Financing

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

Papa John’s strong sales lead to record unit growth

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 05, 2021

The pizza chain’s same-store sales rose last quarter despite tough comparisons. It opened a record 123 net new locations in the first half of the year.

Financing

Pupatella pizzeria nabs $7.5M investment

By Heather Lalley on Aug. 05, 2021

The five-unit Neapolitan pizza chain said it plans to use to the money to add restaurants in the greater Washington, D.C., area.

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Financing

Equipment shortages challenge some restaurant chains

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 04, 2021

Chains like Domino’s and McDonald’s see problems sourcing equipment as supply chain disruptions continue.

Financing

Overnight staffing issues keep a brake on Denny's sales

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 04, 2021

The diner chain saw a 22-point comp sales gap between 24-hour units and stores that couldn't field an overnight staff.

Financing

Can a franchisee be a successful brand operator?

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 04, 2021

This week’s episode of the RB podcast “A Deeper Dive” features Tabbassum Mumtaz, CEO of Ampex Brands, and Ericka Garza, brand president of its latest acquisition, Au Bon Pain.

Financing

Many restaurants already pay $15 an hour

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 03, 2021

A survey of operators found nearly 30% already pay $15 an hour, but most are skeptical that the business can function at that pay level.

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Financing

Casual dining silences its doubters with head-turning July results

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 03, 2021

The recent flurry of earnings reports shows a sector enjoying a clear boom. The question is, will it last?

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Financing

The delta variant could delay central business districts’ recovery

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 02, 2021

As the coronavirus surges once again, workers could avoid going back to the office, delaying an already uncertain future for urban restaurants, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing