finance

Technology

New investment group sets sights on promising tech and eatertainment

With financial backing from more than 30 industry veterans, Emerging Fund is hoping to offer fledgling companies a potent platform.

Leadership

Panera Brands takes another step in its planned IPO

Krispy Kreme CEO Mike Tattersfield, who is stepping down from that position in January, will become the company’s board chairman. Former Starbucks CFO Patrick Grismer will become lead independent director.

Adding the steakhouse chain to its portfolio will unlock $35 million in synergies and savings per year for the company, $15 million more than expected.

The operations specialist will help Starboard’s push to shake things up at Bloomin’.

Starbucks, Crumbl Cookies and Jersey Mike’s were among the most prolific expanders in 2022, when growth was on the menu at a lot of brands.

Papa Murphy’s, Baskin-Robbins and Burger King are among the chains that closed the most net restaurants last year. But one big chain stands out.

Chairman Jim Craigie will be replaced by fellow member R. Michael Mohan, and Rohit Lal, CIO of trucking company Saia, is joining the board.

The brand had been in decline for years after peaking at nearly 50 units in 2011. It’s part of a rash of restaurant closures recently.

The concept from Punch Bowl Social founder Robert Thompson isn't scheduled to debut until next year, but it has attracted some powerful investors from both the restaurant and the pickleball world.

The chain has been hit hard by changing trade areas and, more recently, soaring inflation. It believes the "pruning" will help its 91 remaining stores.

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