Magnolia Really Blooming

Like most people, life-long entrepreneur Steve Abrams craves sweets – and he couldn't resist when one of the original owners of the Magnolia Bakery put the iconic West Village shop on the block four years ago. Last year the chain's sales approached $20 million.

ALDI Wins ICSC 2011 Hot Retailer Award

May 30, 2011 ALDI Inc.

ALDI Inc. is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a winner of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) 2011 Hot Retailer Award, which recognizes innovative retail concepts that drive consumers into shopping centers around the world. Based on a survey of ICSC's worldwide members, ALDI was chosen as one of the "hottest" retail concepts for 2011 and received the award at ICSC's global retail real estate convention, RECon, on Tuesday May 24, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Andronico's Scrambles For Capital

Yes, Andronico's is in trouble. According to an e-mail we received Wednesday afternoon from CEO Bill Andronico, the company is looking to "recapitalize" and to "bring in lending/investor partners to replace the existing lender group and, additionally, provide growth capital."

With Margins Tightening, Restaurant Markups Deconstructed

It's no secret that restaurants boost their wine prices. But in an industry well known for its relatively low profit margins – typically 8 to 12 percent – some things have to pay the bills. And with rising costs, those margins are tightening.

L&M Expands Potato Packing Operations

May 30, 2011 L&M

L&M is excited to announce they have recently expanded their Palatka, FL potato operations. The expansion doubles the facility’s packing capabilities, as well as its cooling capacities – allowing extended product shelf life. To improve L&M’s “one-stop-shop” capabilities, the facility can pack russets and all three colored varieties simultaneously.