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Marketing

Behind the scenes at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

 By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 07, 2022

We were given the opportunity to judge the event, which generates billions of dollars in publicity for the brand every year. After more than 100 years, the event proved it could still surprise.

Financing

Subway proves that customization isn’t the draw people thought it was

 By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 07, 2022

The Bottom Line: The sandwich giant perfected the idea of the assembly line and its fully customizable menu. But its new “Subway Series” demonstrates that it has some pitfalls in the modern restaurant.

Technology

In Amazon, Grubhub might have the partner it’s been looking for

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 07, 2022

A new agreement will expose millions of Amazon Prime users to the delivery app, giving it a badly needed jolt.

Financing

For restaurants, 2022 has been a year to forget so far

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 06, 2022

The Bottom Line: High labor and commodity costs have eaten into margins and a bear stock market has wiped out valuations. And now the economy appears headed for a recession.

Workforce

Restaurants’ race for workers puts pressure on culinary schools

By Joe Guszkowski on Jun. 30, 2022

Rising wages are tempting some students to leave the classroom early, forcing schools to adapt.

Financing

Something is not working between McDonald’s and its franchisees

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 29, 2022

The Bottom Line: The burger giant is facing the latest in a string of disputes with its operators, despite the company’s strong sales and record store-level cash flow and valuations.

Financing

Franchisee unrest grows as McDonald’s changes its rules

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 28, 2022

A group representing Black franchisees voted “no confidence” in CEO Chris Kempczinski. Other groups could take similar steps amid anger over new renewal standards. “An absolute declaration of war on owners," one operator said.

Food

Cracker Barrel sheds 'old country store' image for a hipper vibe with menu upgrades

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 28, 2022

In a push to expand its customer base and increase check averages, the chain is focusing on breakfast customization, plant-based choices and on-trend menu items.

Financing

The restaurant industry is splitting in two

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 27, 2022

The Bottom Line: The business is increasingly bifurcating. Fast-food restaurants are focused on speed and production. But demand for experiential dining remains high. Those in between may struggle.

Food

A wealth of new menu items entices diners over the Fourth of July holiday weekend

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 27, 2022

Taste Tracker: Chicken in new guises at BWW, Slim Chickens and Toppers; Mooyah, Auntie Anne’s and Smashburger shake it up; refreshing thirst-quenchers for Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Charleys; and everything from cocktails to concretes to cookies make their debut.

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