Julie Littman

The transaction will allow SPB to focus on growing its flagship brands like Krystal, Logan’s Roadhouse and J. Alexander’s.

While big brands appear in numerous airports and train stations, emerging competitors like Slim Chickens and Pollo Campero are also using them to build brand awareness.

Following an attack on a portion of its information technology systems, the chain said it was working to restore online ordering. In-store operations were not impacted.

Transactions slowed this year, but some made headlines like Blackstone’s $2 billion buyout of Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Darden’s $600 million Chuy’s purchase.

The review platform added over 20 features, including AI-powered review insights and enhancements to its business product suite.

Rental delinquencies were up 11% last month compared to November 2023 as operators struggled with rising operating costs, according to data from Alignable.

From a CEO-ouster at Starbucks to pressure to spin off smaller brands at The Cheesecake Factory, activist investors took dramatic measures to boost shareholder value in 2024.

Sales and traffic fell for many brands, like Starbucks and McDonald's, but fast casuals like Chipotle and Cava had a good year.

Red Lobster closed over 100 stores prior to filing for bankruptcy, while other chains like Denny’s, which is closing 150 underperforming units, are using closures to improve system health.

In addition to gift card sales growth, Patronix reported an uptick in in-store purchases versus digital compared to the same period last year.