SmartBrief readers were drawn to stories about growth plans of food retailers and restaurant chains alike this week, as they got an inside look at the first store opened under Kroger‘s Main & Vine banner and Wahlburgers announced plans to expand the better burger chain from seven locations to 118 in the next six years. And that wasn’t all from Kroger this week. The retailer also said it will spend $260 million expanding it’s Fry’s Food chain. Meijer also said it will open new stores and remodel existing ones.
Readers were also interested in stories about brands exploring new avenues. Mondelez said it will invest in better-for-you snacks that feature unconventional ingredients, while yogurt brands Chobani and Noosa highlighted their offerings of savory flavors. In the food retail realm, Wal-Mart and Whole Foods both turned their focus to produce, with Wal-Mart ramping up their fresh foods strategy and Whole Foods looking to simplify its produce system.
Check out these stories and more on the full list of this week’s 10 most-clicked stories:
- Inside Kroger’s 1st Main & Vine store
- Korean ice cream cones are a must-have thanks to social media
- Brothers map aggressive growth plan for Wahlburgers
- Mondelez taps into snacking trends with new product line
- Meijer to make over 32 stores, add 9 new locations
- Kroger announces $260M expansion of Fry’s Food banner
- Wal-Mart, Whole Foods turn their efforts to produce
- Chobani, Noosa take on savory yogurt flavors
- Kraft Heinz debuts salad dressings in portable pouches
- Chef turns to the freezer to perfect dried pasta
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