Core Insights - Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is reintroducing beloved menu items like Hamburger Steak and Eggs in The Basket, emphasizing comfort and nostalgia for winter dining [1][3] - The new Spicy Maple sauce adds a unique flavor twist to the menu, combining sweetness with a spicy kick, enhancing the overall dining experience [2][7] Menu Highlights - The Hamburger Steak features seasoned beef topped with buttery garlic sauce, served with classic sides and made-from-scratch biscuits or corn muffins, marking its return since the first menu in 1969 [4] - Eggs in The Basket, a nostalgic breakfast option, includes grilled sourdough bread with an egg in the center, served with bacon or sausage and a classic side [5] - The Meals for Two offering allows guests to share favorites, including a choice of starter or dessert and two hearty entrées for $19.99, available Monday through Friday [6][11] New Offerings - The Breakfast Burger, featuring a beef patty, bacon, egg, cheese, and Hashbrown Casserole, has quickly become a guest favorite since its introduction [8] - Southern BBQ Ribs are now available daily, served with classic sides and buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins, enhancing the winter menu [8] Company Background - Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has been serving homestyle food since 1969, with approximately 660 locations across 43 states, focusing on country hospitality and tradition [13]

Core Viewpoint - Reborn Coffee, Inc. has regained compliance with Nasdaq's Stockholders' Equity Requirement and is awaiting formal determination, following a successful equity investment that reflects strong investor confidence in the company's business model and growth prospects [1][2][4]. Financial Update - The company received $6.5 million in gross proceeds from an equity investment priced at $5.45 per share, which is approximately three times the current market price [1][2]. - As of December 31, 2025, the estimated shareholders' equity is approximately $3.4 million, indicating compliance with Nasdaq's requirements [2]. - A warrant exchange and termination transaction eliminated approximately $1.3 million in derivative liabilities, strengthening the balance sheet and reducing future dilution [3]. Management Commentary - The CEO, Jay Kim, stated that the recent capital infusion and elimination of derivative liabilities significantly enhance the company's financial stability, allowing for a solid foundation as it enters 2026 [4]. - The company anticipates improved operating performance, disciplined cost management, and a growing pipeline of opportunities, with expectations of profitability in 2026 [4]. Company Overview - Reborn Coffee, Inc. is a California-based specialty coffee retailer focused on high-quality, handcrafted coffee experiences, with a commitment to innovation and a growing global footprint [5].

This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Blaze Pizza has hired John Owen, former chief operating officer of Scooter’s Coffee, as a CEO, effective Jan. 5, according to an emailed press release. Owen will succeed Beto Guajardo, who has led the chain since January 2023. Like much of the fast casual pizza segment, Blaze has struggled in recent years, shrinking from roughly 340 stores in 38 ...

Core Viewpoint - Domino's Pizza (NYSE: DPZ) experienced a slight decline of 0.4% in its stock price for the year 2025, contrasting with the performance of peers such as Yum! [1] Group 1 - The stock performance of Domino's Pizza indicates a challenging market environment for the company [1] - Comparatively, peers like Yum! have shown different performance trends, suggesting varying competitive dynamics within the industry [1]

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. has appointed Ian Thomas as Executive Vice President of Finance, effective immediately, to strengthen its executive team as it scales its multi-branded franchising platform across Canada and the U.S. [1][2] Company Overview - Happy Belly Food Group is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands, with a portfolio that includes Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, and Via Cibo Italian Street Food [7]. Leadership Experience - Ian Thomas brings over 25 years of senior financial leadership experience, particularly in franchised restaurant systems and public/private company reporting [2][4]. - His previous role was at Boston Pizza International, where he served as Vice President of Finance and contributed to sustained annual improvements in franchisee profitability and operational efficiency [3][4]. Responsibilities - As Executive Vice President of Finance, Mr. Thomas will oversee financial franchising strategy, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and financial systems [5].

Core Viewpoint - Jollibee Foods Corp. plans to spin off its international business and list it on a US stock exchange to enhance its global expansion strategy, resulting in a significant surge in its share price [1][3]. Group 1: Business Strategy - The spinoff will create two distinct listed entities, allowing for sharper strategic focus and clearer equity narratives for each business [4]. - The international business will encompass all operations outside the Philippines, while the domestic unit will remain listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange [2]. Group 2: Financial Impact - Jollibee shares rose by 14.5%, marking the largest single-day increase since October 2008, and the company was the top performer in the Philippines' stock index [3]. - The international segment accounted for approximately 43% of Jollibee's revenue of 224.2 billion pesos ($3.8 billion) from January to September, up from 28% in 2019 and 21% in 2017 [8]. Group 3: Market Position - Jollibee is actively competing with global fast-food giants like McDonald's and Yum! Brands, having completed 27 cross-border deals worth around $1.1 billion since 2000 [7]. - The company operates 10,304 stores as of September, with 6,859 located overseas across more than 30 countries [8].

Core Viewpoint - France has made employment and retention measures for people with disabilities compulsory in the hospitality sector, impacting hotels, cafés, and restaurants [1][2][4]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The new obligations stem from an official order published in November 2025, extending a May 2025 collective agreement to all employers and employees in the hospitality industry [1][2]. - The arrêté of 7 November 2025 enforces the terms of the national HCR collective agreement, focusing on employment continuity, workplace inclusion, and retention of workers with disabilities [2][3]. Group 2: Compliance Requirements - Companies in the hospitality sector must review and update human resources policies to comply with the new requirements, including recruitment, internal support, and workplace adjustments for disabled employees [3][4]. - Hotels are now legally required to adopt policies supporting disabled workers and document compliance where necessary [4][5]. Group 3: Broader Context and Implications - The change aligns with broader labour law trends in France that emphasize sector-wide equal opportunity commitments [5][6]. - For international hotel operators and hospitality professionals, the extension signals that disability inclusion is now a legal requirement, necessitating proactive planning in recruitment, retention, and employee support initiatives [7].

Core Viewpoint - Jollibee Foods Corp. plans to separate its international business and list it in the U.S. by late 2027, establishing a new entity called Jollibee Foods Corporation International (JFCI) to manage its overseas operations [1][2]. Group 1: Business Structure and Strategy - The spinoff aims to sharpen strategic focus for both the international and domestic operations, aligning them with their respective growth objectives [3]. - Shareholders will receive JFCI shares proportional to their current Jollibee holdings, allowing them to choose between holding or selling shares in either company [3]. Group 2: Market Position and Financial Performance - Jollibee operates 19 brands with over 10,000 restaurants and cafés across 33 countries, competing with major fast-food chains like McDonald's and Wendy's [4]. - The company has a market capitalization exceeding $3.6 billion and reported $3.79 billion in revenue for the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 14% year-over-year increase [4]. Group 3: Market Trends - The decision to list its international business in the U.S. aligns with a broader trend of companies seeking access to U.S. capital markets amid a recovery in IPO markets [5].

Group 1 - The retail and catering industry in Hubei Province achieved a total transaction amount of 20.943 billion yuan from January 1 to January 3, with a year-on-year growth of 6.97% [1] - In Henan Province, the monitored 350 retail enterprises generated sales of 0.671 billion yuan in the first two days of the New Year holiday [1] - Hunan Province reported a total consumption amount of 46.030 billion yuan from December 31, 2025, to January 2, 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of 24.27%, with goods consumption at 21.711 billion yuan (up 16.03%) and service consumption at 24.319 billion yuan (up 32.69%) [1]

Core Insights - The restaurant industry faced challenges in 2025 due to inflation and reduced consumer spending, impacting stocks negatively, although Darden Restaurants showed relative strength [1][2] - Darden aims for revenue growth of 8.5% to 9.3%, with Olive Garden focusing on healthier menu options, potentially leading to better stock performance in 2026 [2] - Texas Roadhouse, despite a 6.6% decline in stock value last year, may rebound due to various factors including consumer preferences shifting towards sit-down dining experiences [4][8] Industry Trends - The rise in beef prices significantly affected restaurant chains like Texas Roadhouse, leading to increased operational costs [5] - Consumers' tolerance for higher meal prices has been tested, with the cost of eating out rising nearly double compared to eating at home, which saw a year-over-year increase of 1.9% [6] - The trend of "shrinkflation," where smaller portions are offered at the same or higher prices, has negatively impacted fast-casual restaurant chains [7] Company-Specific Factors - Texas Roadhouse's market cap is approximately $12 billion, with a current stock price of $174.32 and a gross margin of 13.27% [8] - Tax changes related to overtime and tips may indirectly benefit Texas Roadhouse, potentially improving employee retention and attracting new staff [9][10] - Increased retained earnings from overtime workers and larger tax rebate checks could lead to higher casual dining spending in 2026, supporting a rebound for Texas Roadhouse [11]