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Jonathan Maze

Editor-in-Chief

Articles by
Jonathan Maze

Page 74
Financing

How is the economy faring? That depends on your perspective

The Bottom Line: Consumer spending continues to grow this holiday season, but it’s slowing, and businesses are more cautious, large banks told investors this week.

Financing

Dave & Buster’s profits improve but sales slow

The eatertainment chain operator’s stock fell 7% after saying sales slowed down so far this quarter.

Financing

Why companies should, or should not, franchise their business

A Deeper Dive: Gary Occhiogrosso, founder of Franchise Growth Solutions, joins the podcast this week to talk about franchising.

Financing

Franchise brands push growth even as the market gets tougher

Margins are thinning and lending is tightening. But franchise brands continue to push growth, and many are finding success recruiting new operators.

Financing

Tim Hortons goes small to make it work in the U.S.

The Bottom Line: The coffee chain’s parent company still believes the brand can work south of the Canadian border, but it first had to change.

Financing

Bertucci’s declares bankruptcy for a second time

The brick oven pizza chain, which also sought debt protection in 2018, blamed the pandemic and inflation for its problems.

Financing

So much for Freshii being worth $1B

The Bottom Line: Investment bankers initially pushed the healthy fast-casual franchise as a $1 billion brand. It never came close to that. And then the pandemic hit.

Financing

Applebee’s owner to acquire Fuzzy’s Taco Shop for $80M

Dine Brands Global, which also operates IHOP, will get its long-desired growth concept in the 138-unit fast-casual brand.

Financing

Last quarter’s big winner: Higher menu prices

The Bottom Line: Other winners included Potbelly and third-party delivery, while Freshii, quick-service pizza and lower-income consumers were left out.

Financing

For Starbucks, unspent gift cards become a big business

The Bottom Line: As customers returned to Starbucks, revenue from unspent gift cards did, too, providing the coffee giant with a weird and profitable source of funds.

Marketing

Heinz takes its plea for more restaurant business directly to consumers

Marketing Bites: The ketchup maker will reimburse diners for their restaurant tips if they push for the Heinz condiment; also, celebrity deals, poké tryouts and Elf on the Shelf.

Financing

McDonald’s is testing a new drive-thru concept in Texas

The burger giant is testing a small-format restaurant in Fort Worth. Its centerpiece is a conveyor system that delivers food to a mobile-order lane.

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