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How your restaurant sales and profits compare to competitors' and what you can do to improve financial performance

Ruth's Chris acquisition already paying off for Darden

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 21, 2023

Adding the steakhouse chain to its portfolio will unlock $35 million in synergies and savings per year for the company, $15 million more than expected.

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Pizza Inn is planning to start operating out of Pie Five locations

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 21, 2023

The pizza buffet chain plans to operate as a virtual brand out of its fast-casual sister chain starting next year.

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Krispy Kreme's competitors are not who you think

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 20, 2023

The doughnut chain is an “affordable luxury” that people gather to enjoy. Its competitors are not just Dunkin’ and other doughnut concepts but cake makers and even florists.

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How small restaurant companies should think about marketing

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 20, 2023

A Deeper Dive: Marketing expert Chip Klose joins the podcast to talk about how small restaurant brands can keep pace with the big guys.

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Restaurants still look expensive, and consumers are reacting

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 20, 2023

The Bottom Line: Restaurants have stepped off the pricing gas. But sales are slowing and traffic is weak, and more operators are turning to price promotions.

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California's fast-food bill will affect more companies, but not many

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 19, 2023

The Bottom Line: Fewer than 200 restaurant chains will be affected by the lowered threshold included in the compromise fast-food legislation.

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Thinking about dynamic pricing? Tread carefully

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 19, 2023

Dynamic pricing, also known as surge pricing, is expected to take off in the coming years, thanks to new technology. But customers may not like it.

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McDonald's franchisees are angry over the California compromise

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 15, 2023

Some operators say they were left out of discussions on a matter that could hurt per-store cash flow by $250,000 in the state. But the company said the deal will protect the franchise model without a costly fight.

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