earnings

Kura Sushi warns about weak sales in California

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 27, 2024

The chain of conveyor-belt sushi restaurants said that its results last quarter “did not meet our expectations” and blamed it on “unanticipated softness in California.”

Operations

Lower-income consumers remain a problem for Olive Garden

By Joe Guszkowski on Jun. 20, 2024

The Italian restaurant chain said it’s keeping prices low and doing more to promote value, including its bottomless breadsticks. But it refuses to jump on the discounting bandwagon to drive traffic.

Leadership

LongHorn Steakhouse promotes Laura Williamson to president

By Joe Guszkowski on Jun. 20, 2024

The former head of finance replaces Todd Burrowes, who is now president of business development for parent Darden Restaurants. It was part of a flurry of leadership changes at the company.

Financing

A tough restaurant economy hits Dave & Buster's

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 13, 2024

Stock in the food-and-games chain, which also owns Main Event, plunged early Thursday following a weak sales report.

Operations

Red Robin says its turnaround efforts are working

By Joe Guszkowski on May 30, 2024

Better operations and food are helping the burger chain win back guests. Now it’s focusing on marketing, including a new loyalty program.

Premium

Financing

Winners and losers from a tough first quarter

By Jonathan Maze on May 29, 2024

The Bottom Line: Wingstop (again) and Texas Roadhouse (also again) were among the big winners last quarter, while the fast-food value proposition is among the losers.

Operations

Cava expects a late-day sales boost with its new grilled steak

By Lisa Jennings on May 28, 2024

The new steak protein will be offered at a premium price, but the chain's guests are showing resilience. They're trading down from casual dining and trading up from fast food.

Operations

Struggling BurgerFi shutters 8 more restaurants

By Lisa Jennings on May 15, 2024

After closing 14 units last year, the fast-casual burger chain continued "right-sizing" its portfolio in the first quarter, when its same-store sales plunged 13%.

Financing