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Operations

P.F. Chang's new CEO wants to make the chain an everyday option

 By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 25, 2025

Jim Mazany is leading a turnaround effort at the Asian casual-dining chain focused on making the brand more approachable. But he also wants to enhance the experience. "I’m really looking to move the needle."

Financing

This is a pivotal time for the U.S. restaurant industry, here and abroad

 By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 25, 2025

The restaurant industry faces pressure all over the world, including consumer changes and threats to the economic model. Operators are responding with a lot of innovation and technology.

Financing

The real problem with Panera Bread

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 24, 2025

The Bottom Line: This week’s episode of the restaurant finance newsletter looks at the challenges with Panera Bread, which illustrates the dangers of acquisitions and management changes.

Technology

What we guessed wrong, and right, about restaurant tech this year

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 24, 2025

Tech Check: We began the year with five bold predictions about restaurant tech. Here’s how we did, and what we learned from our mistakes.

Financing

In Fat Brands, another company using securitization financing runs into problems

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 24, 2025

The Bottom Line: The restaurant brand collector went from acquiring cheap chains to buying up much larger and more expensive brands using whole business securitizations. And then the market tanked.

Operations

Shakey's wants to bring back the pizza parlor

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 21, 2025

Shakey's Pizza is attempting a revival that takes a nostalgic return to its past. Here's a look at this chain's 71-year history and how one family hopes to tap the memories of multiple generations.

Financing

Manage for the long term, no matter who is pulling the strings

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 20, 2025

The Bottom Line: The fast-casual chain Five Guys refuses to compromise on product quality, even when it means it can’t open in some markets. Its family ownership allows that choice.

Food

Salt & Straw and Taco Bell launch the Tacolate, an ice cream taco 10 years in the making

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 19, 2025

Behind the Menu: Robots eventually led Tyler Malek, Salt & Straw’s co-founder, to fulfill his dream of creating a new and improved Choco Taco.

Financing

Wall Street doesn’t like restaurants, so restaurants leave Wall Street

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 19, 2025

The Bottom Line: Another company is sold in Topgolf and another is on the market in MTY Food Group. The reason is simple: Sales are challenging, and public investors are losing faith.

Technology

What restaurants should talk about when they talk about AI

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 17, 2025

Tech Check: The industry is continuing its rapid adoption of AI despite considerable consumer uncertainty about the technology. How can restaurants show that they’re using it responsibly?

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