Thursday January 3, 2019, 00:00:00

Tidbits re MCD, Luckin Coffee, CAKE, and DNKN

By Mark Kalinowski

We briefly note the following tidbits regarding McDonald’s (MCD; Buy), privatelyheld Luckin Coffee, The Cheesecake Factory (CAKE; Neutral), and Dunkin’ (owned by Dunkin’ Brands Group [DNKN; Neutral]):

Read more

Friday December 7, 2018, 00:00:00

Tidbits re DNKN, Burger King (owned by QSR), PZZA, & Inspire Brands CAKE

By Mark Kalinowski

We briefly note the following tidbits regarding Dunkin’ (owned by Dunkin’ Brands Group [DNKN; Neutral]), Burger King (owned by Restaurant Brands International [QSR; Not Rated]), Papa John’s (PZZA; Buy), and privately-held Inspire Brands as it relates to The Cheesecake Factory (CAKE; Neutral):

Read more

Tuesday December 4, 2018, 00:00:00

CAKE Our Meeting with Management in Calabasas

By Mark Kalinowski

We recently met with The Cheesecake Factory (CAKE; Neutral) — including CFO Matthew Clark; Senior Director, Investor Relations Stacy Feit; and Senior Financial Analyst, Investor Relations Heather Livingston — in Calabasas, California. We thank them for their time! Topics of interest that we asked about include North Italia (an acquisition of which could transform the company quite meaningfully) and wage inflation (particularly important for a company which owns and operates 100% of its U.S. restaurants). We maintain our Neutral rating on CAKE, and note the following:

Read more