A Good Business Requires Good Government

Even the finiest of journalists can be a little short-sighted now and then. This article by Jonathan Maze and Lisa Jennings appears to blame the turmoil in the Minnesota restaurant business on Homeland Security law enforcement activities. 

The problem in Minnesota goes back decades and has been exacerbated by decisions made by the current Minnesota Governor and Minneapolis Mayor. The world seems to have forgotten the riots of 2020 (The Summer of Love). There were riots in many blue cities, but Minneapolis was the hot spot. It was easy for Minnesota elected officials to cause the rabble to rise up again.

It's difficult, if not impossible, to run a small business in a city or state governed by incompetent and corrupt officials. We believe it's best that businesses stay at arm's length from the government. But sometimes, businesspeople have to get involved to ensure the community's survival.

The civil unrest in Minneapolis is the symptom. The disease is the worst state government of the fifty.

For Minnesota's restaurants, another economic nightmare - Restaurant Business

Wendy's Sales Plunged in Fourth Qaurter

The worst quarter in at least 20 years - Maze

What Does PJB Have Planned for Your Future? Listen In

Seeking Alpha transcript - MCD earnings call - 2/11/2026

PJB Says Value Bringing Back Customers

Wall Street was expecting a 5.3% increase in USA SSS for Q4 2025. 

The real result was + 6.8.

 Are McDonald's franchisees "buying" the sales increases?

What will happen in the fourth quarter of 2026?

Associated Press - MCD Q425 and FY 2025

Analyst's Survey Raises McQuestions

MCD "Value" creating tensions with some franchisees - CNBC

McDonald's - Most Valuable Restaurant Brand

According to QSR magazine and "Brand Finance"

Yo Quiero Chipotle

Chipotle and Taco Bell had very different years in 2025 - Maze

McDonald's Marketing Wizard, Paul Schrage Passes

For those who haven't heard, Paul Schrage passed away on January 28th

         Paul's obituary is HERE       

The Bigger They Are ...

43-store Subway franchisee files for bankruptcy - Maze

From the Recent Kalinowski Operator Survey

Stolen from Mark's Winter 2026 survey:

"We asked our franchisee contacts “Regarding the changes to the National Franchising Standards, effective January 1, 2026, are you in favor of them or not?” As it turns out, every single one of the franchisees who responded to this question said “No.” This is the first time in the 20+ year history of our McDonald’s Franchisee Survey that all respondents to a Yes-or-No question have all provided the exact same answer. As one franchisee put it: “I see a lot of civil disobedience and conflict in the future.”