OPINIONTopics

As lines blur, the term ‘fast casual’ has become obsolete

The Bottom Line: As more chains like Chipotle and Shake Shack add drive-thrus and focus on takeout, they look more like the fast-food restaurants from which they tried to differentiate themselves.

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Operations

Should Cracker Barrel get out of the gift shop business?

Reality Check: The retail component of the family dining concept drew off sales and profits during the brand's most recent quarter. Maybe it's time to leave the shops out of future Cracker Barrels.

Financing

Wendy's, whose chairman is an activist, may be getting an activist

The Bottom Line: Activist investor Blackwells apparently plans to nominate “several directors” to the burger chain’s board, according to Reuters.

Financing

Yes, there is such a thing as too fast in the quick-service world

The Bottom Line: In a world of digital orders and drive-thrus, friendly service actually matters more than speed.