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Financing

Restaurant chains turn to value and marketing as they navigate a tough market

 By Jonathan Maze, Joe Guszkowski and Lisa Jennings on May 12, 2025

With same-store sales weak so far this year amid a difficult economy, operators are boosting marketing, adding new menu items and turning back to what worked. They’re also discounting more.

Financing

Fitch Ratings lowers its U.S. restaurant industry outlook to 'deteriorating'

 By Jonathan Maze on May 09, 2025

The credit ratings agency cited softening consumer sentiment while persistent inflation eats into discretionary spending. It’s the latest indication of what has been a challenging year thus far.

Financing

How tariffs will affect restaurant equipment costs

By Jonathan Maze on May 07, 2025

A Deeper Dive: Neal Sherman, CEO of the used equipment company Tagex Brands, joins the restaurant finance podcast to talk about the state of restaurants and the potential impact of tariffs.

Financing

U.S. restaurant giants dodge anti-American sentiment overseas

By Jonathan Maze on May 01, 2025

McDonald's and Yum Brands report resilient international sales despite rising anti-American sentiment, with both companies seeing steady growth in global markets amid trade war concerns. Leading U.S. restaurant chains maintain strong performance overseas, particularly in developing markets.

Financing

McDonald's, and many other restaurant chains, are losing customers right now

By Jonathan Maze on May 01, 2025

The Bottom Line: Consumer sentiment hit the fast-food giant harder than expected. But comments from the company, and results from other chains, suggest a broadening economic malaise.

Financing

Restaurant executives worry less about tariffs, more about the consumer

By Jonathan Maze, Lisa Jennings and Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 17, 2025

Restaurant operators and executives, both in public and private, fret about the impact of import taxes on food costs, construction costs and wonder whether they can raise prices. But they’re more worried about the state of the consumer.

Financing

Consumer confidence takes a nosedive as inflation and job concerns worry diners

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 14, 2025

A recent University of Michigan survey revealed a dramatic drop in consumer confidence, driven by fears of rising inflation and unemployment. As diners pull back on spending, restaurants face ongoing challenges in a deteriorating economic landscape.

Financing

Technomic lowers its 2025 sales forecast

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 10, 2025

The data firm lowered its projection for foodservice sales this year as weather, economic uncertainty and industry headwinds continue to plague restaurants.

Financing

President Trump pauses tariffs following market turmoil

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 09, 2025

The president paused so-called reciprocal tariffs for 90 days on all countries but China. Imports from that country will now be taxed at 125%.

Financing

Restaurant stocks hit hard as tariff-related volatility continues

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 04, 2025

All but two restaurant stocks plunged on a second day of a market selloff, prompted by a dramatic increase in import taxes.

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