Portillo’s Appoints Kevin Kalicak Finance Chief
Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.
Aug 5, 2026
Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.
Aug 5, 2026
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.
Aug 4, 2026
Fast-growing chain HTeaO names franchise veteran Brian Wise as CEO, fueling the brand’s ambitious growth plans and franchisee-first strategy.
Aug 4, 2026
Dave & Buster’s announces Tarun Lal’s retirement as CEO, welcoming Darin Harper to the helm as the brand continues its Back-to-Basics strategy and growth initiatives.
Aug 4, 2026
Explore restaurant payment processing and learn how payments are authorized, settled, secured, reconciled, refunded, disputed, and deposited into business accounts.
Aug 3, 2026
Checkers & Rally’s welcomes Peter Busse as Chief Development Officer, signaling a new era of strategic expansion and franchise support for the quick-service brand.
Aug 4, 2026
Restaurant owners can use this guide to evaluate employee benefits, estimate expenses, define eligibility, manage enrollment, and strengthen staff retention.
Aug 3, 2026
Krispy Kreme announces two key internal promotions, naming Suk Nicholas as Chief Commercial Officer and Lori Suess as Chief People Officer. These appointments signal a continued commitment to innovative growth and people-first strategy.
Aug 3, 2026
Domino's launches a bold campaign offering $5 off digital orders in exchange for customer feedback on its revamped app and website - signaling a new era of guest engagement for restaurant operators.
Aug 3, 2026
This guide explains restaurant accounting, covering revenue, expenses, payroll, inventory, taxes, financial statements, cash flow, and strategies for improving profitability.
Jul 31, 2026
Explore the recent surge in restaurant bankruptcies and the impact on various businesses. Learn about the challenges faced by companies and the strategies for potential recovery.
Photo by Philipp Thelen
The restaurant industry has been hit hard by a wave of bankruptcies, with several well-known establishments filing for Chapter 11 in recent weeks. From Anderson Tap House to Quack’s Bakeries, businesses of varying sizes and specialties have succumbed to financial challenges. Factors such as inflation, changing consumer behavior, and increased operational costs have contributed to this distressing trend.
The filings not only reflect the struggles of traditional dining establishments but also extend to a range of concepts, including sports bars, bakeries, and franchise operations. For instance, TMAD Wigwam, a franchisee of Teriyaki Madness, mirrors the broader spectrum of businesses facing financial difficulties. This diversity underscores the pervasive nature of the economic challenges affecting the industry.
One of the primary drivers behind these bankruptcies is the economic fallout from the global pandemic, leading to shifts in consumer behavior and financial instability for many businesses. The depletion of assets relative to debts, as seen in cases like Anderson Tap House and Quack’s Bakeries, demonstrates the severe financial strain these companies have experienced.
Despite the bleak scenario, businesses like Slater Hospitality and The CookQueen LLC are striving to navigate the bankruptcy process with plans for restructuring operations and preserving value for stakeholders. By focusing on maintaining business continuity and offering distributions to unsecured creditors, these companies are exploring avenues for potential recovery amidst financial turmoil.
Photo by Philipp Thelen
The recent surge in restaurant bankruptcies serves as a cautionary tale for the industry, highlighting the importance of financial preparedness, operational adaptability, and strategic planning. By learning from the challenges faced by these businesses, industry players can better equip themselves to weather unforeseen crises and ensure long-term sustainability.