Core Viewpoint - Wingstop has promoted Rajnesh Kapoor to the position of Chief Operating Officer, reinstating the role after nearly four years, as part of a broader executive reshuffling within the company [1][3]. Group 1: Executive Changes - Rajnesh Kapoor, previously the president of international, will now oversee domestic and international franchise development and operations, as well as company-owned and operated restaurants [2]. - The reinstatement of the COO position has led to the departure of Marisa J. Carona and Albert McGrath, whose responsibilities have been reassigned [3]. Group 2: Background of Rajnesh Kapoor - Before joining Wingstop in 2023, Kapoor held various leadership roles at 7-Eleven, most recently as senior vice president of fresh food and proprietary beverages [2].

Core Viewpoint - Shake Shack Inc. is recognized as one of the best food stocks to buy in 2026, with positive outlooks from multiple financial institutions despite challenges in the restaurant industry [1]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings - Barclays maintains an Overweight rating on Shake Shack, lowering the price target to $110 from $115, reflecting ongoing sales difficulties in the restaurant sector for 2026 [2]. - Deutsche Bank upgraded Shake Shack from Hold to Buy, setting a price objective of $105, citing a solid growth outlook and favorable restaurant conditions for 2026 [3]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Shake Shack reported a 4.9% year-over-year increase in same-store sales for Q3 2025, attributed to a 1.3% year-over-year increase in customer traffic [4]. - The stock has appreciated by 10.47% year-to-date as of January 9, 2026, indicating positive market performance [4].

Core Viewpoint - Wingstop Inc. is recognized as one of the best food stocks to buy in 2026, despite facing a challenging market environment for the restaurant industry [1]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Stifel has reduced its price objective for Wingstop from $300 to $290 while maintaining a buy rating, citing structural challenges in the restaurant market for 2026 [2]. - Barclays has reaffirmed its Overweight rating on Wingstop and increased its price target from $295 to $335, reflecting updated projections for the restaurant group and anticipating a market share recovery for quick-service restaurants [3]. Group 2: Company Performance - Wingstop's shares increased by 18% following the release of its last quarter's results, which exceeded expectations due to reduced expenses and a faster rate of store openings [4]. - The company specializes in a variety of food items, including fries, chicken tenders, bone-in and boneless wings, and chicken sandwiches [4].

Core Viewpoint - FAT Brands is facing significant financial and legal challenges, including a lawsuit from franchisees alleging mismanagement of marketing funds and liquidity issues that could lead to bankruptcy [5][6][31]. Financial Situation - FAT Brands disclosed over $1.26 billion in debt and reported only $2 million in cash and $10 million in restricted cash, indicating a precarious liquidity position [5][31]. - The company is in discussions with bondholders to restructure its balance sheet, but the complexity of its debt tied to individual brands may prolong the process [4][32]. Legal Challenges - The Round Table Owners' Association filed a lawsuit against Round Table Franchise Corporation (RFTC), alleging breach of contract and misuse of advertising funds, claiming significant financial harm to franchisees [1][2]. - This lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of legal issues for FAT Brands, including previous lawsuits from franchisees and an SEC investigation into financial practices [6][10][12]. Franchisee Relations - Franchisees report delays in receiving critical soda rebates from Pepsi and Dr Pepper, which are essential for cash flow, with claims that FAT Brands is behind on payments [18][19]. - Franchisees have expressed dissatisfaction with the company's communication regarding operational issues, leading to unrest and plans to withhold royalty payments until owed rebates are received [30][27]. Company History and Acquisitions - FAT Brands has expanded rapidly through acquisitions, but this growth has come with significant debt and legal challenges, including allegations of financial fraud against its founder [6][12][13]. - The company has faced scrutiny for its management practices, with franchisees alleging that funds intended for marketing have been misused for unrelated expenses [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - Domino's Pizza, Inc. is recognized as one of the best food stocks to buy in 2026, despite facing challenges in the fast food industry during 2025 [1] Analyst Ratings - Evercore ISI analyst David Palmer maintained an Outperform rating on Domino's Pizza, Inc. while lowering the price target from $510 to $490, citing optimism for fiscal stimulus and global expansion in 2026 [2] - Stifel analyst Chris O'Cull also reduced the price target from $510 to $485 but kept a Buy rating, indicating a challenging operating environment for the restaurant business in 2026 due to structural factors [3] Stock Performance - As of January 9, 2026, Domino's Pizza, Inc. stock has decreased by 2.97% year-to-date [4] Company Overview - Domino's Pizza, Inc. operates over 21,500 outlets globally across more than 90 international markets as of the end of Q2 2025 [4]

Cheesecake Factory (NASDAQ:CAKE) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently looked at. Noting that the stock was up recently, a caller inquired if it is still a buy. Cramer replied: “Yes, they really know how to run it. You know, they are just a seasoned practitioner. They know how to do it. I think it’s going to make a run at all-time highs. It sells at 13 times earnings. That’s way too cheap for a very high-quality still growth company, even though it’s up 14% this year. I like it.” Photo by Yiorgos Nt ...

Core Insights - Clutch Coffee Bar, a 20-unit coffee chain based in North Carolina, has been acquired by Dutch Bros, marking Dutch Bros' first brand acquisition as it expands its portfolio [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition will result in all Clutch Coffee locations being converted into Dutch Bros locations [1] - Clutch Coffee's cofounder and CEO, Darren Spicer, expressed excitement about the acquisition, emphasizing that the brand's core values will continue under Dutch Bros [2] Group 2: Company Background - Clutch Coffee was founded in 2018 by Darren Spicer, who previously worked as a store manager for Dutch Bros before starting his own venture [2] - The drive-thru format and mission of Clutch Coffee align closely with those of Dutch Bros, focusing on community impact and quality service [2] Group 3: Customer Transition - Clutch Points members will be able to download the Dutch Bros app to convert their points to Dutch Rewards, facilitating a smooth transition for existing customers [2] - All Clutch Coffee locations will be temporarily closed until further notice following the acquisition announcement [2]

Core Insights - Domino's Pizza, Inc. (DPZ) has shown a significant shift in its U.S. sales mix for Q3 2025, with both delivery and carryout experiencing growth simultaneously, indicating a potential transition into a more balanced growth phase [1] Group 1: Sales Performance - Carryout has been a standout performer, with comparable sales increasing significantly due to value-led promotions, menu innovations like Parmesan Stuffed Crust, and a revamped loyalty program, driving customer traffic and frequency [2] - The growth in carryout is largely incremental, suggesting that it is gaining market share without cannibalizing delivery sales, which is crucial for maintaining higher-margin channels [2] - Delivery has also returned to positive growth, supported by value initiatives and early success with aggregator partnerships like DoorDash, showcasing Domino's ability to grow delivery profitably in a competitive market [3] Group 2: Financial Health - The balance between delivery and carryout has resulted in healthier order counts and modest ticket growth, contributing to a more resilient comparable sales algorithm [4] - Although carryout typically has a lower average ticket, the growth in delivery, higher-priced innovations, and increased frequency have helped maintain overall economic stability for the company [4] Group 3: Future Outlook - Management anticipates that the balance between delivery and carryout will continue into 2026, with ongoing initiatives in value, loyalty, digital platforms, and aggregator partnerships compounding over time [5] - If both channels can sustain growth together, Domino's may enter a more durable demand phase, reducing reliance on any single growth lever and positioning itself better in a challenging consumer environment [5] Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Compared to Yum! Brands, Inc. (YUM) and Papa John's International, Inc. (PZZA), Domino's ability to grow both delivery and carryout simultaneously while protecting franchise economics highlights a more balanced and defensible growth model [6][8] - Yum! Brands has historically focused more on delivery, which has increased exposure to aggregator fees and promotional pressures, while Pizza Hut's carryout performance has been inconsistent [7] - Papa John's has made strides in carryout through value bundles and loyalty efforts, but its delivery growth has been uneven, constrained by a premium pricing strategy [8] Group 5: Valuation Metrics - Domino's shares have declined by 11.8% over the past six months, compared to a 3.5% decline in the industry [9] - The forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio for DPZ is currently at 20.74, down from the industry's 24.47, indicating a relative valuation advantage [13] - Recent consensus estimates for DPZ's 2026 earnings per share have decreased slightly, reflecting a cautious outlook [14]

Core Insights - Noodles & Company is reintroducing its popular Steak Stroganoff dish for a limited time due to high demand from fans [1][2] - The return of Steak Stroganoff is celebrated through AI-powered mini-dramas that highlight fan engagement and emotional connections to the dish [2][3] Product Details - The Steak Stroganoff features wavy egg noodles in a mushroom-sherry cream sauce, marinated steak, Parmesan cheese, and fresh Italian parsley, creating a comforting flavor profile [1] - The dish is positioned as a nostalgic favorite, particularly appealing during colder weather [3] Marketing Strategy - The company is leveraging social media by transforming fan posts into dramatic reenactments, showcasing the emotional significance of the dish to its customers [2][3] - A casting call for the first-ever Chief StroganOff-icer will take place from February 10 to February 25, inviting fans to demonstrate their passion for the dish [4] Engagement Initiatives - Fans can participate by posting dramatic monologues about Steak Stroganoff on Instagram, with the winning entry being featured in an AI mini-drama [5][6] - The winner will receive a gift card for a free bowl of Steak Stroganoff every week in 2026, along with exclusive merchandise [6] Loyalty Program - New members of the Noodles Rewards program receive a free regular entrée after their first purchase of $10 or more, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty [7] - Members earn points on orders, gaining access to new menu items and exclusive offers [7] Company Background - Noodles & Company has been serving globally inspired noodle dishes since 1995, with over 445 locations and a focus on flavor and customer experience [8][9]

Core Insights - Wendy's has launched a new Biggie Deals value menu in 2026, featuring price points of $4, $6, and $8, aimed at providing consumers with more choices and value [2][5] - The new menu builds on Wendy's legacy of offering quality and value, first introduced with the value menu concept in 1989 and the Biggie Bag in 2019 [3][5] Menu Details - The Biggie Deals menu includes: - $4 Biggie Bites: Options include Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Jr. Cheeseburger, Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, 4pc. Nuggets, or Jr. Fry, with a second choice of 4pc. Nuggets, Jr. Fry, or Small Soft Drink [6] - $6 Biggie Bag: Options include Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Jr. Cheeseburger, Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, or Double Stack, with Jr. Fry and Small Soft Drink [6] - $8 Biggie Bundle: Choose two from Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Jr. Cheeseburger, Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, or Double Stack, with Jr. Fry and Small Soft Drink [6] Marketing Strategy - The U.S. Chief Marketing Officer, Lindsay Radkoski, emphasized the importance of customization and value, stating that the new menu allows customers to enjoy iconic items in a way that suits their preferences [4] - The launch is positioned to meet consumer demand for meal options that are both affordable and customizable, reinforcing Wendy's commitment to quality [4][5]