Thomas Keller Group Settles EEOC Case for $2 Million
Thomas Keller Restaurant Group will pay $2M to settle an EEOC harassment and retaliation case tied to Bouchon Las Vegas, closing a long-running action from 2018.
Jul 19, 2026
Thomas Keller Restaurant Group will pay $2M to settle an EEOC harassment and retaliation case tied to Bouchon Las Vegas, closing a long-running action from 2018.
Jul 19, 2026
Fresh Kitchen names Bill Knopf and Matt Livingston to lead operations and development as the clean-label bowl brand targets growth beyond 100 locations.
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Hardee’s franchisee Superior Star filed Chapter 11 after a 2023 deal revealed unpaid taxes, costly repairs, and lease burdens; plans to reject leases and refocus.
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Cinnabon posted a net gain of 308 U.S. units in 2025 and launched Seattle’s Best Coffee in 2026 to boost beverage mix, margins, and franchise-driven expansion.
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Craveworthy taps master franchisee Unisan Bowls to launch Genghis Grill and Dirty Dough in India, targeting Hyderabad first amid tight U.S. financing.
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Buffalo Wild Wings launches Poppin’ Ranch, a 99-cent popping-candy ranch add-on, designed to spark sensory buzz and impulse trials ahead of Wing Day.
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Wonder closed a $650M Series D at a $9B valuation to expand locations and invest in robotics, AI, and delivery tech, accelerating its automation-first restaurant model.
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Understand sports bar startup expenses, including location, construction, kitchen equipment, televisions, licenses, insurance, staffing, supplies, and cash reserves for operations.
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Learn how to increase restaurant sales during the World Cup final through smarter planning, staffing, promotions, inventory, menus, and operations.
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Mother-daughter duo Ciara Boyce and Tracey Pidge bring Hotworx to Wasilla, the first of four Alaska studios, extending a fast-growing 800+ location brand.
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Explore how Bloomin' is restructuring its operations and sales strategies to overcome sales decline challenges and enhance guest experience.


Following a period of declining same-store sales across its brands, Bloomin' has embarked on a strategic journey to tackle these challenges head-on. With a focus on operational restructuring and enhancing guest experience, the company is determined to revitalize its sales performance and drive sustainable growth. The recent sales troubles have prompted Bloomin' to reevaluate its existing strategies and prioritize key areas for improvement before considering new unit expansion.
Recognizing the importance of guest experience, particularly at Outback, Bloomin' is prioritizing getting the fundamentals right before expanding its footprint. This strategic shift aligns with the company's commitment to ensuring that its core operations are optimized for success. By focusing on in-store changes to drive traffic, enhance guest intent to return, boost employee engagement, and improve profitability, Bloomin' aims to lay a solid foundation for future growth initiatives.
One of the significant operational changes introduced by Bloomin' is the emphasis on remodeling and maintaining its restaurant infrastructure. By investing in the repair and upkeep of its locations, the company aims to enhance the overall dining experience for guests. This shift from a growth-centric approach to a remodeling strategy highlights Bloomin's commitment to revitalizing its existing assets and reinforcing its brand image.
In addition to operational adjustments at the brand level, Bloomin' has implemented changes at the corporate level to streamline its structure and enhance operational efficiency. By reducing layers in the organizational hierarchy and empowering brand presidents, the company seeks to create a more agile and responsive organization. This decentralized approach allows individual brands to take ownership of key functions like marketing, training, culinary innovation, and franchisee relations, fostering a more focused and efficient decision-making process.
Bloomin's menu optimization strategy aims to enhance menu offerings by focusing on quality over quantity. By reducing the number of menu items by 10% to 20% across all brands, the company is aiming to streamline operations, improve consistency, and eliminate low-performing or labor-intensive dishes. This targeted approach not only enhances the guest dining experience but also contributes to operational efficiency and profitability.
Transitioning from its previous promotional tactics, Bloomin' is pivoting towards a more value-centric marketing approach. By emphasizing strong value messaging and consistent pricing strategies, the company aims to resonate with customers seeking quality dining experiences at competitive prices. This strategic shift aligns with the success of competitors like Chili's, showcasing the potential impact of value-driven marketing on sales performance and customer loyalty.