sales and profits

Casual dining finally shrinks unit count

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 30, 2018

The sector closed more units than it opened last year, according to Technomic, after a decade of weak sales.

A numbers game

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 16, 2015

A portion of the public is stuck on the falsehood that a server is only paid $2.13 an hour, plus the few bucks they might pocket in tips.

Operations

Why aren't restaurant sales increasing?

By Peter Romeo on Jul. 18, 2017

No one has pegged the cause of restaurant traffic and sales meltdowns. The consensus holds that restaurant prices are likely a factor, yet there’s no proof.

Financing

Steak 'n Shake sticks to its low-price strategy

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 11, 2018

Despite two years of weak traffic and tension with operators, the burger chain believes low prices are vital to build sales.

California is the worst place to do business, Texas is the best, study finds

May 11, 2015

The differences lie in how committed the markets are to fostering growth and keeping taxes in check.

Leadership

Meet the 'Jesus of pizza'

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 15, 2017

The Jesus of Pizza dishes on how his “tribe” strives for a different kind of workplace.

Financing

Chipotle stock surges as new CEO makes his mark

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 26, 2018

Brian Niccol, in his first Chipotle earnings call, says the company has been “invisible,” and needs to provide more “consumer access.”

Panera's acquisition by the numbers

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 06, 2017

The bakery-cafe chain's pending acquisition by JAB Holdings is one of the biggest restaurant deals ever. Here are some other indications of the sale, along with metrics on what the transaction could mean for the industry.

Operations

This week’s 5 head-spinning moments: High points

By Peter Romeo on Oct. 06, 2017

We interrupt the string of bleak industry news to highlight a few reasons for encouragement.

Chipotle makes a strong comeback

By Peter Romeo on Apr. 25, 2017

Results for the first three months of the year were helped by easy comparisons, but the numbers show the chain has made strides in regaining its vigor.

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