Reuters

This is from the weekly restaurant finance newsletter The Bottom Line.

The chain said it provides franchisees with tools, resources and recommendations for pricing, but operators ultimately make the decisions over menu costs.

McDonald’s has another pricing problem. Or maybe it’s a semantics problem.

Starbucks could be on the verge of another significant overseas deal.

President Trump signed two executive orders to increase competition in meat processing and support cattle ranchers.

The on-again, off-again sale of Wendy’s is off again, at least according to Reuters, which said in a report on Wednesday that Nelson Peltz, the company’s largest shareholder, has shelved plans to buy the chain.

When Starbucks unveiled its AI inventory-counting tool in early September, it seemed like a great example of how restaurants could benefit from AI.

The coffee giant is ending its computer vision inventory counting system — which employees called “unreliable” — in favor of traditional stock-keeping methods, Reuters reported.

Subway experienced a net loss of 729 U.S. locations in 2025, continuing a decade-long contraction of the brand’s domestic restaurant footprint.

Peloton's shares drop due to weak demand for fitness equipment

The US budget deficit reached $291 billion in July 2025, a 19% increase from the same month last year, with tariff revenue more than double the same period in 2024.

New unemployment claims reached 226,000, potentially fueling growth in the franchise industry as employers manage shifting labor demands through attrition.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., will host a celebration of Michael J. Lotito's life and legacy during an invitation-only service from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, March 28.

Blackstone is acquiring Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a fast-casual franchisor with over 1,400 locations, to boost growth through marketing strategies and operational improvements.

Sometimes it makes sense to live by the old adage that if you want something done right, it’s best to do it yourself.

Thomson Reuters will host its 2024 Investor Day in New York on March 12, 2024, featuring presentations by senior management and question-and-answer sessions.

Teleperformance has achieved the AWS Well-Architected Partner status, recognizing its expertise in delivering AWS Well-Architected reviews.

McDonald's provides free meals to Israeli soldiers, with franchise locations clarifying that the decision was made by the local franchise and not the global brand.

TDR Capital may sell David Lloyd Leisure for $2.6 billion.

Dae Gee Korean BBQ has signed a master franchise agreement to bring up to 20 new restaurants to Mexico, led by Restaurant Management Group.

The commercial real estate market is facing challenges due to office building vacancies and interest rate hikes.

A&W Restaurants expects a milder cost increase this year, with a predicted 2.4% rise in total cost.

The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) projects that the food service industry will grow 4.9% in 2022 compared to 2021, with some QSR juggernauts uniquely positioned to make it a year to remember.

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased by 0.3 points in September, following a decrease in labor shortages, but concerns about inflation and economic outlook remain prevalent.