Pizza Hut’s $1.2B China Sale Shakes Up Market
Yum! Brands has finalized a $1.2B deal to transfer Pizza Hut China to Yum China Holdings, signaling big strategic moves for both global franchisors and operators.
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Yum! Brands has finalized a $1.2B deal to transfer Pizza Hut China to Yum China Holdings, signaling big strategic moves for both global franchisors and operators.
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Panera Bread appoints industry veteran Andy Rebhun as Chief Marketing Officer, ushering in a new era of brand growth and consumer engagement.
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Portillo’s trims 18% of its corporate staff in a bid to refocus resources on restaurant excellence and navigate operational challenges. Discover what the changes mean for the chain’s future.
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Scheduling software helps restaurants save time, control labor costs, improve communication, prevent conflicts, support compliance, and make smarter staffing decisions.
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Portillo’s trims corporate and field roles by 18% in a strategic shake-up to support future growth after soft traffic and sales. Read what this means for multi-unit operators.
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Dutch Bros invests $105 million to acquire Salad and Go’s closed locations, targeting rapid expansion in key southern markets. Learn what this means for multi-unit restaurant owners and operators.
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Salad and Go's bankruptcy and closure offer key lessons on growth, risk management, and market dynamics for restaurant leaders. See what every operator can learn.
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Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.
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Skye Anderson will lead McDonald's USA as its new president, stepping in to accelerate growth and revive sales. Learn how her leadership could shape the future of the restaurant industry.
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The details of the cooperation agreement between BJ's Restaurants and Act III Holdings LLC, its implications, and the impact on the restaurant industry.

BJ’s Restaurants, a prominent player in the casual dining industry, has forged a strategic partnership with Act III Holdings LLC, an investment firm known for backing emerging concepts in the restaurant and entertainment sectors. The agreement, outlined in an 8-K filing, grants Act III the option to purchase nearly 877,000 shares of BJ’s Restaurants. Moreover, Act III and its affiliates have made voting commitments and agreed to a standstill provision until May 2027, indicating a long-term commitment to the partnership.

During the uncertainties brought about by the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Act III, in collaboration with T. Rowe Price Associates Inc., injected $70 million into BJ’s Restaurants, showing confidence in the brand despite challenging market conditions. The decision to deepen the partnership through the latest agreement comes at a crucial time for BJ’s, facing sluggish sales, management changes including the resignation of the CEO, and activist investor pressure.

With the departure of the previous CEO, Greg Levin, Bradford Richmond, a longstanding member of BJ’s board of directors, has stepped into the role of interim CEO, bringing his financial acumen and strategic oversight to navigate the company through the upcoming growth phase. The recent appointment of Lyle Tick as president and chief concept officer underscores BJ’s commitment to revitalizing its brand and enhancing its market position. The leadership team aims to leverage their expertise to unlock the full potential of BJ’s Restaurants, focusing on growth and value creation.
Ron Shaich, the founder of Panera Bread and the force behind Act III Holdings LLC, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with BJ’s Restaurants, highlighting support for the board’s strategic decisions and the new leadership's vision for driving the company forward. The cooperation agreement signals a shared focus on exceeding goals and creating long-term value. Lea Ann Ottinger, BJ’s board chair, echoed the sentiment, noting that the partnership with Act III will play a key role in developing and executing a robust strategic plan for BJ’s future.
Act III's investment portfolio extends beyond BJ’s Restaurants and includes diverse concepts like CAVA, Tatte Bakery, Life Alive Organic Café, and Level99. This diverse portfolio highlights Act III's commitment to innovation and growth within the restaurant and entertainment industries. On the other hand, BJ’s, with a history dating back to 1978, operates over 215 casual dining restaurants across 31 states, showcasing its strong presence and potential for further expansion and market consolidation.