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 how Twin Hospitality leveraged the franchise model to enhance performance and unlock growth potential for its restaurant brand.
Photo by Abdul Hakim
Photo by Abdul Hakim
Twin Hospitality's decision to convert Smokey Bones units into Twin Peaks restaurants marks a strategic shift in the restaurant industry. By identifying 19 Smokey Bones locations for conversion, Twin Hospitality aimed to revitalize these spaces and enhance their performance. The successful completion of two conversions has already demonstrated significant results, with average unit volumes skyrocketing from $3.5 million to $7.8 million. This substantial increase showcases the effectiveness of the conversion strategy in generating impressive financial returns.
Utilizing FAT Brands' established franchise model, Twin Hospitality plans to leverage franchising as a tool for unlocking growth potential within its brand. By starting to franchise a portion of the remaining Smokey Bones locations, Twin Hospitality aims to create a more balanced corporate-to-franchise mix. This shift not only diversifies the company's operational structure but also paves the way for expanded market presence and revenue streams. The strategic use of franchising can open up new avenues for brand expansion and profitability.
The closure of 15 unprofitable Smokey Bones locations, coupled with the reduction of $1.5 million in corporate overhead, underscores Twin Hospitality's commitment to enhancing EBITDA performance. By focusing on the positive cash flow generated by the remaining 26 Smokey Bones restaurants, which contribute around $3 million to EBITDA on a trailing 12-month basis, the company aims to streamline operations and drive financial growth. These measures are designed to create a more robust financial framework for sustained success.
With the appointment of Ken Brendemihl as president of Smokey Bones, Twin Hospitality reinforces its commitment to operational excellence and leadership. Ken's extensive experience in the restaurant industry, including roles at Alamo Drafthouse, Velvet Taco, and Texas Roadhouse, brings a wealth of operational expertise to steer Smokey Bones into a new era. His proven track record and deep industry knowledge position him as a catalyst for driving growth and innovation within the brand.
While focusing on revitalizing Smokey Bones, Twin Hospitality remains dedicated to growing its Twin Peaks brand. With 114 units spread across 27 states and Mexico, and backed by 100 signed franchise agreements, Twin Peaks has laid a solid foundation for expansion. Despite recent operational losses and a decline in same-store sales, Twin Hospitality's strategic initiatives, including the closure of underperforming Smokey Bones locations, are aimed at strengthening the overall financial performance and growth trajectory of the Twin Peaks brand.