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casual_dining

Financing

2025 was a year of hope for full-service restaurants

 By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 18, 2025

FSRs had plenty to celebrate as consumers rekindled their love for sit-down dining. But there were challenges too, including a steady stream of bankruptcies.

Workforce

Red Lobster lays off about 200 restaurant employees

 By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 17, 2025

The casual-dining seafood chain said the job cuts affected less than 1% of its workforce and are intended to streamline operations and pave the way for long-term growth.

Financing

California Pizza Kitchen to be acquired by investor group

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 16, 2025

Consortium Brand Partners, Convive Brands, Eldridge Industries and Aurify Brands plan to lead the casual-dining chain into a new era of growth, with an eye on franchising and retail.

Financing

Dave & Buster's sees some light at the end of a long, dark tunnel

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 10, 2025

The food-and-games chain said that its same-store sales improved as the quarter progressed and into November, sending the company’s stock soaring despite a wider loss and revenue decline.

Financing

Mi Cocina parent in line to acquire Razzoo's Cajun Cafe out of bankruptcy

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 05, 2025

Dallas-based M Crowd was named the stalking horse bidder for the casual-dining chain with an $18.8 million credit bid.

Marketing

The Cheesecake Factory has high hopes for its new loyalty program

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 04, 2025

The casual-dining chain believes it can use Cheesecake Rewards to get customers to add one or two extra visits a year. It’s also developing a mobile app.

Financing

10-unit Sicilian Oven lands a private-equity investment

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 04, 2025

Goode Partners made a strategic investment in the Florida-based wood-fired pizza brand with plans to help it grow within and outside of its home state.

Operations

P.F. Chang's new CEO wants to make the chain an everyday option

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 25, 2025

Jim Mazany is leading a turnaround effort at the Asian casual-dining chain focused on making the brand more approachable. But he also wants to enhance the experience. "I’m really looking to move the needle."

Financing

California Pizza Kitchen to be sold to investor group, report says

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 21, 2025

A group led by Consortium Brand Partners is set to acquire the casual-dining pizza chain for less than $300 million, Reuters reported.

Financing

A big Red Robin franchisee doubles down on the brand

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 21, 2025

Lehigh Valley Restaurant Brands recently acquired four locations in Texas, its first outside of Pennsylvania. It’s encouraged by a new turnaround plan at the casual-dining chain.

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