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Financing

Kura sales soar as customers pay up for prizes

 By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 08, 2026

Diners ordered more food at the conveyor-belt sushi chain in order to win toys from Nintendo and Hello Kitty, fueling same-store sales growth of 8.6%.

Financing

The big problem with Red Lobster

 By Jonathan Maze and Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 03, 2026

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the weekly restaurant news discussion podcast looks at the seafood chain, McDonald’s and Sysco. Technomic also talks about Sweetgreen.

Financing

Red Lobster's comeback has yet to materialize

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 02, 2026

Sales at the seafood chain declined last year, data shows, and it’s dealing with some of the same challenges that led to its bankruptcy. Ownership says it's still committed to the turnaround effort.

Financing

A large Applebee's franchisee files for bankruptcy

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 25, 2026

Atlanta-based Neighborhood Restaurant Partners took the step after it was unable to find a buyer for its 53 locations. Applebee’s is now in line to acquire them.

Financing

Olive Garden and LongHorn start the year with a bang

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 19, 2026

The two casual-dining chains reported strong sales growth in the first months of 2026, prompting parent company Darden Restaurants to upgrade its annual forecast again.

Food

Maggiano's is boosting portion sizes as part of new comeback campaign

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 18, 2026

The Italian casual-dining chain will now give customers 20% more pasta and bigger helpings of protein for the same price. It’s also expanding its four-course family-style menu with more options.

Emerging Brands

This Taiwanese restaurant group hopes to build a national chain in the U.S. specializing in elevated Thai food

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 15, 2026

Inspired by the success of Din Tai Fung, TTFB Restaurant Group has launched Very Thai in Los Angeles, with two more brands to follow.

Financing

Some struggling Kona Grill locations to be rebranded

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 13, 2026

After years of steep same-store sales declines at the upscale Asian chain, parent company The One Group will convert five of them into Benihana or STK.

Marketing

Buffalo Wild Wings mixes two trends into one wild cocktail

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 12, 2026

The Espresso Proteini contains Muscle Milk protein powder and is flavored like a chicken wing. The chain says the unusual combination is “uniquely B-Dubs.”

Financing

Logan's Roadhouse is sold to Cicis owner SSCP

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 11, 2026

Previous owner SPB Hospitality will shift focus to its upscale-casual concepts like J. Alexander’s, while SSCP expands into the steakhouse category.

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