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Financing

Big restaurant chains get aggressive on unit growth

 By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 08, 2023

The Bottom Line: Yum Brands, McDonald’s and Domino’s are all making a big push to accelerate growth. Most of it will come outside the U.S. But they have domestic plans, too.

Financing

With CosMc's, McDonald's shows its risk-taking side

 By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 08, 2023

The Bottom Line: The first unit of McDonald’s opened to long lines in its first two days. The concept proves that the company can get attention. And it’s willing to take some chances.

Food

Beef prices are soaring. It won't get better anytime soon

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 07, 2023

With beef inflation expected to stick around for the next few years, steakhouses and meat-focused concepts are creating strategies to manage sourcing and the menu. It's all about being flexible.

Financing

Chris Kempczinski changes his tune on restaurant automation

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 07, 2023

The Bottom Line: While noting that humans will continue to drive restaurants, the McDonald’s CEO notes that the calculus on automation gets closer as labor costs soar.

Financing

McDonald's is a chicken chain now

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 06, 2023

The company’s chicken business is “on par” with its beef business as Americans continue to devour more poultry. It plans more chicken products in the coming years.

Emerging Brands

Mamahuhu hopes to spark 'third wave' that builds on legacy of Chinese-American mom and pops

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 06, 2023

Chef Brandon Jew takes on the fast-casual challenge of scaling quality food at an accessible price in a Panda Express-dominated segment. But you won't find Chrysanthemum Salad at Panda Express.

Financing

Brands shift their attention back to smaller operators

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 05, 2023

The Bottom Line: While plenty of franchises like Subway still want large-scale franchisees, there is a movement to keep their sizes down.

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.

Financing

Yes, there is such a thing as too fast in the quick-service world

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 01, 2023

The Bottom Line: In a world of digital orders and drive-thrus, friendly service actually matters more than speed.

Financing

Wendy's, whose chairman is an activist, may be getting an activist

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 01, 2023

The Bottom Line: Activist investor Blackwells apparently plans to nominate “several directors” to the burger chain’s board, according to Reuters.

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