Punch Bowl Social

Leadership

Punch Bowl Social names John Haywood as its new CEO

By Heather Lalley on Aug. 18, 2020

The former head of Garden Fresh Restaurants replaces chain founder Robert Thompson, who resigned last week.

Leadership

Punch Bowl Social founder Robert Thompson resigns as CEO

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 13, 2020

The entrepreneur said he intends to start a business incubator.

Financing

How Punch Bowl Social is surviving the pandemic, without Cracker Barrel

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 17, 2020

Founder Robert Thompson joins this week’s edition of the RB podcast A Deeper Dive, and insists consumers will come back to his restaurants.

Financing

Only ravenous dinosaurs can stop Punch Bowl Social, says its CEO

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 17, 2020

Founder Robert Thompson says he's certain the eatertainment concept will find the backing to get back into business, even if the dollars come from space invaders.

Financing

Sardar Biglari pokes Cracker Barrel over Punch Bowl Social

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 15, 2020

The activist investor argues the company was too quick to abandon its investment, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing

Cracker Barrel opts not to rescue Punch Bowl Social

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 25, 2020

The eatertainment chain faces foreclosure and has already closed all 19 units and laid off its staff.

Emerging Brands

Punch Bowl vets buy Wagamama’s U.S. operations

By Peter Romeo on Feb. 26, 2020

Robert Cornog and Richard Flaherty plan to expand the 200-unit Asian noodle concept on this side of the Atlantic.

Topics

12 reveals from this week’s big restaurant event

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 16, 2020

The three dozen chains participating in the ICR Conference provided plenty of aha moments. Here’s a sampling of the surprising tidbits that were aired.

Operations