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Financing

Higher gas prices have a casualty

 By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 13, 2026

The Bottom Line: This week’s edition of the restaurant finance newsletter looks at the impact of rising gas prices, and why that’s behind the delayed 7-Eleven IPO.

Emerging Brands

Franchisee lawsuit describes Roll Em Up Taquitos as a Ponzi scheme

 By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 10, 2026

A group of current and former franchise operators allege fraud, saying the franchisor misrepresented the viability of the fast-casual business, leaving them stuck with hundreds of thousands in losses.

Technology

In search of the perfect delivery, some restaurants look to the skies

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 10, 2026

Chains like Dave’s Hot Chicken and Chipotle see major potential in drone delivery. The service still has a long way to go, but looser regulations could soon open the floodgates.

Financing

Franchisees are showing more signs of financial stress

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 09, 2026

The Bottom Line: The bankruptcy filing by a big Carl’s Jr. operator is the latest in a quiet string of problems among major franchisees amid a brutal restaurant environment.

Financing

Restaurant chains are closing their way to sales success

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 08, 2026

The Bottom Line: Noodles & Company and Jack in the Box have cited closures for their impact on same-store sales. Strategic closures can certainly help remaining locations. But they must come with other investments.

Food

The Friendly Toast plays up local flavor with a major menu refresh

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 08, 2026

Behind the Menu: To differentiate its food and drink lineup in a competitive segment, this New England-based brunch concept is putting a renewed focus on small producers and scratch cooking.

Emerging Brands

Prince St. Pizza's latest investor knows how to grow restaurant chains

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 07, 2026

One of Dave's Hot Chicken's first and largest franchisees is backing this growing by-the-slice Sicilian-style square pizza brand. Will Prince St. grow as fast?

Financing

Why has Chick-fil-A's sales growth slowed?

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 07, 2026

The Bottom Line: The fast-food chicken-sandwich chain has now recorded two straight years of more moderate-than-usual sales. Is the brand maturing? Or is it something else?

Financing

Can Burger King ever catch McDonald's?

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 06, 2026

The Bottom Line: The two chains have long been rivals, but it has been entirely one-sided in recent years. Here’s what it would take for the smaller chain to accomplish this lofty goal.

Financing

Here come the menu improvements

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 06, 2026

The Bottom Line: In this week’s edition of the restaurant finance newsletter, we look at the trend of restaurant chains upgrading their core menu items.

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