Steak 'n Shake

Financing

Why refranchising and value don’t mix

The push to lower prices, and rely heavily on franchisees, could hurt more operators, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

What is “healthy” now?

As an entrant into the booming fast-casual segment, LYFE Kitchen brings some serious culinary cred to the table, but it’s also rapidly becoming a standard-bearer for a whole new definition of “health food.”

The chain cites a tendency of professionals to work longer, later hours. It intends to provide them with a new value-oriented drink option.

After winning a proxy battle, CEO Sardar Biglari cited “idiots” on Wall Street, expressed his frustration that shareholders don’t read his letters and noted that the battle cost the Steak ‘n Shake parent about $2 million.

Top franchise companies are driving growth, finds researcher Technomic's Top 400 Franchise Report. The 200 largest franchisees grew sales 8.2 percent in 2014, 2.5 times the rate of the Top 500 chains. Unit growth among these companies, too, was three times higher than their franchisors.

Teen workers are poorly informed about their right to sue employers who harass or abuse them, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The QSR is forgoing the new value meals being cooked up by competitors.

Foodservice suppliers provide a look at products designed to make an operator’s job easier.

There are more reasons to cut down the menu than trimming the pantry stock. Research from Technomic shows happier guests, too.

This chilly category covers both alcoholic and non, and includes daiquiris, mudslides and piña coladas, as well as smoothies, granitas, slushies and more.

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