casual dining

Financing

Kona’s former CEO makes a bid to buy the company

A company operated by Marcus Jundt has a $27 million stalking horse bid to buy the struggling casual-dining chain.

Financing

Famous Dave’s buys back 10 franchise restaurants

The chain's to-go and catering business has surged, while dine-in business has fallen.

Financing

5 big lessons from the Kona Grill downfall

By Jonathan Maze on May. 03, 2019

Restaurant operators can learn a lot from the decisions that led the chain to file for bankruptcy, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing

Cheesecake Factory explores new expansion options

By Peter Romeo on May. 02, 2019

The high-volume operation is trying a smaller version of its namesake brand while preparing its new fast-casual concept for growth.

Financing

Kona Grill files for bankruptcy protection

By Jonathan Maze on May. 01, 2019

The company closed an additional 15 locations and is up for sale, blaming overly aggressive growth, cost cuts and a stock buyback for its poor finances.

Emerging Brands

Newcomers to the Top 500

By Sara Rush Wirth on Apr. 22, 2019

These chains grew sales enough to make it onto this year’s ranking.

Topics

Polished-casual chains tap an indie vibe

By Heather Lalley on Apr. 22, 2019

This upscale full-service segment is thriving while some in casual-dining sputter.

Financing

Kona Grill and its former CEO go to war

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 18, 2019

Lawsuits between the chain and former Chief Executive Jim Kuhn paint a picture of a company that grew too fast, then cut too many costs to survive, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing