Chipotle Rewards on Repeat Relaunch
Chipotle reshapes loyalty with Rewards on Repeat, blending in-store promotions, staff incentives, and simpler redemption to boost traffic.
Apr 16, 2026
Chipotle reshapes loyalty with Rewards on Repeat, blending in-store promotions, staff incentives, and simpler redemption to boost traffic.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Salah Ait Mokhtar on Unsplash
A refined look at Papa Murphy’s strategy as MTY guides a cautious turnaround amid a crowded pizza landscape—digital play, local marketing, and a new Detroit-style offering.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Sergio Mena Ferreira on Unsplash
Mo’ Bettahs leaves Kansas City as it pivots to a PE-backed national expansion to Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Kate Trysh on Unsplash
Applebee’s O-M-Cheese Burger fuses spectacle with value, driving social buzz and foot traffic—a signal for the skillet-cheese moment in casual dining.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Diego Mattevi on Unsplash
GoTo Foods taps Misra and Lambert to harmonize digital momentum with disciplined development across seven brands, aiming for stronger guest experiences and franchisee economics.
Apr 16, 2026
Bojangles launches Bo’s Chicken Rippers in an eight-week pilot, turning bites into a hands-on, sauce-forward experience with interactive, tear-apart slabs.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Jim Sosengphet on Unsplash
Popeyes teams with One Piece for a limited menu and merch drop, blending bold flavors with anime fandom to boost traffic and loyalty.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by dedy kurniawan on Unsplash
A close look at Jersey Mike’s rapid expansion, leadership shift, and international push under Blackstone’s ownership.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Roberto Catarinicchia on Unsplash
CAVA launches Glazed Salmon with pomegranate glaze from Just Date, pairing seafood with chef-curated bowls and a new loyalty push to broaden Mediterranean flavors.
Apr 15, 2026
Photo by Carol Highsmith's America on Unsplash
Chains fuse Korean, Mexican, and botanical flavors into familiar favorites. Discover the artistry, risks, and strategy behind this culinary renaissance.
Apr 15, 2026
Discover the latest news and trends in restaurant mergers and acquisitions in 2024. Learn about the significant deals involving industry giants like Roark Capital, Blackstone, and Subway.


One of the major highlights in the restaurant industry in 2024 was Roark Capital's acquisition of Subway. Subway, known as the world's largest quick-service sandwich chain with nearly 37,000 franchised restaurants globally, became a part of Roark Capital in April. Roark Capital, a prominent Atlanta-based private equity firm with a strong foothold in the restaurant sector, added Subway to its impressive portfolio of brands.
Roark Capital's acquisition of Subway added to its already diverse portfolio of restaurant chains. The firm is a key operator behind Inspire Brands, which boasts a range of well-known brands including Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, and Jimmy John’s. Additionally, Roark Capital supports GoTo Foods, previously Focus Brands, which oversees franchises like Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, and Moe’s Southwest Grill among others.
Another significant deal that shook the industry in 2024 was Blackstone's majority ownership position in Jersey Mike's. The popular sub shop, founded by Peter Cancro in 1975, saw Blackstone stepping in to accelerate its expansion plans and enhance its technological capabilities. Despite the acquisition, Peter Cancro maintained a significant equity stake in Jersey Mike's and continued to lead the company, ensuring continuity in its operations and growth strategy.

Blackstone's move to invest in Jersey Mike's aligned with its broader strategy in the restaurant sector. Prior to Jersey Mike's, Blackstone had already ventured into the industry with investments in Tropical Smoothie Café and 7 Brew Coffee. The acquisition of Jersey Mike's marked another milestone in Blackstone's efforts to capitalize on the evolving food and beverage landscape and foster growth for its portfolio companies.
The flurry of mergers and acquisitions in the restaurant industry in 2024 reflects the ongoing drive for expansion, innovation, and strategic partnerships. These deals not only reshape the competitive landscape but also influence consumer choices and market dynamics. Companies like Roark Capital and Blackstone are at the forefront of driving change and shaping the future of the foodservice industry through strategic acquisitions.