News

Golden Corral, Cracker Barrel, Maggiano's and more trot out Turkey Day specials

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 16, 2023

Taste Tracker: Restaurants bring it on for Thanksgiving, offering family meals and large feasts for carrying out or dining in.

Premium

Emerging Brands

Cava's success sparks a Mediterranean revival

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 16, 2023

Though Mediterranean cuisine has been growing across the U.S. for decades, the newly public Cava is drawing attention to the fast-casual niche. Here is a look at 8 growing restaurant chains positioned to ride the wave of interest.

Workforce

D.C. restaurants reel from a triple dose of woes

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 16, 2023

Eating places are closing at the rate of one per week because of the one-two-three combination.

Marketing

Olive Garden launches a holiday merchandise collection starring its iconic cheese graters

By Reyna Estrada on Nov. 16, 2023

Marketing Bites: Olive Garden, Sonic and Jimmy John’s launch holiday merchandise collections. Velvet Taco is giving away free tacos for a year to one lucky diner. And Wendy’s brings back its Frosty Key Tag fundraiser.

Financing

What Pollo Tropical's new owners plan to do with the brand

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 15, 2023

A Deeper Dive: Alex Macedo, chairman of Authentic Restaurant Brands, joins the podcast to talk about acquisition and expansion plans.

Operations

Potbelly signs deal to expand in Seattle-Tacoma market

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 15, 2023

This latest move in a series of deals will refranchise nine corporate locations and add another 13 new franchised units in Washington state.

Financing

Remodels, a pandemic and Brazil led to the bankruptcy of a Wendy's franchisee

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 15, 2023

Starboard Group, the Wendy’s franchisee that sought debt protection this week, said a number of factors converged that led to the filing, including a failed Brazilian joint venture.

Operations

BurgerFi's 3Q performance is 'unacceptable,' CEO says

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 15, 2023

The Florida-based company has closed five underperforming restaurants and more may be shuttered. Meanwhile, chicken is coming to the menu to help turn things around.

Workforce