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☆ Walmart says more diners are buying its groceries as fast food gets pricey
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Melissa Repko | In Melissa-Repko | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Walmart wants diners to find a value meal in its grocery aisles. As fast food gets pricier, the nation's largest grocer sees a sales opportunity. As customers see some grocery items stay the same price or even become cheaper, the gap between buying menu items and cooking food at home has grown even wider, he said. As of April, the price of food at home, a category that measures the total cost of food purchased at grocers or other food stores, was up 1.1% year over year. The price of food away from home rose significantly more: 4.1% year over year.

Persons: John David Rainey, McDonald's, Chris Kempczinski, John Furner, Furner, — CNBC's Amelia Lucas Organizations: Walmart, CNBC, Yum Brands, Management Solutions, Restaurant, U.S . Labor Department, Walmart U.S Locations: U.S, Connecticut

☆ McDonald's $5 value meal is coming in June — and staying for just a month
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Kate Rogers | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

McDonald's is set to offer a $5 value meal in the U.S., but only for a limited time. "We know how much it means to our customers when McDonald's offers meaningful value and communicates it through national advertising. That's been true since our very beginning and never more important than it is today," McDonald's said in a statement to CNBC. CNBC last week reported the fast-food giant was working to bring a value offering to menus, with details being discussed and voted on by franchisees. McDonald's recently reported a mixed first quarter, with U.S. same-store sales slightly missing expectations.

Persons: That's, McDonald's, Chris Kempczinski, John Palmaccio, — CNBC's Amelia Lucas Organizations: CNBC, U.S, National Advertising Fund Locations: U.S

☆ Fat Brands confidentially files to IPO Twin Peaks, Smokey Bones brands days after federal indictment
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Fat Brands announced its intention to spin off Twin Peaks through an IPO last year. Since its founding in 2005, Twin Peaks has grown to nearly 115 restaurant locations in the U.S. and Mexico. Smokey Bones is a newer addition to Fat Brands' portfolio, which currently includes 18 chains. Fat Brands acquired it in September 2023, with the goal of converting more than half of its 61 corporate-owned restaurants into Twin Peaks locations. Wiederhorn has a 45% stake in Fat Brands through Fog Cutter Holdings, according to FactSet.

Persons: Brands, Smokey, Andy Wiederhorn, Smokey Bones, Darden, Wiederhorn Organizations: Fat Brands, Securities and Exchange, Brands, SEC, Hooters, Olive Garden, Fog Cutter Locations: Wiederhorn, Los Angeles, U.S, Mexico, Olive, Twin

☆ Sweetgreen, Chipotle and other fast-casual chains are bucking the consumer slowdown
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

High-income consumers helped Chipotle Mexican Grill , Wingstop and Sweetgreen report strong sales this quarter, bucking the broader consumer slowdown that's been hurting other eateries. The sector saw higher traffic growth than any other dining sector from November to February, according to GuestXM data. High-income consumers haven't felt the same pinch as those in lower-income brackets. Wingstop saw its same-store sales soar 21% in the quarter. On Thursday, the salad chain reported first-quarter same-store sales growth of 5% and raised its full-year outlook for same-store sales growth.

Persons: Chris Kempczinski, John Peyton, haven't, Wingstop, Michael Skipworth, Jonathan Neman Organizations: Starbucks, KFC, Yum Brands, CNBC, Dine Brands

☆ Fat Brands and chair Andy Wiederhorn indicted in $47 million 'sham' loan scheme
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Federal authorities on Friday charged Fat Brands and its chair Andy Wiederhorn of committing a brazen scheme that netted him $47 million in bogus loans from the restaurant company that owns Fatburger, Johnny Rockets and Twin Peaks. Fat Brands, Wiederhorn and a few other people were criminally indicted by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles for wire fraud, tax evasion and other counts related to the alleged scheme. "These charges are unprecedented, unwarranted, unsubstantiated and unjust," Fat Brands counsel Brian Hennigan said in a statement. As chief executive of Fat Brands, Wiederhorn, 58, allegedly directed the company to loan its own funds to him, with no intention of ever paying the "sham" loans back, according to the indictment. He also did not report any of the so-called loans from Fat Brands as income, according to the indictment.

Persons: Andy Wiederhorn, Johnny, Brian Hennigan, Wiederhorn, overreach —, Nicola Hanna, Wiederhorn's, Thayer, Ron Roe, Rebecca Hershinger, William Amon Organizations: Brands, Johnny Rockets, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Fat Brands, SEC, Fog, Wiederhorn Locations: Los Angeles, Oregon, U.S

☆ McDonald’s is working to introduce a $5 value meal
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Kate Rogers | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

McDonald's is working to introduce a value meal in U.S. stores to help offset an increasingly challenging environment for consumers, two people familiar with the matter told CNBC. The value meal was first reported by Bloomberg News. The potential new offering comes at a time when low-income consumers are beginning to pull back on spending, particularly at fast-food brands. Mentions of low-income consumers on company earnings calls are at their highest levels in nearly two years, according to data from Bank of America. An initial proposal by McDonald's for the $5 value meal did not clear necessary hurdles, and additional details are now being discussed, according to a person familiar with the process.

Persons: McDonald's, Dave, Buster's, Chris Kempczinski, Kempczinski, Ian Borden, — CNBC's Amelia Lucas Organizations: CNBC, Bloomberg News, Bank of America, McDonald's, U.S Locations: U.S

☆ McDonald's is betting on its mobile business with new franchisee digital marketing fund
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

McDonald's U.S. franchisees will start paying into a digital marketing fund next year as the fast-food giant looks to expand its booming digital business, according to a memo viewed by CNBC on Thursday. Loyalty program members accounted for more than $6 billion in system-wide sales globally during McDonald's first quarter. The company has 34 million active digital customers in the U.S. By comparison, Chipotle Mexican Grill has 40 million loyalty members, while Starbucks has 32.8 million. In December, McDonald's said it aims to reach 100 million loyalty program members by 2027. Franchisees in the U.K., Canada, Australia and Germany will also pay into the global digital marketing fund.

Persons: Tariq Hassan, Whitney McGinnis, McDonald's Organizations: CNBC, Grill, Starbucks Locations: U.S, Canada, Australia, Germany

☆ Applebee's owner Dine Brands wants to steal fast-food customers with its deals
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Applebee's and IHOP owner Dine Brands thinks its deals can lure away fast-food customers who have grown frustrated with menu prices. The company reported first-quarter earnings that fell short of Wall Street's estimates, and both Applebee's and IHOP's same-store sales shrank more than expected. As Applebee's leans into value with a slate of promotions that includes the return of Dollaritas, Dine Brands CEO John Peyton is confident that the chain can beat out the fast-food chains vying for its customers. Applebee's isn't the only casual-dining chain taking aim at McDonald's and the rest of the fast-food category. "It's top of mind for so many people, and it's because they've grown up with Applebee's," Peyton said.

Persons: Dine, Applebee's, John Peyton, Burger, Peyton, Chris Kempczinski, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Beyonce Organizations: Dine Brands, CNBC, Peyton, Brinker International

☆ Howard Schultz says Starbucks needs to revamp its stores after big earnings miss
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Howard Schultz, former chief executive officer of Starbucks Corp., drinks from a Starbucks mug during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. The answer does not lie in data, but in the stores," Schultz wrote in a letter on Sunday evening posted to LinkedIn. He appeared to offer advice to his successor as he tries to turn the chain's sales around. "Leaders must model both humility and confidence as they work to restore trust and increase performance across the organization," Schultz wrote. A year and a half ago, Schultz told CNBC that he does not plan to come back as Starbucks' chief executive again.

Persons: Howard Schultz, Schultz, Sara Senatore, Laxman Narasimhan, Reckitt Organizations: Starbucks Corp, Health, Education, Labor, Starbucks, LinkedIn, Bank of America Securities, CNBC Locations: Washington , DC, U.S, East

☆ Long-predicted consumer pullback finally hits restaurants like Starbucks, KFC and McDonald's
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Starbucks announced a surprise drop in same-store sales for its latest quarter, sending its shares down 17% on Wednesday. Pizza Hut and KFC also reported shrinking same-store sales. Starbucks said bad weather dragged its same-store sales lower. Wingstop , Wall Street's favorite restaurant chain, reported its U.S. same-store sales soared 21.6% in the first quarter. This marks the second consecutive quarter that Burger King reported stronger U.S. same-store sales growth than McDonald's.

Persons: It's, McDonald's, it's, Taco Bell, January's snowstorms, we've, Ian Borden, Wall, International's Popeyes, Chris Kempczinski, Laxman Narasimhan, Narasimhan, David Gibbs, Taco, Yum, Burger, – Organizations: Starbucks Workers, D.C, Starbucks, KFC, Yum Brands, Taco, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Taco Bell, Brands Locations: Dupont Circle, Washington, Pizza, U.S, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Taco

☆ Yum Brands earnings miss estimates as Pizza Hut, KFC sales disappoint
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Yum Brands on Wednesday reported quarterly earnings and revenue that missed analysts' expectations as Pizza Hut and KFC struggled to attract customers. Yum's global same-store sales also fell 3% in the quarter, missing StreetAccount estimates of 0.2% same-store sales growth. Across Yum's three largest brands, only Taco Bell reported same-store sales growth. Taco Bell's U.S. locations reported same-store sales growth of 2%, while its international business posted a decline of 2%. Pizza Hut reported same-store sales dropped 7%, as demand lagged both in its home market and internationally.

Persons: Taco Bell, Yum Organizations: Yum Brands, KFC, LSEG Locations: Austin , Texas, Yum's, Mexican, Bell's U.S, U.S, China

☆ McDonald’s earnings miss estimates as diners pull back, Middle East boycotts hit sales
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

McDonald's reported mixed quarterly results Tuesday as its reorganization weighed on its profit and boycotts hurt its Middle Eastern sales. McDonald's reported U.S. same-store sales growth of 2.5%, missing expectations of 2.6%. A month into the second quarter, McDonald's U.S. same-store sales are roughly flat, executives said. McDonald's said the segment's same-store sales fell 0.2%, marking the first time since the pandemic that one of the chain's divisions reported a same-store sales decline. McDonald's international operated markets segment, which includes Germany and the United Kingdom, reported same-store sales growth of 2.7%.

Persons: McDonald's, Chris Kempczinski, Kempczinski, Ian Borden, we've, Borden Organizations: LSEG, U.S Locations: U.S, Israel, Japan, Latin America, Germany, United Kingdom

☆ Starbucks shares sink 10% as same-store sales fall, quarterly results miss
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Starbucks on Tuesday reported weaker-than-expected quarterly earnings and revenue, fueled by a surprise decline in same-store sales. Wall Street was anticipating same-store sales growth of 1%, according to StreetAccount estimates. Across all regions, Starbucks reported shrinking same-store sales and falling traffic. Starbucks' international segment reported same-store sales declines of 6% as both average ticket and transactions dropped. In China, Starbucks' second-largest market, same-store sales plunged 11%, fueled by an 8% decline in average ticket.

Persons: Laxman Narasimhan, Rachel Ruggeri Organizations: Starbucks, LSEG, PepsiCo Locations: U.S, Israel, China

☆ Burger King invests another $300 million to remodel restaurants
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Burger King logo is displayed at a Burger King fast food restaurant on January 17, 2024 in Burbank, California. Burger King will invest another $300 million to remodel about 1,100 of its U.S. restaurants as part of a broader turnaround effort, the chain's parent company said Tuesday. About 100 Burger King locations have been remodeled and updated so far. Still, Burger King has had to chip in its own money to incentivize franchisees to remodel. Burger King will let operators choose how much of a discount they get on the royalties they pay to the company.

Persons: Burger, Tom Curtis, Curtis, Burger King Organizations: Burger King, U.S ., Carrols, Brands, Burger King U.S, CNBC, Restaurant Brands Locations: Burbank , California, Burger, U.S

☆ Coca-Cola tops earnings estimates, hikes revenue outlook on higher prices
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

In this articleCoca-Cola on Tuesday reported quarterly earnings and revenue that beat analysts' expectations. The beverage giant also raised its full-year outlook for organic revenue. Shares of the company rose less than 1% in premarket trading. Excluding items, the beverage giant earned 72 cents per share. Net sales rose 3% to $11.30 billion.

Persons: Coke Organizations: LSEG

☆ Starbucks, Workers United made 'significant progress' in this week's contract talks
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A Starbucks worker boards the Starbucks union bus after Starbucks workers stood on the picket line with striking SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America (WGA) members in solidarity outside Netflix studios on July 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Starbucks and Workers United, which represents roughly 500 of its cafes, said Friday in a joint release that they made "significant progress" in their contract talks this week. The two-day session marked the first time in nearly a year that Starbucks and Workers United came to the bargaining table. Workers United has broadly pushed for higher wages and more consistent scheduling, among a range of other priorities. After a year, workers who lose faith in the union can petition to decertify, putting a ticking clock on negotiations.

Persons: there's Organizations: SAG, Guild of America, Netflix, Starbucks, Workers United, Service Employees International Union, SEIU . Workers United Locations: Los Angeles , California, Atlanta

The Times Square Red Lobster will be offering free all-you-can-eat lobster to a select few customers on March 28. Beleaguered seafood chain Red Lobster is seeking a buyer as it looks to avoid filing for bankruptcy, CNBC has learned. Red Lobster could secure a buyer, it could declare bankruptcy or its lenders could take control of the company. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Darden Restaurants' sale of Red Lobster after investors pushed the company to divest. As a result, Red Lobster reported $11 million in losses in the fiscal third quarter and $12.5 million in losses the following quarter.

Persons: it's, Jonathan Tibus, Alvarez, Lobster, Kim Lopdrup, Kelli Valade, Horace Dawson, Red Organizations: Times, CNBC, Bloomberg, Red Lobster, Darden Restaurants, Golden Gate Capital, Thai Union Group, Red, Seafood Alliance Locations: Golden

☆ Chipotle abandons Farmesa Fresh Eatery spinoff after ghost kitchen closes
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Chipotle Mexican Grill is abandoning its Farmesa Fresh Eatery spinoff after partner Kitchen United closed its ghost kitchens. A little over a year ago, Chipotle announced the opening of its first Farmesa location at Kitchen United's Santa Monica location. But the Santa Monica ghost kitchen closed in February as its parent company struggled financially. In November, Kitchen United announced plans to close or sell all of its locations as it pivoted into software. But once customers started returning to dining in person and capital grew more expensive, many ghost kitchen startups like Kitchen United found themselves in trouble.

Persons: Chipotle, Curt Garner, Brian Niccol, it's, Chipotle's, Sam Nazarian Organizations: United, CNBC, Kitchen United Locations: Monica, Santa Monica, U.S

☆ Chipotle reports big earnings beat, and its shares are jumping
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Chipotle Mexican Grill on Wednesday reported quarterly earnings and revenue that beat analysts' expectations, fueled by higher traffic to its restaurants. Excluding a 36-cent hit from increases to its legal reserves, the burrito chain earned $13.37 per share. Chipotle said traffic increased 5.4% from the year-ago period, while the average check was up just 1.6%. Chipotle has become the rare restaurant chain to report rising transactions despite higher menu prices. In March, Chipotle's board approved a 50-for-1 stock split, one of the largest in the New York Stock Exchange's history.

Persons: Chipotle, Jack Hartung, Brian Niccol, Chipotle's Organizations: LSEG, burrito, New York Stock Locations: Manhattan , New York, California

☆ Starbucks resumes bargaining with union after two sides thaw relationship
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Store agreements will be negotiated and ratified separately, but the union might make proposals that could affect all of the Starbucks workers it represents. Workers United has broadly pushed for higher wages and more consistent scheduling, among a range of other priorities. Citing unfair labor practices by Starbucks, the labor board has denied 18 other petitions to decertify. Starbucks argued that other agencies seeking injunctions have a higher threshold to receive one than the labor board does. Starbucks could share more about the union negotiations during its quarterly earnings call.

Organizations: Starbucks, Workers United, National Labor Relations Board, Service Employees International Union, NLRB, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Locations: U.S, Pittsburgh, Memphis

☆ PepsiCo earnings beat estimates as international demand boosts sales
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

PepsiCo on Tuesday reported quarterly earnings and revenue that beat analysts' expectations, despite a recall of some Quaker Foods cereal and bars that dented U.S. volume. The company's organic revenue, which excludes acquisitions, divestitures and foreign exchange, increased 2.7% in the quarter. The company's food division saw its volume decrease 0.5%, while its beverage segment reported flat volume. The Quaker Foods recall dented Pepsi's organic volume by roughly 1%. For the full year, the company is expecting organic revenue will rise at least 4% and core constant currency earnings per share will climb at least 8%.

Organizations: Pepsi, Brooklyn borough New, PepsiCo, Quaker, LSEG, Gatorade, North, Quaker Food, Quaker Oats, Frito, Lay Locations: Flatbush, Brooklyn borough, Brooklyn borough New York City, Quaker, America, U.S, Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, China, Europe

☆ Procter & Gamble sales disappoint as price hikes slow down
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In October, executives said that they anticipated returning to volume growth in fiscal 2024. However, three of P&G's divisions reported volume growth for the quarter. The company's grooming business, home to its Gillette and Venus razors, reported volume growth of 2%. And fabric and home care, which includes Febreze and Swiffer, saw 1% volume growth. That's a reversal from the last two fiscal years, when commodity costs weighed on the company, leading to price hikes.

Persons: Pantene, Gamble, Andre Schulten, Schulten Organizations: Procter, LSEG, Gillette, pricey SK Locations: San Anselmo , California, China, Gaza, U.S

☆ TGI Fridays to go public through merger with its U.K. franchisee
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

TGI Fridays logo is seen on one of their branches. TGI Fridays and Hostmore, the chain's U.K. franchisee, announced plans to merge on Tuesday. If it closes, TGI Fridays, best known for its potato skins, chicken wings and endless appetizers, will be publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker "TGIF." In 2022, TGI Fridays' revenue rose 3.6% to $75.2 million, according to U.S. franchise disclosure documents. Earlier this year, TGI Fridays closed 36 underperforming restaurants in the U.S.

Persons: Weldon Spangler, Spangler, Carlson, TriArtisan Organizations: London Stock Exchange, TriArtisan Capital Advisors, U.S Locations: Dallas , Texas, U.S, P.F

☆ Buffalo Wild Wings leans into Go takeout format as a third of sales move off premises
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The 100th location of Buffalo Wild Wings Go opened Wednesday on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. Buffalo Wild Wings opened its 100th Go location on Wednesday in New York City, four years after unveiling the quick-service offshoot of its sports bar chain. Since 2018, Buffalo Wild Wings has been a part of Inspire Brands, which is backed by private equity firm Roark Capital. Buffalo Wild Wings' revenue fell 1% in 2023 to $2.32 billion, according to franchise disclosure documents. Opening a traditional Buffalo Wild Wings location requires anywhere from $2.44 million to $4.83 million in initial investment, depending on the restaurant's location and other factors, according to franchise disclosure documents.

Persons: Jimmy John's, Dunkin, Robbins, Red Robin, Jack Litman Organizations: Buffalo Wild Wings, Manhattan . Buffalo Wild Wings, Inspire Brands, Roark Capital, Baskin, Inspire, Barclays, Munson Group Locations: Side, Manhattan, New York City, BWW

☆ These 10 retail brands are the fastest growing in the U.S., Yelp says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Chains owned by publicly traded restaurant companies accounted for half of the top 10 fastest-growing retail brands in the U.S. last year, according to a new Yelp report. Of the 50 fastest-growing chains in Yelp's report, 35 were restaurant brands. Jack in the Box, First Watch and Dutch Bros were among the public restaurant chains included in the report, but they didn't crack the top 10. Popeyes' higher sales have encouraged franchisees to open more locations and led new operators to join the brand, Restaurant Brands executives have previously said. In 2023, Popeyes surpassed KFC as the second-most popular chicken chain in the U.S. by sales, trailing only Chick-fil-A.

Persons: Jack, Levi Strauss, Cava CAVA, Cava, Zachary Lucy, Scott Olson, Darden, Yum, Stephanie Dhue, Tim Hortons, Burger King, Randy Risling, Popeyes, Michael Siluk, Freddy's, Kyle Rivas, It's, Justin Sullivan Organizations: Dutch Bros, Publicly, Nordstrom, Costco, New York Stock Exchange, Pacific Coast League, Omaha Storm, Memphis Redbirds, AP, LongHorn, Getty, Darden, steakhouse, Parent, Yum Brands, Taco Bell, KFC, East, CNBC, Wawa, Toronto Star, Brands, Restaurant Brands, UCG, Thompson, Capital Partners, Rally House, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Subs Locations: U.S, Cava, Werner, Omaha , Nebraska, Nebraska, Skokie , Illinois, California, West, Wawa, Bethany Beach , Delaware, Philadelphia, It's, Louisiana, Lansing , Kansas, Kansas City , Missouri, Midwest, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Olive, Lincolnwood , Illinois, Jersey, Petaluma , California

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