Chuck E. Cheese staying private after failed merger

The eatertainment's parent company and Leo Holdings terminated their merger agreement on Monday, a move that will keep the chain from re-entering the public market. 

By Julie Littman • July 29, 2019

Takeaway.com, Just Eat agree to merger

The deal will create one of the largest European food delivery companies, processing 355 million orders and worth over $8 billion.

By Alicia Kelso • Updated Aug. 5, 2019

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

Jollibee pays $350M for Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Jollibee is a step closer to reaching its goal of becoming one of the five largest restaurant brands in the world, but not all of its investors are happy about the acquisition.

By Alicia Kelso • July 25, 2019

Red Robin's investor fight symptom of a changing Wall Street

The casual dining company is just one of many under the microscope of shareholders lately, and more will likely be next.

By Julie Littman • July 22, 2019

Private equity firm triples investment with Jack's Family Restaurants sale

Onex Group is in the process of selling the casual dining chain, reportedly receiving $835 million in proceeds from the transaction compared to its original investment of $234 million.

By Alicia Kelso • July 22, 2019

Cooper's Hawk confirms investment by Ares Management

Cooper's Hawk CEO Tim McEnery said the new investment from the private equity firm will help accelerate growth. 

By Alicia Kelso • Updated July 24, 2019

Brinker to acquire 116 franchised Chili's restaurants

The restaurant company plans to buy the stores, which generate $300 million in revenue per year, from Louisville, Kentucky-based ERJ Dining.

By Alicia Kelso • July 11, 2019

Sushi merger could mean additional kiosk growth in grocery stores

European sushi chain Yo! Sushi will pay $425 million for Houston-based Snowfox, which operates 700 store kiosks, primarily in supermarkets.

By Jennifer Sweeney • July 5, 2019

Hooters of America sold to 2 private equity firms

Nord Bay Capital and TriArtisan Capital, which just bought P.F. Chang's, are acquiring the chain as it continues to struggle with brand perception, sales declines and unit reduction. 

By Julie Littman • July 2, 2019

Del Frisco's sold to private equity firm for $650M

Following a strategic review, the restaurant group agreed to an acquisition by L Catterton, which plans to operate Del Frisco's Grille and Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse separately from bartaco and Barcelona Wine Bar. 

By Julie Littman • June 24, 2019

FAT Brands acquires Elevation Burger for $10M

With this latest transaction, FAT Brands grows to over 400 restaurants and annual systemwide sales of more than $400 million.

By Julie Littman • June 20, 2019

Activist investor wants to remove five Red Robin directors

Vintage Capital wants the casual dining chain to call a special investors meeting where the shareholder would propose to remove five directors from the board. 

By Alicia Kelso • Updated June 19, 2019

Sweetgreen buys meal delivery company in first-ever acquisition

The deal with Washington, D.C.-based Galley Foods will give the salad chain access to new logistics technology, production capacity and "unparalleled insight into delivery," sweetgreen CEO Jonathan Neman said. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 11, 2019

Perkins & Marie Callender's declares bankruptcy, will sell Perkins business

The casual dining firm entered into an asset purchase agreement with Perkins Group, a newly formed entity, for the sale of its Perkins' and Foxtail bakery businesses. Marie Callender's is still in talks with potential buyers and investors.

By Julie Littman • Updated Aug. 5, 2019

Pei Wei acquired by private equity firm

Centerbridge Partners sold the Asian fast-casual concept to PWD Acquisition for an undisclosed amount, just a few months after offloading sister brand P.F. Chang's.

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 5, 2019

Whataburger sells majority stake to private equity firm

The family-owned burger chain, which is reportedly worth more than $6 billion, has sold a majority stake to BDT Capital while the Dobson family will retain minority ownership.

By Lauren Manning • Updated June 14, 2019

Jack in the Box is no longer exploring sale

The company is instead planning to implement a new capital structure that is expected to drive shareholder value. 

By Julie Littman • May 16, 2019

Resy acquired by American Express

The credit card company's acquisition is part of an ongoing strategy to expand its digital-first benefits and services to its more than 100 million card members, and could help Resy better compete with OpenTable. 

By Julie Littman • May 15, 2019

Booking Holdings acquires guest management platform Venga

The move lets OpenTable's restaurant clients create comprehensive diner profiles that include eating preferences and spend and order history. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 6, 2019

Just Eat buys POS system Practi to lock down restaurant loyalty

The $8.7 million acquisition of the firm, which services independent restaurants and small chains, could strengthen Just Eat's restaurant portfolio.

By Alicia Kelso • April 17, 2019

Papa Murphy's acquired by MTY Food Group for $190M

The sale will give the take-and-bake pizza chain new capital investments that could help top line sales growth and increase franchisee profitability.

By Julie Littman • April 11, 2019

J. Alexander's strikes deal with activist investor

As part of the agreement with Ancora Advisors, the restaurant has appointed an additional board member, echoing similar agreements made by Red Robin and Bloomin' Brands with activist investors.

By Lauren Manning • Updated April 21, 2020

Chuck E. Cheese plans to go public after merger

The merger between Leo Holdings and Queso could position the chain to purchase other family concepts, CEC Entertainment CEO Tom Leverton hinted during a webcast. 

By Julie Littman • April 8, 2019

ezCater acquires Monkey Group, growing its catering platform capabilities

The deal brings together two top catering tech firms, creating a more robust tool to support the growing off-premise segment. 

By Julie Littman • March 27, 2019

McDonald's buys Dynamic Yield for $300M to improve drive-thru experience

The new technology will be used to roll out digital menu boards that can change depending on the weather, time of day and existing restaurant traffic, providing more personalization at the drive-thru. 

By Julie Littman • March 26, 2019