earnings

Firehouse Subs ends a big year on a strong note

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 15, 2022

The sub chain, bought for $1 billion by Burger King owner Restaurant Brands International, generated nearly 25% two-year same-store sales in the fourth quarter.

Financing

Yum Brands opened a record number of restaurants last year

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 09, 2022

The owner of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit opened nearly 4,200 new restaurants worldwide last year, which the company says is an industry record.

Financing

5 things to know about Starbucks

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 02, 2022

The coffee giant is getting more business through convenience channels, is selling more cold beverages and has a thriving loyalty program.

Financing

Brinker's happy holidays end on sour omicron note

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 02, 2022

The variant led to staffing headaches at Chili’s and Maggiano’s in January, putting a kink in their comeback from COVID.

Financing

Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson received a big pay increase last year

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 31, 2022

His total pay package topped $20 million in 2021, up 39% over 2020, as the company’s sales and stock price strength returned.

Financing

Digital orders and chicken sandwiches drove strong sales at McDonald's last year

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 27, 2022

U.S. same-store sales hit a record in 2021, driven in part by price increases and the company’s promotions, including its new loyalty program.

Premium

Financing

McDonald’s ditched its Dollar Menu, and franchisee profit took off

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 27, 2022

Operator cash flow is up 50% in the past three years after the company shifted away from its value focus. But higher labor and food costs loom.

Operations

Shake Shack soars on Q4 recovery. But will omicron erase those gains?

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 11, 2022

The latest COVID surge has meant reduced sales for the fast casual in recent weeks as it is forced to temporarily close restaurants and limit store hours.

Financing