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casual dining

Financing

Kona Grill and its former CEO go to war

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

Kona Grill may have to declare bankruptcy

The struggling casual-dining chain appointed a restructuring specialist as CEO and said a bankruptcy filing is possible.

Financing

J. Alexander’s rejects Ancora’s purchase offer

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 12, 2019

The board of directors said that the $11.75-per-share proposal “dramatically undervalues the company.”

Financing

Investor offers to buy J. Alexander’s

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 08, 2019

Large shareholder Ancora Advisors proposed paying $11.75 per share, saying the company would be better off private.

Financing

Friendly’s closes 23 locations

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 08, 2019

The struggling chain has shuttered a quarter of its locations since 2017.

Financing

Red Robin’s lesson: Cut labor at your own risk

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 04, 2019

Overreactions to profit challenges can sometimes cause more problems than they're worth, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Leadership

Red Robin CEO Denny Marie Post retires

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 03, 2019

Board Chair Pattye Moore will serve as the interim CEO as the company looks for a successor

Technology

Owner of Buca di Beppo, Planet Hollywood reports credit card breach

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 29, 2019

Earl Enterprises says the data security breach lasted 10 months.

Marketing

Cooper’s Hawk will let wine club members earn points at Ruth’s Chris

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 19, 2019

The upscale steak chain will waive the corkage fee for members who bring their Cooper’s Hawk wine with them, through the end of April.

Operations

Antonio Swad builds a Porch Swing

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 13, 2019

The restaurateur, who founded Wingstop and Pizza Patrón, was his own general contractor for his newest restaurant, Porch Swing.