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News

Financing

S&P downgrades a huge Pizza Hut, Wendy’s franchisee

The credit downgrade for NPC International is another sign of the financial pressure franchisees are under, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Operations

Schlotzsky’s aims to complete chainwide redo in months

Overhauled units have seen sales rise an average of 9%, according to its president.

Financing

Kona Grill and its former CEO go to war

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 18, 2019

Lawsuits between the chain and former Chief Executive Jim Kuhn paint a picture of a company that grew too fast, then cut too many costs to survive, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing

Uncle Maddio’s files for bankruptcy protection

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 18, 2019

The fast-casual pizza chain has struggled with closing units and falling sales.

Leadership

Union Square Hospitality names a new president

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 18, 2019

Chip Wade, a longtime ops specialist for Darden Restaurants, will take the job next month.

Financing

McDonald’s cuts its Signature Crafted line

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 17, 2019

The company’s decision to drop its semicustomizable sandwiches comes as the chain focuses more on speed, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Leadership

Fuzzy’s taps Mooyah’s Michael Mabry to handle development

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 17, 2019

The industry veteran will oversee franchise operations for the taco concept.

Financing

Kona Grill may have to declare bankruptcy

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 17, 2019

The struggling casual-dining chain appointed a restructuring specialist as CEO and said a bankruptcy filing is possible.

Financing

How White Castle did the Impossible

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 17, 2019

On this week’s edition of "A Deeper Dive," White Castle CEO Lisa Ingram talks about the chain’s introduction of the Impossible Slider.

Financing

McDonald’s hires a new franchise relations executive

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 16, 2019

Karen Garcia takes on the role of vice president of franchise relations as tensions with operators appear to ease.