Core Insights - Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. is the largest restaurant chain in Latin America and the world's largest independent McDonald's franchisee, providing guidance for restaurant openings and capital expenditures for 2026 [1] Restaurant Openings - In 2025, the company opened 102 restaurants, including 88 free-standing units, with 64 openings in Brazil, 23 in the South Latin American Division, and 15 in the North Latin American Division, which included 73 company-operated locations [3] - For 2026, Arcos Dorados expects to open between 105 to 115 restaurants across its operating footprint [3] Capital Expenditures - Total capital expenditures for 2025 are estimated to be at the low end of the guidance range of $300 to $350 million [4] - For 2026, the company projects total capital expenditures of $275 million to $325 million, which will cover openings, modernizations, optimizations, maintenance capital expenditures, and investments in information technology systems [5]

Core Insights - The article highlights the expertise of a seasoned equity analyst specializing in the U.S. restaurant industry, covering various segments from quick-service to fine dining [1] - The analyst employs advanced financial modeling and sector-specific KPIs to identify hidden value in public equities, particularly focusing on micro and small-cap companies often overlooked by mainstream analysts [1] Industry Focus - The research firm, Goulart's Restaurant Stocks, is dedicated to thematic research and valuation efforts within the restaurant sector, as well as consumer discretionary, food & beverage, and gaming industries [1] - The analyst's background includes hands-on experience in finance and business management, complemented by academic qualifications in controllership and accounting forensics [1] Research Methodology - The analyst utilizes advanced financial modeling techniques and strategic insights to uncover investment opportunities [1] - The focus on micro and small-cap stocks indicates a niche approach that may reveal undervalued assets in the market [1]

Core Insights - Brinker International, Inc. reported strong financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, with Chili's achieving industry-leading growth of +9% and a two-year comparable sales growth of +43% [2][3] - The company experienced a 7.5% increase in comparable restaurant sales, with Chili's specifically seeing an 8.6% increase, while Maggiano's faced a decline of 2.4% [4][7] - The company has raised its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance, reflecting a stronger sales and profit outlook despite the negative impact from Winter Storm Fern, which resulted in approximately $20 million in reduced revenues [5][6] Financial Performance - Company sales for Q2 fiscal 2026 reached $1,438.8 million, up from $1,346.1 million in Q2 fiscal 2025, marking a variance of $92.7 million [3][21] - Total revenues increased to $1,452.2 million from $1,358.2 million, with an operating income of $168.4 million compared to $156.0 million in the previous year [3][21] - Net income rose to $128.5 million, or $2.86 per diluted share, compared to $118.5 million, or $2.61 per diluted share, in Q2 fiscal 2025 [3][21] Segment Performance - Chili's company sales increased to $1,304.1 million from $1,196.9 million, while Maggiano's sales decreased to $149.2 million from $134.7 million [7][21] - Chili's operating income was $200.0 million, with an operating margin of 15.2%, while Maggiano's operating income was $15.0 million, with an operating margin of 11.1% [7][32] - Franchise revenues for Chili's reached approximately $271.9 million, up from $232.3 million in the same quarter last year [10] Guidance and Future Outlook - The updated fiscal 2026 guidance includes total revenues projected between $5.76 billion and $5.83 billion, and net income per diluted share expected to be between $10.45 and $10.85 [6] - Capital expenditures are now expected to be between $250 million and $260 million, down from the previous estimate of $270 million to $290 million [6] - The company anticipates a total of 32 to 38 new restaurant openings for the fiscal year, with a focus on both company-owned and franchise locations [25]

This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Over the past few years, Fat Brands built up a 19-brand portfolio through acquisitions of chains like Round Table Pizza and Johnny Rockets. But those deals came with a significant cost: over $1 billion in debt. While Fat was growing quickly, creating a development pipeline of 1,000 units, economic conditions soured. Consumers pulled back on spending, leading t ...

Core Insights - Noble Chicken has secured an agreement to be the exclusive food and wing provider at Oakley Greens, a sports bar and entertainment venue in Cincinnati, Ohio, replacing the previous food operator [1] - The partnership aims to enhance the food offerings at Oakley Greens, aligning with the venue's goal to broaden its menu for visitors [1][4] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration between Noble Chicken and Oakley Greens is based on a long-standing familiarity between the two brands, with a focus on upgrading food options [2] - Noble Chicken's menu will include its regular offerings, with additional items tailored for groups, families, and event-driven traffic [3] Group 2: Customer Base and Experience - The customer demographics at Oakley Greens are seen as closely matching those of Noble Chicken, indicating a strong potential for synergy [2][3] - The partnership is expected to create a unique experience by pairing Noble Chicken's food with Oakley Greens' established bar operations, enhancing the overall customer experience [3]

Core Insights - KFC UK and Ireland is launching a new specialty drinks range called 'Kwench by KFC' to target the Gen Z drinks market [1][3] - The rollout will be the first of its kind globally, following a successful trial in Manchester [1] - The full implementation across all UK and Ireland restaurants is expected to be completed by the end of this year [1] Investment and Product Details - The launch is backed by a £38 million ($52 million) investment from KFC and its franchise partners [2] - The Kwench range includes 11 freshly prepared drinks such as iced coffees, boba refreshers, sparkling lemonades, and Krunch Shakes, with more drinks planned for the future [2] - Restaurants will feature dedicated Kwench counters and branding, with some locations also receiving Kwench-branded furniture [2] Strategic Importance - KFC's strategy and innovation director highlighted that bold, trend-led drinks are crucial for engaging Gen Z, presenting a significant opportunity for the brand [3] - The Kwench range aims to enhance the menu and encourage more frequent visits to KFC beyond their traditional offerings [3] - KFC views Kwench as a key component of its ambition to become the fastest-growing restaurant brand for the next generation [4]

This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Torchy’s Tacos is closing a “limited number of locations that no longer align” with its long-term plans, a Torchy’s Taco spokesperson said in a statement emailed to Restaurant Dive. Torchy’s didn’t say how many units it will close, but local media reports highlight at least six closures. Its only Georgia restaurant will close on Feb. 4. It will ...

Group 1 - Steak 'n Shake, a subsidiary of Biglari Holdings, added $5 million worth of Bitcoin to its Strategic Reserve [1] - The company announced that all Bitcoin sales contribute to its strategic reserve, emphasizing a self-sustaining system that enhances food quality and same-store sales [2] - This recent addition follows a $10 million Bitcoin expansion earlier in the month, marking a significant treasury-related move [3] Group 2 - Steak 'n Shake has begun accepting Bitcoin payments globally through the Lightning Network, resulting in nearly 50% savings in transaction fees compared to credit card processing [4] - The company is actively integrating Bitcoin into its operations, including a BTC bonus for hourly employees, which vests after two years [4] - As of the latest data, Bitcoin was trading at $88,811.53, with Biglari shares rising 1.67% in after-hours trading, reflecting a year-to-date increase of 19.83% [5]

Group 1 - U.S. stock futures are trading higher, indicating a positive market sentiment for the day [1] - Microsoft Corp. is expected to report quarterly earnings of $3.97 per share on revenue of $80.27 billion, with shares rising 0.4% to $482.50 in after-hours trading [1] - Packaging Corp Of America reported weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter results, projecting first-quarter GAAP EPS of $2.20, below market estimates of $2.26, leading to a 2.1% decline in shares to $218.99 [1] - Tesla Inc. is anticipated to post quarterly earnings of 45 cents per share on revenue of $24.78 billion, with shares increasing 0.4% to $432.49 in after-hours trading [1] - Starbucks Corp. is projected to report quarterly earnings of 59 cents per share on revenue of $9.73 billion, with shares slipping 0.1% to $95.70 in after-hours trading [1] - AT&T Inc. is expected to report quarterly earnings of 46 cents per share on revenue of $32.87 billion, with shares rising 0.3% to $23.07 in after-hours trading [1]

Starbucks is mandating that CEO Brian Niccol use the company’s private jet for all his travel, including personal trips, while removing a previous restriction that would have required him to reimburse some travel expenses. Read more: https://t.co/3tEOD81hUr📷️: Michael Reaves/Getty Images ...