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Financing

Starbucks plans to open a corporate office in Tennessee

 By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 04, 2026

The coffee shop giant, which wants to expand in the Southeastern U.S., plans to open the facility later this year. It is the latest major restaurant chain to open a corporate office in the state.

Emerging Brands

Life happens at Norms. So, apparently, do movies

 By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 02, 2026

In the movie "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die," unlikely heroes are found at the LA diner chain when the world needs saving. It's the latest movie role for the restaurant chain that is working on its own happily-ever-after story.

Operations

At this Southern California car dealership, you can get a patty melt with your Porsche

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 27, 2026

A car dealer is building a $5 million restaurant empire in its showrooms. Guests love the quirky aspect of finding a "hidden gem" where they least expect it.

Food

Wienerschnitzel tests beef tallow in a nod to nostalgia

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 26, 2026

It’s the memorable flavor of fries—not politics—that is motivating the fast-food chain to make the switch. And price and supply are on its side.

Marketing

Schlotzsky's is going back to the Deli

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 26, 2026

The fast-casual sandwich chain is changing its name again, returning to the Schlotzsky’s Deli moniker to remind customers what it’s all about. “I thought you were a dry cleaner.”

Financing

Five Guys is making some changes

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 25, 2026

A Deeper Dive: Molly Catalano, chief marketing officer for the fast-casual burger chain, joins the restaurant finance podcast to discuss the chain’s evolution and its push into catering.

Marketing

Panera Bread goes aggressive with value on new Mix & Match menu

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 25, 2026

The fast-casual chain is offering 10 items in half-portions for $4.99 each at participating restaurants. It's the chain's first-ever dedicated value menu.

Operations

Portillo's is still learning what not to do from Texas

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 24, 2026

The fast-casual chain's fourth-quarter same-store sales dropped 3.3%, largely on transaction declines. After opening too many units too fast in the Lone Star state, the brand is enacting a new game plan.

Topics

Subway and the problem with discount marketing

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 23, 2026

The Bottom Line: This week’s edition of the restaurant finance newsletter looks at the change in Subway’s Sub Club and why its dependence on discounts keeps creating problems.

Financing

In the social media era, be careful what you wish for

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 20, 2026

The Bottom Line: An anniversary offer from Five Guys proved far more popular than the company expected. Surprisingly strong marketing promotions have been a common issue in recent years.

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