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Financing

Culver's keeps grabbing market share

 By Jonathan Maze on May 18, 2026

The Bottom Line: This week’s edition of the restaurant finance newsletter looks at the steady strength of Culver’s, and why the biggest chains should be concerned.

Financing

The casual-dining comeback starts at the top

 By Joe Guszkowski on May 15, 2026

Sit-down restaurant chains showed signs of life last year. But much of the growth came from just a few brands, primarily Chili’s.

Marketing

Drops become restaurant chains' new loyalty program incentive

By Alicia Kelso on May 14, 2026

Marketing Bites: Taco Bell perfected the feature with its Taco Tuesday Drops, and several other brands have since added their own version, offering everything from merch to free food.

Financing

Jack in the Box's weird year gets weirder

By Jonathan Maze on May 13, 2026

The Bottom Line: The company has changed leadership, unleashed a revitalization plan, battled with franchisees and an activist and sold Del Taco. It is now changing leaders again.

Financing

Inspire Brands was created in one world. It's going public in another

By Jonathan Maze on May 13, 2026

The Bottom Line: The owner of Dunkin’, Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic and Jimmy John's will be going public in a market where investors are more skeptical of multi-brand operators.

Food

El Pollo Loco accelerates innovation to fill menu gaps

By Patricia Cobe on May 13, 2026

Behind the Menu: Chef Rene Pisciotti has kept R&D constantly in motion at the chicken chain to build a strong pipeline. First order of business: A signature chicken tender.

Financing

Can Wendy's reverse its sales slide? It may need more support

By Jonathan Maze on May 12, 2026

The Bottom Line: The fast-food chain’s struggles have been shocking, and while the company sees some early signs of progress, it could take more to truly fix things.

Emerging Brands

Think Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane's are too focused on male diners? This chicken concept is for you

By Lisa Jennings on May 12, 2026

Meet the new Flock & Fresh, launched by Smoothie King CEO Wan Kim. He feels women want better quality—and choice.

Financing

Franchisee profitability has taken a big hit

By Jonathan Maze on May 11, 2026

The Bottom Line: A push for value and rising costs, especially for beef, have taken a big bite out of franchisee and company store profits in the fast-food space.

Financing

Score a big win for better operations

By Jonathan Maze on May 11, 2026

The Bottom Line: There were some strong numbers reported in restaurant company earnings last week. But in-store operations improvements really mattered.

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