Restaurant operators are navigating a market shaped by shifting consumer preferences, inflation-driven cost pressures and intense competition tied to location, pricing and labor availability. In this setting, Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH) and Ark Restaurants Corp. (ARKR) stand out as two consumer-facing food companies with brand-led foundations, but very different operating models that shape their risk and earnings profiles. Nathan’s Famous is primarily engaged in marketing its brand and selling products thr ...