The MULO Dozen: June in Review

Let’s take a look in the rear-view mirror of June and glimpse at some of the most significant developments in the MULO (multi-location) retail, restaurant, service, c-store, and hospitality ecosystem.

Of course, the most significant announcement this spring was the reveal of our first round of inspirational speakers at Street Fight LIVE 2025!

Here are 12 more June developments:

1. New look, yet same outcome. TGI Fridays filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy following failed attempts at restructuring their corporate branding and in-store design (BUST).
2. Applebee’s (a struggling brand) is finally catching up to its competitors with self-service tablets from DigiSite Smart Table technology. Although they are late to the game on innovation, this upgrade may help improve customer satisfaction and lower operating costs (INNOVATION).
3. Taco John’s welcomes ops pro, Jackie Secor, as its new COO, doubling down on the chain’s franchise expansion as it enters new markets in hopes of attaining stable, long-term growth (LEADERSHIP)
4. In-N-Out reigns supreme, ranking #1 in employee satisfaction for the 10th year in a row. A whopping 91% of employees would recommend the job to a friend, highlighting the chain’s commitment to strong leadership, culture, and loyalty (TALENT)
5. Biggby brews a bold new look for its 30th birthday, unveiling its first major brand refresh in decades. The new slogan, “Biggby Makes it Better,” underscores its people-furst values and long-game growth strategy (INNOVATION)
6. Peloton is shaking up its C-Suite, naming Megan Imbres as its fourth CMO in five years. With intensive experience at Apple and Netflix, Imbres will lead the brand’s new corporate strategy focused on data-driven performance marketing (LEADERSHIP)
7. The leadership shuffle continues as Jack in the Box promotes longtime exec, Dawn Hooper, as its new CFO, who will be guiding the chain through its “Jack on Track” plan to streamline its operations and drive sustainable growth (LEADERSHIP)
8. Auntie Anne’s is getting a glow-up. Following the chain’s co-brand with Cinnabon, the chain is modernizing its new street-level and drive-thru locations with smart tech in hopes of attracting more Gen Z snackers (INNOVATION)
9. We have covered Starbucks’ new leadership model focused on innovation. In June the brand went a step further, tapping into OpenAI’s “Green Dot Assist,” a virtual assistant designed to help baristas become more efficient, including helping in drink preparation and serving customers (INNOVATION)
10. Walmart’s recent venture into creator-driven retail experiences was just the beginning. Walmart has also begun leveraging a new suite of AI assistant tools, including “Sparky,” an AI-helper designed to automate its customers shopping experience through personalized service, scheduling delivers, and product suggestions (INNOVATION)
11. Lowe’s is building on Michaels’ momentum, working with MrBeast to lead its Creator Network, a platform designed to connect Lowe’s with DIY creators and Gen Z. The brand will also be helping build “BuildCity,” the set of Mr. Beast’s Amazon Prime “Beast Games” (INNOVATION)
12. Dollar General is taking a page from Lowe’s influencer playbook, teaming with celebrity brand, like Kathy Ireland and Betseyville, to elevate its home goods selection with the hopes of pleasing its price-conscious shoppers (INNOVATION)

A special shout-out to Street Fight summer associate, researcher and writer Ukë Hasanaj. NOT ChatGPT! 

Watch for next month’s highlights. See you on September 30th!