finance

Fat Brands files confidentially to take Twin Peaks public

By Heather Lalley on May 14, 2024

The multi-concept restaurant operator said it would also like its Smokey Bones barbecue concept to become a public company.

Financing

Red Lobster to file for bankruptcy this month, report says

By Joe Guszkowski on May 14, 2024

A filing could come as early as next week, according to the Wall Street Journal. The seafood chain closed dozens of restaurants in recent days.

Leadership

How Jaguar Bolera creator Robert Thompson is trading on joy

By Lisa Jennings on May 13, 2024

As the first location of the eatertainment concept prepares to open this week, this veteran of the segment is looking to grow his multi-brand portfolio under the umbrella Joy Trade. He's on the hunt for acquisitions.

Financing

Federal prosecutors accuse Andy Wiederhorn of misusing company funds

By Jonathan Maze on May 10, 2024

The chairman of Fatburger owner Fat Brands was accused of engineering a $47 million false loan scheme, draining the company of revenue to the point that it struggled to pay its bills.

Premium

Financing

Here's a business tool to keep restaurant executives employed after a tough Q1

By Peter Romeo on May 10, 2024

Reality Check: The first three months of 2024 weren’t easy on restaurant chains, but spin-doctoring proved to be. Indeed, there must have been a run on shovels.

Financing

How Chip City Cookies plans to use a second round of funding from Danny Meyer's investment arm

By Lisa Jennings on May 08, 2024

The Series B funding brings the Enlightened Hospitality Investments total to $17.5 million, which will help the 38-unit chain compete in the crowded cookie segment.

Financing

Foxtrot Market’s assets to be sold in foreclosure sale

By Heather Lalley on May 07, 2024

The sale, scheduled for Friday, includes all inventory, intellectual property, equipment and more from the urban convenience store-restaurant hybrid, which closed suddenly last month.

Financing

10 restaurant chains that closed the most locations last year

By Jonathan Maze on May 06, 2024

Restaurant chains navigated a difficult market in 2023 due to inflation. Here are the brands that closed the most locations as a percentage of their unit count last year.

Financing