Denny’s operator files for Chapter 11

The diner chain is working with EYM’s creditors to find willing operators in its system to take over viable stores. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 5, 2026

Papa Johns mobilizes for a quality war

CEO Todd Penegor says the chain has a new business strategy that addresses the weakness of the overall QSR pizza segment. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 5, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Restaurant Financing

With ongoing macroeconomic pressures facing restaurants, operators are entering into alternative financing, mergers and acquisitions and even bankruptcy to sustain their businesses. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

MTY Food Group rebuffs Foodtastic’s $720M bid

Following a strategic review of its business, Cold Stone’s parent declined a takeover offer from Foodtastic, prompting the latter to to accuse the company of “unrealistic expectations.”

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 4, 2026

Outback’s largest U.S. franchisee goes bankrupt

Out West’s bankruptcy could result in Bloomin’ Brands taking direct control of a majority of Outback Steakhouse’s U.S. franchise system.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 3, 2026

FTC, states sue Toast over fees

The agency and eight states allege that the point-of-sale services provider charges its restaurant clients and their customers hidden fees.

By Justin Bachman • Updated Oct. 30, 2026

Starbucks’ strong comps driven by ticket growth

The chain is moving from a turnaround to a sustained growth plan, CEO Brian Niccol said, as traffic, mix, pricing and merch all contribute to sales growth.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 30, 2026

Wingstop leans on marketing, AI to end sale slide

The chain’s marketing strategy will focus on its value proposition and flavor, while the chain will create more personalization to create return guests. 

By Julie Littman • Oct. 29, 2026

Wendy’s evaluating $1.4B offer from investor group

A committee of independent directors is evaluating the proposal, but the chain made no assurances over the unsolicited proposal or any other transaction.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 29, 2026

Wendy’s activist investors propose $1.4B buyout

Trian Fund, owned by former Wendy’s chair Nelson Peltz, alongside other private equity firms said a sale would help the chain focus on long-term profitability.

By Julie Littman • Updated 16 hours ago

What this Wendy’s operator bankruptcy can teach franchisees

Meritage Hospitality Group’s fiscal troubles are likely a harbinger of rough times to come, but franchisees can work with creditors and vendors to better their financial positions, experts said.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 26, 2026

Restaurant CFOs need a new margin lever. Start with the assets already in place.

Restaurant CFOs can protect margins by unlocking high-margin revenue from existing guest touchpoints.

By Rob Murphy • Oct. 26, 2026

Meritage to sell 42 Wendy’s restaurants for $18.6M

The operator plans to divest units across Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri to Divine Infinity Operations as part of its bankruptcy proceedings.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 22, 2026

Salad and Go is coming back from the dead

Roughly 100 former Salad and Go locations were approved for sale during bankruptcy, but the buyer of its intellectual property plans to reopen some units.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 16, 2026

Domino’s new CEO plans on ‘getting closer to the customer’

The company will sharpen promotions through its loyalty app and improve consistency in an effort to drive greater frequency, CEO Joe Jordan said.

By Bryan Wassel • Oct. 14, 2026

Savory Fund raises over $200M to back emerging restaurant chains

The private equity firm aided the early growth of Swig and Mo’ Bettahs, and its latest fund will support expanding concepts with strong brand identity.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 14, 2026

Gen Restaurant Group sells 47 restaurants for $100M to Chubby Cattle Group

The deal will strengthen Gen’s balance sheet while speeding up the growth of Chubby’s restaurant operations. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 14, 2026

Domino’s focus shifts toward driving ticket growth

CEO Joe Jordan said the chain will improve franchisee profitability by driving order counts and ticket totals through promotions and menu innovation.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 13, 2026

True Food Kitchen files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

The chain plans to sell itself to a long-term partner that shares a similar brand mindset that can set it up for long-term success.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 6, 2026

3 Big Numbers: How McDonald’s is investing in its Next playbook

The Golden Arches is targeting 250 basis points in restaurant-level efficiency gains, backed by major investments in equipment and processes. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 28, 2026

Yard House becomes Darden’s third billion-dollar brand

The full-service concept, which posted 10% growth in same-store sales during fiscal Q1 2027, plans to open 13 new stores during the ongoing fiscal year.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 25, 2026

Starbucks shutters 250 underperforming stores

The brand said the closures would impact locations that can’t deliver the coffeehouse experience or financial performance it expects.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 24, 2026

McDonald’s to invest $8.5B as part of Next strategy

The funding will be used to support restaurant modernization, tech deployments and operational improvements through 2036.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 23, 2026

Wendy’s claims bankrupt franchisee has no right to continue running 314 units

The franchisor said Meritage Hospitality Group doesn’t have the right to seek operations support after Wendy’s terminated its franchise agreements.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 22, 2026

Inside an award-winning Wendy’s operator’s bankruptcy crisis

Meritage Hospitality Group, which once had more than 350 restaurants, faced declining revenue and sales amid ongoing challenges with Wendy’s system.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 22, 2026

Yardbird files for bankruptcy

The fried chicken and bar concept shuttered several locations in 2025 and 2026 as sales results diverged across its system.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated Sept. 22, 2026