Why private equity is buying restaurant franchisees

Improved conditions for financing, driven largely by lower interest rates, are fueling acquisitions.

By Michael Brady • Nov. 19, 2025

MTY Food Group considering full, partial sale

Cold Stone’s parent said it is reviewing various alternatives, but may continue to operate as normal, and made no assurances that a transaction would occur.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 18, 2025

Freddy’s operator declares bankruptcy

M&M Custard filed for Chapter 11 after expanding into the Chicago market, where stores struggled to gain traction.

By Julie Littman • Updated Nov. 17, 2025

Will restaurants see more M&A and IPO activity in 2026?

Next year may be marked by a high volume of deals for both high-performing growth concepts and distressed assets, as challenger brands look for capital and ailing systems seek turnarounds.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 14, 2025

Sweetgreen opens first drive-thru location with automated makeline

The Costa Mesa, California, store features an automated Infinite Kitchen makeline and a digital pickup Sweetlane, combining two of its major technology pushes.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 13, 2025

Bloomin’ to invest $50M in Outback Steakhouse overhaul in 2026

The turnaround will touch everything from steak quality to marketing, and the cost will be partly offset by productivity investments.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 6, 2025

Wingstop’s comparable sales slump worsens

Reduced spending by Hispanic and low-income consumers led to a decline in sales that exceeded expectations.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 5, 2025

Yum Brands may sell Pizza Hut

After seven quarters of same-store sales declines, Yum says the brand might do better under a different structure or new ownership.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 4, 2025

The entity decision: Choosing the right business structure for your restaurant’s bottom line

Restaurant business entity choice dictates liability and taxes, crucial for owner protection.

Oct. 27, 2025

R&R Brands takes over management of Bravo, Brio restaurants

The multi-concept hospitality company will roll out a support plan spanning operations, management and technology, to improve both Italian brands.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 16, 2025

Jack in the Box sells Del Taco to Yadav for $115M

Less than four years after spending $575 million to acquire the chain, Jack in the Box is selling it to a franchisee.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 16, 2025

Starship raises $50M to scale delivery bots

The robotics maker plans to expand its operations from U.S. college campuses to urban markets, as delivery aggregators begin to scale their partnerships with various robotics firms.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 15, 2025

Wendy’s to invest at least $20M to boost AUV

After same-store sales dropped two quarters in a row, the burger brand shifted money from development funds to in-store labor and equipment.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 9, 2025

Sun Holdings buys Bar Louie

The multi-brand company acquired the distressed chain out of bankruptcy less than a year after it bought Uncle Julio’s in a foreclosure auction.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 8, 2025

Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe goes bankrupt citing competitive pressures

Aggressive marketing and value-oriented promotions from Applebee’s and Chili’s contributed to the decline in sales, according to court filings.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 3, 2025

Sardar Biglari wants Cracker Barrel CEO out

The longtime shareholder and activist investor said highly publicized missteps over the company’s rebrand betrayed Cracker Barrel’s heritage and turned loyal fans against it.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 19, 2025

Denny’s targeted by activist investor

JCP Investment Management previously targeted Red Robin and The Cheesecake Factory and wants to boost shareholder value at the chain, which suffers from declining same-store sales.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 16, 2025

McDonald’s launches $200M grassland conservation initiative

The sustainability project doubles as a long-term investment in U.S. beef supply chains, as tariffs on major beef producers loom.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 15, 2025

Black Rock Coffee raises nearly $300M in IPO

The 158-unit chain is the first major coffee brand to go public since Dutch Bros debuted on the stock exchange in 2021.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 12, 2025

Cracker Barrel halts remodels after logo backlash, lackluster test

The chain only remodeled four stores before deciding to discontinue its reimage efforts, which drew the ire of loyal customers. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 10, 2025

Pinstripes goes bankrupt

The eatertainment chain, whose founder dreamed of reaching 150 units, is now down to eight after traffic and spending declines pressured liquidity.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 10, 2025

Noodles & Company to consider sale

The chain, which is struggling with growing net losses, is also considering refinancing debt and refranchising as part of a strategic review.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 4, 2025

Improving franchise profitability in uncertain times

Uncertainty caused by tariffs and interest rates may be hurting consumer traffic, but it shouldn’t stop savvy investments, Alicia Chandler from First Franchise Capital Corporation says.

By Alicia Chandler • Aug. 22, 2025

Activist investor targets Dine Brands

The Edge Consulting Group, which has roughly a 1% stake in the company, wants Dine to consider divesting non-core assets like Fuzzy’s Taco Shop.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 20, 2025

Bravo Brio Restaurants declares bankruptcy a second time

Restaurants in shopping centers with high vacancy and low foot traffic have struggled, especially with softening consumer discretionary spending.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 19, 2025