The Bottom Line

Jonathan Maze The Bottom Line

Restaurant Business Executive Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Maze is a longtime industry journalist who writes about restaurant finance, mergers and acquisitions and the economy, with a particular focus on quick-service restaurants. He writes daily about the factors influencing the operating environment, including labor and food costs and various industry trends such as technology and delivery.

Jonathan has been widely quoted in media publications such as the New York Times and the Washington Post and has appeared on CNBC, Yahoo Finance and NPR. He writes a weekly finance-focused newsletter for Restaurant Business, The Bottom Line, and is the host of the weekly podcast “A Deeper Dive.”

Financing

Considering a virtual chicken wing brand? Think again

By Jonathan Maze on Oct. 06, 2020

The sudden infusion of so many virtual chicken wing concepts could lead to another price spike. There’s already evidence it’s happening, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing

Former Jamba, Barteca executives form a SPAC

By Jonathan Maze on Oct. 02, 2020

Tastemaker Acquisition Corp. seeks to raise $200 million to make an acquisition, potentially of a restaurant chain, says RB's The Bottom Line.

Financing

Five reasons to be bullish on restaurants’ future

By Jonathan Maze on Oct. 02, 2020

Despite closures, bankruptcies and uncertainty, the industry has proven to be more resilient than expected, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing

NPC International and Pizza Hut spar over the operator’s capabilities

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 30, 2020

Pizza Hut has argued in bankruptcy court documents that the franchisee was substandard. The operator disputes that, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing

Here come the restaurant discounts

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 28, 2020

IHOP and Burger King show the industry could start pushing more discounts amid a weak economy. RB’s The Bottom Line wonders if they are necessary.

Financing

NPC International could sell Pizza Hut restaurants to other concepts

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 24, 2020

The operator, battling with its franchisor in court over sale procedures, wants to open the process up to anyone, even other concepts, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing