California

LOS ANGELES — Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, has signed a multi-unit store development agreement with new franchisee Sharooz Setareh to develop three new ice cream shops in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills over the next few years. Currently, there are more than 460 Baskin-Robbins shops located throughout California. Setareh owns a beauty supply chain and clothing manufacturing company, which he still operates today. The first shop under the Baskin-Robbins agreement opened in Santa Monica earlier this year. Setareh plans to open his second shop in 2017, with the third location following in 2018. Baskin-Robbins also sold two completed, ready-to-operate stores so far this year. Existing franchisee Harpreet Gill purchased the first turnkey shop in Porterville and opened it earlier this summer. New franchisee Alejandro Kochergane purchased the second shop in Imperial Beach with plans to open early next year. Founded in 1945, Baskin-Robbins has more than 7,700 retail shops in nearly 50 countries. Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group.

SAN DIEGO — Petco will open 13 new stores across the country and relocate one store in Paso Robles, Calif., in September. In addition, the company will also transition 31 existing Unleashed by Petco stores to smaller format stores this month. The rebranding of 31 select Unleashed by Petco stores are located primarily in Colorado, Georgia and Texas. The stores will transition to smaller format Petco stores. In addition, based on consumer feedback and demand, UnleashedbyPetco.com will become an informational site for consumers, with all online product sales moving to Petco.com. The former Unleashed by Petco locations will continue to operate as smaller format Petco stores and will include most of the same brands, products and amenities — such as self-serve dog wash and dog training services — that are available under the Unleashed by Petco banner. Petco operates more than 1,470 Petco and Unleashed by Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico.