Starbucks has been experimenting with artificial intelligence as it seeks to turn around its business and gain an advantage in the competitive industry. But even as the coffee giant pushes forward with automation, its CEO, Brian Niccol, insists that it's designed as a support tool rather than a substitute for workers.  "It’s more of a co-pilot than a replacement," Niccol told FOX Business during a September interview where he explained how human connection is a key in the brand's turnaround efforts. Niccol ...

I’m an equity analyst and founder of Goulart’s Restaurant Stocks, a research firm focused on the U.S. restaurant industry — from quick-service and fast casual to fine dining and niche concepts. I lead all thematic research and valuation efforts, applying advanced financial modeling, sector-specific KPIs, and strategic insights to uncover hidden value across public equities. In addition to restaurants, I cover consumer discretionary, food & beverage, casinos & gaming, and IPOs, with a particular focus on mic ...

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Seattle, Washington-based Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) is the world’s largest specialty coffee roaster and retailer. With a global footprint of tens of thousands of stores across more than 87 countries, it currently holds a market cap of $96.2 billion. Founded in 1971, Starbucks operates primarily through company-operated and licensed retail stores offering premium coffee, espresso beverages, teas, food items, packaged goods, and merchandise under brands such as Starbucks Coffee, Teavana, Seattle’s Best Co ...

Group 1 - The company is focused on getting the fundamentals right to enable innovation in various areas such as menu offerings, rewards programs, and digital experiences [1][3] - A new store design is being implemented to facilitate the opening of more locations globally while reducing building costs and improving operational efficiency [1][2] - The company aims to create a welcoming atmosphere in stores that encourages customers to stay, enhancing the overall experience and connection with the brand [2][3] Group 2 - There is an opportunity to enhance the food offerings by introducing more snackable, protein-forward, and gluten-free products to align with current trends [4]

Core Viewpoint - Jack in the Box is implementing a closure plan for underperforming restaurants to reduce costs and enhance revenue, aiming to close between 150 and 200 locations by 2026, with 80 to 120 closures targeted by the end of this year [1][4]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The company reported a net loss of $80.7 million for the fiscal year ending in September [3]. - Sales fell by 7.4% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, marking a year-over-year decline compared to the same quarter in 2024, and this represents the second consecutive quarter with a drop exceeding 7% [3][6]. - The total number of restaurant closures reached 72, which is still below the company's year-end target with only a week remaining [2]. Group 2: Strategic Actions - The company is focusing on three main areas: improving the balance sheet to enhance cash flow and reduce debt, closing underperforming restaurants to enable consistent net unit growth, and simplifying the business model to maximize shareholder returns [6]. - Jack in the Box has completed the sale of Del Taco to Yadav Enterprises for approximately $119 million as part of its turnaround strategy [6]. Group 3: Operational Overview - Jack in the Box operates around 2,200 restaurants across the U.S., primarily located in California, Texas, and Arizona [7].

Core Viewpoint - Starbucks is facing challenges despite its market dominance, with shares down 4% in 2025 and trading 31% below their peak [1] Group 1: Turnaround Efforts - Under CEO Brian Niccol, Starbucks has initiated a turnaround plan called "Back to Starbucks," focusing on enhancing the in-store experience through labor and technology investments, menu simplification, and restoring the coffee shop's community atmosphere [4] - For fiscal Q4 2025, Starbucks reported a same-store sales growth of 1%, ending a six-quarter decline in comparable sales, indicating a potential turning point [5] - Improving foot traffic will be crucial for Starbucks' success in 2026, which could positively influence investor sentiment [6] Group 2: Brand Strength - The Starbucks brand is a critical component of its economic moat, although recent sales struggles have raised questions about its strength [7] - The company has 34 million active members in its U.S. rewards program, providing a valuable channel for product and marketing initiatives, with digital capabilities enhancing customer engagement [8] Group 3: Expansion in China - China represents a significant growth opportunity for Starbucks, with plans to expand from approximately 8,000 stores to 20,000 stores in the future [10][12] - In November, Starbucks announced a joint venture by selling a 60% stake in its Chinese operations to a private equity firm, aiming to enhance customer experience and innovation [11]

文 | 红餐网 卢子言 编辑 | 王秀清 近日，必胜客推出新品牌"必胜炙烤串"，首店已在上海开业，营业时间为傍晚5点至凌晨24点，主打夜宵业态。 除了这家烤串店外，必胜客的汉堡品牌"必胜汉堡"首店也正在围挡中。 必胜客也要开始"狂开副牌"了？ 原店复用，用烤串拉动夜间生意 必胜炙烤串位于上海大宁国际商业广场一楼临街位置，周边1公里内既有社区，也有高校、医院、公园，自然客流量大、客群类型丰富。 1、30余款SKU，人均70元左右 大众点评显示，目前必胜炙烤串的人均消费在70元左右。产品方面，必胜炙烤串有30余款SKU，分为明星爆品、过瘾荤串、什锦烤蔬、灵魂碳水和微醺特 调五大类。其中，羊肉串、肥牛串、猪肉串等经典荤串价格在6-9元之间，玉米串、土豆片等素串则为4-6元。 除烤串外，店内还有重芝士火鸡面、爆酱香香面和罗马式黄金脆壳口袋饼三款主食，定价均为16元；酒水方面，涵盖啤酒、鸡尾酒和软饮，其中啤酒与多 数软饮售价8元，鸡尾酒12元，晚8点后，消费者还可享受19.9元畅饮优惠。 图片来源：大众点评截图 整体而言，必胜炙烤串的产品价格与主流连锁烧烤品牌相近。不过，市面上多数主打烧烤的品牌，其荤串常采用半打或多串 ...

Core Viewpoint - Jack in the Box is planning to close dozens of underperforming restaurants to cut costs and improve revenue, with a target of shutting down 150-200 locations by 2026, including 80-120 by the end of this year [1][4]. Group 1: Restaurant Closures - The company has already closed 12 locations in May, followed by 13 closures in August, and an additional 47 closures reported in November, bringing the total to 72 closures [1][4]. - The closures are part of a block closure program aimed at enhancing financial performance due to declining customer traffic and rising beef prices [4]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Jack in the Box reported a net loss of $80.7 million for the fiscal year ending in September, with a 7.4% decline in sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same quarter in 2024 [5]. - This marks the second consecutive quarter with a sales dip exceeding 7% [5]. Group 3: Strategic Focus - The CEO emphasized a simplified and asset-light business model to maximize shareholder returns, focusing on three main areas: improving the balance sheet, closing underperforming restaurants, and maintaining growth-oriented capital investments [7][8]. - The company aims for consistent net unit growth and competitive unit economics through these strategic actions [8]. Group 4: Recent Developments - Jack in the Box has completed the sale of Del Taco to Yadav Enterprises for approximately $119 million as part of its turnaround strategy [10]. - The company operates around 2,200 restaurants in the U.S., primarily located in California, Texas, and Arizona [10].

From quick-service outlets to full-service dining, here's a detailed list of restaurants operating on Christmas Day.Applebee's: Some Applebee’s locations will be open on Christmas, though hours may differ by restaurant. Guests are advised to check with their nearest outlet for specific timings, according to a report from Today.McDonald’s: Most McDonald’s outlets remain open on holidays, including Christmas. However, operating hours may vary by location, so customers are encouraged to check the store locator ...