Chipotle doubles tech venture fund spending to $100M

The chain’s second round of $50 million for its Cultivate Next fund comes less than two years after the project was announced, and as Chipotle tests equipment developed by partner companies.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 28, 2024

The cost of cash for restaurants

Reduce your cash tips costs by moving to an electronic employee tips solution, with no fees.

Feb. 26, 2024

Roark rumored to be seeking Inspire Brands IPO

With a potential valuation of $20 billion, an IPO for the parent company of Dunkin’ and Arby’s would be one of the biggest in the restaurant industry in over 20 years. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 15, 2024

Boston Market owner Jay Pandya files for bankruptcy a second time

Pandya originally filed for bankruptcy in December, but that case was dismissed after he failed to respond to court orders for more information. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 14, 2024

17-unit Popeyes franchisee files for bankruptcy

RRG said losses at three of its units made it impossible to sustain timely lease payments at its remaining stores, pushing the operator to seek Chapter 11 protections.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 6, 2024

US Foods wins $11.9M suit against Boston Market by default

A federal judge found Boston Market engaged in bad faith and intentionally avoided engaging with process servers in a lawsuit over unpaid bills.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 1, 2024

Cost pressures may drive restaurant franchisee bankruptcies in 2024

Issues with margins or cash flow due to supply shocks, labor shortages and other disruptions can push operators into covenant default over their debts, experts said.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 30, 2024

JDE Peet’s reaches $260M licensing deal with Caribou Coffee

The transaction will allow JDE Peet’s to expand its premium portfolio in North America, while Caribou could focus on its growing coffeehouse business. 

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 22, 2024

Thai Union Group looks to sell stake in Red Lobster

The seafood group, which been a minority stakeholder in Red Lobster since 2016, said it decided to divest after ongoing financial troubles at the chain.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 17, 2024

RBI to acquire Carrols Restaurant Group for $1B

The transaction, which is expected to close in Q2, will accelerate the pace of the franchisee’s Burger King remodels from 45 to 120 annually.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 16, 2024

TGI Fridays to close 36 underperforming restaurants

The casual chain also sold eight units in the Northeast to former CEO Ray Blanchette following a year of C-suite upheaval.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 4, 2024

Pinstripes bowls into public markets

After completing its combination with Banyan Acquisition Corp. last week, the eatertainment chain began trading on the New York Stock Exchange Tuesday.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 2, 2024

A look back at 8 major franchisee bankruptcies in 2023

Burger King, Popeyes, McDonald’s and more saw multi-unit operators go belly-up due to struggles with inflation, low traffic and rising costs.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 1, 2023

Toast’s growth slows

The restaurant fintech noticed “a modest slowdown” in same-store sales in the latter half of Q3 that continued into October, the company’s CFO said Tuesday.

By Caitlin Mullen • Nov. 8, 2023

Denny’s franchisee files for bankruptcy

Denn-Ohio reported negative net income of $1.3 million in 2022 after struggling with rising labor, food and delivery costs for two years. 

By Julie Littman • Nov. 3, 2023

TCBY, Mrs. Fields franchisor acquired by Pearl Street Equity

The purchase of the brands, for an undisclosed sum, is intended to “take [their] franchisee support to the next level.”

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 26, 2023

Pret A Manger enters joint venture with franchisee to extend US growth

Existing franchisee Dallas International will take control of 50 units across the Northeast and develop 10 more on the East Coast by 2026.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 20, 2023

Krispy Kreme mulls sale of Insomnia Cookies

As the doughnut chain pursues capital-light growth and partnerships in the QSR space, its may part with Insomnia to refocus on core products. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 3, 2023

Burger King buys 32 franchisee units at bankruptcy auction

The chain bought the units, which are in Montana, Utah and Wyoming, from a sale of Meridian Restaurants Unlimited locations.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 28, 2023

Pinstripes hires CFO, CMO as it prepares public debut

Tony Querciagrossa and Shannon Keller join the brand as CFO and CMO, respectively, as the 14-unit chain gears up for significant growth.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 27, 2023

McDonald’s will raise royalty rate on new US restaurants by 25%

The fee change increases operator royalty rates from 4% to 5%, but most of the Golden Arches’ franchising revenue will still come from rent, CNBC reports. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 22, 2023

What Roark deal means for Subway franchisees

Under its new owner, the sandwich chain could see more rapid expansion, but operators may still be challenged by low store-level profitability.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 31, 2023

Subway to be acquired by Roark Capital

After a monthslong sales process, Roark emerged as the winning bidder with a reported purchase price over $9 billion. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 24, 2023

Panera Brands hires CFO as IPO prep continues

Paul Carbone, who helped lead Dunkin’ and Yeti’s IPOs, took over the role on Tuesday.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 15, 2023

Qdoba wants to double unit count to 1,500 in a decade

The chain is selectively refranchising corporate units to support its growth, while rival Chipotle is scaling through company-owned units alone. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 10, 2023