The MULO Dozen: March in Review

As we closed out March and the first quarter of 2025, here’s what CEOs were searching for:

Although these vast critical issues are top-of-mind for business leaders, March as well as the first three months of the year were filled with strategies and decisions in the MULO (multi-location) ecosystem.

AI, tariffs, and hiring freezes are among the macro issues that will impact the day-to-date of the industries we cover. What else was new in March?

1. Regardless of political and economic factors, cheese, crust, and sauce are a staple. Via 313 has raised $32.5 million in capital to open more Detroit-style pizza restaurants (BOOM)
2. While pizza appears timeless, happy hours and wings may be struggling. TGI Fridays is undergoing bankruptcy, closing 129 U.S. stores (BUST)
3. Hospitality is an often-overlooked MULO category; business and leisure travelers depend on hotels, motels, and other short-stay options for all types of trips.  Marriott International  appointed Andy Kauffman as its new chief commercial officer (LEADERSHIP)
4. McDonald’s Alyssa Buetikofer took over as Chief Marketing Officer after Tariq Hassan stepped down. She was formerly the CMO for the brand in Canada. CMOs are staying in jobs slightly longer, but we can continue to expect churn in that role. (LEADERSHIP)
5. Layoffs are prevalent in both the public and private sectors, and leadership is expecting more from team members. Recently, Starbucks CEO, Brian Niccol, pressured employees to improve performance following corporate layoffs. Does “tough love” improve results? Only time will tell! (TALENT)
6. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop operates more than 150 locations in 17 states. The Social Order opened its 10th Fuzzy’s Taco Shop in the Oklahoma City metro area. As we know, regional scaling can be a great and powerful strategy for growth. (BOOM)
7. Fast casual MULO brands are not the only category investing in expansion. Weis Markets plans to open four new stores in Maryland and Delaware following strong fourth-quarter sales (BOOM)
8. Let’s not forget about MULO retail. TJX Companies (parent of Marshalls and Home Goods) opened its 5,000th store last year, following a 5% increase in store sales (BOOM)
9. Best Buy plans to launch a U.S. online marketplace to better compete within the retail media landscape. As you’ll discover at Street Fight LIVE 2025, the world is truly phygital and brick-and-mortar brands must have comprehensive digital strategies to hold their own. (INNOVATION)
10. Although the media often focuses on the next generation of consumers, Rutter’s is enhancing its retail space, opening new locations with bars and lounges to cater to their older demographic. (CONSUMER VOICES)
11. Buffets took a beating during the pandemic, even for popular MULO brands like Golden Corral. That’s why they are launching a new fast-casual concept called “Golden Corral Favorites” (INNOVATION)
12. Newstalgia (bringing back classics) is a 2025 trend. We’ve seen Steak & Ale make a return and now Tony Romas may be making a comeback. (INNOVATION)