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economy

Financing

Have restaurants recovered jobs lost during the pandemic? Maybe not

 By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 21, 2024

Federal revisions to jobs data suggest that restaurants and bars employ fewer people than initially thought.

Financing

The operating environment is unusual right now

 By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 07, 2024

The Bottom Line: The year is filled with some odd results, with companies trading share, fast food considered a luxury and otherworldly results at wing chains.

Financing

Amid headwinds, Portillo's focuses on throughput and eye-catching ads

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 06, 2024

The fast-casual chain is improving drive-thru speeds and will be advertising during Bears games to focus on what can be controlled.

Financing

Unemployment rises, stocks plunge and the economy becomes a question mark

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 02, 2024

An unexpectedly weak jobs report Friday sent stocks falling and made an interest rate cut likely in September, if not sooner.

Financing

In a small Illinois city, Red Lobster leaves a big void

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 02, 2024

The shuttered seafood restaurant had been a mainstay in Danville, which is working to overcome past economic challenges.

Financing

Which restaurant chains are struggling now? Look at their customers

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 30, 2024

The Bottom Line: Restaurant companies are losing customers at the moment. But some are still thriving. Those with more lower-income consumers are having the biggest challenges.

Financing

Restaurants continue raising prices faster than grocers

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 12, 2024

Menu price inflation slowed at fast-food restaurants last month. But prices throughout the industry continue to increase faster than at supermarkets.

Financing

The difference between winners and losers in a tough restaurant market

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 12, 2024

A Deeper Dive: This week's episode of the podcast features James Walker, CEO of Frisch's Restaurants, to talk about the state of the restaurant industry.

Financing

An Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas franchisee shuts down

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 06, 2024

A six-unit operator with locations in Texas and Minnesota closed its locations and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, citing continued losses.

Financing

Welcome to the latest restaurant recession

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 03, 2024

The Bottom Line: Bankruptcy filings, closures, strategic alternatives and a sudden value messaging all suggest the industry is in a tough spot. But many brands are still thriving.

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