Financing

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

A former McDonald’s franchisee looks back at her long career

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 19, 2022

A Deeper Dive: Tracy Johnstone sold her restaurants after more than 30 years in the business. She talks on the podcast about learning to love the business and thriving in a male-dominated world.

Financing

Skippers has a new owner and growth plan

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 19, 2022

The onetime cult favorite has shrunk to five full-fledged restaurants and 128 stations in c-stores and supermarkets. The buyer, the distribution company Harbor Wholesale, intends to grow the brand.

Financing

Closed and short-staffed restaurants become a mounting problem

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 18, 2022

As the omicron variant continues to spread, everyone from small independent restaurants to McDonald’s either cut hours or reduced their services.

Premium

Financing

Del Taco makes a bet on value

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 14, 2022

The Bottom Line: At a time when prices are taking off, the Mexican fast-food chain is pushing value hoping to resonate with customers by “zigging when everybody is zagging.”

Premium

Financing

Everyone wants to go to China

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 14, 2022

Big brands like Papa Johns and Tim Hortons continue to focus their development efforts on the fast-growing economy. But succeeding there is not so easy.

Financing

Smokey Mo’s BBQ acquired by Switchback Capital

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 13, 2022

The 16-unit quick-service chain will be opened to franchising and will undergo a rebrand, the new owner said.

Financing

Hopdoddy to acquire Grub Burger Bar

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 13, 2022

The two Texas-based better-burger concepts are joining forces to form HiBar Hospitality Group, which will be backed by L Catterton.

Premium

Financing

For many casual chains, growth lies outside the dining room

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 13, 2022

Nearly every big full-service chain is embracing ghost kitchens, virtual brands and other off-premise channels. Even some historic holdouts have shown signs of cracking.

Financing