New Starbucks locations are popping up across Overland Park, Kansas, as the popular coffee chain has opened at Georgetown Plaza, moving from its original site. The latest addition, located at 9385 W. 75th St., opens its doors to early risers from 4:30 AM and caters to customers until 8:30 PM on weekdays and 7:30 PM on Sundays. This brings the total number of Starbucks locations to roughly 50 across Johnson County and over 20 more across the state line in Kansas City, Missouri. Another new Starbucks is currently under construction at the Galleria 115 mixed-use development, slated to open its doors by the spring of 2025. The company just launched another outlet at Merriam Grand Station, demonstrating Starbucks' continued ambitions to cater to coffee lovers.
Shifting gears to the aviation sector, Jet Aviation is enhancing its operations by adding Basel to its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supply locations. The company originally introduced SAF to Switzerland in 2020, setting the stage for their latest expansion, which demonstrates their commitment to sustainable practices within the aviation industry.
Meanwhile, significant changes are taking place within the logistics industry as well. Fresh Park, based out of Venlo, Netherlands, will house the newest premises for Hendrix & Seelen. Jeroen Hendrix, the company's director, finalized the lease to consolidate operations from three separate locations under one roof by February 1, marking this move as a substantial logistical turnaround. The new facility at Venrayseweg 122-D will allow for improved refrigeration and modernized space, alleviating previous challenges faced by the company. Hendrix also noted their focus on enhancing digital operations and product offerings following their merger with Seelen last year.
Conversely, the tides have turned for the vegan restaurant chain Clean Kitchen Club, which has officially closed its last available site after pivoting from its plant-based menu to include animal products. This change came amid significant struggles within the sector, highlighting the difficulties vegan chains have encountered recently. Co-founder Verity Bowditch stepped down from her position following the brand's transition, stating, "I can't physically be part of something...that isn't fully plant-based." The chain's abrupt closure reflects broader economic strains within the UK's hospitality sector, where vegan restaurants faced intense challenges due to rising costs and consumer preferences shifting against plant-based offerings.
Despite restaurant closures, Trudy's Tex-Mex is still showing signs of future growth. Although it recently shuttered its last location at North Star on Burnet Road, the chain confirms plans to look for new establishments within Austin and potentially beyond. After coming out of bankruptcy under new ownership by Hargett Hunter Capital Management, the brand expressed unyielding optimism. Trudy's noted on their Instagram, "While this chapter closes, Trudy's Tex-Mex continues forward, and we're excited for what's to come." New CEO Scott Taylor aims to reopen the brand with locations across Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.
On a lighter note, the esteemed Vietnamese restaurant, Lunch Lady, is gearing up for its Toronto debut. Famous for its authentic street food recipes and praised by the late Anthony Bourdain, the restaurant aims to bring its culinary excellence to 93 Ossington Ave. Their menu, which includes award-winning dishes inspired by traditional Vietnamese flavors, is set to launch around May 2025. With roots entrenched deeply in local ingredients and innovative preparations, the brand anticipates significant interest and enthusiasm as it expands audiences across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Across all these sectors, from coffee to cuisine, businesses are adapting, closing, or opening new locations to navigate today’s ever-changing economic landscapes. The future of these establishments poses exciting potential as they seek to meet the needs of diverse consumer bases.