Continue to Site >>>

News

Leadership

Portillo's names Brett Patterson as new CEO

 By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 11, 2026

Patterson, a full-service dining veteran, replaces interim chief Michael Miles at the fast-casual hot dog chain that is going through a reset.

Financing

Sardar Biglari goes after the chairman of Jack in the Box

 By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 11, 2026

The Bottom Line: The longtime activist, the burger chain’s largest shareholder, is targeting David Goebel with a “vote no” campaign in one of the restaurant industry’s most unusual proxy fights.

Financing

In the Fat Brands bankruptcy, CEO Andy Wiederhorn is front and center

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 11, 2026

The Bottom Line: The founder and majority owner of the restaurant chain operator has long been a controversial figure. That has not changed since the company filed for bankruptcy.

Financing

How Starbucks is changing its coffee shops

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 11, 2026

A Deeper Dive: Mike Grams, chief operating officer of the coffee shop giant, joins the restaurant finance podcast to discuss the company’s turnaround, remodels, service improvement and expansion.

Financing

McDonald's sales soared last quarter, thanks to the Grinch and Monopoly

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 11, 2026

The fast-food giant reported its best domestic same-store sales result in more than two years as marketing promotions drove customer counts, particularly its Grinch Meal in December.

Food

Color and flavor brighten winter menus

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 11, 2026

Taste Tracker: Sweetgreen, Starbucks, El Pollo Loco, Gong Cha, Moe’s, Smoothie King, McAlister’s, Wayback, Qdoba and more headline restaurant menu news and trends.

Financing

Red Lobster could close more restaurants, CEO says

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 11, 2026

The casual-dining seafood chain is reviewing its footprint and could shed dozens of locations as it works to rebound from its 2024 bankruptcy, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Financing

Fat Brands calls lenders' request to oust its CEO a 'personal attack'

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 10, 2026

The bankrupt restaurant chain operator said that funds used from the sale of Twin Peaks stock were to be used to raise funds for the company and not to enrich CEO Andy Wiederhorn.

Technology

Wonder acquires fast casual Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 10, 2026

The popular New York City spot is Wonder’s first restaurant acquisition, and there could be more to come as the food hall/delivery company looks to accelerate its growth.

Operations

Restaurateur Billy Dec prepares to open Sunda New Asian in Detroit

By Bret Thorn and Patricia Cobe on Feb. 10, 2026

Menu Talk: The advocate for Philippine culture and hospitality is also getting ready for the PBS debut of his documentary.

  • Page 1