Investments Blog

2017 revenue: $700 million

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Revenue remained flat at Dierberg Markets as competition for food dollars continues to be intense, Greg Dierberg, CEO and president of the company, said.

“Our business remains steady, which is good, and we’re continually evaluating and evolving the business to position us for long-term growth,” Dierberg said.

The company’s Whole Life products, which are made up of natural, organic foods for special dietary needs, continue to see growth in sales and in…

2017 revenue: $806 million

-33%

The sale of its Minnesota-based chicken business GNP Co. to chicken producer Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. accounted for the bulk of pork producer The Maschhoffs’ drop in revenue in 2017, according to Chairman Ken Maschhoff.

Maschhoff Family Foods’ sale of GNP closed in January 2017, finalizing a deal that totaled $350 million in cash and resulted in a reduction of St. Louis-based support employees.

With the sale of GNP, the Maschhoffs rolled the leadership of…

Happy Monday morning, Columbus.

I once lived in the same apartment complex as a clown.

His first name was Jim. His full name was Jim the Clown.

He drove a Volkswagen Beetle that was painted in bright colors with the name Jim the Clown on both driver and passenger sides.

I had never seen Jim. Just his car.

Every day, I prayed that I would never run into Jim the Clown.

I don't like clowns. In fact, I loathe them.

They creep me out. They give me the shivers, the heebie jeebies – you name it.

And…

Just one Charlotte establishment has been named on OpenTable's new list of the nation's 100 best restaurants for brunch.

For the fifth straight year, Cafe Monte French Bakery & Bistro made the cut as one of OpenTable's top brunch spots. Cafe Monte is located at 6700 Fairview Road and has been open since 2007. It dishes up a menu of French fare, including quiches and crepes, fresh pastries, salads and a full breakfast menu.

OpenTable, a subsidiary of Bookings Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG) — recently…

Fresh Del Monte Produce this week announced an equity investment in Purple Carrot, a plant-based meal kit provider based in Massachusetts.

The Coral Gables-based fruit and vegetable producer (NYSE: FDP) did not specify the terms of the deal, but said that the buy further diversifies its business and channels of distribution.

“Purple Carrot has tremendous growth momentum in the fast-growing plant-based food segment with a well-known brand and an authentic connection with its customers,” Fresh…

Hungry Greek is the latest restaurant to sign on to North Franklin Street.

Papa John's International Inc. posted lower earnings after same-store sales dropped in the first quarter.

The Louisville-based pizza chain said net income fell 41.1 percent, to $16.7 million, or 50 cents a share, from $28.8 million, or 77 cents a share, diluted, a year earlier.

Revenue fell 4.9 percent, to $427.4 million from $449.3 million.

Papa John's (Nasdaq: PZZA) said that its global restaurant sales fell 1.3 percent. But comparable systemwide sales at its North American restaurants fell…

A new craft brewery is coming near downtown Dayton.

Branch & Bone Artisan Ales at 905 Wayne Ave. was issued a liquor license late last month, state records show. While an official opening date for the brewery has not been set, Branch & Bone is now hiring for taproom staff positions, including taproom manager and “beertender” positions, according to its website.

The owners of the business could not be immediately reached for comment. Branch & Bone describes itself as an independent brewery “born…

A Schnucks employee was fired after a viral Facebook video claimed he refused to serve customers because of their race.

“We've got $1,100 in cash and this dude does not want to serve us a money order,” Kellen Hill said in the video.

Hill said he and his girlfriend wanted to purchase a money order at the south St. Louis County store, but the store would not accept her cash. In his Facebook post, he claims the store associate said he was denying them “because people like you are doing fraud.”

“Racial…