Financing

How your restaurant sales and profits compare to competitors' and what you can do to improve financial performance

McDonald's plans to increase its U.S. royalty fees by 25%

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 22, 2023

The burger giant plans to start charging its franchisees 5% of revenue on new locations or acquisitions of corporate restaurants starting next year in the U.S. and Canada, up from 4%.

Financing

Ruth's Chris acquisition already paying off for Darden

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 21, 2023

Adding the steakhouse chain to its portfolio will unlock $35 million in synergies and savings per year for the company, $15 million more than expected.

Financing

Pizza Inn is planning to start operating out of Pie Five locations

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 21, 2023

The pizza buffet chain plans to operate as a virtual brand out of its fast-casual sister chain starting next year.

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Financing

Will Subway make Roark Capital too dominant? Not really

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 21, 2023

The Bottom Line: The addition of the sandwich giant will make Roark a bigger player than McDonald's in the U.S. But its position in the sandwich market will not be all that unusual.

Financing

How small restaurant companies should think about marketing

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 20, 2023

A Deeper Dive: Marketing expert Chip Klose joins the podcast to talk about how small restaurant brands can keep pace with the big guys.

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Restaurants still look expensive, and consumers are reacting

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 20, 2023

The Bottom Line: Restaurants have stepped off the pricing gas. But sales are slowing and traffic is weak, and more operators are turning to price promotions.

Financing

Krispy Kreme's competitors are not who you think

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 20, 2023

The doughnut chain is an “affordable luxury” that people gather to enjoy. Its competitors are not just Dunkin’ and other doughnut concepts but cake makers and even florists.

Financing