Darden Restaurants on Thursday reported weaker-than-expected quarterly earnings and revenue as sales weakened at Olive Garden and its fine dining restaurants. “While we fell short of our expectations for the first quarter, I firmly believe in the strength of our business,” CEO Rick Cardenas said in a statement. “I am confident in the actions all our brand teams are…
New Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol will focus on improving the chain’s U.S. business in his early days on the job before he moves to fix its issues abroad, according to an open letter published on Tuesday. “… In some places — especially in the U.S. — we aren’t always delivering,” Niccol wrote in the open letter addressed to customers,…
Beyond Meat in El Segundo, California, on May 30, 2024. Christina House | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images Beyond Meat will introduce a whole-muscle steak alternative as part of its pivot to win over health-conscious consumers. CEO Ethan Brown said on Wednesday that the rollout will likely include a partnership with a restaurant chain known for serving healthier…
The Red Lobster logo is displayed outside of a closed restaurant in Torrance, California, on May 14, 2024. Patrick T. Fallon | Afp | Getty Images Restaurant bankruptcy filings have surged so far this year, echoing a broader rise in corporate bankruptcies across sectors. At least 10 restaurant chains, not including multi-unit franchisees, have filed for bankruptcy in 2024….
Leopatrizi | E+ | Getty Images Lawmakers want to crack down on “junk fees,” but restaurants are trying to stay out of the fight. Surcharges or fees covering everything from credit card processing to gratuities to “inflation” have become more popular on restaurant checks in recent years. Last year, 15% of restaurant owners added surcharges or fees to checks…
A sign advertises meal deals at a McDonald’s restaurant in Burbank, California, on July 22, 2024. Mario Tama | Getty Images Restaurant CEOs have become obsessed with the word “value” in explaining to investors why their sales lagged this quarter while sharing plans to revive traffic in the coming months. On McDonald’s quarterly conference call last month, executives said…