OPINIONOperations

Hitting resistance elsewhere, ghost kitchens and virtual concepts find a happy home in family dining

Reality Check: Old-guard chains are finding the alternative operations to be persistently effective side hustles.

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Financing

Roark Capital gobbles up another restaurant chain

The Bottom Line: The private-equity firm just bought its 21st restaurant chain in Dave’s Hot Chicken. It remains a close second to giant McDonald’s in terms of total sales. When will it exit an investment?

Technology

How AI agents might change what we eat

Tech Check: Agents that can do customers’ bidding could make search engines and ordering apps obsolete. And when they begin learning our tastes and spending habits, things could get even more interesting.

Financing

With one report, Red Robin (almost) erases a tough year

The Bottom Line: The casual-dining restaurant chain's stock had lost more than 40% of its value this year as its CEO left. And then the company reported surprise profitability.