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.
Jul 18, 2026
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.
Jul 18, 2026
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.
Jul 18, 2026
Craveworthy taps master franchisee Unisan Bowls to launch Genghis Grill and Dirty Dough in India, targeting Hyderabad first amid tight U.S. financing.
Jul 17, 2026
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.
Jul 17, 2026
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.
Jul 17, 2026
Understand sports bar startup expenses, including location, construction, kitchen equipment, televisions, licenses, insurance, staffing, supplies, and cash reserves for operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Learn how to increase restaurant sales during the World Cup final through smarter planning, staffing, promotions, inventory, menus, and operations.
Jul 16, 2026
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.
Jul 16, 2026
Explore the consequences of bankruptcy for franchise businesses with insights from the recent Twin Peaks bankruptcy filing and Panera Brands CEO change.

The recent bankruptcy filing by DMD Ventures, a Florida-based franchisee of Twin Peaks, highlights the challenges that franchise businesses can face. The $12 million litigation claim faced by the Twin Peaks franchisee serves as a cautionary tale for others in the industry. By filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, DMD Ventures and its affiliated businesses, DMD Florida Development 2, LLC, and DMD Florida Restaurant Groups C and D LLC, are navigating through a complex restructuring process.
The Twin Peaks bankruptcy case underscores the importance of financial management and operational resilience in the franchising sector. Franchisees must carefully manage their finances, monitor performance closely, and adapt to changing market conditions to avoid similar pitfalls. This event serves as a reminder of the risks involved in operating a franchise business and the need for proactive risk management strategies.

In parallel, the sudden departure of José Alberto Dueñas as the CEO of Panera Brands has sparked discussions about leadership stability in franchise corporations. The appointment of Paul Carbone as the interim CEO signals a period of transition for the St. Louis-based parent company overseeing Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee, and Einstein Brands. This change underscores the significance of strong leadership in navigating challenges within franchise organizations.