M&A

Sun Holdings takes the lead on a Taco Bueno turnaround

The multi-unit franchise owner, which has a portfolio of over 800 restaurants across multiple brands, completes acquisition of the Tex-Mex chain. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 17, 2019

AmEx acquires Japanese restaurant reservation startup

The purchase of Pocket Concierge is the latest example of a credit card company leveraging diner preferences toward personalized experiences. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 16, 2019

Private equity firms buy P.F. Chang's for $700M

TriArtisan Capital Advisors and Paulson & Co. have agreed to buy the casual Chinese food chain from Centerbridge Partners. 

By Julie Littman • UPDATED: Jan. 11, 2019 at 9:45 a.m.

Industry veteran tapped to drive Quiznos turnaround

Tim Casey has been named president and CEO of Rego Restaurant Group, a newly-formed company that includes Quiznos and Taco Del Mar. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 07, 2019

Peet's snags majority stake in Revive kombucha

After investing $7.5 million in 2017, the coffee chain took a bigger bite out of the craft kombucha brewer, which has grown 168% in the past year.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 21, 2018

Macaroni Grill considers more acquisitions after turnaround

Just a few months after the once-troubled Italian chain bought Sullivan's Steakhouse, it's now on the hunt for another brand it can add to its portfolio. 

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 19, 2018

Waitr grows footprint with $321M Bite Squad acquisition

The deal will stretch Waitr to mid-tier markets in the Midwest and beyond as M&A heats up the rapidly evolving food delivery industry.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 13, 2018

John Schnatter reignites debate about Papa John's fate

The chain’s founder and former CEO/chairman hired financial advisers to consider alternatives for increasing shareholder value, including a transaction.

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 11, 2018

Goldbelly grows footprint with FoodyDirect acquisition

The deal brings more than 165 new merchants into Goldbelly’s online marketplace, which already included more than 300 shops. 

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 10, 2018

Will activist pressure force a Del Frisco's sale?

Following investor pressure, the restaurant group is now looking into new strategies, which could include a sale. 

By Alicia Kelso • UPDATED: Dec. 21, 2018 at 8:45 a.m.

Flynn Restaurant Group becomes largest franchisee with Arby's buy

With the acquisition of U.S. Beef Corp., Flynn becomes a $2.3 billion company with more than 1,200 restaurants in its portfolio, from Taco Bell to Applebee's. 

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 06, 2018

Boston-based food lab to reopen Pilotworks

Chew, a food lab company, will reopen the incubator space Pilotworks as The Nursery, a similar shared kitchen business with a food technology focus.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 06, 2018

Fatburger owner adds Mediterranean chain to its menu

FAT Brands gets in on the Mediterranean craze with its purchase of Yalla Mediterranean, bringing its total restaurants to over 300 globally. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 05, 2018

Pizza Hut doubles down on digital ordering with QuikOrder acquisition

The restaurant chain's latest move will allow it to build up its digital offerings as it struggles to compete with tech-centric Domino's. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 05, 2018

Could a sale fix Jack in the Box's revenue, franchisee woes?

The fast food chain announced Monday that it's exploring strategic alternatives and has been in talks with potential buyers, but hasn't set a timetable for completing its review. 

By Alicia Kelso • UPDATED: Dec. 17, 2018 at 8:46 a.m.

Report: As major bidder backs out, Papa John's may have to recover on its own

The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Trian Fund Management has pulled itself out of acquisition talks, which sent the restaurant’s shares in a tailspin, and remaining bidders only want a slice of the chain. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 28, 2018

Waitr goes public following acquisition by Landcadia

The 5-year-old company has focused on small and mid-sized markets in the southeast U.S., proving it still has plenty of room to grow even in a tightening delivery field.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 19, 2018

Can a sale drive a Papa Murphy's turnaround?

Following its third-quarter earnings report, Papa Murphy's hired North Point Advisors to "evaluate strategic alternatives," including a possible sale.  

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 09, 2018

Sonic president will lead the chain after Inspire deal closes

Claudia San Pedro, a 12-year-veteran of the drive-in restaurant company, will join Inspire Brands' executive team when longtime Sonic CEO Cliff Hudson retires at the end of the year.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 08, 2018

Papa Gino's parent company files for bankruptcy

PGHC, which owns the New England favorite as well as D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, abruptly closed 95 stores and laid off 1,100 employees.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 06, 2018

Chicken chain Bojangles' to go private for $594M

The move could give the Charlotte-based company the leverage it needs to better compete with rivals like Chick-fil-A, KFC and Popeyes, and develop long-term growth initiatives.

By Emma Liem • Nov. 06, 2018

Private equity suitors reportedly wooing Papa John's

Anonymous sources told Reuters that binding offers for the world's third-largest pizza chain are expected in the next few weeks. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 01, 2018

Parent company of Cinnabon, Jamba Juice considers IPO

Fresh off its Jamba Juice acquisition news, Roark Capital is considering a $1 billion valuation next year for its quick-service restaurant portfolio Focus Brands, which will soon operate 6,000 locations around the world.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 30, 2018

Big M&A deals dominate in 'otherwise underwhelming quarter,' report says

CPG companies continue to aggressively pursue major deals this quarter, like Coca-Cola's acquisition of Costa Coffee and Nestlé's purchase of Starbucks products.

By Lillianna Byington • Oct. 26, 2018

Bloomin' Brands comes under activist investor pressure

Barington Capital Group is calling for the company to shed its smaller restaurant companies so that Outback Steakhouse can operate independently. 

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 23, 2018