This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Wonder purchased a fast casual concept, Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken, and is adding two new brands of its own, according to separate announcements issued by the company this week.  The food hall company, which also owns Grubhub and Blue Apron, will add Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken to one of its New York City locations this year, followed by a broader ex ...

Company Overview - Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) has a market cap of approximately $25.1 billion and is one of the largest full-service restaurant operators in the U.S., known for brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse [1] Stock Performance - DRI stock has increased by 7.6% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which has risen by 14.4%. However, on a year-to-date basis, DRI shares are up 14.3%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 1.4% gain [2] - The company has also outperformed the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY), which returned 4.6% over the past 52 weeks [3] Strategic Decisions - On February 3, DRI shares rose by 2.3% following the announcement of the completion of a strategic review for its Bahama Breeze brand, which will involve the permanent closure of 14 locations and the conversion of the remaining 14 into other Darden concepts. These closures are expected to be finalized by April 5, 2026, with conversions occurring over the next 12–18 months. Management indicated that this move will not have a material financial impact and aims to strengthen other brands within its portfolio while supporting employees by placing them in other roles across Darden's network [4] Financial Projections - For the fiscal year ending in May 2026, analysts project DRI's adjusted EPS to grow by 10.7% year-over-year to $10.57. The company's earnings surprise history has been mixed, with one out of the last four quarters exceeding consensus estimates and three missing [5] - Among the 31 analysts covering DRI, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," consisting of 19 "Strong Buy" ratings, one "Moderate Buy," and 11 "Holds" [5]

Core Viewpoint - U.S. stock futures are trading higher, indicating a positive market sentiment for the day ahead [1] Group 1 - Certain stocks are expected to attract investor attention today, although specific names are not mentioned [1]

One of China’s premium Shanghainese dining chains abruptly shut 10 outlets in the city, becoming the latest casualty of the country’s consumption slump and sparking an outcry from diners just days before the Lunar New Year holidays https://t.co/mrhJzVTNOn ...

Core Viewpoint - Starbucks' dividend growth, which has seen a remarkable increase of 1,140% since its first dividend in 2010, is expected to come to an end, with signs indicating a halt in dividend hikes later this year [1][2]. Dividend Growth Trends - From 2010 to 2020, Starbucks averaged a 24.5% annual increase in dividends, but growth has significantly slowed since 2021 [4]. - The quarterly payouts and annual dividend increases from 2021 to 2025 are as follows: - 2021: $0.49 per share, 8.9% increase - 2022: $0.53 per share, 8.2% increase - 2023: $0.57 per share, 7.5% increase - 2024: $0.61 per share, 7% increase - 2025: $0.62 per share, 1.6% increase [5]. Financial Indicators - The payout ratio has surged above 200%, indicating that Starbucks is spending more than twice its net income on dividends, which raises concerns about sustainability [6][8]. - Cash flow from operations has decreased from approximately $5.6 billion a year ago to just under $4.3 billion currently, further complicating the dividend outlook [9]. - Starbucks has not repurchased shares since 2024, and the employee stock investment plan is increasing the number of shares outstanding, which dilutes the share price [11]. Market Context - The current market capitalization of Starbucks is $113 billion, with a current price of $97.54 and a dividend yield of 2.48% [13]. - The suspension of the buyback program in 2022 by the then-CEO Howard Schultz has contributed to a decline in share prices, as cash was redirected towards operational investments [13].

Domino’s Pizza named McDonald’s veteran Andrew Gregory as its new global CEO https://t.co/1phRDnkH8Q ...

Core Viewpoint - The article expresses a personal interest in visiting Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (TXRH) and highlights the author's background as an equity research analyst with a focus on value investing and identifying undervalued stocks with growth potential [1]. Company Analysis - Texas Roadhouse, Inc. is mentioned as a restaurant chain that the author intends to visit, indicating a personal interest in the company's operations and offerings [1]. Investment Perspective - The author emphasizes a fundamental analysis approach to investing, which involves assessing the intrinsic value of stocks and identifying those with potential for growth [1].

Core Viewpoint - The article expresses a personal interest in visiting Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (TXRH) and highlights the author's background as an equity research analyst with a focus on value investing and identifying undervalued stocks with growth potential [1]. Company Summary - Texas Roadhouse, Inc. is mentioned as a restaurant chain that the author intends to visit, indicating a personal interest in the company's offerings and potential growth [1]. Analyst Background - The author has a broad career in the financial market, covering both Brazilian and global stocks, and emphasizes a fundamental analysis approach to investment [1].

Core Insights - El Pollo Loco is launching new Baja Double Tostadas and Baja Shrimp Tacos, introducing bold flavors and seasonal seafood options to its menu [1][2][3] Menu Innovations - The new offerings include three types of Baja Double Tostadas: Baja Double Shrimp, Baja Double Chicken, and Baja Chicken & Shrimp Tostadas, along with Baja Shrimp Tacos [2] - Each Baja Double Tostada features a crispy fried tostada shell filled with fresh ingredients, including shredded lettuce, pinto beans, seasoned rice, and a new Lime Crema Sauce [5] Nutritional Information - Baja Double Shrimp Tostada contains 38 grams of protein, while the Baja Double Chicken Tostada has 66 grams of protein, and the Baja Chicken & Shrimp Tostada offers 52 grams of protein [5] Company Background - El Pollo Loco is recognized as the leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant in the U.S., operating over 500 locations across nine states and internationally in the Philippines [4]

Core Viewpoint - Jack in the Box is defending its board of directors, particularly chair David Goebel, ahead of the annual shareholders meeting, emphasizing the importance of their leadership for the company's strategic plan and shareholder value [1][4]. Group 1: Shareholder Communication - The company has urged shareholders to vote for all 10 of its board nominees, including Goebel, in response to activist investor Sardar Biglari's campaign against them [2]. - Jack in the Box has sent a letter to shareholders reiterating its support for the board and Goebel, highlighting his critical expertise and the potential risks of his removal [4]. Group 2: Performance and Challenges - Proxy advisory firm Egan Jones has recommended that shareholders withhold votes from several directors, including Goebel, citing a 7.4% decline in same-store sales in the fourth quarter since the introduction of the Jack on Track plan [3]. - The company claims that Biglari's campaign is motivated by self-interest and has hindered constructive dialogue, asserting that the board is well-suited to lead the company [4]. Group 3: Management and Strategy - Jack in the Box has appointed a new CEO, CFO, and COO, and is implementing an orderly board refreshment process to strengthen its leadership [4]. - The company believes it has the right board and management team in place to build a strong foundation for future growth, with Goebel being recognized as a highly qualified executive in the quick-service and casual-dining sector [4].