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

Howard Schultz leaves big stamp on restaurant industry

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 05, 2018

While some debate whether he will run for a seat in the Oval Office, his seat atop Starbucks left an undeniable impact on the restaurant business.

Financing

Why casual-dining chains should close about 2,000 locations

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 01, 2018

Continued traffic challenges and industry changes suggest a need to keep reducing supply, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing

Subway’s big problem: Its customers dine alone

By Jonathan Maze on May 31, 2018

Customers don’t get excited about the chain, according to recent data, and that’s an issue, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing

Why restaurant chains aren’t going public right now

By Jonathan Maze on May 29, 2018

Weak sales and poor stock performance are conspiring to create another dry spell for restaurant IPOs, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing

Why would Chipotle move to California?

By Jonathan Maze on May 24, 2018

The move will be costly, and could be risky, but there are benefits for the company and its new CEO Brian Niccol, says RB's The Bottom Line.

Financing

Why refranchising and value don’t mix

By Jonathan Maze on May 22, 2018

The push to lower prices, and rely heavily on franchisees, could hurt more operators, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing

Casual-dining chains try buying their way to growth

By Jonathan Maze on May 16, 2018

Del Frisco’s acquisition of Barteca shows Wall Street’s willingness to accept more strategic deals, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing

Franchisors need to say more about franchisee finances

By Jonathan Maze on May 10, 2018

The bankruptcy filing of large Applebee’s franchisee shows that franchisors don’t reveal enough of their operators’ financial health, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing