Hardee's

The fast-food burger chain sued ARC Burger, a 77-unit franchisee that bought the restaurants out of bankruptcy just two years ago, over unpaid royalties, rent and marketing funds.

The fast-food chain argues in a counterclaim against Paradigm Investment Group that the operator is the only traditional franchisee not complying with rules on operating hours and digital orders.

The Bottom Line: More than half of the private-equity firm’s restaurant chains shrunk last year, including Arby’s, Subway and Sonic. And only six of its chains, not counting Dave’s, grew more than average.