How to Calculate the Right Menu Price for Each Item
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
Jun 17, 2026
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
Jun 17, 2026
Explore best Areas in Chicago to open a restaurant by matching neighborhood demand, concept type, costs, traffic, and customer behavior.
Jun 17, 2026
BJ's Restaurants has appointed Monika Saxena as brand president, bringing over two decades of experience from LongHorn Steakhouse and Darden Restaurants, where she helped drive 20 consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales growth.
Jun 17, 2026
Blue Bottle Coffee has introduced Kyoto-Style Espresso, a slow-drip cold espresso made without machines, launching across its 152 global locations on June 16 with seven new cold drinks designed specifically for the way modern customers order coffee.
Jun 17, 2026
Hungry Howie's has appointed Jimmy Simonte as Executive Vice President of Marketing, bringing more than 25 years of Domino's experience to the Michigan-born pizza brand as it undergoes a major technology overhaul and prepares to launch a new loyalty programme.
Jun 17, 2026
Starbucks CFO Cathy Smith is transferring her principal accounting officer role to Val Bauduin, who will continue serving as SVP of corporate finance and development while reporting to Smith amid the chain's ongoing turnaround.
Jun 17, 2026
Yum Brands has agreed to sell Pizza Hut through two separate transactions totalling $2.7 billion, with Long Range Capital acquiring the global business for $1.5 billion and Yum China Holdings purchasing the China operations for $1.2 billion.
Jun 16, 2026
Scooter's Coffee is running a buy-one-get-one drink offer from June 19 to 21, available exclusively through its mobile app after 11 a.m.- giving customers three days to treat dad to a free drink this Father's Day weekend.
Jun 16, 2026
A group of Twin Peaks franchisees has been named strategic advisor to the chain's new owners following its sale out of bankruptcy, with a clear path to acquiring the brand outright within the next 12 to 16 months.
Jun 16, 2026
Denny's is launching The Clock's Off Menu on June 24, combining breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites available any time of day, alongside new Slammin' Meal Deals Under $10 and exciting rewards for new members.
Jun 16, 2026
Explore the reasons behind the surge in restaurant bankruptcies in 2024 and strategies to navigate the challenges. Learn how operational decisions, reliance on third-party delivery, and discounting impact customer loyalty.
Photo by Luca Bravo
Photo by Luca Bravo
The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges for the restaurant industry. While initial optimism surrounded the post-COVID years, the reality of persistent inflationary pressures has led to a surge in bankruptcies. Many renowned establishments like Red Lobster, BurgerFi, and Rubio’s, among others, have found themselves grappling with financial instability.
Photo by Luca Bravo
Industry experts highlight the repercussions of nearsightedness in operational decisions. Zach Goldstein emphasizes that decisions made several years ago are now haunting operators. The ease of obtaining debt in previous years led to overleveraging, which is now hindering necessary pivots for survival. Meredith Sandland notes the shift in financing dynamics, where funding once abundant is now scarce, impacting brand sustainability.
Photo by Luca Bravo
As operators strive to combat inflation, the reliance on third-party delivery and discounting poses significant challenges. Ellie Doty warns against underestimating the costs associated with off-premises business. Subpar delivery experiences can deter customer loyalty, emphasizing the need to prioritize quality service. Over-discounting, as highlighted by Andrew Smith, may provide short-term gains but erodes brand value and long-term profitability.
Photo by Luca Bravo
Creating long-term customer loyalty emerges as a paramount strategy in the face of cautious consumer spending. Industry leaders stress the importance of fostering genuine customer relationships over short-term tactics like discounts. A focus on delivering exceptional experiences, both on-premises and off-premises, can cultivate loyal patrons who transcend price sensitivity.