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Biography

Jonathan Maze

Editor-in-Chief

 Contact Jonathan

Restaurant Business Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Maze is a longtime industry journalist who writes about restaurant finance, mergers and acquisitions and the economy, with a particular focus on quick-service restaurants. He writes daily about the factors influencing the operating environment, including labor and food costs and various industry trends such as technology and delivery.

Jonathan has been widely quoted in media publications such as the New York Times and the Washington Post and has appeared on CNBC, Yahoo Finance and NPR. He writes a weekly finance-focused newsletter for Restaurant Business, The Bottom Line, and is the host of the weekly podcast “A Deeper Dive.”

Articles by
Jonathan Maze

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Financing

How is Roark Capital's track record? It's complicated

The Bottom Line: The private-equity firm has acquired or invested in 23 restaurant chains over 25 years. Those brands have a mixed track record, according to our analysis of their sales performance.

Financing

So much for the consolidation trend

The Bottom Line: Companies operating more than one restaurant chain are more likely to be selling than they are buying right now.

Financing

Hulkamania is coming for Hooters

The Week in Restaurants: In this week’s episode of the restaurant news discussion podcast, Hulk Hogan is trying to buy Hooters, Yum Brands has a new CEO and c-stores are coming for fast food.

Financing

Consumers are worried about tariffs. Restaurants less so

Restaurant chains report minimal tariff impact on food costs as domestic sourcing shields operators, but the industry is bracing for potential price increases this summer. Learn what restaurant brands and segments face the greatest risk.

Leadership

McDonald's shuffles its technology leadership

The fast-food burger giant named Valerie Ashbaugh its U.S. chief information officer while Whitney McGinnis will become SVP, commercial products and platforms. The two are trading jobs.

Financing

How the owner of Krystal and Logan's Roadhouse makes it work

A Deeper Dive: Josh Kern, CEO of multi-brand operator SPB Hospitality, joins the restaurant finance podcast to talk about the company’s brands and their futures.

Financing

'The world needs Starbucks:' How Brian Niccol plans to revive the coffee chain

The Starbucks CEO detailed his “Back to Starbucks” plan to 14,000 cheering leaders of the coffee shop giant in Las Vegas this month. And he said the effort is important far beyond the company.

Financing

In the fast-food world, growth is coming from drinks and desserts

The Bottom Line: The highest-growth quick-service chains cannot be found in traditional sectors but among coffee, beverage and dessert brands. What does this say about the restaurant industry?

Leadership

Chris Turner named CEO of Taco Bell owner Yum Brands

Turner has been CFO of the fast-food restaurant chain operator since 2019 and has been instrumental in key initiatives, such as the company’s creation of its technology division Byte by Yum.

Financing

Fast-food prices are slowing, but consumers have yet to respond

Industry and government data suggest that quick-service restaurants have cut back on price hikes. But it has yet to show up in the form of consistent traffic.

Financing

Krispy Kreme reminds us that doughnuts are a tough business

The Bottom Line: The chain’s sudden profitability problems and the questions surrounding its McDonald’s partnership show just how difficult it is to operate a doughnut chain at scale.

Marketing

McDonald's settles discrimination lawsuit with media mogul Byron Allen, maintains advertising relationship

Fast-food restaurant giant McDonald's resolved a four-year legal battle with The Weather Channel owner Byron Allen over advertising practices and agreed to continue ad purchases. Key insights for restaurant operators on navigating media partnerships and discrimination claims.

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