Smokey Mo’s BBQ Updates, Renovates, and Remodels Cypress Creek Location in Austin, Texas 

From updated branding to a brand-new dining room experience, Smokey Mo’s BBQ is celebrating the renovation of one of its oldest locations    

  

Austin, Texas (Feb. 28, 2025) — Smokey Mo’s BBQ, the beloved Texas barbecue chain that serves in-house smoked barbecue and offers fast, friendly, modern service, announces the grand re-opening of its Cypress Creek location in the Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area. The Cypress Creek restaurant location has been a staple in the Austin area since 2009 recently underwent a remodel and is hosting a grand re-opening to celebrate.  

 After the remodel, the Cypress Creek location continues to serve mouthwatering brisket, tender ribs, juicy sausage, irresistible sides, and more. The renovated restaurant also includes an updated counter experience with increased ordering stations, an easy pick-up rack for mobile and online orders, a refreshed dining room with updated Smokey Mo’s BBQ branding, and a new patio dining area.  

 “Since the original opening in 2009, Smokey Mo’s online, takeout, and catering business has grown significantly, and this remodel will increase efficiency and ease for all orders while improving the onsite ordering and dine-in experience,” said Craig Haley, President of Smokey Mo’s BBQ. “We are excited to bring this new Smokey Mo’s experience to our hometown of Cedar Park. Updates to the Cypress Creek location will delight our loyal fans while introducing our classic Texas barbecue to new guests.” 

 For 25 years, Smokey Mo’s BBQ has served smoked in-house classic Texas barbecue to guests across the state. With 20 locations and counting, Smokey Mo’s BBQ is continuing to expand with plans for corporate-owned growth in Harker Heights, Texas opening later this year.  

 To learn more about Smokey Mo’s BBQ franchising, please visit https://smokeymosbbq.com.   

  

About Smokey Mo’s BBQ  

Based in Austin, Texas, Smokey Mo’s BBQ started serving the best neighborhood BBQ in Texas in 2000. Now, with 20 total locations in the Austin, San Antonio, and Houston areas, Smokey Mo’s BBQ pitmasters smoke classic Texas barbecue in-house every day and serve it fast and friendly. As the first-place winner of Boerne Star’s Best of Barbecue in both 2023 and 2024, Smokey Mo’s BBQ is committed to providing a modern ordering platform, speedy delivery options, and robust catering offerings for groups of all sizes. The company emphasizes the importance of community involvement by supporting local high schools, charitable organizations, and houses of worship.  

 

Smokey Mo’s BBQ is expanding with carefully vetted franchise partners who are committed to the communities in which they serve. For more information about becoming a franchisee, visit www.smokeymosbbq.com.   

 

Media Contact:   

Veronica Alvarez, Snackbox 

veronica@snackbox.us  

 

Learning Undefeated Unveils Breakout Box: Manufacturing Mission to Ignite Career Paths for Students in Texas

$1.2M grant from Caterpillar Foundation funds creation of immersive learning pod focused on hands-on career exploration for grades 9-12

DALLAS, Jan. 31, 2025 — Today, nonprofit organization Learning Undefeated launched the first-of-its-kind Breakout Box: Manufacturing Mission, a new immersive learning experience focused on manufacturing skills and careers. The purpose-built futuristic learning pod will travel directly to schools and engage students in an escape-room-style mission using competition, collaboration, and fast-paced gameplay. To beat the Breakout Box mission, student teams must optimize key manufacturing concepts such as scheduling and inventory disruptions, performance, efficiency, and quality control.

“The future of our economy belongs to the makers, and manufacturing careers are the future,” said Learning Undefeated Chief Innovation Officer Jennifer Colvin. “By 2033, nearly four million new manufacturing jobs will need to be filled, which is more than the entire population of Dallas and Houston combined. Through our new Manufacture Your Path program, we want students to know that these high-paying, high-tech jobs are waiting for them right here in their hometown.”

A ribbon cutting event was held this morning in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD’s Ranchview High School in Irving, Texas, where more than 300 students competed in a heist-themed mission onboard the mobile laboratory. “The Breakout Box was an incredible experience for our students,” said Ranchview Principal Kara Miller. “It brought manufacturing concepts to life in a way that truly captivated them. The theme fostered problem-solving skills and teamwork which made learning fun and engaging!”

This project is supported by a $1.2 million grant from the Caterpillar Foundation. “The workforce of the future looks very different than today, so Caterpillar Foundation is focused on equipping people with the skills and resources needed to adapt and thrive,” said Caterpillar Foundation President Asha Varghese. “The Foundation is proud to support the creation of Learning Undefeated’s ‘Manufacture Your Path’ program – to provide Texas students and teachers with hands-on STEM resources that are immersive, fun and grounded in real-world manufacturing principles. By connecting STEM concepts to local job opportunities, we aim to raise interest and awareness in manufacturing careers and help close community skills gaps.”

The Breakout Box learning experience is one of several elements in Learning Undefeated’s new Manufacture Your Path program, a deep impact program that introduces students to high-demand manufacturing careers and learn-and-earn opportunities in their community. In addition to the Breakout Box mission, Manufacture Your Path also features classroom curriculum kits, educator training, and Manufacturing Night events for families to explore local career opportunities. The content for this learning experience was developed with input from over two dozen subject matter experts, representing a variety of companies, products, and manufacturing environments.

The ultramodern traveling learning theater will visit more than a dozen Texas high schools this spring in locations including Dallas, Waco, Seguin, San Antonio, and Houston. Schools may apply for a visit from the mobile lab online.

Manufacture Your Path was designed to meet needs and gaps in the current state of K-12 manufacturing career education, based on a comprehensive landscape analysis and feedback from dozens of educators and manufacturing industry professionals. Findings indicated that students, teachers, and parents have outdated perceptions of manufacturing roles which create hurdles for teens as they are making decisions about their future.

To learn more about Learning Undefeated, visit: https://www.learningundefeated.org/.

About Learning Undefeated
Learning Undefeated brings immersive and deep-impact STEM learning experiences to students in all communities. Learning Undefeated’s custom-built mobile labs range from laboratory-grade spaces to immersive learning theaters, connecting students with meaningful STEM experiences and linking them to career pathways. The nonprofit has prepared nearly two million K-12 students for STEM careers since 2003 through hands-on content exploration, game-based learning, educator training, talent development, mobile laboratory design and build consulting, curriculum development and disaster recovery education.

Learning Undefeated has been recognized with national and international awards, including two Educators’ Pick Best of STEM Awards in Social Impact: Promoting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Life Sciences categories. Visit learningundefeated.org or follow us on social @LearningUNDFTD.

About Caterpillar Foundation
Workforce development and sustainable infrastructure guide Caterpillar Foundation’s philanthropy. As Caterpillar’s philanthropic organization since 1952, Caterpillar Foundation has contributed over $975 million to programs worldwide strengthening community resilience. These contributions help to enable change that ensures millions of people can adapt and thrive in our rapidly evolving world. Learn more at caterpillar.com/foundation.

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 15, 2025 — LivAway Suites® and West77 Partners have announced the groundbreaking of a new extended-stay hotel in Tolleson, Arizona, marking the first step in an ambitious expansion plan for the Phoenix metropolitan area. This development is part of a broader strategy to introduce multiple locations across the market, further establishing LivAway Suites as one of the fastest-growing brands in the extended-stay sector.

With six planned LivAway Suites locations breaking ground in Arizona during 2025, West77 Partners and LivAway Suites view the Grand Canyon State as a region with significant growth potential for an elevated extended-stay experience. The newly established West77 Partners office in the Phoenix area (announced in September 2024) positions the development firm to accelerate the growth of LivAway Suites and expand its regional footprint.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing LivAway Suites to the Phoenix market. The state of Arizona, in general, has a growing demand for extended-stay hotels due to diverse industries, including healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and more,” said Dan Barrett, President of West77 Partners.

The Tolleson area is home to large hospitals like Banner Estrella Medical Center and Valleywise Behavioral Health Center, which attract traveling medical professionals and families seeking long-term stays. Just 12 miles from the future LivAway Suites location, Luke Air Force Base draws military personnel and contractors in need of extended stays. Additionally, the area is home to major distribution centers, including Amazon, Target, Costco, and PepsiCo, which bring business travelers and employees to the area for prolonged visits.

“We recognize that each new site is not just another dot on a map; it signifies community investment within and a genuine connection to each market we enter,” added Dan Barrett. “We are crafting environments where travelers find a home-like reprieve amidst unfamiliar settings.”

According to company executives, over $250 million has been deployed into LivAway Suites locations around the country over the past 18 months, and another $500 million will be allocated to new LivAway Suites locations over the next two years – approximately $100 million of that is expected to occur in the state of Arizona alone.

“From establishing offices in Phoenix to our aggressive expansion plans throughout the state, we are all in on Arizona,” said Kevin Dailey, Chief Operating Officer of LivAway Suites. “We plan to methodically expand LivAway Suites around the state while delivering premium extended-stay experiences at attainable prices for guests who want both comfort and value.”

Per company press releases, LivAway Suites expects to reach 50 locations open or under construction nationwide by late 2026. West77 Partners’ and LivAway Suites’ shared vision underscores their sustained investment towards nationwide coverage, aligning adaptive extended-stay options alongside evolving community needs.

About LivAway Suites:  
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, LivAway Suites is an innovative extended-stay hotel brand designed to provide guests with essential comforts at an affordable price. The company aims to transform traditional franchise models through transparent pricing structures and superior return on investment strategies tailored to developers. For further details or booking inquiries, please visit www.livawaysuites.com. 

SHOES FOR CREWS® APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO LEAD NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH AND INNOVATION

Seasoned consumer products executive Chris Quinn will serve as Shoes For Crews CEO beginning January 1; Donald Watros announces his transition to Senior Advisor following successful tenure as transformational leader.

BOCA RATON, Fla., Dec. 19, 2024 — Shoes For Crews®, the leading global provider of slip-resistant safety footwear solutions, has announced that Chris Quinn will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer beginning on January 1, 2025. Quinn is an accomplished executive experienced in the retail, e-commerce, footwear, and apparel industries who has served as a director of Shoes For Crews since August 2024.

“Entering the new year with our talented new board, we’ll continue to innovate in the slip-resistant and safety footwear space,” said Chris Quinn, incoming CEO, Shoes For Crews. “Over the company’s first 40 years we’ve really fine-tuned our purposeful design and proprietary technology and I’m looking forward to continue to lead the industry in groundbreaking solutions for a wide range of use cases, from inside the kitchen to out in the field”.

As part of the leadership transition, Donald Watros will be retiring from the CEO role effective December 31, 2024, but will remain as a Senior Advisor to the company.

“During my tenure we have accomplished incredible things at Shoes For Crews,” said Donald Watros, retiring CEO, Shoes For Crews. “From a long list of technology innovations to completely restructuring the business, we have logged a great number of successes. I’m looking forward to handing the baton onto my trusted successor, Chris, who will no doubt stack on more wins onto our growing list.”

Shoes For Crews will continue to keep the workforce safe on the job with comfortable, quality, slip-resistant safety footwear. To learn more about Shoes For Crews, visit www.shoesforcrews.com.

ABOUT CHRIS QUINN, INCOMING CEO, SHOES FOR CREWS

Prior to Shoes For Crews, Chris Quinn was CEO of iDesign, a global houseware company that brings innovation and organization to homes nationwide. He was formerly President and CEO of Step2 Company, a $325M toy and outdoor goods manufacturer that successfully was sold to Aterian Investment Partners. Quinn also served as the Executive Vice President of Sales & Retail at New Balance, where he was promoted to P&L Leader for North America. Earlier in his career, he held executive positions at Procter & Gamble as well as the Clorox Company. Quinn’s 30 years of experience developing high-performance organizations helped modernize these brands, accelerating the development of the direct-to-consumer business globally.

ABOUT SHOES FOR CREWS®

Shoes For Crews® is a leading designer and manufacturer of slip-resistant footwear, protecting millions worldwide. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, Shoes For Crews began producing slip-resistant footwear in 1984 with a mission to create a safer workplace. The Company’s focus is to deliver best-in-class safety footwear with superior slip-resistant outsole technology, unmatched comfort, and on-trend styling through a complete line of slip-resistant footwear designed to bring each employee home safely. For more information, visit www.shoesforcrews.com.

Hawaiian Bros Celebrates New Location in Manhattan, Kansas

Hawaiian Bros’ Franchisee, Ohana Restaurant Group, Answers Demand for More Kansas Restaurant Locations

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 3, 2024 — Hawaiian Bros is opening its first island-inspired franchise location in Manhattan, Kan. This will be the third Hawaiian Bros restaurant opened by Ohana Restaurant Group under their recent franchisee agreement.

To celebrate, Hawaiian Bros is hosting a grand opening celebration at its new location in Manhattan, Kan. (325 East Poyntz Ave.) on Monday, December 9 at 11 a.m. At the grand opening, the first 100 customers in line will receive a free t-shirt and a Hawaiian Bros gift card ranging from $25-$500 (with purchase), and one lucky winner will win Hawaiian Bros for a year. After the grand opening, the Manhattan location will be open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily.

Hawaiian Bros will also host VIP event on Saturday, December 7 from 11am–2pm and 5pm–8pm. First responders, medical personnel, academic staff, students and local business employees will be treated to a free classic Plate Lunch.

“We’re over the moon to have successfully opened our second Kansas location this year,” said Zach Fugate, Owner of Ohana Restaurant Group. “Our first opening in Wichita was so well received last month. We’re eager to continue our expansion and momentum in Manhattan and look forward to future growth in Kansas.”

This location will also feature two new Hawaiian Bros menu items.

The Keiki Meal: A kid’s meal that includes a kid’s portioned Huli Huli Chicken, rice, pineapple, a 12 oz beverage, a mini Dole Soft Serve® and a sticker.

Wraps: Your favorite sweet and savory Hawaiian Bros flavors bundled into a wheat wrap including Pacific Island Wrap, Huli Huli Wrap and Molokai Mac Wrap.
Hawaiian Bros is known for its island-inspired Plate Lunch, which offers a variety of juicy chicken or pork glazed with sweet, savory or spicy sauces; macaroni salad, a bed of fluffy steamed white rice or vegetables; and for dessert, a smooth and tropical Dole Soft Serve®. Void of freezers, fryers, or microwaves, the simple menu is prepared with the highest quality, freshest ingredients – unlike any fast-casual restaurant in the area.

To learn more about Hawaiian Bros and its offerings, visit https://hawaiianbros.com/.

About Hawaiian Bros

At Hawaiian Bros, we’re inspired every day to spread the Aloha Spirit. To show kindness and respect, and to treat everyone as ‘ohana – like family, in everything we do. Founded on the principles of honor, inclusion and gratitude, we respect the dignity and self-worth of every team member and guest. We value our differences and celebrate our common ground. And we say “mahalo” often, emphasizing the positives in our lives every day. Hawaiian Bros owns and franchises more than 62 restaurants serving the Aloha spirit in nine states across America and has expanded its franchise opportunities in 2024.

Hawaiian Bros has earned a variety of prestigious awards since their opening in 2018, including a number one spot on Ingram’s Corporate Report of the Top 100 fastest growing companies and the number seven spot on QSR Magazine’s 40/40 List of America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals, plus many more here. For more information, visit www.hawaiianbros.com.