finance

First Watch sees fewer visits but little trading down

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 06, 2024

Meanwhile, its aggressive expansion plan remains in place, with 130 development projects underway.

World of Beer declares bankruptcy

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 05, 2024

Once one of the country’s fastest-growing chains, the craft beer-focused casual-dining chain cited inflation, litigation and weak traffic for its challenges.

Financing

The Cheesecake Factory sees no change from consumers

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 01, 2024

Traffic has remained steady for the casual-dining chain, despite a tough environment for full-service restaurants.

Emerging Brands

Batbox hopes to become the Puttshack of baseball

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 30, 2024

An eatertainment concept out of Mexico with a high-tech baseball simulator has won a $7.3 million Series A funding round to launch growth across the U.S.

Technology

AI supplier Presto could be headed for a lender takeover

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 26, 2024

The restaurant tech company has been unable to find a buyer for its debt, which could clear the way for lender Metropolitan Partners to seek strategic alternatives for Presto including a sale.

Financing

BurgerFi parent agrees to settle shareholder lawsuit

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 26, 2024

Lion Point Capital alleged BurgerFi International Inc. failed to timely register its shares in a SPAC deal, costing the shareholder $26 million.

Premium

Financing

Here’s what an activist investor could push Starbucks to do

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 22, 2024

The Bottom Line: With the coffee shop chain reportedly talking with an activist investor, here’s a look at some of the potential changes they might demand.

Financing

Krispy Kreme sells a majority stake in Insomnia Cookies

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 22, 2024

A pair of private-equity groups, Verlinvest and Mistral Equity Partners, bought the stake, which values the cookie chain at $350 million. Krispy Kreme is keeping a 34% share in the concept.

Financing