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Fast_Casual

Leadership

Noodles & Company's top executives will get big bonuses if the company is sold

 By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 24, 2025

Four executives, including CEO Joe Christina, could get bonuses if the fast-casual noodle chain finds a buyer or if the board of directors is overhauled in a proxy fight.

Financing

The real problem with Panera Bread

 By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 24, 2025

The Bottom Line: This week’s episode of the restaurant finance newsletter looks at the challenges with Panera Bread, which illustrates the dangers of acquisitions and management changes.

Operations

Panera Bread vows to invest in its stores

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 18, 2025

The fast-casual bakery/café chain announced a broad transformation that features investments in its menu and in store operations after years of traffic and sales declines.

Financing

Acquisition of a struggling Chicago market sends a Freddy's franchisee into bankruptcy

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 17, 2025

M&M Custard, which at one point owned 42 Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers fast-casual locations in six states, wants to use the bankruptcy process to shutter 11 locations and move on without them.

Financing

The finances of younger consumers have taken a nosedive this year

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 13, 2025

The Bottom Line: Unemployment among younger Americans has soared, as have student loan delinquency rates, while average rent keeps going up. No wonder restaurant traffic is awful.

Operations

At Five Guys, simplicity rules, no matter where

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 11, 2025

The fast-casual burger chain has thrived overseas with the same ingredients that fueled its growth in the U.S.: A simple menu and a fanatical attention to product quality.

Marketing

Smashburger makes another change to its logo

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 04, 2025

The fast-casual burger chain, coming off a strong summer, unveiled new branding and a new color scheme, including its latest in a series of logo changes.

Financing

Chipotle's status on Wall Street takes a massive hit

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 03, 2025

The Bottom Line: In this edition of the weekly restaurant finance newsletter, we look at the slumping earnings and stock price from the once-unbeatable Chipotle.

Operations

Mobile app offers help Shake Shack shake off a weak economy

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 31, 2025

Challenging times are when great companies get better and steal market share, said CEO Rob Lynch. Coming soon to the fast-casual chain: "Crackable shakes" and improved fries.

Operations

Chipotle's 3Q visits expected to stay negative, despite efforts to drive traffic

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 28, 2025

Fast-casual chains are facing a difficult macroeconomic environment and tough comparisons, including Chipotle, which is scheduled to report earnings on Wednesday. A Placer.ai report offers a preview of foot traffic trends.

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