BurgerFi appoints former Wall Street analyst as CFO

Christopher Jones starts as BurgerFi’s top financial executive on July 10, the same day as its incoming CEO. 

By Julie Littman • June 13, 2023

California Restaurant Foundation gives out $920K in grants to small independents

This year’s recipients, all with five or fewer units and under $3 million in revenue, will use the money for operational upgrades.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 8, 2023

Fat Brands to issue IPO for Twin Peaks brand

Going public would allow the sports lodge restaurant, which is set to double its store count in the next few years, to expand further than its 109-unit pipeline. 

By Julie Littman • June 6, 2023

Cava issues IPO, plans to raise over $245M

The chain will offer over 14 million shares of common stock priced between $17 and $19, and will use the proceeds to fund new restaurant openings. 

By Julie Littman • June 5, 2023

Corner Bakery accepts $15M bid from SSCP Restaurant Investors

SSCP, which bought the company’s debt earlier this year, outbid stalking horse bidder Wexford Capital during an auction held last week. 

By Julie Littman • June 5, 2023

Gen Korean BBQ parent issues IPO

Gen Restaurant Group plans to raise $25 million, and its barbecue restaurant chain believes it can to grow from 32 to 250 units in the U.S. 

By Julie Littman • June 2, 2023

Neat Burger raises $18M to support expansion

The U.K. vegan chain, backed by Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, is targeting growth in Italy, the U.S. and the Middle East.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 30, 2023

Activist investor may pressure Yelp to sell, reports say

TCS Capital Management wants Yelp to explore strategic alternatives, such as selling itself, as a way to boost shareholder value, per The Wall Street Journal. 

By Julie Littman • May 23, 2023

Private investor seeks $12M buyout of bankrupt Corner Bakery

The stalking horse bidder, an affiliate of Wexford Capital, has proposed to buy the company during an auction expected to occur next week. 

By Julie Littman • May 23, 2023

Panera Brands shuffles execs as it prepares to go public

The company appointed Niren Chaudhary, current Panera Brands CEO, as chairman of the board and José Alberto Dueñas, current CEO at Einstein Bros. Bagels, as Panera Brands’ chief executive. 

By Julie Littman • May 23, 2023

4 takeaways from Cava’s IPO filing

The restaurant has been operating at a loss for several years, but has an aggressive growth plan to reach 1,000 units by 2032.

By Julie Littman • May 22, 2023

Restaurant365 raises $135M

The restaurant tech firm said the money from L Catterton, KKR and previous investors would support further product development. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 19, 2023

Texas Roadhouse appoints Southwest Airlines vet as CFO

Chris Monroe will lead Texas Roadhouse’s financial operations after a 30-year career at Southwest Airlines.

By Julie Littman • May 18, 2023

Incentivio lands $10M in funding to grow restaurant AI capabilities

The guest engagement platform will use the funding to accelerate growth and invest in product, engineering and innovation for small- and mid-size eateries. 

By Julie Littman • May 18, 2023

Domino’s delivery drags on strong pricing and carryout

With carryout growing, Domino’s plans to revamp its loyalty program to strengthen takeout options while creating value across channels.

By Julie Littman • April 28, 2023

Chipotle’s same-store sales rise 10.9% as traffic turns positive

In-restaurant sales jumped nearly 23% year over year following efforts to boost operational efficiency, rewards and menu innovation. 

By Julie Littman • April 26, 2023

Subway boasts 11.7% same-store sales growth in North America

The sandwich chain, which has increased its focus on digital promotions in the U.S., saw a 21% uptick in Q1 digital sales for the region. 

By Julie Littman • April 24, 2023

Meridian closes 23 Burger Kings in bankruptcy

Burger King’s U.S. franchisees have closed at least 49 units this year as the brand’s turnaround efforts are restrained by macro-economic problems.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 12, 2023

Fat Brands stacks board with Wiederhorns

The restaurant company has fired all but one of its directors and replaced them with a slate of new candidates, including three of Andrew Wiederhorn's kids.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 7, 2023

Flyby secures $4M in funding to boost drone delivery

The company is partnering with several restaurant brands in a multi-week pilot of its delivery technology in Mesa, Arizona.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 5, 2023

Bankrupt Burger King franchisee sold for $33M to 4 buyers

Toms King, a 90-unit Burger King franchisee that filed for Chapter 11 protection in January, managed to sell the bulk of its stores at a Delaware auction.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 5, 2023

Port of Subs acquired by private equity firm

Area 15 Ventures looks to grow franchise sales in its portfolio, which includes Daddy’s Chicken Shack alongside Port of Subs, by 140% in 18 months.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 4, 2023

Burger King franchisee bankruptcies may signal more QSR trouble

The bankruptcy of two major Burger King operators laid bare the problems facing franchisees. But at Burger King, the worst may be over.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 31, 2023

Luckin Coffee’s ‘revenue reckoning’ takeaways

The Beijing-based chain was initially viewed as a kind of David poised to take on the Goliath of the coffee world — Starbucks — in China.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • March 23, 2023

How 5 QSR giants are tackling menu pricing, strategy

McDonald’s, Starbucks and Wendy’s took price between 6% and 10% in 2022, and experts expect prices to rise further as chains face economic headwinds. 

By Restaurant Dive Team • March 23, 2023