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marketing

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.

Marketing

Chipotle to borrow from casual dining with test of Happier Hour

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 17, 2026

The fast-casual chain is looking to improve its perception of value and drive traffic. One idea to be tested later this year will be a daypart offering maybe a couple of tacos and a drink for under $10.

Marketing

Restaurants go big, and weird, with Valentine's Day marketing

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 10, 2026

While the holiday has always invited creative promotions, some brands are upping the ante this year. It has produced a few odd couples, like Red Lobster and Vaseline.

Operations

Sweetgreen jumps on catering bandwagon with new Build Your Own option

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 05, 2026

The chain unveiled a new format for groups of 10 to 10,000, allowing guests to create an off-premise makeline. It's the latest fast-casual chain to push hard into catering.

Financing

After a rough 2025, Chipotle is taking a more conservative approach

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 04, 2026

The fast-casual chain said same-store sales declined 2.5% for the fourth quarter, with transactions down more than 3%. But CEO Scott Boatwright said the protein push is resonating with younger diners.

Operations

Chipotle could wrap fiscal 2025 on a positive note, says Placer.ai

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 02, 2026

The fast-casual chain is scheduled to report fourth quarter and full-year earnings on Tuesday. One research firm said data indicates positive trends in November and December. Will it be enough to end a streak of negative traffic?

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