Kelli Valade, CEO of Black Box Intelligence, provides industry update

National Restaurant Association lobbyist Sean Kennedy sees a will but a tough way for comprehensive legislation to assist operators as winter nears

Plus, a conversation about disclosing corporate diversity and pay equity

The Small Business Administration has received 96,000 applications for Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness; banks have complained about the slow approval process

Chains excluded from restaurant grant program proposed as part of HEROES Act; grants are geared for independent restaurants, food trucks and bars in underrepresented communities with a focus on women- and minority-operated establishments.

Utah-based growth fund led by Andrew Smith announces investment in upscale fast-casual fried chicken brand and 2019 NRN Hot Concept winner; Savory to grow Crack Shack by three to five units in 2021.

TCGM Holding Company acquires fast-casual concept in asset sale; original location, closed since the onset of the pandemic, will reopen next week with focus on throwback sandwiches and concrete-style frozen custard desserts.

Parent Cosmoledo LLC reportedly taps Aurify Brands as stalking horse bidder

Private-equity firm Monroe Capital wins bidding, which included Boston Market Holdings Corp.

Collins Ave. location has been closed since March pandemic shutdown; other restaurants unaffected