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sales and profits

Financing

Expect more of the same in 2026: A bifurcated economy, slow growth and a lot of uncertainty

 By Jonathan Maze and Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 16, 2026

Projections suggest the restaurant industry can expect a better year, buoyed by easier comparisons and tax law changes. But many other factors could inhibit that growth, and not everybody will benefit.

Financing

Dave & Buster's sees some light at the end of a long, dark tunnel

 By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 10, 2025

The food-and-games chain said that its same-store sales improved as the quarter progressed and into November, sending the company’s stock soaring despite a wider loss and revenue decline.

Operations

The ongoing federal government shutdown is expected to take a toll on some chains

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 20, 2025

After a third quarter that "ended with a whimper," negative sales trends are expected to continue, said one report. Restaurant chains with a big presence in Washington, D.C. will be hit hardest.

Financing

A huge percentage of U.S. consumers are dining on a deal

By Jonathan Maze on Oct. 01, 2025

Nearly 30% of commercial foodservice traffic was on a deal over the past 12 months, the highest rate in 50 years, according to data from Circana.

Financing

At Starbucks, another round of discouraging news

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 26, 2025

The Bottom Line: The coffee shop giant is closing stores and laying off workers as it deals with a surprisingly persistent decline in traffic.

Financing

Salad and Go is closing 41 restaurants in Texas

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 17, 2025

The drive-thru salad chain is closing locations in Houston, Austin and San Antonio. The closures represent more than a quarter of the chain’s units.

Financing

Restaurant profitability has taken a hit since the pandemic

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 28, 2025

According to the National Restaurant Association, median profitability at all restaurants remains lower than it was before the pandemic, despite historic increases in menu prices.

Technology

Restaurant tech has an ROI blind spot

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 10, 2025

Tech Check: Operators say tech is making them more efficient, but not always more profitable. It may be a question of how it is measured.

Financing

Here's what we're looking for this upcoming earnings season

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 24, 2025

The Bottom Line: Here are a few key topics we’re watching as restaurant chains start reporting their end-of-year earnings next week, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, the Trump effect, optimism and weather.

Financing

One big reason for 2024's closures: Too many restaurants

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 13, 2025

The Bottom Line: The industry had too many locations in 2019. The pandemic led to a lot of closures. But the industry has been aggressively opening restaurants since 2020.

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