Chipotle makes minority investment in Mediterranean fast casual concept

As part of its Cultivate Next venture fund, Chipotle invested in six-unit Brassica as well as artificial intelligence supply chain platform Lumachain.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 15, 2024

7-Eleven shuttering 444 North American stores amid strategic pivot

The retailer also aims to generate $520 million through sale-leasebacks of an undisclosed number of stores as its parent company slashes its profit forecast and spins off non-core segments.

By Brett Dworski • Oct. 10, 2024

Explore the Trendline➔

Restaurant Financing

With ongoing macroeconomic pressures facing restaurants, operators are entering into alternative financing, mergers and acquisitions and even bankruptcy to sustain their businesses. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

Applebee’s franchisee files for bankruptcy after creditor lawsuit

Louisiana Apple’s major creditor, City National Bank of Florida, claimed the operator and the brand transferred control of its restaurants in a breach of credit agreements. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 9, 2024

9 restaurant industry trade shows to attend in 2025

The coming year is brimming with restaurant conferences and trade shows covering key issues for the business sector, from franchising strategy to economic forecasts.

By Restaurant Dive Staff • Oct. 1, 2024

Presto Automation puts itself up for sale

The tech firm, which was delisted from the Nasdaq earlier this year, does not anticipate changes to its operations as a result of a sale.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 24, 2024

BurgerFi secures funds to operate through bankruptcy

A court approved $3.5 million in funding from TREW Capital Management, giving the burger brand sufficient cash to operate without closing stores.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 17, 2024

Mod Pizza will refranchise corporate stores

The pizza chain’s new owner, Elite Restaurant Group, is undertaking a comprehensive refranchising effort at the largely company-operated brand.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 13, 2024

BurgerFi declares bankruptcy

The company has struggled with same-store sales declines and net losses for several quarters, mirroring the problems of recent Chapter 11 filings for Red Lobster and Buca di Beppo.

By Julie Littman , Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated Sept. 11, 2024

TGI Fridays acquisition falls through, bondholders seize assets

Hostmore still wants to sell its restaurants after the U.K. franchisee’s acquisition plan was torpedoed by the casual dining brand's manager termination event.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 9, 2024

Thrive Restaurant Group buys Modern Market Eatery

Thrive previously committed to opening 41 units as Modern Market’s largest franchisee, but felt that buying the brand was a natural next step in its growth.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 6, 2024

Court approves Red Lobster’s restructuring, buyout plan

The seafood chain will emerge from bankruptcy with P.F. Chang’s former CEO at the helm and $60 million in new funding.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 6, 2024

Topgolf will be spun off by its parent company

Management pursued a full strategic review of Topgolf following disappointing same-venue sales, and determined separate companies would enhance strategic focus.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 5, 2024

Playa Bowls acquired by Sycamore Partners

Under previous owner Tamarix, the fruit bowl chain added over 150 locations. It expects to speed up growth under its new owner.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 4, 2024

Investor sues Starbucks, alleging ‘false and misleading statements’

The shareholder claims the company provided false information about its overall performance and growth potential outside of the U.S. Starbucks said the allegations are without merit.  

By Julie Littman • Aug. 30, 2024

Roti becomes the latest fast casual brand to file for Chapter 11

The 19-unit brand cited the end of its rent deferral agreements as a contributing factor in seeking bankruptcy protection.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 27, 2024

Suit alleges Boston Market owner Jay Pandya looted Corner Bakery Cafe

Corner Bakery’s new owner, SSCP Restaurant Investors, say Pandya bled the brand dry through cash transfers to his management firm. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 21, 2024

Home Run Dugout secures $22.5M, plans expansion

The baseball-centric entertainment concept already plans to open a location in San Antonio, Texas, and Scottsdale, Arizona.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 20, 2024

BurgerFi might go bankrupt

Net losses are expected to be $18.4 million for the second quarter, and cash flow is only $4.4 million, marking a stark financial picture for the chain.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 19, 2024

Hostmore, TGI Fridays deal delayed

Management says not to expect a Q3 2024 closure, after the companies revised their combined business plan to a full-franchised model.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 9, 2024

Presto Automation delisted from Nasdaq

Presto’s Interim CEO predicted delisting will let the firm pursue a startup like capital strategy, as its operations shift to the development of new voice-AI.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 8, 2024

Buca di Beppo files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, facilitates sale

The chain closed 13 units last week after shuttering numerous locations across the country over the past several months.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 5, 2024

World of Beer among latest casual chains to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy

The craft brew chain’s financial struggles began shortly after it instituted a food and spirit program in 2013 that was met with resistance from franchisees.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 5, 2024

Batbox secures $7.3M financing, plots US expansion

The baseball-focused eatertainment chain will open its first location in Texas in early 2025 and plans to have 25 units by 2030.

By Julie Littman • July 31, 2024

Presto CEO says the business will survive if delisted

The voice AI company, which went public in 2021, could benefit from a NASDAQ delisting that lets it act more like a start-up, Gee Lefevre said.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 30, 2024

Red Lobster expects positive net income by fiscal 2026

The chain also anticipates adjusted EBITDA growth of 43% from fiscal 2025 to 2027 after emerging from Chapter 11.

By Julie Littman • July 25, 2024