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Financing

McDonald's franchisees send a message with a 'bill of rights'

 By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 27, 2026

The Bottom Line: The National Owners Association, an independent group of the fast-food chain’s operators, has approved a list of 15 standards it considers vital to fair franchising, including the right to set prices.

Technology

As restaurants push to digitize, there's opportunity in the analog

 By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 26, 2026

Tech Check: Consumers fed up with tech are craving old-fashioned experiences. Restaurants stand to benefit, if they're willing to go against the grain.

Financing

Another debt-ridden restaurant bankruptcy

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 26, 2026

The Bottom Line: This week’s edition of the restaurant finance newsletter looks at the Popeyes franchisee bankruptcy and why financial metrics are crucial operational standards.

Financing

What restaurant chains are candidates to go private?

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 23, 2026

The Bottom Line: With restaurant company valuations low following a tough 2025, several chains could be ripe targets for a takeout, if buyers are up for some risk.

Operations

A year after the Los Angeles fires: One restaurant's story

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 23, 2026

Duke's Malibu survived the catastrophic wildfires, only to be destroyed by a mudslide weeks later. With reopening finally in sight, here's how this iconic restaurant survived.

Financing

The restaurant industry has an immigration problem

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 23, 2026

The Bottom Line: The Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement policy is closing restaurants and hurting operators. But that’s nothing compared to the long-term impact it will have on sales and labor costs.

Consumer Trends

Why private-label’s grocery glow up should make restaurants nervous

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 22, 2026

Retail Watch: Store brands continue to set records. Their rise should give restaurants some clues about what diners want right now.

Financing

A lot of restaurant chains announced closures last year

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 22, 2026

The Bottom Line: Several restaurant chains either announced or were reported to have closed locations as brands look to reset their asset base following a tough year for sales and profitability.

Emerging Brands

It started with granola. Now these female CEOs hope to take this brunch-all-day concept national

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 21, 2026

The Granola Bar is preparing to open two units in Manhattan that could change the trajectory of this suburban casual-dining brand. What makes it work is the partnership behind it.

Food

As Din Tai Fung expands in the U.S., the dessert selection expands, too

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 21, 2026

Behind the Menu: The chain built on its famous soup dumplings is adding versions with sweet fillings and creating other Taiwanese-inspired desserts.

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