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Financing

Another debt-ridden restaurant bankruptcy

 By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 26, 2026

The Bottom Line: This week’s edition of the restaurant finance newsletter looks at the Popeyes franchisee bankruptcy and why financial metrics are crucial operational standards.

Financing

What restaurant chains are candidates to go private?

 By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 23, 2026

The Bottom Line: With restaurant company valuations low following a tough 2025, several chains could be ripe targets for a takeout, if buyers are up for some risk.

Operations

A year after the Los Angeles fires: One restaurant's story

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 23, 2026

Duke's Malibu survived the catastrophic wildfires, only to be destroyed by a mudslide weeks later. With reopening finally in sight, here's how this iconic restaurant survived.

Financing

The restaurant industry has an immigration problem

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 23, 2026

The Bottom Line: The Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement policy is closing restaurants and hurting operators. But that’s nothing compared to the long-term impact it will have on sales and labor costs.

Consumer Trends

Why private-label’s grocery glow up should make restaurants nervous

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 22, 2026

Retail Watch: Store brands continue to set records. Their rise should give restaurants some clues about what diners want right now.

Financing

A lot of restaurant chains announced closures last year

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 22, 2026

The Bottom Line: Several restaurant chains either announced or were reported to have closed locations as brands look to reset their asset base following a tough year for sales and profitability.

Food

As Din Tai Fung expands in the U.S., the dessert selection expands, too

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 21, 2026

Behind the Menu: The chain built on its famous soup dumplings is adding versions with sweet fillings and creating other Taiwanese-inspired desserts.

Emerging Brands

It started with granola. Now these female CEOs hope to take this brunch-all-day concept national

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 21, 2026

The Granola Bar is preparing to open two units in Manhattan that could change the trajectory of this suburban casual-dining brand. What makes it work is the partnership behind it.

Emerging Brands

Why Salad and Go will fail, according to its founders

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 20, 2026

Tony and Roushan Christofellis sold the drive-thru salad concept to private equity in 2021 and then watched things go wrong. Now they are growing a new brand they believe will prove healthy food can be affordable.

Financing

Jersey Mike's CEO Charlie Morrison doesn't want to ruin a good thing

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 20, 2026

The Bottom Line: The fast-food sandwich chain’s chief executive acknowledges that consumers are paying close attention to any changes the company makes under its new owners.

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