What the Inspire-Dunkin’ deal could mean for restaurant M&As

Inspire Brands-Dunkin’ Brands deal clears COVID-19 clouds

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After a muffled M&A period, the proposed $11.3 billion acquisition may get others in the restaurant industry buzzing.

McDonald’s names Reginald J. Miller as vice president and global chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer

McDonald's

Miller’s appointment comes as the company continues to shore up its human-resources division; Miller previously worked at VF Corporation, parent of brands such as Vans, Timberland and The North Face.

Pizza Hut closes 672 units while Taco Bell drive-thru sales lift Yum Brands in Q3

Taco Bell drive-thrus served 30 million more cars during the last quarter; quarterly digital sales at Yum Brands reached $4 billion; CEO David Gibbs is leaning into franchising for The Habit Burger Grill.

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Sun Capital Partners-owned FIC Restaurants sells Friendly’s in bankruptcy asset sale

Amici Partners Group bought the struggling family-dining chain's assets, including 50 company-operated stores; Amici is an affiliate to Red Mango and RedBrick Pizza operator BRIX Holdings; Sun Capital recently sold Johnny Rockets to FAT Brands.

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Menu Tracker: New items from Boston Market, Dunkin’ and Taco Bell

Plus additions at Auntie Anne’s , Bartaco, Boston’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar, California Pizza Kitchen , Church’s Chicken, Donatos, Fatburger, Golden Krust, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Huddle House, The Hummus & Pita Co., Nathan’s Famous, Pizzeria Locale, The Salad House, Slater’s 50/50, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, Velvet Taco, Wienerschnitzel, Zalat Pizza, Zaxby’s and Zombie Burger.

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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store’s chef Cammie Spillyards-Schaefer gears up for the holidays during the coronavirus pandemic

Thanksiving is the family-dining chain's busiest time fo year, and the VP of menu development has new things in store.

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Starbucks to close another 100 U.S. stores

Starbucks

The coffee chain lost $1.2 billion in sales in Q4, but CFO Patrick Grismer says the company is recovering faster than expected.

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Inspire Brands to buy Dunkin' Brands for $11.3 billion

The owner of Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy John's and Rusty Taco will acquire Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins to create one of the world's largest restaurant companies.

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Corner Bakery Cafe sells to Boston Market owner Pandya

Affiliates of Roark Capital had held the fast-casual brand since 2011.

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Cheesecake Factory plans to close RockSugar

The casual-dining company says the Southeast Asian kitchen concept will shut by the end of the year.

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