PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Calling all cheese lovers! Applebee's sizzlin' start to the New Year just got cheesier with the NEW O-M-Cheese Burger, a delicious burger served over queso and melted cheese in a sizzlin' skillet for $11.99.* Plus, for a limited time, guests can melt into the moment with the NEW O-M-Cheese Burger and the Fiesta Lime Chicken paired with an appetizer or two side salads as part of Applebee's signature 2 for $25 Menu.** Served in a sizzling skillet of molten queso. ...

BUKIT MERTAJAM, MALAYSIA, Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CCH Holdings Ltd (Nasdaq: CCHH) (“CCH” or the “Company”), a Malaysia-based specialty hotpot restaurant chain, today issued further details on a series of anticipated acquisitions, new business ventures, and international expansion planned for 2026. These developments include the following: Acquisition of three Malaysia-based restaurant groups, including three additional outlets of the Sichuan cuisine franchise, Banbudian Bistro; thirteen outlets o ...

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 ...

Core Insights - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. announces the expansion of its Heal Wellness brand with the acquisition of a second U.S. location in Lubbock, Texas, as part of its strategy to grow Heal into a leading smoothie and açaí bowl brand across North America [1][3] Company Expansion - Heal Wellness has secured its second U.S. real estate location in Texas, following the announcement of its first site just two months prior [3] - The new location in Lubbock is set to open in 2026 and is part of a 10-unit development agreement for Heal Wellness [3] - Texas is identified as an ideal market for expansion due to its warm climate, population growth, and active lifestyle demographics [3] Market Positioning - Heal Wellness is positioned to cater to families, students, professionals, and fitness-oriented consumers seeking healthy food options in a warm-weather market [3] - Lubbock has a population of over 270,000, with a broader metropolitan area exceeding 360,000, providing a strong customer base [3] Growth Metrics - Heal Wellness currently operates 30 locations and has more than 178 in development, contributing to Happy Belly's portfolio of 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across various brands [4] - The company's disciplined growth strategy aims to create long-term value for shareholders [4][7]

Core Insights - Krispy Kreme is launching a Winter Seasonal Collection featuring five limited-time seasonal lineups throughout the year, designed to cater to seasonal tastes and comforts [1] Product Offering - The Winter Seasonal Collection will be available starting January 6 at participating Krispy Kreme locations across the U.S. [1] - This collection includes four all-new items that reflect the flavors people crave during the winter season [1]

Core Thesis - The investment thesis for First Watch (FWRG) is based on its modern, upscale diner concept that positions it as a brunch destination offering healthy food and beverages, differentiating itself from competitors with outdated menus and business models [1] Company Overview - First Watch operates as a brunch-focused restaurant chain that emphasizes health-conscious dining options, appealing to a growing consumer trend towards healthier eating [1] Competitive Landscape - The company competes against traditional diners that have not updated their menus or décor, suggesting a potential market advantage due to its contemporary approach [1]

This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Dive Insight: While Twin Hospitality, which operates Twin Peaks and Smokey Bones, continues to open restaurants and sign franchisee agreements, the company faced growing losses and declining same-store sales and revenue during the third quarter, according to an earnings release. The company closed 15 underperforming Smokey Bones restaurants last ...

Core Insights - Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG) is enhancing its operational focus to maintain transaction momentum amid a challenging consumer environment, emphasizing restaurant throughput through the implementation of its high-efficiency equipment package (HEEP) [1][4] Group 1: HEEP Initiative - HEEP includes upgraded kitchen equipment such as dual-sided planchas, three-pan rice cookers, and higher-capacity fryers, aimed at simplifying preparation and improving line flow while maintaining food quality [2] - As of Q3 2025, HEEP has been installed in approximately 175 restaurants, showing early results of improved labor efficiency, consistent culinary execution, and higher guest satisfaction scores, along with yield savings that support unit-level economics [2][10] - The rollout of HEEP is approached with operational discipline, viewed as a long-term structural investment, with expectations for completion over approximately three years [3][10] Group 2: Broader Operational Strategy - The throughput initiative aligns with Chipotle's broader execution framework that encompasses operations, marketing, and digital engagement, which is crucial as consumer demand remains uneven [4] - Incremental capacity gains from operational efficiency are expected to play a significant role in supporting growth, with HEEP potentially enhancing throughput and reinforcing unit economics over time [4] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Chipotle's focus on throughput-enhancing equipment distinguishes it from competitors like Starbucks and McDonald's, who are also prioritizing operational efficiency but with different approaches [5][6] - Starbucks emphasizes labor deployment and service quality through its Green Apron Service model, while McDonald's focuses on value platforms and menu innovation alongside operational execution [5][6] - Chipotle's targeted investment in back-of-house capabilities through HEEP aims to improve kitchen capacity and consistency, particularly during peak periods, without altering menu architecture or service models [7] Group 4: Financial Performance - Chipotle's shares have decreased by 38.2% over the past year, contrasting with the industry's decline of 8.4% [8] - The company trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 4.11X, which is above the industry's average of 3.47X [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Chipotle's 2026 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a year-over-year increase of 4.7%, with EPS estimates remaining unchanged over the past 30 days [12]

Core Insights - Baupost Group's latest 13F filing reveals a highly selective and concentrated portfolio, focusing on durable businesses with long-term cash generation potential [1][2] Investment Moves - **Restaurant Brands International (QSR)**: Increased by 4,203,300 shares to 8,252,862 shares, representing a $529.3 million position (11.05% of the portfolio). This is now Baupost's largest equity holding, indicating a belief in significant mispricing relative to its stable franchise model and cash flows [3][4] - **Elevance Health (ELV)**: Increased by 703,000 shares to 1,319,000 shares, totaling a $426.2 million position (8.90%). The increase suggests confidence in the company's predictable cash flows and resilience in a politically noisy sector [5][6] - **Union Pacific (UNP)**: Newly established position with 1,496,204 shares, valued at $353.7 million (7.38%). The railroad's high barriers to entry and pricing power align with Baupost's focus on downside protection [7][8] - **Alphabet (GOOG)**: Reduced by 775,850 shares to 1,858,138 shares, now a $452.6 million position (9.45%). The reduction reflects portfolio risk management rather than a loss of conviction [9] - **CRH plc (CRH)**: Trimmed by 442,000 shares to 3,383,395 shares, valued at $405.7 million (8.47%). The trim indicates a disciplined approach to valuation, despite the long-term thesis remaining intact [10] - **Full Exits**: Baupost exited several positions entirely, including Viasat, Liberty Broadband, ICON plc, and Amcor, signaling a shift in risk-reward balance [11][12] Strategic Focus - The quarter was characterized by conviction-driven capital redeployment into high-confidence ideas, particularly in sectors like restaurants, railroads, healthcare, and materials [13][14] - Trimming positions like GOOG and CRH reflects a focus on risk management and valuation discipline rather than a bearish outlook [15] - The top 10 positions account for over 75% of disclosed assets, emphasizing Baupost's belief in concentration as a strategy against ignorance [16] - The portfolio prioritizes downside protection, with upside driven by business durability rather than macroeconomic bets [17]

Core Insights - The restaurant industry has faced significant challenges over the past year due to rapid changes in consumer preferences and increased operating costs [1] Industry Summary - The broad basket of restaurant stocks has struggled, indicating a tough market environment for the sector [1]