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Jonathan Maze

Editor-in-Chief

Articles by
Jonathan Maze

Page 2
Financing

Reassessing McDonald's tech deals from 2019

The Bottom Line: The fast-food giant’s decision to end its drive-thru AI test with IBM is the latest pullback away from a pair of technology acquisitions it made five years ago.

Technology

McDonald's is ending its drive-thru AI test

The Chicago-based fast-food giant is ending its partnership with IBM on automated order-taking without an expansion. But McDonald’s still believes AI drive-thrus are in its future.

Financing

A Brazilian TGI Fridays operator declares bankruptcy

SouthRock Capital, which had also operated Starbucks and Subway units, filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy in Texas to protect its rights to the casual-dining restaurant chain.

Financing

Starbucks' value offer is a bad idea

The Bottom Line: It’s not entirely clear that price is the reason Starbucks is losing traffic. If it isn’t, the company’s new value offer could backfire.

Financing

The 10 largest pizza chains in the U.S.

It was a tough year for the pizza business, as the average brand reported flat sales in 2023, according to the Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report. Here’s a look at the largest chains in the U.S. based on 2023 system sales.

Marketing

The pizza business, looking for customers, takes on burger chains

Papa Johns is bringing back its Cheesy Burger Pizza, after Pizza Hut created its Cheeseburger Melt, as major fast-food chains face challenges with their value reputation.

Financing

A tough restaurant economy hits Dave & Buster's

Stock in the food-and-games chain, which also owns Main Event, plunged early Thursday following a weak sales report.

Financing

Struggling I Heart Mac and Cheese franchisees push back against their franchisor

Operators say most of them aren't making money and want a break on their royalties. But they also complain about receiving expired cheese from closed stores. "Don't send us moldy product."

Financing

Restaurants continue raising prices faster than grocers

Menu price inflation slowed at fast-food restaurants last month. But prices throughout the industry continue to increase faster than at supermarkets.

Financing

The difference between winners and losers in a tough restaurant market

A Deeper Dive: This week's episode of the podcast features James Walker, CEO of Frisch's Restaurants, to talk about the state of the restaurant industry.

Marketing

Starbucks makes a surprise jump into the value war

The coffee shop chain is joining a growing number of fast-food restaurant chains pushing bundled deals to get customers to come in more often.

Financing

In California, jobs are up, but traffic is down

The Bottom Line: Limited-service restaurants have not cut jobs in California, despite the $20 fast-food wage. But that doesn't mean it hasn't had an impact.

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