Latest news with #FortLauderdale-based
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Instacart names Chris Rogers CEO to succeed Fidji Simo
You can find original article here Supermarketnews. Subscribe to our free daily Supermarketnews newsletter. Instacart announced Wednesday it promoted its chief business officer, Chris Rogers, to succeed Fidji Simo as chief executive officer, effective Aug. 15. Simo, who announced on May 8 she's leaving the last-mile delivery company to become CEO of OpenAI Applications, will remain chair of the board at Instacart. Rogers joined Instacart in 2019 and currently oversees retailer relationships and expansions, ad sales, research and development, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, Instacart Business, and Instacart Health. "Over the last four years, we've transformed Instacart into a growing, profitable, leading technology platform that's helping reshape the grocery industry. We're building a generational company at the intersection of technology and food, and Chris is the right leader for our next chapter. He brings the kind of vision, operational excellence, and customer obsession that will help Instacart play an even bigger role in people's lives—and I couldn't be more excited to see how Chris scales the company's impact from here," Simo said in the press release. Simo assumed the CEO role in August 2021, following a 10-year stint at Facebook. She served as vice president and head of Facebook App for her last two-and-a-half years at the social media company. In that role she oversaw the company's various app features, including News Feed, Stories, Groups, Video, Marketplace, Gaming, News, Dating, Ads, and more. Rogers said in the press release that the San Francisco-based delivery company is 'transforming the future of grocery shopping, but more importantly, we're helping people solve real, everyday needs.' Rogers joined Instacart after nearly 11 years at Apple, where he served as managing director of Apple Canada. In that role, Rogers drove iPhone adoption in the market. He began his career at Procter and Gamble, where he oversaw relationships with Canadian grocers. He sits on board for data, analytics, and insights provider Spins, as well as the board of the Ad Council, a nonprofit organization that drives public service campaigns on social issues. Rogers said in a blog post Wednesday that Instacart's 'vision and strategy aren't changing.' 'And we'll invent the future of grocery with our partners by continuing to invest in cutting-edge enterprise tools and technologies, as well as enhance our leading advertising ecosystem—both of which empower retailers and brands to scale, grow and meet the evolving needs of their customers,' Rogers wrote. Instacart's most recent investment in new tech came with the acquisition of Fort Lauderdale-based ecommerce and technology company Wynshop in early May. The purchase builds on Instacart's flagship ecommerce platform, Storefront Pro. Simo said in her own letter to the Instacart team on Wednesday that Rogers was picked because of his deep understanding of the tech company's various partners, his operational experience, and his ability to mobilize teams. 'Chris knows this company. He helped shape it. And I know Chris will carry our mission forward with conviction, care, and ambition. I couldn't be more excited for him to step into the role of CEO and lead Instacart's next phase of growth,' she wrote. The abrupt announcement of Simo's departure earlier this month was premature, according to Simo, who said she went public with the change earlier than expected because of a leak about her departure to the press. Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
The Doce Mortgage Group Responds to Market Changes With Access to Flexible Lending Options for Florida Homebuyers
The Fort Lauderdale-based mortgage broker is expanding access to lending programs for today's local homebuyers FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / May 15, 2025 / The Doce Mortgage Group, a leading mortgage brokerage based in Fort Lauderdale, is offering access to several additional flexible mortgage programs. The additional programs are designed to increase financing access for more would-be buyers, lowering entry requirements and providing up to 100% financing on new home Broker Fort Lauderdale Mortgage Broker Fort Lauderdale, The Doce Mortgage Group In Florida and beyond, the current housing and mortgage market is plagued by rising interest rates, inflationary pressures, and affordability, all of which make it harder to qualify for a traditional mortgage. By offering more flexible mortgage solutions, The Doce Mortgage Group aims to help homebuyers make more sound and strategic financial decisions, regardless of the current obstacles in such a rapidly changing market. Flexible & Adaptable Florida Mortgage Programs Buyers who work with Alex Doce of The Doce Mortgage Group will now have access to an extensive range of mortgage loan options, including new programs that go well beyond the boundaries of traditional financing. These include: Alternative loan programs like the ones above are a boon to buyers who may not qualify for traditional mortgages, with options available to first-time homebuyers, recurrent buyers, and buyers of short- or long-term rental properties. A Client-Centered Approach to Home Loans The Doce Mortgage Group has become a reliable resource for Florida buyers looking for transparency, tailored support, and buyer education in the home financing process. Buyers receive clear communication at every step, ensuring they fully understand what options are available and what will make the most sense for them in the short and long term. The Doce Mortgage Group brings 37+ years of experience to Florida's mortgage market and has helped more than 7,000 borrowers secure the ideal mortgage for their needs. During this time, the firm has remained committed to adaptability and the financial well-being of Florida homebuyers. Interested readers can learn more or schedule a consultation by visiting or calling (305) 900-2012. About The Doce Mortgage Group The Doce Mortgage Group is a Fort Lauderdale-based mortgage brokerage led by Alex Doce, a highly qualified mortgage veteran with more than 37 years of industry experience originating residential mortgage loans. The firm provides a wide range of flexible lending options for Florida homebuyers and investors, plus tailored mortgage solutions, expert guidance, and a commitment to a smooth and stress-free process. For more information, visit Contact InformationAlex Doce (305) 900-2012 SOURCE: The Doce Mortgage Group press release
Miami Herald
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
GableStage's ‘Fat Ham' is part of a juicy regional collaboration
Maybe the seemingly long haul on I-95 made treacherous by traffic congestion creates the Miami-Dade County and Broward County division among its residents. While there are plenty of reasons someone from one county or the other will say they don't venture north or south, arts groups are well aware there's a definite line in the sand. So, when three professional theater companies, two from Broward and one from Miami-Dade, came together to collaborate on the production of James Ijames' Pulitzer Prize-winning 'Fat Ham,' it was, in no uncertain terms, heralded as a historic partnership. Then there was a fourth cog in the wheel, the Fort Lauderdale-based Warten Foundation that wanted to support the newly formed theater trinity of Wilton Manors' Island City Stage, Pompano Beach's Brévo Theatre, and Coral Gables' GableStage, with a $250,000 grant to help fund the South Florida premiere of 'Fat Ham.' 'Fat Ham' opened at Island City Stage on Friday, April 3 and ran through Sunday, May 4. Now it moves to GableStage, opening Friday, May 16 and running through Sunday, June 15. A modern interpretation of William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' set at a Southern Black family's backyard barbecue, the playwright, originally from North Carolina, creates parallel's between the classic play as Juicy, a 20-year-old gay Black man living in the South is visited by the ghost of his father asking him to avenge his death. Pap, Juicy's father, says his brother had him killed so that he could marry his widow and take over the family business. Bari Newport, producing artistic director of GableStage, had plans to produce 'Fat Ham.' She says she obtained the rights to stage the show but hadn't moved forward in putting it on GableStage's season calendar. 'I was sitting on the rights,' she says. 'It's an incredible piece of writing and it isn't a Pulitzer Prize winner for nothin.' But I wanted to partner with the right director.' Newport received a call from the licensing agent at Concord Theatricals, explaining that another theater company 'about 30 miles away' wanted to present 'Fat Ham.' 'They didn't think that would be a problem because, quote, we didn't share an audience. And I said, 'Well, I think it is a problem,' and I asked who the company was.' When the agent said Island City Stage, Newport's wheels started turning. What if the two companies did it together somehow? 'Why say no to their production when I could just say yes to our production?' She says that the Warten Foundation, which had a relationship with Island City Stage, was 'tickled' by this experiment and that some of the foundation members had been to plays at GableStage. Island City's founding artistic director Andy Rogow then mentioned that he had been in conversations with Brévo Theatre, a young Black theater company based in Pompano Beach, founded by Florida A&M grads Zaylin Yates and TM Pride. The company had worked with Island City on Tarell Alvin McCraney's 'The Brothers Size.' Pride was the perfect fit to direct the production, which would keep the same cast for both companies. (There is one replacement in the GableStage production because of a scheduling conflict with the first actress who played Tedra. At GableStage, Tedra will be played by Dina Lewis). 'Zaylin says it best when he talks about the play,' says Pride. 'The fact that Ijames was able to write a play that can fit three completely different visions – Island City Stage who focuses on LBGTQ issues, GableStage where one part of their mission is the idea of tackling today's issues, and then Brévo, where we put the focus on Black voices and young artists, so it was the perfect play for us to come to the table with.' Newport's idea to hold on to the play until she could fit the pieces together with the right director who understood the play's voice and perspective was on point. Pride agrees about knowing the narrative intrinsically. 'The beautiful thing about being able to direct 'Fat Ham' is having that experience. I know what Juicy is going through. I know this story. I know this family. And bringing the actors together who share that with me. They've said to me, 'We get to be ourselves. We don't even have to do all this deep, intense character development.' And all within a framework that is traditionally white America, or European theater.' Pride says he believes audiences will relate to the family dynamics present in the play. 'What we've done with the collaboration, too, is really about building community and establishing relationships and helping people to see how we're more alike than different.' Other cast members in the GableStage production, all South Florida actors, are Toddra Brunson, Henry Cadet, Melvin Huffnagle, Cassidy Joseph, Denzel McCausland, and Mikhael Mendoza. There were slight adjustments that had to be made to have the play move from Island City Stage to GableStage. 'None of us have ever done it before in terms of creating a show for two different spaces, and two very different spaces, at that.' Moving 'Fat Ham' south didn't require many changes. GableStage's stage is a bit wider so it allowed for the set to expand a bit. Island City Stage's intimate venue has 65 seats while GableStage has more than double the amount at 135, but also not a large theater. 'We've made some subtle changes with costuming. Also, we've done a more elaborate light design at GableStage.' Both artistic directors, who often direct their shows, were integral in shaping the productions, too. 'Fat Ham' is an extremely smart script and that's who our audience is. They are a sophisticated group of theater lovers who want to go away talking about the piece that they just experienced and they want to see it excellently executed,' says Newport. For the Warten Foundation, the regional production of 'Fat Ham' checked all the boxes for its funding mission. ' . . . The collaboration, the diversity, all of it,' says Clifford J. Cideko, chairman of the Fort-Lauderdale based philanthropy group founded by the late Frederick Warten. 'I said, 'We have to do this.' We are focused on diversity and bringing people together. If there is someone on the fence about certain issues, or someone who isn't aware, even if one person sees this show and it changes their perspective, that we use the power of live theater to get people talking, then (our contribution) has been a success.' If you go: WHAT: 'Fat Ham' by James Ijames, a coproduction of Island City Stage, Brévo Theatre, and GableStage WHERE: GableStage in the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables WHEN: Opens with a preview on Friday, May 16 with public opening on Saturday, May 17. 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 2 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday. Through Sunday, June 15. The show closes with a 'Fat Ham' barbecue following the performance. COST: $55 and $65 includes $10 service fee (discounts for students, teachers, artists, military and groups). INFORMATION: 305-445-1119 or is a nonprofit media source for the arts featuring fresh and original stories by writers dedicated to theater, dance, visual arts, film, music and more. Don't miss a story at
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Instacart grows ecommerce footprint with Wynshop acquisition
You can find original article here Supermarketnews. Subscribe to our free daily Supermarketnews newsletter. Instacart has purchased grocery tech company Wynshop, the San Francisco-based last-mile delivery company announced Thursday. The Fort Lauderdale-based company provides ecommerce tools and technologies for grocers like Wakefern and Pattison Food Group, among more than a dozen others. The acquisition builds on Instacart's Storefront Pro technology, which enables retailers to build their own digital storefronts with custom landing pages. That tech platform, which Instcart's describes as its flagship ecommerce solution, is already used by some 600 retail banners, including Costco, Publix, Sprouts, Stew Leonard's, and Gelson's Market. Instacart said the acquisition—the terms of which were not immediately disclosed—'aims to strengthen its enterprise solutions and empower more retailers to enhance their online experiences and further engage their customers.' The announcement was made prior to their Q1 earnings call set for Thursday evening. Instacart said in the press release that Wynshop will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary at first, but Instacart will eventually expand its own tech Wynshop's partners. That tech includes ecommerce, advertising, fulfillment, and in-store solutions. Chris Rogers, chief business officer at Instacart, said in a press release that the grocery delivery company's integration with retailers gives it a critical advantage in the market. 'By offering our partners an array of enterprise-grade solutions, we can help them better serve customers and drive sales,' Rogers said. 'By acquiring Wynshop, we're building upon our retailer relationships, adding new capabilities to Storefront Pro, and over time, bringing our enterprise solutions to even more partners to help them grow their business.' Wynshop CEO Neil Moses said the acquisition will help the company elevate its ecommerce capabilities. 'Joining Instacart gives us the opportunity to scale our impact and accelerate innovation with a partner that shares our commitment to helping retailers succeed in an increasingly omnichannel grocery landscape,' Moses said. **Join us at Grocery NEXT, September 10-12 at the Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca, Ill., where industry leaders will explore the future of grocery technology, AI, automation and evolving consumer trends. Register now to be part of this groundbreaking event!
Business Journals
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Midtown Capital plans apartments at Plantation Pointe under Live Local Act
An e-commerce giant's South Florida headquarters might soon have new neighbors, as plans emerge to build apartments where cars currently park. Story Highlights Developer proposes 300 apartments in Chewy's Plantation headquarters parking lot. Project includes 20% workforce housing under Live Local Act. Plantation Pointe transformation aims to create live-work-play environment. A Miami-based developer could build an apartment complex in the parking lot of the Plantation headquarters of e-commerce firm Chewy. Plantation B2 LLC, managed by Alajandro Velez of Miami-based Midtown Capital Advisors, filed a site plan application under the state's Live Local Act for the 7.9-acre site at 7510 W. Sunrise Blvd. The developer acquired the property for $6.09 million in 2024. It currently serves as parking for Plantation Pointe, an office park that includes tenants Chewy and Magic Leap. It was originally developed for Motorolla. It also has retail and restaurants on its outparcels. The apartment development site is located on the northeast corner of the Plantation Pointe site. The developer has proposed 300 apartments in six stories, plus a 358-space parking garage. The apartments would range from studios to three bedrooms. The project would include a pool and a courtyard. Chewy employees would still have 275 surface parking spaces. The project would designate 20% of the apartments as workforce housing for people making up to 120% of area median income under the Live Local Act. The law allows developers to bypass a public hearing if at least 40% of the units are workforce housing, but since this project doesn't reach that threshold, a public hearing will be required. The property is currently zoned industrial. The median household income in Broward County is $89,100, according to HUD. Fort Lauderdale-based attorney Barbara A. Hall, who represents the developer in the application, couldn't be reached for comment. The project was designed by Coral Gables-based Corwil Architects. The developer is also working with planning firm Kimley Horn. 'Plantation Pointe has been successful in transforming an outdated single-user industrial property into a multi-tenant office campus with retail and commercial uses along University Drive and a portion of Sunrise Boulevard,' Hall stated in the application. 'This is a next step in that transformation. This site plan amendment will build upon the existing mixed-use concept by developing a new residential building at the northeast corner of the site to introduce a live-work-play environment.' Throughout South Florida, many developers have built multifamily in the parking lots of office buildings. This enhances the value of the underutilized parking lot and allows people to live closer to where they work. Sign up here for the Business Journal's free morning and afternoon daily newsletters to receive the latest business news impacting South Florida. Download the free Business Journal app for breaking news alerts on your phone. Commercial Real Estate Developers in South Florida New square feet developed 2023 Rank Prior Rank Company / Prior (*Not ranked in year prior) / URL 1 1 Butters Construction & Development 2 2 Bridge Industrial 3 3 Related Group View this list
