How McDonald’s won back low-income diners

Over a year after it began rolling out various value options, the chain is seeing improved scores on affordability and notched 6.8% comparable sales growth in the fourth quarter. Dive Brief: McDonald’s U.S. increased comparable sales by 6.8% during the fourth quarter and 2% for the year, according to an earnings release. McDonald’s has now…

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FAT Brands calls investor group’s request to suspend CEO Andy Wiederhorn a ‘personal attack’

The bankruptcy court denied the ad hoc group’s emergency motion, with the objection citing ‘no actual emergency’ Shortly after an ad hoc group of FAT Brands investors filed a lawsuit demanding the immediate suspension of Andy Wiederhorn as CEO alleging bankruptcy rules violations, FAT Brands submitted an objection to the court, calling the emergency request…

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Wahlburgers plots expansion at Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops

The burger chain is building units in airports, retailers and hotels this year, which will help it rebound after Hy-Vee ended its partnership last year. Dive Brief: Wahlburgers plans to accelerate its growth in 2026 through a focus on non-traditional locations, the company said in a press release Monday. The burger chain will expand at…

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Was RaceTrac’s Potbelly deal an anomaly or the start of a new M and A trend?

C-store operators looking to acquire a QSR brand face several potential risks, experts say. But the upside could be tremendous. Convenience retailers have spent the past several years investing in new foodservice staff, equipment and menu items to elevate their on-site grub and better compete with restaurants. Besides proprietary programs, the industry has increased its…

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Fat Brands, burdened with heavy debt, declares bankruptcy

The owner of Fazoli’s, Round Table Pizza and several other brands is seeking Chapter 11 debt protection. The company’s whole business securitization was “starving the business.” Fast-food restaurant chain collector Fat Brands declared bankruptcy on Monday under a mountain of debt and after it was unable to come to an agreement with its bondholders. The…

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Denny’s completes $620M sale following shareholder OK

The acquisition by TriArtisan Capital, Yadav Enterprises and Treville Capital takes the diner chain private for the first time since 1997. Denny’s stock is officially off the market. The diner chain on Friday completed its sale to a group consisting of TriArtisan Capital Advisors, franchisee Yadav Enterprises and Treville Capital Group, making it a privately…

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Key tailwinds for the restaurant industry in 2026

While the expectation is modest growth, some factors such as lower gas prices, tax cuts, and the FIFA World Cup could provide a much-needed boost During a recent interview at the annual ICR Conference in Orlando, William Blair analyst Sharon Zackfia said that although the industry saw some improvement in December compared to a curveball-filled…

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