Core Viewpoint - Johnson Fistel, PLLP is investigating potential shareholder derivative claims against Starbucks Corporation regarding alleged breaches of fiduciary duties by certain officers and directors, following a securities class action related to the company's stock performance during a specified period [1][4]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation is prompted by a securities class action concerning purchases of Starbucks securities between November 2, 2023, and April 30, 2024 [1]. - Allegations include that Starbucks and certain senior executives made materially false and misleading statements and failed to disclose adverse facts, particularly regarding disappointing second-quarter fiscal 2024 results and lowered full-year guidance [4][5]. - Following the announcement of these results on April 30, 2024, Starbucks' stock price dropped from $88.49 to $74.44, a decline of over 15% in one trading day, which allegedly harmed investors [4]. Group 2: Shareholder Actions - Current Starbucks shareholders who held shares continuously before November 2, 2023, may have the standing to pursue derivative claims on behalf of the company [2]. - The investigation focuses on whether the board of directors and senior management allowed misconduct, failed to implement adequate disclosure and risk-management controls, and exposed the company to significant financial and reputational harm [5].

Core Insights - BJ's Restaurants is focusing on improving operational consistency and sustaining traffic momentum to set the stage for potential unit growth [4] - The company has reported five consecutive quarters of positive traffic, with a 3.5% increase in Q4 traffic attributed to better execution and improved guest scores [6] - The leadership team is committed to foundational changes centered on alignment and accountability, with a focus on four strategic priorities [3] Financial Performance - The company has achieved average unit volumes (AUVs) above $6 million and same-store sales growth over the last five quarters [1] - Cash generation is strong, providing flexibility for investments, growth, and returning capital to shareholders through a share buyback program in 2025 [5] - The company expects to shift more capital towards growth-driving initiatives as it moves into new unit growth [16] Operational Improvements - Management is emphasizing basic service elements such as warm greetings and timely service to enhance guest experience [2] - A robust outlier management program has been implemented to lift underperforming restaurants, focusing on metrics like waste and overtime [12] - Simplification efforts have reduced food and beverage comps significantly, with a 25% reduction in margarita comps due to improved processes [13] Marketing and Product Strategy - The Pizookie Meal Deal is a key driver for both returning guests and attracting new customers, with limited-time offers enhancing its appeal [7] - Marketing efforts are heavily social media-driven, utilizing influencer engagement to create buzz around menu innovations [8] - The company is not planning major new strategies for 2026 but will continue to build on existing foundational strategies while remaining agile [9] Future Outlook - The company aims to build a more consistent and durable brand that can support renewed unit growth in the long term [16] - Management is taking a longer-term view to ensure that BJ's can meet investor expectations for consistency [16] - There is an expectation for more capital to be allocated towards growth initiatives rather than share repurchases as the stock stabilizes [15]

Core Viewpoint - Shake Shack experienced lower than expected revenue due to inclement weather affecting sales in its most heavily penetrated markets [1] Company Summary - The company reported that adverse weather conditions had a negative impact on sales during the recent quarter [1]

Economic Overview - The U.S. economy ended 2025 with a combination of sluggish job growth and increasing productivity [1] - Nonfarm payrolls rose by 50,000 in December 2025, missing the Dow Jones estimate of 73,000 and slowing from November's revised gain of 56,000 [2] - For the entirety of 2025, payrolls averaged a growth of 49,000 jobs per month, significantly down from 168,000 in 2024 [2] Employment Trends - Employment in food services and drinking places added 27,000 jobs in December, maintaining an average of 12,000 jobs per month in 2025, similar to 2024 [6] - Health care employment rose by 21,000 jobs in December, with hospitals contributing 16,000 of those, averaging 34,000 jobs per month in 2025, down from 56,000 in 2024 [7] Productivity Insights - Despite weak job growth, the U.S. economy is expected to continue expanding, with a noted decoupling between growth and hiring [4] - Nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased by 4.9% in Q3 2025, with output rising by 5.4% while hours worked only increased by 0.5% [5] Hiring Dynamics - Private payroll growth has weakened throughout 2025, with firms focusing on cost control amid geopolitical uncertainties and high financing costs [9] - Hiring has become more selective, with CFOs prioritizing efficiency and automation over broad workforce expansion [10] Corporate Bankruptcy Trends - Large U.S. corporate bankruptcies reached a five-year high in December 2025, with filings increasing to 72 from 63 in November, totaling 785 for the year, the highest since 2010 [13]

Core Insights - Chipotle Mexican Grill is launching a free double protein offer on January 13, 2026, to cater to consumers focusing on active lifestyles in January [1][5] - The initiative aligns with the growing trend of Americans prioritizing protein intake, with 70% of Americans emphasizing protein in their diets [3] Product Offerings - The Double High Protein Bowl contains 81g of protein, 11g of fiber, and 760 calories, featuring double Adobo Chicken and various fresh ingredients [2][6] - Chipotle's High Protein Menu includes items with protein content ranging from 15g to 81g, such as the High Protein–High Fiber Bowl and the High Protein Cup [3][5] Marketing Strategy - The promotion targets Chipotle Rewards members, allowing them to receive a free double protein portion on bowls, burritos, and salads using the code PROTEIN [6][7] - The marketing emphasizes the appeal of clean protein options, with Adobo Chicken being humanely raised and antibiotic-free [4][6] Consumer Trends - Over one-third of Americans have increased their protein intake in the past year, indicating a shift towards higher protein consumption [3] - The promotion is strategically timed on a popular workout day, reinforcing Chipotle's positioning as a go-to option for athletes and health-conscious consumers [3][6]

Core Insights - TGI Fridays has launched a turnaround plan named the "1-2-3 Strategic Vision," aiming for $2 billion in revenue and over 1,000 restaurants by 2030 [1] - The chain reported approximately $1.4 billion in global systemwide sales at the end of 2023, with over 380 locations across more than 35 countries [1] Strategic Pillars - The plan includes four strategic pillars focusing on menu and beverage innovation, everyday value platforms, enhanced digital initiatives, and restaurant upgrades [1] - The company aims to resonate with the next generation of consumers while maintaining its classic Americana feel and signature experience [2] Brand Activation - TGI Fridays is committed to creating memorable experiences that foster emotional connections, exemplified by the holiday-themed popup concept TGI Elf Days, which increased traffic and check averages [3] - The Elf Days campaign featured limited-time menu items, discounts, themed cocktails, activities, décor, trivia, and movie nights [3] Growth Strategy - The company is expanding through flexible formats and multi-channel models, including locations in airports, hotels, and traditional full-service restaurants [3] - TGI Fridays aims to provide more franchise development opportunities while meeting customers in various settings [3] Franchise System Enhancement - The company will focus on franchisee profitability and consistency through enhanced support, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships [3] Investment in People - TGI Fridays is investing in leadership development, training, and performance initiatives to fuel overall performance [3]

Core Insights - Noodles & Company reported a preliminary increase in system-wide comparable sales of 6.6% for the fourth quarter of 2025, with a 7.3% increase at company-owned restaurants and a 3.8% increase at franchise restaurants [2][3] Sales Performance - The fourth quarter sales growth follows a 4% increase in the third quarter, indicating a positive trend in sales performance [3] - The company attributes this growth to disciplined execution, enhancements to food offerings, a compelling value proposition, engaged teams, and improved guest experiences [3] Portfolio Optimization - As of December 30, 2025, Noodles & Company operated 340 company-owned restaurants and 83 franchise restaurants, having closed 33 company-owned and nine franchise restaurants in 2025 [4] - The company plans to close an additional 30 to 35 restaurants in 2026 to focus resources on higher-performing locations [4][5] Strategic Focus - The CEO emphasized that the decisions regarding restaurant closures are made with a long-term view, aiming to strengthen the brand's overall health and financial position [5] - The company is confident in its strategy to drive guest satisfaction, ignite growth, and improve financial results moving into 2026 [3][5]

Core Insights - First Watch Restaurant Group reported preliminary operational metrics for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 28, 2025, highlighting growth in same-restaurant sales and new restaurant openings [1][2]. Sales and Traffic Highlights - Same-restaurant sales growth for the fourth quarter was +3.1% and +3.6% for the fiscal year 2025 [3]. - Same-restaurant traffic growth was -1.9% in the fourth quarter but improved to +0.5% for the entire fiscal year [3]. Restaurant Development - In the fourth quarter, First Watch opened 13 new restaurants, comprising 12 company-owned and one franchise-owned [4]. - For the fiscal year 2025, the company achieved a total of 64 new restaurant openings (55 company-owned and nine franchise-owned) and recorded three closures, bringing the total to 633 system-wide restaurants by December 28, 2025 [4]. Company Strategy and Outlook - The CEO emphasized confidence in the execution of the long-term strategy and the strength of the pipeline for 2026, with new restaurant classes outperforming expectations [2].

Core Viewpoint - Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. is experiencing a challenging stock performance despite operational consistency and a positive long-term earnings outlook, with a focus on global expansion and new restaurant openings [1][2][3][4][5][6] Financial Performance - The upcoming fiscal 2025 fourth-quarter earnings release is expected to show diluted EPS of $0.24, reflecting a 4% year-over-year decline from $0.25 [2] - Analysts forecast fiscal 2025 diluted EPS to grow to $1.16, indicating a 3.6% annual growth, with further growth projected for fiscal 2026 at $1.22, a 5.2% increase [3] Stock Performance - CMG stock has declined by 30.8% over the past 52 weeks, while it has rebounded 8.4% year-to-date [4] - In comparison, the S&P 500 Index has gained 17.7% over the last 52 weeks and is up 1.8% year-to-date, highlighting Chipotle's relative underperformance [4] Expansion Strategy - Chipotle opened its 4,000th restaurant in Manhattan, Kansas, marking a significant milestone [5] - The company has over 100 locations outside the U.S. and has launched its first non-North America Chipotlane in Kuwait, with plans for expansion into Mexico, South Korea, and Singapore [5] Analyst Ratings - Analysts have assigned CMG stock an overall rating of "Moderate Buy," with 22 out of 35 analysts rating it a "Strong Buy," three recommending "Moderate Buy," and 10 suggesting "Hold" [6]

This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: TGI Fridays unveiled its “1-2-3 Strategic Vision” on Monday with a plan to target over 1,000 units and $2 billion in annual revenue by 2030, according to a press release. The plan covers four strategic pillars, including activating the brand,  growing across markets, improving its franchised system and investing in people and leadership developme ...