The MULO Dozen: November in Review
As November and 2024 draws to a close, news from MULO (multi-location) brands has hardly slowed down! In fact, this season is a make-or-break for retailers, restaurants, C-stores, and service businesses as consumers travel near and far to eat, shop, and squeeze in those errands before the year ends.
- Of course, the biggest news of November was the return of Street Fight LIVE. We gave you a glimpse into the future of AI for MULO brands, UGC (user-generated content), PR, memorable experiences that blend retail and restaurant, a virtual scavenger hunt, and much more! Watch for our 2025 date and location, and follow my column for recaps of many of the sessions (INNOVATION).
- Texas Roadhouse continues to grow. Some MULO restaurant brands are struggling, but this one seems to have the “secret sauce.” (BOOM)
- A store’s footprint can greatly impact profitability and consumer appeal. Check out Subway’s new restaurant design. (INNOVATION)
- SOCI appointed a new CFO. (LEADERS) Check out the company’s latest study about why so many MULO brands are missing out on local search ranking, costing them millions.
- While some retro brands are booming, TGI Fridays filed for bankruptcy. (BUST)
- Kirkland maps out a brick-and-mortar growth path. Will Bed Bath & Beyond rise from the dead? (BOOM)
- There’s a new social media app in town! Bluesky now has 20M members. They are giving Threads and X a run for their money (and posts). (CONSUMER VOICES)
- Thanksgiving travel will hit a new record this year. Imagine the impact on C-stores and airport shops, not to mention all those gifts and take-out meals (and, of course, family entertainment)! (BOOM)
- The Devil went down to Georgia, but on a brighter note, Wawa came to Georgia. (BOOM)
- Häagen-Dazs will be running its first-ever Super Bowl spot. Here are other brands in the game.
- Caesars Republic has become a Hilton brand. (DEALS) The first non-gambling hotel in the Caesars family, it has been open about a year before the switch.
- PE firms are becoming a bigger part of the MULO food ecosystem, as Blackstone acquires Jersey Mike’s. (DEALS)
Have news to share in December? Please reach out to me at [email protected]!
