Financing

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

IPOs or Fat Brands: The year in restaurant mergers and acquisitions

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 21, 2021

The industry continued to consolidate in 2021, while restaurants returned to the public markets with surprising eagerness.

Financing

Private equity, on the sidelines in 2021, could make its return in 2022

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 21, 2021

The investment firms largely ceded the market to strategic buyers last year. But some believe they could make their return as they grow more confident in projections.

Financing

Black McDonald’s franchisees say they still face financial inequality

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 21, 2021

As the franchise invests in recruiting more diverse operators, the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association says Black owners earn lower profits than other franchisees in the system.

Financing

Krispy Kreme raises its earnings guidance, but investors balk anyway

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 20, 2021

The doughnut chain’s stock plunged 7% even after the company said earnings and profits would be better than expected.

Financing

P.J. Whelihan’s gets some growth capital

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 20, 2021

Garnett Station Partners recapitalized PJW Restaurant Group, the New Jersey-based operator of the pub chain and other concepts.

Financing

Olive Garden hints at end of Never-Ending Pasta Bowl

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 17, 2021

Executives said the popular promotion had negative impacts—and it did just fine without it this year.

Financing

McDonald's buys out another franchisee to settle a discrimination lawsuit

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 16, 2021

The burger giant has agreed to pay $33.5 million to buy 13 restaurants from Herb Washington, who had accused the company of giving favorable treatment to White operators.

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Financing