Smokey Mo’s BBQ Recognized as a Top Workplace

 The Austin-American Statesman Recognizes Smokey Mo’s BBQ as a Top Workplace in the Greater Austin Area 

Committed to guest and employee satisfaction, Smokey Mo’s BBQ is honored to receive the Top Workplaces Award presented by the Austin-American Statesman 

 

Austin, Texas (Nov. 21, 2024) — Smokey Mo’s BBQ, the beloved Texas barbecue chain known for its smoked in-house classic Texas barbecue and fast and friendly service, is honored to be awarded the Greater Austin Top Workplaces Award of 2024. This year, the Austin American-Statesman and USA Today recognized over 100 companies and organizations in Austin, Texas, as Top Workplaces, and Smokey Mo’s BBQ is proud to be recognized amongst the best in the city. The Top Workplaces committee chooses its honorees each year through extensive research on employee and guest satisfaction and excellent results on company-wide workplace surveys. 

 “A positive and supportive work environment is at the heart of everything we do at Smokey Mo’s BBQ. Our team’s dedication and passion for delivering the best barbecue and service truly shine through, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that commitment recognized with this Top Workplaces award,” said Gini Quiroz, Vice President of HR at Smokey Mo’s BBQ. “Being named a Top Workplace is not only a great honor but also a powerful recruiting tool that helps us attract the best talent from our local communities. With strong leadership in every location, we are committed to fostering an environment where team members feel valued, empowered, and excited to grow with us.” 

 Smokey Mo’s BBQ deeply values employee satisfaction, and this award is a reflection of the passion and dedication its employees bring to work every day. The Austin Top Workplaces Award is a testament to the company culture, constant innovation, and room for growth at Smokey Mo’s BBQ. As the company continues to expand across Texas through corporate and franchisee growth, it will continue to stay true to its positive culture and brand values that attract and retain top-tier restaurant industry professionals. 

 For more than 20 years, Smokey Mo’s BBQ has served smoked in-house classic Texas barbecue to guests in Central Texas. With 20 locations and counting, Smokey Mo’s BBQ is continuing to expand with plans for corporate-owned growth in Central Texas.  

To learn more about the Smokey Mo’s BBQ company and career opportunities, 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 a Top Workplaces honoree in 2024 and the first-place winner of Boerne Star’s Best of Barbecue in both 2023 and 2024, Smokey Mo’s BBQ is committed to providing top-quality barbecue and excellent guest and employee services. With a modern ordering platform, speedy delivery options, and robust catering offerings for groups of all sizes, Smokey Mo’s BBQ is constantly innovating and improving the barbecue experience. 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. 

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Media Contact:  

Veronica Alvarez, Snackbox 

Veronica@snackbox.us 

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LivAway Suites’ Strategic Growth Continues

LivAway Suites’ Strategic Growth Continues with its Latest Opening in Nashville Area 

 

SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 20, 2024) – LivAway Suites proudly announces the grand opening of its third national location in Smyrna, Tennessee, marking a significant milestone as the brand’s first venture east of the Mississippi River. Developed by West77 Partners and financed by Keystone National Group, this 126-suite hotel offers fully equipped kitchens and advanced guest-facing technology, setting a new standard for affordable extended-stay accommodations. 

“The LivAway Suites in Smyrna represents more than just an expansion of our footprint,” said Mike Nielson, CEO of LivAway Suites. “It’s about redefining what guests expect from an extended-stay experience through thoughtful design and operational efficiency.” 

The strategic expansion into Nashville underscores LivAway Suites’ aggressive growth plan to have 50 locations open, or under construction, by the end of 2026. As demand soars for reasonably priced extended stays in burgeoning markets like Nashville, this latest opening positions LivAway Suites as a frontrunner in its segment. 

Catering to construction professionals, travel nurses, digital nomads, relocating families, and more, LivAway Suites offers modern finishes and accessible amenities for guests looking for extended-stay accommodations. With self-serve check-in kiosks, smart laundry facilities, automated parcel lockers, and other sleek improvements, the overall guest experience is enhanced for comfort and convenience while optimizing the operational efficiency of the hotel.   

“Efficiency isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about maximizing value without sacrificing quality,” said Nielson. “Building cost-effectively while enhancing guest experience is no longer optional—it’s imperative—and LivAway Suites typifies this with exceptional product.” 

West77 Partners completed the project under budget, reinforcing their partnership with LivAway Suites. Paul Duncan, Chief Development Officer for West77 Partners, stated that the development company has now successfully completed three projects under budget among a series of hotels currently under construction. “With recent inflation, few developers manage to meet their budgets, let alone complete projects below budget. LivAway’s thorough design contributes to this outcome,” said Duncan.      

The Nashville area’s growing economy is expected to present numerous opportunities for LivAway Suites, whose focus is on providing essential comforts at sensible rates—a core aspect emphasized by their motto: Everything you need and nothing you don’t®. 

For more information about LivAway Suites’ growth, please visit www.livawaysuites.com,. 

For more information about West77 Partners, please visit www.west77partners.com. 

 

About LivAway Suites: 

Located 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 point. The company aims to transform traditional franchise models through transparent pricing structures and superior return on investment strategies tailored for developers. For further details or booking inquiries please visit www.livawaysuites.com.  

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Media Contact: 

Veronica Alvarez 

Veronica@snackbox.us 

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LivAway Suites Opens Second Location Nationwide

 

Growing LivAway Suites Chain Opens Second Location Nationwide in the Heart of Tri-Cities Area 

SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 12, 2024) – LivAway Suites continues to make waves in extended stay hospitality with the grand opening of its second location nationwide, strategically positioned in Richland, Washington. The LivAway Suites brand launched in early 2023 and committed to a rapid expansion across the country, providing an enhanced extended stay experience that blends comfort with affordability. 

“This opening represents more than just another hotel opening; it’s an embodiment of our ongoing effort to redefine what economy extended stay can and should be,” said Kevin Dailey, Chief Operating Officer of LivAway Suites. “The Richland location will not only meet but exceed expectations for travelers seeking value without compromising quality.” 

The hotel was developed by West77 Partners, a real estate development firm focused solely on economy extended-stay hotels.  “We plan to develop 10-15 LivAway Suites hotels in the state of Washington over the coming years,” said Dan Barrett, President of West77 Partners.  “With over 10 years of experience developing economy extended stay hotels in Washington, we know how desperately LivAway Suites is needed throughout the state.  We look forward to filling that need,” added Barrett.   

Following a successful opening in the Salt Lake City area earlier this year—where demand for the hotel has already surpassed projections—LivAway Suites is poised for further growth across the country. The Tri-Cities area promises fertile ground for expansion, given its need for modern, extended-stay accommodations tailored to both short-term and long-term visitors. 

LivAway Suites aims to disrupt traditional hotel franchising through a developer-centric model focused on transparent fee structures and the profitability of each hotel. By offering straightforward services paired with essential amenities, it targets cost-conscious travelers who prioritize function over frills—a formula that has already proven effective in its inaugural property in West Jordan, Utah. 

“Our goal is simple: provide everything our guests need and nothing they don’t,” noted Dailey. “As we progress toward having 50 hotels open or under construction by the end of 2026, every hotel opening like Richland brings us one step closer to our goal.” 

For more information about West77 Partners, please visit www.west77partners.com.  

 

About LivAway Suites 

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, LivAway Suites is a new hotel brand with a developer-centric business model and hotel design that helps our guests feel more at home while away. The brand is built on understanding the importance of offering guests everything they need and nothing they don’t®, with straightforward services and pragmatic amenities that offer livability and comfort at an affordable rate. Built on a foundation for developers, by developers®, LivAway Suites is poised to disrupt the traditional hotel franchise model through transparent pricing and an improved return on investment. For more information, visit www.livawaysuites.com.  

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Media Contact: 

Veronica Alvarez 

Veronica@snackbox.us 

 

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Shoes For Crews Introduces 4SG

SHOES FOR CREWS® INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE SLIP-RESISTANT OUTSOLE TECHNOLOGY WITH 4-SEASON GRIP™

The new 4-Season Grip™ rubber outsole technology, which provides traction on ice and wet, oily, and greasy surfaces, is now featured in select industrial, athletic, and dress styles.

 

BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 7, 2024  — Shoes For Crews,® a global provider of safety footwear solutions that pioneered slip-resistant shoes in 1984, announces its revolutionary, new slip-resistant outsole technology that provides year-round, all-weather traction with the launch of 4-Season Grip™ (4SG™). An industry game changer, 4SG is slip-resistant on ice as well as wet, dry, oily, and greasy surfaces. The 4SG rubber outsole provides all-weather traction, eliminating the need for ice cleats; its compound is free of sharp elements, making it a go-to solution for both indoor and outdoor use.

“For 40 years, we’ve been dedicated to protecting the workforce with our slip-resistant footwear. Having created the initial solution to slips and falls, we’re proud to continue the evolution of protective footwear with our 4SG outsole technology,” said Donald Watros, President and CEO of Shoes For Crews. “4SG is one of the many tech innovations that Shoes For Crews is bringing to the market to keep employees safe on the job in various environments.”

The all-new Shoes For Crews 4SG solves one of the most significant challenges in slip-resistant footwear, keeping a grip on ice as the ground temperatures plummet. With standard rubber outsoles, the colder it gets, the more the rubber hardens, reducing the outsole’s grip on the ground. This innovative 4SG technology maintains slip-resistant protection in cold and icy environments. The rubber compound is free of sharp elements and won’t damage floors, making it a convenient choice for those who need to move freely from indoors to outside.

To learn more about Shoes For Crews’ 4SG technology and footwear, visit www.shoesforcrews.com/4sg.

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.

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Smokey Mo’s BBQ Continues Expansion

 Smokey Mo’s BBQ Continues Rapid Expansion with
New Temple, Texas Location 

The Best Neighborhood Barbecue in Texas is celebrating its expansion to the Temple, Texas area with a grand opening 

 

Austin, Texas (Nov. 4, 2024) — Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ, the beloved Texas barbecue chain known for its smoked in-house classic Texas barbecue and fast and friendly service, is celebrating the opening of a new location in Temple, Texas at 6768 West Adams Avenue, Temple, Texas 76502. 

To celebrate the new Smokey Mo’s BBQ location, a grand opening celebration will take place on Friday, November 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will offer $5 BBQ Sandwiches, $2 beers, and $1 fountain drinks or tea, with special benefits for Smokey Mo’s Rewards members, including spin-to-win giveaways for items like gift cards and merch and double points on purchases. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Temple High School Choir. For event details and to RSVP, please visit the Eventbrite page. 

The new Temple location brings Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ’s total store count to 20 in Central Texas and San Antonio. Like its other popular restaurants, Smokey Mo’s Temple features its signature brisket, smoked in-house every day for 12 to 14 hours with a proprietary spice rub; homestyle sides including their roasted creamed corn; freshly made breakfast tacos with housemade salsa, and Smokey Mo’s famous oversized Chopped Baker loaded with smoked meats, and all the fixins’. 

“We’re excited to continue Smokey Mo’s expansion throughout Texas with our new location in Temple” said Craig Haley, president of Smokey Mo’s BBQ. “Smokey Mo’s is about more than serving great Texas BBQ in a friendly way; we are very excited to meet our neighbors and become a part of the Temple community.” 

Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ continues its growth in early 2025 with a new location in Harker Heights, Texas, and is open to continuing growth with qualified franchise partners who are passionate about great BBQ and supporting their communities. More information can be found here: www.smokeymosbbq.com/franchising/. 

To find your nearest Smokey Mo’s BBQ location or order online, please visit www.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 smokeymosbbq.com. 

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Media Contact:  

Daniela Raskosky, Snackbox 

(305) 790-7277 

daniela@snackbox.us 

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Sustainability Series Sponsored by Daikin

The Sustainability Series Sponsored by Daikin with HGTV’s Dave & Jenny Marrs Premieres its Second Season in October

 

The new, second season of the miniseries offers insights for homeowners interested in reducing their impact to live more sustainably

WALLER, Texas, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Launching October 1, 2024, season two of the “Sustainability Series,” sponsored by Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (Daikin), is designed to raise awareness around issues affecting our world today. Season two will strive to educate, inspire, and transform how audiences perceive and practice sustainability, simplifying complex concepts for consumers and homeowners with practical tips to help them ensure a sustainable future.

Hosted by Dave Marrs of HGTV’s ” Fixer to Fabulous ” a renowned expert craftsman, builder, and general contractor; and Marc Bellanger, Vice President of Marketing for Daikin, season two of the “Sustainability Series” will air as 12 unique segments. Each one is carefully curated to provide viewers with insights for incorporating sustainable practices into their daily lives. The series will feature U.S. locations, including Bentonville, Ark., Washington state, and Tulsa, Okla. as well as international locations in France and Japan.

“Sustainability is a word that many companies like to throw around without any real-world connection,” said Marc Bellanger, Vice President of Marketing for Daikin and co-host of the Sustainability Series with HGTV’s Dave Marrs. “We’re here to take homeowners on a journey to meet the people and places that are adopting a more sustainable lifestyle.”

The Sustainability Series episodes will be broadcast nationally on HGTV, as three-minute segments airing in prime-time programming. The full-length episodes will be available to audiences via a dedicated YouTube Channel, as well as by Daikin’s and Dave Marrs’ social media channels.

Tune Into Season 2

Season 2 of the Sustainability Series premieres nationally on Tuesday, October 1st. Tune into “100 Day Dream Home” on HGTV at 9pm EDT/8pm CDT to catch the first segment of this season’s exciting new take on sustainability in the U.S and across the globe.

To view the Season 2 teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS9WV45xC9Q

For more information visit www.sustainabilityseries.com

About Daikin

Daikin Industries, Ltd. (DIL) is a Fortune 1,000 company with more than 98,162 employees worldwide and a leading indoor comfort solutions provider. Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (DNA) is a subsidiary of DIL, providing Daikin, Goodman, Amana®and Quietflex brand products. DNA and its affiliates manufacture heating and cooling systems for residential, commercial and industrial use and are sold via independent HVAC contractors. DNA engineering and manufacturing is located at Daikin Texas Technology Park near Houston, Texas. For additional information, visitdaikincomfort.com.

Amana® is a registered trademark of Maytag Corporation or its related companies and is used under license. All rights reserved.

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Shoes For Crews New Board Members

SHOES FOR CREWS® INTRODUCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Donald Watros welcomes Jame Donath, Chris Quinn and Colin Browne to the Shoes For Crews board as the company celebrates 40 years of business and prepares for growth and expansion

BOCA RATON, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2024) – Shoes For Crews®, a global provider of slip-resistant safety footwear solutions, has announced the selection of its new board of directors: Donald Watros, Jame Donath, Chris Quinn and Colin Browne. This new board offers years of combined experience in the footwear, financial services and consumer product industries.

Donald Watros, President and CEO of Shoes For Crews since 2017, was a member of the Shoes For Crews, LLC previous board of directors. His appointment followed years of success in various executive-level positions, including President of Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) where he participated in the successful acquisition of Saks Incorporated and Galleria Kaufhof. He also was Managing Director at NRDC Equity Partners where he participated in the acquisition of Lord and Taylor and HBC. Watros’ experience spans operations and financial roles in diversified global retail businesses.

“We’re excited to enter the next phase of Shoes For Crews with our talented new board to continue to innovate in the slip-resistant and safety footwear space. We will continue to leverage purposeful design and our proprietary technology—garnered from our 40 years of business—to catapult us forward another 40 years, continuing to be a thought leader in our industry,” said Donald Watros, President, CEO, and Board Member of Shoes For Crews.

The new board members include:

  • Jame Donath has been named Chairman of the Board. He is based in New York and is a seasoned investor, advisor, and corporate director experienced in helping reorganized companies address financing, M&A, and other strategic initiatives. Donath spent more than 20 years as an investor in corporate credit opportunities where he regularly led complex restructurings across the United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific. He was the Founder and Managing Partner of Magnolia Road Capital, a global event-driven credit fund, and a Managing Director at Davidson Kempner Capital Management in New York and London where he launched and oversaw the firm’s European credit business. Donath started his career in the investment banking division of Goldman, Sachs & Co. in New York.
  • Chris Quinn, based in Austin, Texas, is an accomplished executive experienced in the retail, ecommerce, footwear, and apparel industries. He was the 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.
  • Colin Browne, based in Annapolis, Maryland, is the current CEO of Cascale, a global, nonprofit alliance of 300 leading consumer goods brands, retailers, manufacturers, sourcing agents, service providers, trade associations, NGOs and academic institutions. He formerly served as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Under Armour and is credited with modernizing Under Armour’s direct-to-consumer model. Previously, Browne served as Chief Operating Officer and was an integral part of Under Armour’s successful transformation, which strengthened corporate culture and restored revenue and EPS growth. Prior to joining Under Armour, Browne was the Managing Director of Asia Sourcing for V.F. Corporation, one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear, and accessories companies.

The new board members bring individual excellence and expertise that will significantly increase growth for Shoes ForCrews. As a leader in its industry, and with the help of its new board members, 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 ForCrews, visit www.shoesforcrews.com.

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.

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Daniela Raskosky

Snackbox

Daniela@snackbox.us

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LivAway Suites Continues Expansion

VINEYARD, Utah (Sept. 17, 2024) — West77 Partners and LivAway Suites are excited to announce the groundbreaking of a new 126-key LivAway Suites extended-stay hotel in Vineyard, Utah, marking the brand’s third location in the state. This development furthers LivAway Suites’ commitment to providing guests with an elevated extended-stay experience that feels more like home.

“Vineyard becoming our third location in Utah is a significant milestone in the growth of LivAway Suites. With Utah being our home court, the goal is to start our loyal following in Utah and expand it across the nation,” said Mike Nielson, CEO of West77 Partners and LivAway Suites. “Our mission is to offer everything our guests need and nothing they don’t®, so they can focus on their work or travel without any distractions.”

The decision to build in Vineyard was driven by the high demand expected from traveling nurses, construction workers, and education-related extended stays from two major universities in the area – Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University. With its strategic location in the Provo, Utah MSA, this new hotel will cater to these specific needs while offering affordable rates and pragmatic amenities specific to extended stays.

“This is not just about building another hotel; it’s about creating a space where people can thrive,” said Nielson. “We are dedicated to disrupting the traditional hotel franchise model through transparent pricing and focusing on what truly matters for our guests and our developers.”

This new addition marks the 9th hotel that has started construction for LivAway Suites within the past 15 months. LivAway Suites has plans to break ground on over 50 hotels across the United States by the end of 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing new brands in the segment. LivAway Suites recently opened a location in West Jordan, Utah, and plans to open locations in Nashville, Montana, and Washington state later this year. The company’s developer-centric business model ensures that each property meets both guest expectations and owner profitability.

For more information on LivAway Suites and West77 Partners, please visit www.livawaysuites.com and west77partners.com.

About LivAway Suites

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, LivAway Suites is a new hotel brand with a developer-centric business model and hotel design that helps our guests feel more at home while away. The brand is built on understanding the importance of offering guests everything they need and nothing they don’t®, with straightforward services and pragmatic amenities that offer livability and comfort at an affordable rate. Built on a foundation for developers, by developers®, LivAway Suites is poised to disrupt the traditional hotel franchise model through transparent pricing and an improved return on investment. For more information, visit www.livawaysuites.com.

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Veronica Alvarez

Snackbox

Veronica@snackbox.us

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Smokey Mo’s BBQ Expands Franchise

Smokey Mo’s BBQ Expands Franchise Footprint; Opens New San Antonio Location

Franchisors, the Saldivar Brothers, Expand the Beloved Texas Barbecue Chain

in the San Antonio Area 

Austin, Texas (Sept. 16, 2024) — Smokey Mo’s BBQ, the beloved Texas barbecue chain known for its smoked in-house classic Texas barbecue and fast and friendly service, is excited to announce the opening of a new franchise location near the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) campus. The franchisee location will officially celebrate with a grand opening event for the local community on Saturday, Sept. 21.

With this opening, Smokey Mo’s BBQ franchisors, the Saldivar Brothers, will grow their store count to two from their successful current location on Stone Oak Parkway in San Antonio, bringing the total Smokey Mo’s BBQ locations in the San Antonio area to six. Switchback Capital, Smokey Mo’s BBQ’s owner, has significant expansion plans to bring the fan-favorite barbecue to even more local communities through franchising and corporate locations.

The new UTSA location will offer Smokey Mo’s BBQ’s signature menu of fan favorites. Highlights include delicious in-house smoked meats, homestyle sides, freshly made breakfast tacos, Smokey Mo’s BBQ’s famous oversized Chopped Baker loaded with smoked meats, and all the fixins’.

“We are so excited to open our second Smokey Mo’s location, and to bring the best neighborhood barbecue in Texas to our new location near UTSA,” said Bobby Saldivar, Smokey Mo’s BBQ franchisee. “We know our new neighbors will love our in-house smoked meats and friendly service, and we look forward to supporting our new community!”

As an integral part of the San Antonio community, Smokey Mo’s BBQ will donate all proceeds from a gift basket fundraiser to Branden Esquivel, a local student at Clark High School, and his Fiesta Especial Royal Court campaign. Fiesta Especial® is an educational outreach program of disABILITYsa, a 501(c)3 charitable organization working to educate, advance, and engage the disability community in the greater San Antonio area. The donations from Smokey Mo’s BBQ will help the program demonstrate how people with disabilities hold positions of leadership and contribute to the San Antonio community.

“We’re thrilled to work with our longtime franchise partners to bring our signature slow-smoked barbecue to the UTSA community,” said Craig Haley, president of Smokey Mo’s BBQ. “We look forward to more expansion from our franchise partners in coming years.”

For more than 20 years, Smokey Mo’s BBQ has served smoked in-house classic TX barbecue to guests across Texas. With 19 locations and counting, Smokey Mo’s BBQ is continuing to expand with plans for corporate-owned growth in Temple, Texas, and Harker Heights, Texas, both 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 19 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 smokeymosbbq.com.

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Media Contact:

Daniela Raskosky, Snackbox

(305) 790-7277

daniela@snackbox.us

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West77 Partners Development in Phoenix

PHOENIX (Sept. 10, 2024) — West77 Partners, a prominent real estate investment and development firm based in Bellevue, Washington, and Salt Lake City, Utah, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new office in the greater Phoenix market. This expansion marks a strategic move for West77 Partners as it continues to grow its presence in key markets across the United States. 

The decision to establish an office in Phoenix comes as West77 Partners expands into the area with a pipeline of multiple LivAway Suites extended-stay hotels. Wasatch DC Builders, an affiliated general contracting company of West77 Partners, will serve as the contractor for these projects, three of which are currently being bid and scheduled to break ground later this year. The new office location will allow both companies to focus on the growth of LivAway Suites in the greater Phoenix MSA while expanding their footprint within the region. 

“This expansion into the Phoenix market solidifies our commitment to developing best-in-class extended-stay properties throughout the United States,” said Dan Barrett, President of West77 Partners & Wasatch DC Builders. “We see great potential for growth and success in this market, and we are excited to bring our expertise and resources to support this vision.” 

West77 Partners’ vision includes breaking ground on 50 LivAway Suites hotels by the end of 2026, with plans to develop up to 12 locations within the greater Phoenix MSA alone. According to Barrett, West77 Partners has over half of these future locations’ sites under contract and plans to break ground on a handful by year-end. With Wasatch DC Builders’ track record of completing projects under budget, this partnership aims at delivering high-quality developments that exceed expectations while maintaining cost-effectiveness. 

As one of the industry’s leading firms specializing in real estate investment and the development of extended-stay hotels, West77 Partners’ latest move underscores its commitment to creating innovative solutions that deliver value for investors while enhancing the communities it serves. 

To learn more about West77 Partners, visit www.west77partners.com.   

About West77 Partners 

West77 Partners is a real estate investment and development firm with offices in Bellevue, Washington, Phoenix, Arizona, and Salt Lake City, Utah. The firm sources and places debt and equity for the acquisition and development of real estate through its investment group and key lending relationships. The company is able to successfully manage outcomes for its investors via West77 Partners’ vertical integration of services, including acquisitions, design & entitlement, construction management, asset management, and investment sales. West77 Partners is a strategic investor, developer, and manager of best-in-class properties throughout the United States. 

 

About LivAway Suites 

Based in Salt Lake City, LivAway Suites is a new hotel brand with a developer-centric business model and hotel design that helps our guests feel more at home while away. The brand is built on understanding the importance of offering guests everything they need and nothing they don’t™, with straightforward services and pragmatic amenities that offer livability and comfort at an affordable rate. Built on a foundation for developers, by developers™, LivAway Suites is poised to disrupt the traditional hotel franchise model through transparent pricing and an improved ROI. For more information, visit www.livawaysuites.com.  

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Veronica Alvarez 

Snackbox 

veronica@snackbox.us  

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