acquisitions

Darden Restaurants to acquire Ruth's Chris for $715M

By Joe Guszkowski on May 03, 2023

The deal adds another fine-dining concept to Darden's portfolio, which includes Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille.

Financing

Brand platform Craveworthy plans to raise $25M for acquisitions and new restaurants

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 27, 2023

The company has created a website to lure smaller investors willing to put in at least $5,000 to help fund its efforts to buy emerging and smaller chains. The goal: To strike gold and find the next 1,000-unit brand.

Financing

Krystal is merging with Logan's Roadhouse owner SPB Hospitality

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 27, 2023

The multi-concept operator, which emerged from the ashes of Craftworks Holdings, is taking in its first fast-food chain in Krystal. Both companies are owned by the private equity firm Fortress Investment Group.

Financing

The CEO of Ruby Tuesday files a lawsuit over the sale of Fuzzy's Taco Shop

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 25, 2023

Shawn Lederman filed a lawsuit against the chains’ former owner, NRD Capital, arguing he is owed $1 million from the sale of the taco chain.

Operations

Potbelly gets refranchising party started

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 20, 2023

The sandwich chain has sold eight company units in New York City to United One Group, a franchise operator that plans to open an additional 13.

Financing

Here's why you should buy Subway, according to CEO John Chidsey

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 19, 2023

The once-struggling sandwich chain is now in growth mode, Chidsey said in a wide-ranging interview at the Restaurant Leadership Conference. He expects a deal to be done by May or June.

Operations

Madison Square Garden Entertainment agrees to sell Tao Group Hospitality

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 17, 2023

Under the proposed deal, co-founders Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss will return to ownership in partnership with luxury investment firm Mohari Hospitality, founded by an online poker billionaire.

Premium

Financing

Subway may be a microcosm of the slow M&A market right now

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 13, 2023

The Bottom Line: The CEO of Papa Murphy’s and Wetzel’s Pretzels owner MTY Group cited the sandwich giant’s reportedly lowered asking price, and suggested it could further cool the market for restaurant acquisitions.

Leadership