sales and profits

McDonald’s ends a tough year on a strong note

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 28, 2021

The burger chain’s U.S. same-store sales rose 5.5% and finished positive for the year despite the pandemic.

Starbucks on track for recovery, thanks to its loyal customers

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 27, 2021

More mobile ordering and strong drive-thru performance are also helping the coffee giant’s sales recover from the pandemic.

Financing

Why the post-pandemic era could be ‘the Roaring ’20s’ for restaurants

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 21, 2021

After a tough pandemic, the industry could face a strong decade as consumers return and companies build new locations.

Financing

Steak ‘n Shake reportedly hires restructuring advisors

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 20, 2021

The burger chain, which has been closing locations, has debt that comes due in March and is exploring out-of-court restructuring or a bankruptcy filing.

Financing

Del Taco’s sales improve, but not everywhere

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 12, 2021

Franchisee-owned stores saw strong sales last quarter, but company stores were left behind. The differences were largely regional.

Financing

2020’s Kings of Pain: Restaurant sectors hurt most by the pandemic

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 21, 2020

A deep look at the restaurant sectors that have suffered the most as the coronavirus and dining-room shutdowns ravaged the industry.

Financing

Luckin Coffee agrees to $180M SEC fine to settle fraud allegations

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 17, 2020

The Chinese coffee chain, which traded in the U.S., fabricated more than $300 million in sales, inflating its growth by as much as 45%.

Financing

A vaccine is on its way, but a return to normal may be far off

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 20, 2020

Vaccinations could be available next month after Pfizer and BioNTech request emergency authorization, but it could be a while before customers come back.

Financing