Core Insights - Yum Brands is leveraging its Byte by Yum technology platform to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction across its restaurant brands [2][3] Technology Platform Overview - Byte by Yum is a proprietary software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed for KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill, focusing on quick-service restaurant (QSR) operations [2] - The platform has achieved significant operational improvements, including an 85% reduction in stockouts, a 75% decrease in aggregator ordering failures, and a 10% increase in consumer satisfaction [2] Business Impact - Improvements from the Byte by Yum platform are expected to drive higher same-store sales growth and enhance unit economics, aligning with the company's "Raise the Bar" ambitions [3] - The platform's ability to own data and key technology components provides a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing technological landscape [3] Product Offerings - Yum Brands offers the Byte by Yum platform in two bundles: Smart Ops (point of sale, menu, and kitchen management) and Digital Ordering (web and app ordering, menu, and third-party marketplace applications) [4] Adoption and Expansion - By the end of 2025, Smart Ops was implemented in 7,000 restaurants, and Digital Ordering was in 18,000, totaling at least 38,000 restaurants utilizing at least one Byte product [5] - The company is now focused on enhancing product excellence and accelerating global adoption of the platform [5] Digital Sales Growth - The Byte by Yum platform, along with the company's loyalty ecosystem and AI-driven marketing, contributed to digital system sales reaching $11 billion, with a digital mix of 60% in Q4 [6] - Growth was observed across all digital channels, including mobile apps, loyalty programs, and delivery services, reinforcing the company's competitive edge [7]

I'm at Starbucks's investor day where they're showing off new products and talking about the future of the business. The event comes as Starbucks is trying to climb out of a long slide in sales and profit. Unionized baristas are also agitating for change.At the event, CEO Brian Nickel focused on how Starbucks can build back its customer base and his belief that the company provides one of the best jobs in retail. The company intends to introduce new menu items with globally inspired flavors like an iced ube ...

Core Insights - Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, showing year-over-year growth in both metrics [1][4] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q4 were 40 cents, surpassing the consensus estimate of 35 cents by 14.3%, and increased 33% year over year [4] - Total revenues reached $2.8 billion, beating the consensus mark of $2.7 billion and growing 8.8% from the previous year [4] - System sales (excluding foreign exchange) rose 7% year over year, with KFC system sales increasing by 8% and Pizza Hut by 6% [5] Operational Highlights - Total costs and expenses were $2.64 billion, up 8% from last year, while the restaurant margin improved by 70 basis points to 13% due to savings in food, paper, and occupancy costs [6] - Adjusted operating profit grew 25% to $187 million, and adjusted EBITDA increased to $318 million from $292 million the previous year [6] Business Segments - KFC's revenues rose 9% to $2.1 billion, with operating profit up 16% to $223 million [7] - Pizza Hut's revenues climbed 6% to $540 million, and operating profit surged 52% to $20 million [7] 2025 Highlights - Total revenues for 2025 were $11.8 billion, compared to $11.3 billion in 2024 [8] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 was $1.78 billion, up from $1.69 billion in 2024, and adjusted EPS increased to $2.51 from $2.33 [8] - The company opened 1,706 net new stores, with franchisees accounting for 31% of the openings, bringing the total store count to 18,101 as of December 31, 2025 [8] Shareholder Returns - Yum China returned $1.5 billion to shareholders in 2025, including $1.14 billion in share repurchases and $353 million in cash dividends [11] - The board declared a 21% increase in the cash dividend to $0.29 per share, payable on March 25, 2026 [11] 2026 Outlook - For 2026, Yum China plans to open a total of 20,000 stores, with capital expenditure expected between $600 million and $700 million [12] - The company aims to return $1.5 billion to shareholders in 2026 [12]

Core Point - Krispy Kreme introduces the Big Game Dozen, a special offering designed for football fans to enhance their game day experience [1] Product Offering - The Big Game Dozen includes six Football Doughnuts, two Goal Post Doughnuts, and four additional doughnuts, catering to various preferences for game day celebrations [1]

Leadership Change - Devyani International (DIL) has appointed Manish Dawar as the new CEO and president, effective from 1 April 2026, succeeding Viraj Joshi who will remain as a non-executive director [1][2] - The board believes that this leadership transition is crucial for DIL's next phase, which requires a bold strategic vision and strong execution capability [2] Financial Performance - DIL reported a consolidated net loss of Rs103.9 million ($1.15 million) for Q3 FY26, compared to a loss of Rs4.9 million in the same period a year earlier [3] - Excluding a one-time charge related to India's new labor laws, DIL posted a profit of Rs659.8 million ($7.31 million) for the December quarter [3] Merger Agreement - DIL has entered a merger agreement with Sapphire Foods, which will combine two Yum! Brands franchise operators in India, creating one of the largest quick-service restaurant groups in the country [3][4] - The merger is expected to take approximately 12 to 15 months to become effective [4]

Industry Overview - High prices are challenging consumers, leading to cautious spending, yet the retail sector, particularly restaurants, has shown resilience amid inflationary pressures [1][5] - Restaurant sales in the U.S. reached $735.9 billion in November, marking a 0.6% increase from the previous month and a 3.3% year-over-year growth [4] Investment Opportunities - The current environment suggests investing in restaurant stocks with a strong online presence, specifically Aramark (ARMK), Brinker International, Inc. (EAT), and BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (BJRI) [2] - These selected stocks have experienced positive earnings estimate revisions in the past 60 days and are expected to deliver solid returns, with Zacks Ranks of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [3] Company Insights Aramark (ARMK) - Aramark benefits from steady restaurant sales and provides food services across various sectors including healthcare and education [10] - The expected earnings growth rate for Aramark is 16.9%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.5% over the past 60 days, currently holding a Zacks Rank 2 [12] Brinker International, Inc. (EAT) - Brinker International operates restaurants under the Chili's and Maggiano's brands, with a strong presence in casual dining [13] - The expected earnings growth rate for Brinker is 18.7%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 3.4% over the past 60 days, currently holding a Zacks Rank 1 [14] BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (BJRI) - BJ's Restaurants operates a chain of high-end casual dining establishments, offering a diverse menu for various dining occasions [15] - The expected earnings growth rate for BJ's is 49.7%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.5% over the past 60 days, currently holding a Zacks Rank 2 [15]

Core Viewpoint - Ark Restaurants Corp. will hold a conference call to discuss its financial results for the first quarter ending December 27, 2025, on February 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time [1] Group 1 - The conference call is intended for investors and analysts [1] - Dial-in numbers for participation include a toll-free number (1-877-407-4018) and an international number (1-201-689-8471) [1] - Participants can also access the conference call through a provided online link [1]

The gloomy jobs news that kicked off 2026 is set to become even worse in the months ahead as a major retail name and a restaurant chain are expected to close all U.S. locations and another major restaurant group plans to close more than 100 of its stores. Eddie Bauer is reportedly planning to file for bankruptcy, which would likely mean the closure of most, if not all, of the brand's roughly 200 stores in the U.S. and Canada. As that situation evolves, Olive Garden parent company Darden Restaurants has ann ...

Core Insights - RAVE Restaurant Group, Inc. reported its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, marking the 23rd consecutive quarter of profitability, driven by the execution of its Mission 2030 strategy [3][5]. Financial Performance - The company recorded a net income of $0.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, representing a 4.9% increase from the same period in the previous year [5]. - Income before taxes increased by 12.1% to $0.8 million compared to the same period of the prior year [5]. - Total revenue rose by $0.2 million to $3.0 million, reflecting a 6.0% increase year-over-year [5]. - Adjusted EBITDA increased by $0.1 million to $0.9 million, a 5.3% increase from the same period last year [5]. - On a fully diluted basis, net income per share remained at $0.04, consistent with the same period of the prior year [5]. Brand Performance - Pizza Inn experienced a 2.5% increase in domestic comparable store retail sales in the second quarter, following an 8.1% growth in the first quarter [5]. - Pie Five's domestic comparable store retail sales decreased by 1.5% in the second quarter compared to the same period last year [5]. - The company opened three new Pizza Inn buffet restaurants in the second quarter, the first such openings in over 20 years, indicating a strong commitment to growth [4]. Liquidity and Balance Sheet - Cash and short-term investments totaled $10.9 million as of December 28, 2025 [5]. - The company maintains a solid balance sheet with no debt and high liquidity, positioning it well for future growth [6]. Strategic Initiatives - The management team is focused on improving Pie Five's performance through new advertising, product innovation, operational efficiency, and pricing initiatives [5].

Award-Winning Burger Chain Unveils Smash Style Burger with a Twist for Limited-Time LOS ANGELES, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fatburger, the all-American burger chain owned by FAT Brands Inc., is sizzling with the addition of a new burger to its menu line-up, the Flatburger. Available now through June 30 at participating locations, the latest burger creation further underscores the brand’s commitment to delivering flat-out delicious, high-quality offerings to its fans. The Flatburger is loaded with fla ...