The MULO Dozen: October Brands in Review

Last month, we launched this new section,  recapping some of the highlights across MULO (multi-location) brands — retailers, restaurants, c-stores, service businesses, and any other establishment that have multiple locations (or aspires to scale to that level), as well as the agencies that help them flourish.

We cover:

1. INNOVATION: Here are the brands that are doing something unique to keep consumers and businesses heading to their physical locations.
2. BOOMs & BUSTS: Learn about the companies and categories that are thriving and those that aren’t.
3. TALENT & LEADERSHIP: Promotions, major leadership changes, and everything relating to the people and investors who are changing the MULO landscape.

Have breaking news to include? Just e-mail me before the end of each month!

Here are October’s MULO Dozen:

1. In-theater dining is not new, but now BurgerFi is entering the movie theater business. We’re starting to see more non-traditional “marriages” in the MULO entertainment world. (INNOVATIONS)
2. Technology is now pervasive throughout the retail and restaurant industries. Domino’s and Microsoft are partnering to bring AI to restaurants, with a focus on online ordering. (INNOVATIONS)
3. People are dining out earlier and restaurants are responding to the trend. (INNOVATIONS)
4. Plant-based options abound these days. Many pizza establishments are adding cauliflower pizza crust to their menus. (INNOVATIONS)
5. Let’s not forget retail innovations. Ulta Beauty is piloting a new tech-based in-store sample station concept. (INNOVATIONS)
6. Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop brand will debut a new affordable mass-market health and wellness line at Target. (INNOVATIONS)
7. Which fine dining brands are rocking customer service? See the list! (BOOMs)
8. Events can be a huge revenue generator, especially during the holiday season. Here’s how TGI Friday’s plans to generate an incremental $5 million in 4Q earnings. (BOOMs)
9. Convenience stores are growing — in both their range of products and locations. Read about Buc-ee’s latest plans to expand beyond Texas. (BOOMs)
10. Another retailer bites the dust. Z Gallerie filed for Chapter 11 and began its liquidation sale. (BUSTs)
11. Costco has a new CEO — Ron Vachris (LEADERSHIP)
12. PF Changs is also making changes at the top, as they announced a CEO transition.  (LEADERSHIP)

Check back often for the latest news and marketing insights across the MULO landscape. And be sure to join us live in NYC on November 7th to hear from and connect with some of the people and brands we’ve reported on in 2023!