepts include Bonefish Grill, Cheeseburger In Paradise, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Lee Roy Selmon’s and Roy’s. The company owns about 86% of its locations.

Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. (608-323-3377) is planning to open an Ashley Furniture HomeStore at Edgewater Village in Biloxi, MS. The space was formerly occupied by Toys “R” Us. The showroom of the home furnishing store will be the same size as the toy store, approximately 47,000 sq.ft. Overall, the company is looking to open 100 stores this year. Ashley Furniture makes and imports upholstered, leather, and hardwood furniture, as well as bedding. It has manufacturing plants and distribution centers throughout the country and overseas. It runs nearly 200 Ashley Furniture HomeStores, independently owned shops that sell only Ashley Furniture products, throughout the U.S., Canada and Japan.

84 Lumber Co. (724-228-8820) is planning to open 125 84 Lumber stores this year. The company currently operates more than 450 stores that sell lumber, siding, drywalls, windows and other supplies, as well as kits to make barns, play sets, decks and even homes. Its 84 Components subsidiary operates about 20 manufacturing plants that make floor and roof trusses and wall panels. 84 Lumber stores are located throughout approximately 35 states, mainly in the East, Southeast and Midwest; the company also sells products internationally.

Golden Corral Corp. (919-781-9310) recently opened a Golden Corral restaurant in Goodyear, AZ. The company also is planning to open locations in Glendale, Gilbert and Mesa, AZ. The company currently operates and franchises approximately 470 family dining restaurants throughout the U.S. The chain serves steak, chicken, and pork entrees along with its Golden Choice Buffet, which offers pasta, pizza and fresh vegetables. More than 350 of the restaurants are operated by franchisees.

Menard, Inc. (715-876-5911) is planning to open a 230,000 sq.ft. Menards store near the intersection of Illinois 13 and Interstate 57 in Marion, IL. Opening is slated for the end of October. The store will be situated on a land area of 16 acres. The Marion store will be the furthest south that the corporation has ventured with its retail development. The third-largest home improvement chain in the U.S., Menard operates approximately 210 stores throughout IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, NE, ND, OH, SD and WI. The stores sell home improvement products, such as floor coverings, hardware, millwork, paint and tools. All the company’s stores have full-service lumberyards.

Golf Galaxy, Inc. (952-941-8848) is planning to open as many as 16 Golf Galaxy stores during the fiscal year. The company currently operates approximately 54 golf superstores throughout 23 states. Its stores, which occupy spaces of about 17,000 sq.ft., offer equipment, apparel and shoes, gifts, accessories, and books and videos. Golf Galaxy also sells pre-owned clubs and has a trade-in program. In-store amenities include computer video swing analysis, on-site certified club technicians, indoor driving bays, full-sized putting greens, and advice on equipment from a staff made up of PGA and LPGA professionals.

The TJX Cos., Inc. (508-390-1000) is planning to open a 26,000 sq.ft. T.J. Maxx store at the Texarkana Pavilion in Texarkana, TX this summer. The TJX Cos. operates seven retail chains including the two largest off-price clothing retailers in the U.S. in T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. T.J. Maxx sells brand-name family apparel, accessories, women’s shoes, domestics, giftware and jewelry at discount prices at approximately 800 stores nationwide. Marshalls offers a full line of shoes and a broader selection of menswear through more than 700 stores. Its HomeGoods chain of 250-plus stores nationwide focuses entirely on home furnishings, while its more than 150 A.J. Wright clothing stores aim for lower-income shoppers. T.K. Maxx is the company’s European retail arm with about 200 stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Belk, Inc. (704-357-1000) is planning to open 10 Belk stores this year. The company currently operates 275 locations throughout 15 states. Belk stores, located throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, primarily in the Carolinas and GA, offer mid-priced brand-name and private-label apparel, shoes, cosmetics, gifts, and home furnishings. Its stores usually anchor malls or shopping centers in small to medium-sized markets and target 35-to-54-year-old middle- and upper-income women.

DSW, Inc. (614-237-7100) is planning to open 30 Designer Shoe Warehouse stores this year. DSW sells discounted brand-name footwear for men and women through approximately 203 stores in 32 states. About a half dozen stores carry footwear for kids. In addition to more than 2,000 styles of dress, casual, and athletic shoes, the stores offer handbags, hosiery, and accessories. The company opened about 30 stores in 2004 and plans to maintain that pace through 2009.

Muvico Theaters (954-564-6550) is planning to open a Muvico Theater at the Boynton Beach Mall in Boynton Beach, FL late next year. The theater will occupy the space formerly used by Macy’s.

Syms Corp. (201-902-9600) is planning to open a Syms store on 15th Street, between U.S. 75 and Alma Road in Plano, TX. The space was formerly occupied by Kmart. The company recently closed its store on Mockingbird Lane in Dallas. Syms sells designer-label clothing for men, women, and children through nearly 40 stores throughout 16 states. Syms caters predominately to middle-income men with suits, sports jackets, slacks, shoes, and tuxedos. Women’s apparel includes reduced-priced slacks, skirts, blazers, and dresses from brand names such as Liz Claiborne. Syms also sells handbags, luggage, and related accessories.

SpeeDee Oil Change & Tune-Up (925-686-9411) is looking to open locations throughout CA and NV. The company is seeking build-to-suits and will sign NNN deals with 15 or 20-year leases. SpeeDee Oil Change & Tune-Up currently operates the following CA locations: Auburn, Brentwood, Castro Valley, Clovis, Daly City, Davis, El Sobrante, Elk Grove, Folsom, Fontana, Fresno, Gilroy, Hollister, on First Street, Vasco Road and Railroad in Livermore, Los Gatos, Manteca, Millbrae, Milpitas, Modesto, Ceres, Morgan Hill, La Habra, Pleasanton, Redwood City, Rocklin, Roseville, San Bruno, at Capitol, Monterey Plaza and Westgate in San Jose, Stockton, Sunnyvale, Tracy, Turlock, Vacaville, Vallejo, Watsonville and Woodland. The stores typically occupy spaces of 12,000 sq.ft. to 17,000 sq.ft. and the company prefers sites with an average daily traffic count of 20,000 vehicles. Preferred demographics include a population of 30,000 within one mile earning $40,000 as the average household income.

Harper’s Restaurant (704-375-9715) is planning to open a restaurant at the Carolina Place Mall in Pineville, NC. Opening is slated for December. The company operates locations under the following tradenames: Harper’s Restaurant, Harpers To Go Go, Harper’s Blue Ribbon, Zink American, Arpa Wine Bar, Mimosa Grill, Up Stream and Mytogogo.

Innovative Laundry Systems (415-455-1700) is looking to open as many as 48 locations this year. The locations occupy spaces of 1,400 sq.ft. to 6,000 sq.ft. in freestanding locations and inline spaces at shopping centers in CA and NV.

Bass Pro Shops, Inc. (417-873-5000) is planning to open a 130,000 sq.ft. Bass Pro Shops store on Bass Road in north Bibb County, GA. The store will feature an old mill with an operating water wheel that will greet customers as they cross a footbridge to enter the store. The mill’s interior will be designed as a waterfowl-themed lodge. The store also will feature an 8,300-gallon aquarium and a boat showroom. The company currently operates 25 locations throughout 17 states. The stores typically occupy spaces of 280,000 sq.ft. The stores sell boats, campers, equipment, and apparel for most outdoor activities and offer features such as archery ranges, fish tanks, snack bars and video arcades. The company also offers specialty catalogs and runs a resort in the Ozark Mountains.

Orchard Supply (408-361-2599) is planning to open locations throughout the major metro markets in CA this year. The home improvement stores occupy spaces of 55,000 sq.ft. and are situated on a land area of 4.75 acres to five acres. The company will consider build-to-suit, acquisition, ground lease conversion and new construction.

Whole Foods Market, Inc. (512-477-4455) is growing with acquisitions, such as the Wild & Fresh stores it bought in the United Kingdom, expanding existing stores and opening new ones. By next year, the company plans to open as many as 25 stores a year, including its largest, most elaborate offering in London. The company also recently signed leases for stores in Chicago and Northbrook, IL; Seattle, WA; Wellington, FL; Napa and Sonoma, CA; Honolulu, HI; Philadelphia, PA; Richmond, VA and Reno, NV. The company currently operates 180 stores throughout 30 U.S. states; Washington, DC; and in Canada and the United Kingdom. The stores emphasize perishable products, which account for more than two-thirds of sales. Whole Foods offers more than 1,500 items in four lines of private-label products.

Kolache Factory (281-829-6188) is planning to open franchised stores in Overland Park, KS; Austin and Dallas, TX and throughout CA. The company currently operates 14 company-owned and eight franchised stores throughout Houston, TX, three franchised locations in Indianapolis, IN and one franchised store in Denver, CO; St. Louis, MO and McAllen, TX. The company offers its customers an array of freshly baked kolaches, as well as an assortment of traditional pastries and gourmet coffees.

Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. (313-983-6000) is planning to increase its franchisee base and expand into new markets. The goal for the company is to add hundreds of franchisees during the coming several years and to add hundreds of stores worldwide this year, with a nationwide focus. Little Caesar Enterprises operates and franchises approximately 3,000 Little Caesar’s carryout pizza restaurants throughout the U.S. The chain offers a variety of original and deep-dish pizzas along with cheese bread, salads, and sandwiches. While some stores are freestanding locations, Little Caesar’s units typically do not offer dine-in seating, meaning they can be operated in a variety of locations where larger restaurants wouldn’t fit.

PetSmart, Inc. (623-580-6100) is planning to open as many as 90 stores this year. The company currently operates more than 825 stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. The stores offer approximately 12,900 products, which range from scratching posts to iguana harnesses, and are sold under national brands and PetSmart’s own private labels. The retailer offers products through its PetSmart and State Line Tack (equine) web sites and through catalogs. Many stores offer in-store grooming and obedience training; veterinary services are available in some 430 shops through pet hospital operator, Medical Management International, known as Banfield. During 2007, the company is looking to open as many as 100 stores.

Rite Aid Corp. (717-761-2633) is planning to open 80 Rite Aid stores this year. During the coming five years, the company is looking to open 800 to 1,000 new and relocated stores, with an emphasis on the existing markets. The company currently operates approximately 3,350 drugstores throughout 28 states and Washington, DC. Rite Aid stores fill prescriptions, which account for about 64% of sales, and sell health and beauty aids, convenience foods, and other items, including more than 2,400 private-label products. About half of Rite Aid stores are freestanding locations.

The Container Store (972-538-6000) opens three to five locations per year, and recently opened a second store in New York, NY at the intersection of 58th Street and Lexington Avenue. The storage and organization specialty retailer sells items from backpacks to recipe holders. The retailer also offers complimentary space planning utilizing the company’s Elfa brand wire shelving, which accounts for about one-fifth of sales. The home organization pioneer operates approximately 35 stores, mostly in major cities in CA, CO, GA, IL, MD, NY and TX. The stores carry more than 10,000 items.

Ace Hardware Corp. (630-990-6600) is planning to open a 25,000 sq.ft. Ace Hardware store on the Greek island of Rhodes. The store will offer an exclusive inventory of hardware and home improvement products. Eventually, the company is looking to open 15 additional Ace/Pappou stores in major Greek markets. The stores will occupy spaces of 25,000 sq.ft. to 80,000 sq.ft. Ace dealer-owners operate more than 4,700 Ace Hardware stores, home centers, and lumber and building materials locations in all 50 U.S. states and about 70 other countries. From about 15 warehouses Ace distributes such products as electrical and plumbing supplies, garden equipment, hand tools, housewares, and power tools.

Portillo’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (630-954-3773) is planning to open Portillo Hot Dogs restaurants in Merrillville and Schererville, IN. The 10,000 sq.ft. restaurants will feature both the traditional Portillo’s Hot Dogs restaurant, as well as Barnelli’s Pasta Bowl, the company’s Italian-themed eatery. The Merrillville restaurant will be an outlot in the development at the intersection of Broadway and U.S. 30 at the site of the former Century Mall. The Schererville Portillo’s will be situated on the 16-acre site of the Schererville Golf and Fun Center. Construction will begin on that site during spring 2007. Portillo’s also runs about a dozen casual-dining spots around Chicago under the Barnelli’s Pasta Bowl, Key Wester Fish & Pasta House, Hemingway’s Bar and Luigi’s House names.