finance

Financing

Pizza Inn plans to go big in Saudi Arabia

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 03, 2024

The pizza buffet chain has signed a 50-unit deal with an operator to expand in the Middle Eastern kingdom.

Financing

Brazilian açaí chain Oakberry raises $67M to fuel U.S. expansion

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 02, 2024

Founded in 2016, the quick-service bowl-and-smoothie chain said it plans to have more than 200 U.S. stores by 2026.

Financing

Pinstripes goes public after merging with a SPAC

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 02, 2024

The bowling-and-bocce concept raised $70 million and merged with the special purpose acquisition company Banyan Acquisition Corp.

Financing

The best of the 'A Deeper Dive' podcast

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 26, 2023

A Deeper Dive: This special look back at 2023 features clips from some of the year’s best episodes, including marketing, tipping, delivery, inflation and hot growth concepts.

Financing

The weird year in restaurant M&A

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 20, 2023

2023 was quiet when it came to restaurant chain deals. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t an interesting year, thanks to Subway and Cava.

Financing

Earnings roundup: Recent months prove tough for Ark, Good Times, RCI

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 19, 2023

The three multi-concept restaurant operators showed significant declines, with at least one blaming more serious consumers.

Financing

Chuck E. Cheese is apparently on the market

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 18, 2023

The food-and-games chain, which also owns Peter Piper, is reportedly exploring a sale, three years after it emerged from bankruptcy.

Operations

Chipotle helps its smaller suppliers find access to capital

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 08, 2023

Planning to double in unit count, the fast-casual chain needs its suppliers to grow too. A unique partnership with digital platform Bridge is designed to open doors for potential financing.

Operations