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Financing

After pandemic pause, Black Bear Diner is back in growth mode

 By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 21, 2021

The family-dining chain is looking for new franchisees to open new restaurants that are built for more takeout.

Leadership

Darden CEO Gene Lee is retiring

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 17, 2021

The Olive Garden parent's leader of seven years will step down in May, but is expected to remain on as chairman. COO Rick Cardenas will replace him as CEO.

Leadership

Once a busser for Darden, Rick Cardenas is set to become its CEO

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 17, 2021

The industry lifer has spent virtually his entire career with the company, rising from a 16-year-old Red Lobster employee to the top post.

Financing

Olive Garden hints at end of Never-Ending Pasta Bowl

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 17, 2021

Executives said the popular promotion had negative impacts—and it did just fine without it this year.

Leadership

A look back at Gene Lee's sometimes contrarian approach to leading Darden

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 17, 2021

The longtime restaurant leader intends to retire in May. Here's how his thinking has influenced a casual-dining giant—if not the industry itself, according to RB's Reality Check.

Emerging Brands

Inside IHOP’s first Flip’d unit in NYC

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 16, 2021

The scaled-down spinoff will serve pancake bowls, burgers and more—mainly for takeout. It's the first of 10 slated for the Big Apple.

Financing

Carrabba's to settle sexual harassment suit for $690,000

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 16, 2021

The EEOC accused a managing partner in Florida of subjecting female employees to "unwelcome conduct" and sexual comments.

Leadership

Famous Toastery hires Michael Mabry as president

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 15, 2021

The restaurant veteran will help steer the breakfast-and-lunch chain toward 2X unit growth by 2024.

Financing

California Pizza Kitchen will franchise in the U.S. for the first time

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 10, 2021

The 200-unit chain plans to get back to growth with the new strategy.

Marketing

P.F. Chang's now sells clothes and cookware

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 09, 2021

The Asian chain wants to connect with its customers on a new level with hoodies, knives and woks, some of which quickly sold out.

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