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Family Dining

Operations

How IHOP came up with its virtual brands

 By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 15, 2022

Unlike sister concept Applebee's, the pancake chain looked outside the organization for help developing Thrilled Cheese and Super Mega Dilla.

Leadership

Denny's CEO John Miller is retiring

 By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 08, 2022

Miller led improvements at the chain during more than a decade at the helm. A search for his replacement is underway.

Marketing

IHOP unveils first loyalty program, the International Bank of Pancakes

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 09, 2022

Customers will be able to earn "Pancoins" with every order and exchange them in the "Stack Market" for free food.

Operations

Denny’s fortunes hinge on two numbers: 24/7

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 16, 2022

Half of the chain’s restaurants have returned to around-the-clock service, and those stores are performing well. But it’s unclear when the rest will get there.

Emerging Brands

Friendly's plans a fast-casual entry

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 20, 2022

A scaled-down riff called Friendly's Cafe will fire up its kitchen next month.

Financing

Bob Evans is reportedly exploring a sale

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 11, 2022

The family-dining chain could be valued at up to $600 million, according to Bloomberg.

Financing

The FTC fines Biglari Holdings $1.4M over ‘grossly negligent’ Cracker Barrel stock purchase

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 04, 2022

It was the investor’s second such fine for violating antitrust laws related to the reporting of stock purchases by large existing shareholders.

Financing

After pandemic pause, Black Bear Diner is back in growth mode

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 21, 2021

The family-dining chain is looking for new franchisees to open new restaurants that are built for more takeout.

Financing

Sardar Biglari doesn’t want Cracker Barrel to build restaurants

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 14, 2021

The Bottom Line: The controlling shareholder of the company that owns Steak n Shake wants the family dining chain to stop spending on restaurants.

Emerging Brands

Famous Toastery had to slow down before it could speed up

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 16, 2021

The fast-growing breakfast-and-lunch chain took a step back to focus on existing franchisees, and the move has paid off.

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