What will Famous Dave’s parent do with all those brands?

The Bottom Line: Here are a few key topics we’re watching as restaurant chains start reporting their end-of-year earnings next week, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, the Trump effect, optimism and weather.

Threatened tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China could have a widespread impact on the industry, as could immigration restrictions, just as the environment normalizes.

The Connecticut-based tavern-style pizza chain that was created because its owner had some space to fill just hired a new president in Carl Bachmann and is intent on taking the next step.