Julie Knudson

    A Fresh Take on Financing a Fast Casual

    If a recent spate of large-scale investments is any indication, the new crop of Fast Casual 2.0 restaurants—with their chef-driven menus and next-level ingredients—is piquing the interests of priva

    Off the Beaten Path

    Eager to launch his new restaurant concept Komotodo Sushi Burrito and having already experienced one failed Kickstarter campaign, Alonzo Martinez designed a new strategy and went at it again.

    Exchange Rate

    When it launched its first restaurant in Mexico, BurgerFi learned the real-world costs behind international expansion.

    Balancing the Year-End Budget

    For many quick-service operators, year-end is budget season. But developing meaningful numbers for the next year requires a methodical approach.

    Shaking Up the Market

    Shake Shack got some unexpected horsepower when it went public. What can the industry learn from its incredible success?

    The State of the SBA

    Accessing capital through the SBA 7(a) program is a popular route for quick-service operators.

    Bankrolling R&D

    Research and development expenses can add significant dollars to a rebrand project.

    Going the Distance

    Managing private equity partnerships over time requires engagement, shared expectations.

    Partner Up

    Operators seek a shared vision when selecting the right private equity partner.

    The New-Age CFO

    Financial expertise, brand awareness, and even IT familiarity make CFOs powerful brand executives.

    Time to Spend Again

    Restaurants take advantage of good market conditions to refresh, energize their brands.

    Doing the Deal

    A health check of the mergers and acquisitions market shows opportunities for growth.