Dunkin’ is Going Private in $11.3 Billion Deal

Inspire Brands, a holding company backed by the Roark Capital Group, a private equity firm, is purchasing Dunkin’, which also owns Baskin-Robbins. Inspire already owns 11,000 Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic, Jimmy John’s, and other restaurants. Inspire, which will take on Dunkin’s debt in the deal, plans to acquire outstanding Dunkin’ shares at $106.50 apiece.…

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Starbucks is now Officially Testing Vegan Breakfast Sandwiches

Coffee chain Starbucks has launched a plant-based breakfast sandwich at one test location in Issaquah, WA, a city on the outskirts of Seattle. The new Plant-Powered Breakfast Sandwich, retailing at $5.45, is made with a mung bean-based egg, a plant-based sausage patty, dairy-free cheese, and is served on an English muffin. While Starbucks has not…

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Chick-fil-A to Start Selling its Sauces at Walmart, other National Retailers

It will soon get a lot easier to acquire signature sauces from Chick-fil-A. The fast-food chain announced its Chick-fil-A and Polynesian Sauces will be available to buy at retailers including Walmart, Publix, and Kroger starting in mid-November. The sauces, available in 16-ounce bottles for $3.49 each, will initially appear in stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia,…

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Nearly 300 Public, Private Sector Groups Launch Digital Campaign Pushing for a Deal on a Coronavirus Relief

A coalition of travel, restaurant, retail, and state and local government groups launched a digital advertising campaign on Wednesday calling for Congress to quickly approve a new coronavirus relief package. The Covid Relief Now Coalition is made up of organizations representing the public and private sector, including the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), International Franchise…

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Measures aimed at ensuring the most efficient food chain possible

The US Food and Drug Administration on Sept. 18 announced the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at providing temporary relief from enforcement of certain regulations and deadlines to food manufacturers struggling to adjust operations and procedures to ensure food is directed safely and in the quantities and forms required during the coronavirus (COVID-19)…

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The private Equity Firm Partnered with Management on the Deal for the Fast-Growing Chain

Private equity firm Levine Leichtman on said it has partnered with management to acquire Atlanta-based Tropical Smoothie Café. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition gives the Los Angeles-based Levine one of the industry’s fastest-growing concepts. Tropical Smoothie has averaged 23% system sales growth over the past five years, including 22% in…

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Twin Peaks Introduces New Tailgating Kits for Football Season

Whether you’re tailgating or watching the game on your couch with friends and family, Twin Peaks has these new kits available for delivery, online ordering, or curbside pickup at participating locations that will enhance your sports viewing experience: Twin Peaks Wing Packs – Boneless, bone-in naked, bone-in breaded or smoked and grilled wings, served in…

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Saved by Suburbs: Food Trucks hit by Virus Find new Foodies

On a warm summer night, two food trucks pulled onto a tree-lined street in a hilltop neighborhood outside Seattle. The smell of grilled meat filled the air, and neighbors slurped on boba tea drinks. Toddlers, teens, their parents, and dogs sat in the grass, chatting behind masks, laughing, and mimicking imaginary hugs to stay socially…

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