California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is to be acquired by an investor group led by Consortium Brand Partners, with Convive Brands CEO Jon Weber appointed to lead the chain’s restaurant operations, as reported by Reuters. The deal comes five years after CPK entered bankruptcy during the pandemic, when a sales slowdown and high debt levels led the company to seek protection in July 2020. Lenders took ownership of the business following that process. Under the new structure, Weber - whose Convive Brands is part ...

Key Takeaways CAVA stands out among fast-casual peers for 2026 with disciplined expansion and attractive unit economics.BROS leverages a drive-thru, beverage-led model with cult appeal and a long U.S. runway for expansion.WING franchised, digital-first growth faces traffic sensitivity, making normalization key to a 2026 breakout.As investors look toward 2026, fast-casual dining is expected to remain one of the most attractive growth areas within the restaurant industry. This segment offers a good mix of aff ...

BOSTON, Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SHIFT Communications, an integrated PR agency for consumer, healthcare and B2B technology brands, has earned national recognition for its work with the McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association of the Empire State with its integrated agency team partners Moroch and OMD. The “Getting into the Minds, Hearts & Stomachs of ‘Bills Mafia’” campaign has now received four industry awards, highlighting SHIFT’s strength as a consumer PR agency. SHIFT recognition for PR work with ...

Los Angeles-Based Burger Brand Returns to Japan with First of Four New Locations LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger and 17 other restaurant concepts, announces the opening of its newest Fatburger location in Okinawa in partnership with Green Micro Factory Inc., marking the brand’s highly anticipated return to Japan. The new location is the first of four Fatburger restaurants slated to open across Okinawa, as part of the bra ...

NEW YORK (AP) — Sales at U.S. retailers and restaurants were unchanged in October from September as consumers moderated their spending amid worries about higher prices and other economic uncertainties after splurging over the summer. But a big factor dragging down the figure was a 1.6% drop in sales at motor vehicles and auto parts dealerships, hurt by the expiration of federal government subsidies that sliced demand for battery-powered electric cars. Excluding that category, retail sales rose 0.4%, the C ...

You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters. After weeks of sale speculation, California Pizza Kitchen has entered an agreement to be acquired by an investor group led by Consortium Brands, in partnership with Eldridge Industries, Aurify Brands, and Convive Brands. Under the agreement, New York City-based investment and operations platform Convive Brands (Little Beet, Le Pain Quotidien), will direct global operations and serve as master franchisor for all CPK rest ...

Hong Kong, Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MasterBeef Group (“MasterBeef” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: MB), a full-service restaurant group in Hong Kong, specializing in Taiwanese hotpot and Taiwanese barbecue, announced today the results of the Company’s Annual General Meeting of Members (the “AGM”) held on December 12, 2025, at the law firm of Taylor Wessing, located at 21st Floor, 8 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong on 12 December 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (Hong Kong Appointment of Board of Directors. At the AGM, ...

Consortium Brand Partners is getting into the food business. The New York-based consumer brand investment platform that owns Draper James, Outdoor Voices and Jonathan Adler is part of a group that is acquiring California Pizza Kitchen. More from WWD The purchase price was not disclosed, but under the terms of the deal, Consortium is buying the business with Eldridge Industries, Aurify Brands and Convive Brands. Bain Capital Credit is supporting the deal with a debt and equity investment. It is expected ...

US-based fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain El Pollo Loco has named Robert D Wright and Tana Davila as independent members of its board of directors with effect from 1 January 2026. Wright is CEO of Potbelly Sandwich Works, a role he has held since 2020. During his tenure, Potbelly has expanded its store base and built out its digital platform, leading up to its acquisition by RaceTrac in 2025. His previous experience includes senior positions at the Wendy’s Company, Charley’s Philly Steaks and Domi ...

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 16, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands, is pleased to announce that its Heal Wellness brand ("Heal") has signed a real estate location for Georgetown, Ontario. This milestone further advances Heal's disciplined, asset-light growth strategy across high-quality suburban markets within the Greater Toronto Area. Heal Wellness is a quick-service restau ...