Casual Dining

Cracker Barrel has high hopes for its delivery business

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 23, 2021

The chain expects its virtual brands and ghost kitchens to generate incremental sales, though it’s still too early to tell just how well they’ll do.

Financing

Cracker Barrel gets back to pre-COVID form—sort of

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 23, 2021

The chain’s same-store sales are back to status quo thanks to better staffing. But the underlying business looks a bit different.

Financing

Fat Brands is buying Native Grill & Wings for $20M

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 22, 2021

The owner of Johnny Rockets and Twin Peaks is making its fourth deal this year with the acquisition of its third chicken wing chain.

Food

Texas Roadhouse now sells steak online

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 22, 2021

Customers can order ready-to-grill meats from its newly unveiled Butcher Shop website.

Premium

Financing

Casual-dining growth turns asset-heavy

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 19, 2021

Companies like Chili’s and Texas Roadhouse are buying back franchises in a reversal of the refranchising approach that has held sway for decades.

Financing

Fogo de Chao is going public again

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 17, 2021

The 60-unit Brazilian steakhouse chain filed for an IPO on Wednesday, three years after being taken private. It reported strong unit economics coming out of the pandemic.

Financing

Fogo de Chao roared back from the pandemic and into an IPO

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 17, 2021

Customers apparently couldn’t wait to get back to the Brazilian steakhouse chain this year, resulting in eye-popping sales growth.

Premium

Emerging Brands

Inside fast-growing food-and-games concept Puttshack

By Heather Lalley on Nov. 15, 2021

The mini golf eatertainment brand, which opened its second U.S. store early this month, is slated to open five more locations next year after securing a $60 million investment last spring.

Food