Following an uptick in December, same-store sales (SSS) in January and February fell back into negative territory, due to severe winter storms and record rainfall hitting large regions of the U.S. Fast Casual was the top performing sector in February, gaining market share through new unit openings. Favorable macroeconomic conditions, strong consumer confidence and the fact that a portion of February’s decline can be attributed to external factors, fuels optimism for increases performance in coming months.

Read the report for more detail on industry trends, market indices, public market performance and deal activity.



Corporate Finance and Restructuring

M&A advisory, restructuring and insolvency, debt advisory, strategic alternatives, transaction diligence and independent financial opinions.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Advisory

Kroll’s investment banking practice has extensive experience in M&A deal strategy and structuring, capital raising, transaction advisory services and financial sponsor coverage.

Consumer Investment Banking

Consumer, Retail, Food and Restaurant expertise for middle-market M&A transactions.


Transaction Advisory Services

Kroll’s Transaction Advisory Services platform offers corporate and financial investors with deep accounting and technical expertise, commercial knowledge, industry insight and seamless analytical services throughout the deal continuum.

Fairness and Solvency Opinions

Duff & Phelps Opinions is a global leader in Fairness Opinions and Special Committee Advisory, ranking #1 for total number of fairness opinions in the U.S., EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa), Australia and Globally in 2023 according to LSEG (FKA Refinitiv).

ESOP and ERISA Advisory

Kroll's Corporate Finance ESOP/ERISA practice is a leading corporate finance and valuation advisor to companies and ERISA fiduciaries.


Financial Sponsors Group

Dedicated coverage and access to M&A deal-flow for financial sponsors.

Distressed M&A and Special Situations

Kroll professionals have advised hundreds of companies, investors and other stakeholders at all stages of distressed transactions and special situations.

Private Capital Markets – Debt Advisory

Kroll has extensive experience raising capital for middle-market companies to support a wide range of transactions.