The brand has already sealed refranchising agreements in excess of $40 million. TGI Fridays and international franchisee Hostmore, which are planning a merger, now want to be fully franchised. The U.K.-based operator, TGI Fridays’ largest franchisee, agreed to purchase the brand for $220 million. If the deal were to close, the combined entity would have… read more

Last week began with news that two more restaurant companies filed for bankruptcy: World of Beer, the once-fast-growing craft beer concept, and Buca di Beppo, the garish Italian chain. It’s been a common story this summer. Sixteen restaurant companies have declared Chapter 11 this year, and several more are close to it, with closed stores… read more

LaCount joins the organization from PepsiCo where he was Vice President of International Beverages Marketing leading hydration and energy portfolios for international markets including Gatorade and Sting. Popeyes announced Bart LaCount will join the brand as the new Chief Marketing Officer of Popeyes US & Canada and Matt Rubin will be named Chief Digital Officer… read more

The diner chain is gearing up to revive a ‘key brand differentiator.’ Intense competition on value across the industry is keeping price and affordability front and center for Denny’s. In the first half of the year, the company extended its value-oriented Slams platform and reintroduced its All-Day Diner Menu. “We aren’t done innovating yet,” CEO… read more

The chain was hurt by slower sales and higher food and labor costs. Buca di Beppo announced Monday that it filed for bankruptcy to optimize operations and improve its dining experience. The Italian concept has 44 locations and is in the process of opening one more. It also has two international restaurants. In court documents,… read more

Hard Rock International tapped long-time restaurant and hospitality leader Eric Martino to serve as president of its Hard Rock Cafe Division. In this role, Martino will oversee operations of the company’s nearly 200 eateries around the world. Additionally, Martino will oversee Hard Rock’s Retail Division globally. Hard Rock International Martino Head ShotMartino joins Hard Rock… read more

Paul Mangiamele of Legendary Restaurant Brands has been plotting the classic chain’s resurrection for years. The long-awaited return of classic chain Steak and Ale is here: Legendary Restaurant Brands officially opened the first new location on July 8 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration. Located at 14201 Nicollet Avenue South in Burnsville, Minnesota, the new… read more

Revenues improved marginally to $349.9m from $349.7m a year previously. BJ’s Restaurants has reported a net income of $17.2m for the second quarter (Q2) of 2024, a surge of more than 44% from $11.9m in the same period of 2023. For the quarter ended 2 July 2024, the company’s revenues improved marginally to $349.9m from… read more

Inflation-weary consumers likely skipped meals out — or chose cheaper options. McDonald’s global same-stores fell for the first time in nearly four years in the second quarter as inflation-weary consumers skipped meals out or chose cheaper options. The company said it’s working on fixes, like meal deals and new menu items, but it expects same-store… read more

Red Lobster has filed paperwork in a Florida federal court revealing that restaurant chain’s new owner is RL Purchaser LLC, a stalking horse bidder consisting of the company’s lenders. Two months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Red Lobster could soon be changing hands. A stalking horse bidder listed as RL Purchaser LLC − a… read more