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Financing

How your restaurant sales and profits compare to competitors' and what you can do to improve financial performance

Financing

McDonald's franchisees send a message with a 'bill of rights'

 By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 27, 2026

The Bottom Line: The National Owners Association, an independent group of the fast-food chain’s operators, has approved a list of 15 standards it considers vital to fair franchising, including the right to set prices.

Financing

Fat Brands is sued by one of its largest bondholders over Twin Peaks stock

 By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 26, 2026

352 Capital, a subsidiary of Jefferies Financial Group, is suing the fast-food restaurant chain operator for refusing to hand over shares in the casual-dining brand as collateral.

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

A Subway franchisee group is asking for changes to its latest offer

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 26, 2026

More than a quarter of franchisees signed a petition through an independent association asking for changes to the chain's "Sub Club" redemption. But the company said the program is off to a "strong start."

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.

Financing

On the bankruptcy of a big Popeyes franchisee

By Jonathan Maze and Lisa Jennings on Jan. 23, 2026

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the restaurant news discussion podcast looks at the bankruptcy filing of Sailormen, sales improvement at burger chains and who could go public next.

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.

Financing

New U.S. food pyramid points to Fogo de Chão, CEO says

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 22, 2026

The Brazilian steakhouse chain is in a prime position to meet changing consumer habits, including more protein and greater use of GLP-1s, Barry McGowan said.

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.

Financing

Smithfield Foods is buying Nathan's Famous for $450M

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 22, 2026

The Chinese pork producer will be buying the hot dog maker and owner of the Nathan’s Famous chain for $102 per share.

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