OPINIONFinancing

Red Lobster needs a buyer. How does Darden sound?

Reality Check: The casual dining giant sold Red Lobster in a cloud of controversy a decade ago. Here's why a return to the fold may not be as crazy as it sounds.

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The best franchise growth incentive? Better unit economics

The Bottom Line: Restaurant chains appear to be using various incentives to get their franchisees to build more units. But the best incentive remains pretty simple: Stronger sales and profits.

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Pei Wei expands its pantry to launch lighter, protein-focused dishes

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U.S. restaurant chains should pay close attention to Asian upstarts

The Bottom Line: While rapidly growing Mixue and Luckin Coffee have a long way to go before they surpass the biggest U.S. restaurant chains on a sales basis, their models should serve as a wake-up call.