You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters. Dave’s Hot Chicken has promoted Jim Bitticks from president and chief operating officer to CEO, effective immediately, the company confirmed Monday. Bitticks is succeeding Bill Phelps, who has served as CEO of the Pasadena, California-based fast-casual chain since 2019 and will remain on as executive chairman of the board of directors. “As both a franchisee and operator, Jim Bitticks has built the programs and teams beh ...

Group 1 - The S&P 500 is nearing all-time highs as the AI-driven bull market approaches its third year, indicating a strong market environment for investors heading into 2026 [1] - Investors are considering reorganizing and rebalancing their portfolios, particularly growth investors looking for stocks that may rebound in the upcoming year [1] Group 2 - Opendoor Technologies has seen a significant increase in stock value, up 260% in 2025, largely due to a meme-stock rally and a change in leadership [4][5] - The company has faced challenges due to reliance on leverage and a slowing housing market, but recent signs indicate a potential recovery in the housing market, which could benefit Opendoor [6][7] - Opendoor aims to achieve break-even adjusted net income by the end of 2026, positioning itself for potential growth if the macroeconomic environment improves [7][8] Group 3 - Sweetgreen has experienced a difficult 2025 but is also considered a candidate for significant recovery if economic conditions are favorable [9][10]

Chipotle's latest menu item is simple — a chicken bowl, but hold the rice, lettuce, tomato, and everything else. On Thursday, the company announced plans for a new high-protein menu, which will launch on Dec. 23 and feature two high-protein bowls, a salad, a burrito, and an adobo chicken taco. The company will also offer its first-ever "snack," which is what it's calling the new option for a four-ounce cup of adobo chicken that customers can purchase on its own or add on to an order. The company said the ...

Chipotle Mexican Grill is entering the snack business.The fast-casual giant announced Thursday it will roll out its first-ever "High Protein Menu" later this month, featuring grab-and-go protein cups. Starting Tuesday, customers in the U.S. and Canada can buy a 4-ounce portion filled with adobo chicken or steak.The move is designed to re-energize demand as the chain known for massive burritos and bowls is grappling with slowing sales growth and a fundamental shift in how Americans eat."For years, guests hav ...

Economic Data and Earnings Reports - A busy week of economic data is anticipated, starting with the NAHB Housing Market Index on Monday, followed by significant reports on Tuesday including ADP Employment, Building Permits, Housing Starts, Core Retail Sales, and the Unemployment Rate [4] - Additional economic indicators will be released throughout the week, including MBA Mortgage Applications, Business Inventories, Continuing Jobless Claims, Core CPI, and Core PCE [4][5][6][7] Earnings Highlights - Companies scheduled to report earnings next week include Accenture (ACN), Nike (NKE), FedEx (FDX), and Carnival Corp. (CCL), among others [5][6][7] - Specific earnings spotlight dates include December 15 for Abivax (ABVX) and Ocean Power (OPTT), December 16 for Lennar (LEN) and Worthington Enterprises (WOR), and December 17 for Micron (MU) and General Mills (GIS) [5][6][7] REIT Sector Insights - The REIT sector is viewed as stable and beneficial, focusing on income generation through predictable long-term dividends rather than stock price volatility [8] - Potential benefits for the REIT sector are anticipated if the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, which could lead to a market rally [9] - M&A activity is strong within the REIT sector, with 36 REITs exploring options since March 2022, indicating ongoing consolidation [10] - Future growth is expected in Healthcare, particularly senior housing, and certain Retail segments, along with the emergence of new REIT classes like "AI REITs" and "Solar REITs" [10] Investment Strategy - Young investors are encouraged to utilize REITs and the power of compounding dividends for long-term wealth building, with a recommended investment horizon of 25 to 50 years [11]

Top 5 Initiations: Citi initiated coverage of United Airlines (UAL) with a Buy rating and $132 price target. The firm believes the setup is positive for the airlines with an "elongated mid-cycle" beginning in 2026. Citi also started Delta Air Lines (DAL) and American Airlines (AAL) with Buy ratings, and Southwest (LUV) with a Neutral rating. Susquehanna initiated coverage of GE Aerospace (GE) with a Positive rating and $350 price target. Between its own engines and those from its CFM International 50-50 ...

Core Viewpoint - Galloway Capital Partners has acquired 6.01% of Noodles & Company's outstanding shares and is advocating for the sale of approximately 200 company-owned restaurants to enhance shareholder value and address financial challenges [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Situation - Noodles & Company had 349 company-owned restaurants and 86 franchised restaurants as of September 30 [1] - The company's shares closed at 72 cents, significantly below the $1 minimum threshold required by Nasdaq, indicating non-compliance for most of the year [3] - Galloway estimates that selling the recommended restaurants could generate around $60 million, which would help pay off a substantial portion of high-cost debt with interest rates between 9-10% [3] Group 2: Strategic Recommendations - The proposed sale is expected to strengthen cash flow, eliminate perceived bankruptcy risk, reduce interest expenses, and improve earnings per share [3] - Galloway emphasized that the company is at a decisive turning point and that management has been proactive in exploring options to maximize shareholder value [4] - The financial services firm Piper Sandler has been hired to advise on maximizing shareholder value, including the potential sale of the company [4] Group 3: Activist Involvement - Galloway referenced a successful strategy used with Regis Corporation, where a similar deleveraging approach led to significant equity value improvement [5] - The firm intends to engage with Noodles & Company's board and management on various issues, including share performance, operations, governance, and capital allocation policies [5]

Core Insights - Four Corners Property Trust (FCPT) has acquired two Hawaiian Bros properties for $5.9 million through a sale-leaseback transaction, indicating a strategic move to expand its portfolio in the fast casual dining sector [1][8] - The newly constructed properties are situated in strong retail corridors in Arizona and Texas, and are operated under long-term, triple-net leases, which are favorable for stable income generation [2][8] - FCPT's recent acquisitions reflect its diversification strategy, with a focus on high-quality, net-leased restaurant and retail properties, which enhances portfolio stability [4][5] Acquisition Details - The acquisition of the Hawaiian Bros properties is part of FCPT's ongoing strategy to expand its holdings in the restaurant sector, following a recent purchase of three automotive service properties for the same amount of $5.9 million [3][8] - In the third quarter of 2025, FCPT expanded its portfolio significantly by acquiring 28 properties valued at $82 million, with a cap rate of 6.8%, showcasing its active investment approach [4] Market Context - The company faces increasing competition from private equity funds in the net lease market, which may pressure acquisition yields and impact FCPT's ability to secure attractive deals [5] - Over the past three months, FCPT's shares have declined by 6.3%, contrasting with a 1.4% growth in the broader industry, indicating potential challenges in the current market environment [5]

Core Insights - Katherine Fogertey has resigned as CFO of Shake Shack, effective immediately, and will serve as a senior advisor until March 4 to ensure a smooth transition [1][2] - The company operates and franchises over 645 restaurants and will begin searching for a new CFO while forming an "Office of the CFO" with leaders from various financial departments [2][3] - CEO Rob Lynch acknowledged Fogertey's positive impact on the company, highlighting her contributions to strategic and financial growth [3] Financial Performance and Guidance - Shake Shack has experienced same-store sales growth every quarter since Fogertey joined in 2021 [2] - The company reiterated its guidance for Q4 and fiscal year 2025, expecting revenue between $406 million and $412 million, with licensing revenue between $15.4 million and $15.7 million [4][5] - Same-store sales growth is anticipated to be in the low single digits, with a restaurant-level operating profit margin projected at 23.3% to 23.8% [5]

Core Insights - Shake Shack's Chief Financial Officer Katie Fogertey will leave the company on March 4, transitioning to an advisory role immediately while a search for a permanent replacement begins [1][2] - The company is establishing an "Office of the CFO" to oversee financial operations during the transition, consisting of experienced leaders in various financial disciplines [2] - Under Fogertey's leadership since 2021, Shake Shack expanded significantly despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation [2][3] Financial Performance - Shake Shack has seen modest same-store sales growth in the first half of 2025, with a stronger 4.9% increase in Q3, contrasting with declines faced by many fast casual brands [4] - The brand has increased advertising spending and shifted towards digital value deals to attract consumers, contributing to its same-store sales growth [3] Executive Changes - Shake Shack has undergone numerous executive changes since appointing Rob Lynch as CEO, including hiring a new chief operations officer and creating new marketing positions [5] - Recent appointments include Jamie Griffin as chief people officer and the first chief brand officer [6]