Restaurants Face Five Regulatory Shifts At Once
Wage hikes, the penny's end, new NLRB rules, California sugar labels, and franchise law changes are converging on operators this year.
Sep 30, 2026
Wage hikes, the penny's end, new NLRB rules, California sugar labels, and franchise law changes are converging on operators this year.
Sep 30, 2026
Panera taps outsiders from Burger King and Oakberry to fix operations, order accuracy and supply chain as it overhauls loyalty and marketing.
Sep 30, 2026
Chipotle hits 1,500 Chipotlanes, the digital pickup lanes launched in 2018. Here's how the format became core to its growth strategy.
Sep 29, 2026
El Pollo Loco appoints Damon Thomas as chief operating officer, bringing restaurant operations experience to the company’s senior leadership team.
Sep 29, 2026
Rock N Roll Sushi taps franchise veteran Rick Gestring as CEO, succeeding Craig LeMieux in a transition built on continuity, not disruption.
Sep 28, 2026
TIG Reaper LLC, a multi-unit Dave's Hot Chicken franchisee, filed Chapter 11 amid a bitter dispute with lender Bank Midwest over alleged defaults.
Sep 28, 2026
McDonald's ArchIQ platform blends voice AI, automation, and predictive data to reshape drive-thrus and kitchens. Here's how it works and what's next.
Sep 28, 2026
Use this compliance checklist to review restaurant requirements, identify gaps, organize responsibilities, and maintain consistent compliance across daily operations.
Sep 28, 2026
The full-service concept, which posted 10% growth in same-store sales during fiscal Q1 2027, plans to open 13 new stores during the ongoing fiscal year.
Sep 28, 2026
Build an effective training program by setting clear goals, identifying role-specific needs, providing hands-on practice, evaluating performance, and continuously improving training.
Sep 28, 2026
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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.