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Financing

Inside the Starbucks turnaround

 By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 06, 2026

The coffee shop giant has spent the past 18 months returning to its roots as a coffee shop where customers want to stay. Now the company plans to go on offense.

Technology

Why a Dunkin' franchisee is using AI to count its doughnuts

 By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 06, 2026

Tennessee-based Bluemont Group was throwing away millions of dollars' worth of unsold doughnuts a year. Enter Do’Cast, an AI camera system that is helping it match supply with demand.

Financing

Chipotle and Taco Bell had very different years in 2025

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 06, 2026

The Bottom Line: The two Mexican chains have long been among the industry’s most consistent performers. But that changed last year, at least for one of them.

Food

Taco Bell taps into snacking trend with Mini Taco Salad

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 04, 2026

Behind the Menu: The Mexican fast-food chain refreshed the format and flavor of its classic Fiesta Taco Salad to launch as part of its new Luxe Value Menu.

Emerging Brands

Ford's Garage is ready to step on the gas

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 04, 2026

The casual-dining chain will accelerate new openings in the coming years after finding strong demand for its retro, car-themed restaurants.

Financing

Why did Yum Brands buy Habit Burger?

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 04, 2026

The Bottom Line: Yum Brands bought Habit Burger in 2020 with the intention to grow the brand. The company does not even mention the brand in its earnings calls.

Financing

Why are so many big companies using merchant cash advances?

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 03, 2026

The Bottom Line: Two large franchisees blamed merchant cash advances on their recent bankruptcy filings and Fat Brands used it at least once. But the funds are expensive and dangerous.

Leadership

Why Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler thinks it's a good time for better-burger brands

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 03, 2026

The fast-casual chain is planning to accelerate growth after growing traffic during a difficult 2025.

Financing

A tale of two casual-dining chains

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 02, 2026

The Bottom Line: This week’s episode of the restaurant finance newsletter contrasts news about Chili’s and rival Ruby Tuesday, which are going in different directions.

Technology

How a restaurant tech startup is born these days

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 02, 2026

Tech Check: AI has lowered the barrier of entry for software development. Now, restaurant tech products can come from anywhere—even high schoolers.

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