sales and profits

PFG expects food costs to climb again toward June

By Peter Romeo on Feb. 08, 2024

The distributor said it saw a slight deflation in prices during the end of 2023, but foresees a "very slight" climb toward mid-year.

Consumer Trends

Restaurant sales expected to top $1T for the first time in 2024

By Peter Romeo on Feb. 06, 2024

But the National Restaurant Association projects in its annual State of the Industry Report, margins will be squeezed by high inflation.

Financing

Kura Sushi USA sees a rise in traffic, but profits remain elusive

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 05, 2024

The fast-growing sushi chain projects that it will be helped later this year by a major change in California's wage requirements.

Financing

Earnings roundup: Recent months prove tough for Ark, Good Times, RCI

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 19, 2023

The three multi-concept restaurant operators showed significant declines, with at least one blaming more serious consumers.

Premium

Operations

Should Cracker Barrel get out of the gift shop business?

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 01, 2023

Reality Check: The retail component of the family dining concept drew off sales and profits during the brand's most recent quarter. Maybe it's time to leave the shops out of future Cracker Barrels.

Premium

Financing

Winners and losers from a weird quarter

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 10, 2023

The Bottom Line: Burger King operator Carrols, Cava and Wingstop were the big winners. But there were plenty of concepts that would rather have that one back.

Premium

Financing

Restaurant chains have to work harder to get sales this year

By Jonathan Maze on Oct. 30, 2023

The Bottom Line: After “pent-up demand” kept customers coming back in 2022, restaurants have to work harder in 2023 to get customers coming in the door.

Operations

Shake Shack isn't sorry to see delivery drop, especially with kiosks proving a boon

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 03, 2023

Steering more customers toward self-ordering will be a major strategic objective through 2024, executives say. The chain will also strive to cut its development and construction costs by 10%.

Operations