What JAB Holding's IPO plans mean for Starbucks

The company wants to take its Acorn coffee and beverages business, which includes Peet's Coffee and Stumptown Roasters, public in the next two years. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 26, 2019

Cheesecake Factory debuts Asian fast casual concept

The chain is pausing development on its RockSugar and Grand Lux Cafe concepts to focus on newly launched Social Monk, which marks the company's first venture outside casual dining.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 25, 2019

Lemonade and Modern Market Eatery form new restaurant group

The better-for-you chains will continue to operate independently under Modern Restaurant Concepts, a move that could help the brands scale their footprints. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 21, 2019

BJ's partners with DoorDash for 'Super Sick Monday'

The free delivery and video campaign was inspired by the 14 million people who reportedly call in sick to work the Monday after the Super Bowl.

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 1, 2019

Just Eat buys software startup Flyt for $28.7M

The platform could help the U.K. delivery service, which just saw its CEO step down, reduce driver wait times and human error as market competition grows.

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 23, 2019

Strong M&A restaurant activity expected this year

Brands like Jack in the Box, which have struggled to grow same-store sales in recent quarters, will be among the acquisition targets in 2019.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 22, 2019

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

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. 7, 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

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. 6, 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. 6, 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. 5, 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. 5, 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

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. 9, 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. 8, 2018