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Technology

5 restaurant tech predictions for 2026

 By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 08, 2025

Tech Check: We envision more acquisitions and AI for restaurant tech in 2026. And we think this restaurant brand will start a podcast.

Financing

The story of McDonald's strange year, in 2 parts

 By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 08, 2025

The Bottom Line: The quick-service giant’s dichotomous year was illustrated with back-to-back stories on the chain’s successful Grinch meal and its new value-focused franchising standards.

Financing

Unit economics are important, no matter the model

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 08, 2025

The Bottom Line: This edition of the restaurant finance newsletter looks at issues with Subway and Noodles, and why both brands have been undone by weak unit volumes.

Operations

Boats, ducks and steaks: Inside The Boathouse's $51M restaurant experience

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 05, 2025

Created by Steven Schussler, the visionary behind Rainforest Cafe, this high-volume Disney Springs concept is one of the nation's top-grossing restaurants.

Financing

Fat Brands, MTY and the limits of restaurant chain consolidation

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 04, 2025

The Bottom Line: The two companies have spent years amassing large collections of mostly underperforming restaurant chains. The results have been predictable.

Food

Cooper's Hawk elevates its Life Balance menu by amping up flavor and craveability

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 04, 2025

Behind the Menu: Chef Matt McMillin tweaked four entrees with ingredients that boost taste and richness without changing their healthy profiles. Plus low-alcohol, lower-calorie wines are now available for pairing.

Financing

Putting Subway's restaurant closures into context

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 03, 2025

The Bottom Line: The fast-food sandwich giant has closed 7,600 locations since 2015, more than any other U.S. chain in history, and about the same number of restaurants that Taco Bell currently operates.

Emerging Brands

This U.K.-based coffee brand hopes to find a niche in America's overcaffeinated beverage landscape

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 03, 2025

Black Sheep Coffee is growing in Texas and Florida with bolder beans, upgraded matcha and a hand-held Norwegian waffle.

Financing

Another activist pushes a restaurant chain toward refranchising

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 02, 2025

The Bottom Line: Galloway Capital Partners is urging Noodles & Company to sell off company stores to pay off debt. Eliminating leverage is good. Selling company stores less so.

Financing

Fat Brands and restaurants' debt habit

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 01, 2025

The Bottom Line: The fast-food restaurant chain collector is in danger of bankruptcy, the latest example of an industry that is addicted to excessive leverage.

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