Learn how to create reusable AI prompts that streamline recurring tasks, improve output quality and make AI a more effective everyday business tool.
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She Built a $100 Million Business in 7 Years. Here’s How She Scaled From Scrappy Startup to Costco and Whole Foods.
Erica Groussman came up with her business idea during a family trip to Disney.
Kroger cuts discounts, promises pricing changes
Kroger’s CEO Gregory Foran wants to simplify the company’s discounting system. That’s going to take time, and it won’t always mean lower prices, but his goal is clearly presented value, not being the cheapest grocery offering.
In reality, most grocery chains can’t compete with Walmart and Costco when it comes to overall pricing. That’s something Consumer Reports showed in an extensive study that used Walmart as the benchmark and found that only Costco, Aldi, Lidl, BJ’s Wholesale, H-E-B, and WinCo had lower prices than the retail giant.
That’s something my wife and I have also experienced in recent weeks researching price check stories for TheStreet.
We don’t have Kroger here in South Florida, but Publix, our regional grocery chain, was consistently higher on everyday prices. It does, however, offer buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals that help bring our overall cart total closer to what we might spend at Walmart or Costco.
Speaking at a recent Kroger Investor Day, Foran promised to overhaul his company’s value promise and promotional offerings. In some cases, that means lower prices, but “simpler” will not always translate to cheaper.
Kroger shares its pricing plan
Foran shared that his overall goal is building “America’s favorite grocer,” and doing that, he said, “requires winning the customer in-store and online.”
“Value is where we start. That means sharper everyday prices and simpler promotions. Now we will pace this new customer value plan against the savings that fund it. And I can tell you that early customer response has reinforced our confidence in this approach. We’ll improve the customer experience,” he said.
Chief Marketing Officer Mary Adcock explained how the company plans to execute on its value plan.
She said that the chain’s first focus is “making value visible, lowering our everyday prices and making our promotions more simple and less complex.”
Adcock noted that approximately 95% of Kroger’s sales are tied to its loyalty customers.
“And through our proprietary analytics, we know what customers buy,” she added.
“Our data shows us three key things that are changing about the customer that inform the changes that I’m discussing with you today. First, customers respond to lower prices and simplified promotions. Second, customers are looking for more fresh offerings and more Kroger Our Brands. And third, customers want a connected experience across the store and e-commerce,” she shared.
Kroger wants to make pricing simple
Kroger isn’t promising to offer the lowest prices. Instead, the chain is pledging to put operational savings into lower prices while also making it easier for customers to understand its value proposition.
“Today, not enough of our customers understand the value Kroger offers. Just a few weeks ago, we got an e-mail from a customer that clearly outlined the complexity with three price points in one offer, clearly too complex, especially if you’re a customer that only wants to buy one item or doesn’t want to download the app. Now this is just one example,” Adcock said.
In many cases, she added, it wasn’t that Kroger wasn’t offering value, it’s that customers were not seeing it.
“More broadly, our customers have a point. When we’re on promotion, our items are very competitive, but our promotions are complex. And when we’re not on promotion, our everyday prices appear too high. So this is why we’re fundamentally changing our approach to make value more visible,” she added.
Kroger plans to keep some promotions, but that’s not the chain’s core plan when it comes to pricing.
“Going forward, we will reallocate value from the promotions into everyday shelf prices across the store and online. And we expect this to strengthen our relationship with our customers, which starts out with first more trips, then growing a larger share of our customers’ basket and then over time, growing new households to support our top line sales growth,” she shared.
Kroger is planning a slow rollout of its new prices.Shutterstock
Kroger faces a Walmart and Costco problem
Parade.com’s Senior Food Editor Ni’Kesia Pannell is confident that Kroger can offer value while not being the cheapest option.
“As the largest traditional supermarket, Kroger’s attempt to become the top alternative seems like the right move especially with folks trying to cut back on as much as possible. Traditionally, Kroger isn’t the cheapest, but with this move, it can take over a space that has long been dominated by Walmart,” she told TheStreet.
She believes that Kroger can win by following Costco’s strategy of delivering value through house brands.
“Kroger has a number of private-label brands as well that range from cost-effective, everyday options to a premium tier as well as an organic line (the latter also serves as the largest organic and natural brand in the country). With all of that in mind as well as their multi-year pricing plan — and hopefully more brick and mortar storefronts across the nation, I can absolutely see them being the place shoppers flock to,” she added, albeit with a caveat.
“The one thing I don’t see, however, is it being able to be a replacement for Costco. Costco sells by bulk and offers top tier meats and more at relatively unbeatable prices. It would have to really get smarter about what it offers to become the option to choose over Costco,” she said.
RTM Nexus CEO Dominick Miserandino thinks that Kroger doesn’t need to be the cheapest to win.
“Kroger doesn’t have to beat Walmart, Costco, or Aldi on every price. It needs to be close enough that customers don’t feel they’re being penalized for shopping there. People will pay a little more for convenience, better selection and fresh food, but there’s a limit to how much more,” he told TheStreet.
Most Kroger customers won’t see major changes quickly.
“In aggregate, we expect to be able to invest $5 billion in value for our customers, which will be realized by 2029,” Adcock shared.
The pricing rollout has already been tested in some markets, but full adoption won’t happen across all banners and stores until 2029.
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Another AI power stock plunges 11% despite earnings beat
Bloom Energy (BE) shares plunged more than 11% on Friday, Oct. 23, despite the fuel-cell maker reporting better-than-expected third-quarter earnings and raising its full-year outlook.
The sell-off comes as investors grow increasingly sensitive to AI-related headlines. Meta Platforms (META) shares also fell this week following its latest earnings report, as concerns over the cost of massive AI investments overshadowed strong results.
Bloom Energy makes fuel-cell systems that supply electricity to data centers and semiconductor factories. The company joined the S&P 500 last month.
“What began with hyperscalers is rapidly moving across market segments because every business needs reliable power to grow,” Bloom Energy founder and CEO KR Sridhar said in a statement.
The stock has rallied 122% year-to-date, benefiting from surging AI demand. But now investors are questioning whether its rapid growth can justify its valuation.
Bloom Energy raises outlook but reports negative free cash flow
The company reported third-quarter adjusted earnings of 94 cents per share, well above analysts’ expectations of 69 cents. Earnings were also up sharply from 15 cents a share a year earlier.
Revenue jumped 138% year over year to $1.24 billion, beating Wall Street’s forecast of approximately $1.06 billion.
Also read: Meta stock falls despite Wall Street analysts raising price targets
Bloom also raised its full-year 2026 guidance, now expecting earnings of $3.10 to $3.40 per share on revenue of $4.4 billion to $4.6 billion.
Despite the rosy numbers above, Bloom reported more than $180 million in negative free cash flow in the third quarter.
“This quarter we used cash from operations. But that’s not the beginning of a trend,” Bloom’s CFO Simon Edwards explained on the earnings call. “We generated positive [cash flow from operating activities] year-to-date.”
“We really do believe that this business will be a free cash flow positive business as we think about continuing to be able to fund our own growth,” Edwards said.
Bloom Energy stock is up 122% year-to-date.Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images
Wall Street analysts split on Bloom Energy stock targets
Wall Street analysts offered mixed reactions to Bloom’s latest results.
JPMorgan lowered its price target on Bloom Energy to $292 from $314 while maintaining an Overweight rating, according to The Fly.
The firm attributed the reduction to lower trading multiples among comparable companies rather than concerns about Bloom’s operating performance.
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JPMorgan noted that Bloom’s third-quarter results were well above expectations and that the company had significantly raised its 2026 guidance for the third time this year.
The company’s execution “continues to impress,” JPMorgan said.
Morgan Stanley is more bullish on the stock for similar reasons. The analyst raised the price target on Bloom Energy to $335 from $310 while maintaining an Overweight rating.
The firm said Bloom exceeded both Wall Street consensus and buy-side expectations for revenue and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization).
“Another beat and raise continues Bloom’s strong execution,” the analyst said.
Bloom’s sell-off is just part of a broader shift in investor sentiment, with even strong earnings struggling to lift tech stocks amid concerns over risks.
“For the last two weeks, investors have been sprinting from tech stocks and data center beneficiary stocks to safe stuff, and eventually, you run out of people willing to do that sprint, and that’s what today looks like and feels like,” Jed Ellerbroek, portfolio manager at Argent Capital Management, said in a CNBC interview.
Ellerbroek said strong earnings from tech companies could help ease investors’ fears.
“Emotion and fear play a really big role,” he said. But, “we’ve gotten a few tech companies’ [latest quarterly financial reports] and their earnings results have been good.”
Related: Cathie Wood sells $16 million of surging tech stock
How Your Approach to Personal Finances Can Influence Your Entrepreneurial Journey
Starting a business involves more than having a good idea or knowing how to attract customers. The decisions you make about money before launching a company can affect how prepared you are to handle the responsibilities that come with running one. From managing expenses to deciding when to take financial risks, many of the skills needed in entrepreneurship are developed through everyday financial experiences.
Your personal financial situation doesn’t have to be perfect before you start a business. However, understanding where your money goes, how much you can afford to invest and what financial commitments you already have can make the process considerably easier. Entrepreneurs who pay attention to these details are often better prepared to deal with unexpected costs, changing income and the demands of growing a company.
The connection between personal finance and entrepreneurship becomes especially clear when you consider how many business decisions depend on the owner’s financial circumstances.
Why Personal Financial Stability Matters When Starting a Business
Financial stability gives entrepreneurs greater flexibility when making important decisions. A person who has manageable living expenses, some savings and a clear understanding of their financial obligations may find it easier to concentrate on developing a business without constantly worrying about covering household bills.
This becomes particularly important during the early stages of entrepreneurship, when revenue can be unpredictable. Even businesses with promising products or services may take months to establish a steady customer base. During that period, owners still need to pay for housing, groceries, transportation and other personal necessities.
Without adequate financial preparation, these expenses can create pressure to withdraw money from the business before it has developed a reliable income stream.
Maintaining financial stability doesn’t necessarily require a large amount of savings. It begins with understanding existing expenses, reducing unnecessary commitments and establishing realistic expectations about how much personal income the business can initially provide.
Someone who knows they need a certain amount each month to cover essential expenses can use that information to develop a more practical business plan. This approach also makes it easier to determine whether starting a company immediately is realistic or whether additional preparation would be beneficial.
How Budgeting Skills Translate Into Better Business Decisions
Managing a household budget and managing business expenses involve many of the same principles. Both require individuals to understand their income, monitor spending and make decisions about how to use limited resources.
When people develop consistent budgeting habits in their personal lives, they become familiar with evaluating expenses rather than making decisions based entirely on what they can afford at a particular moment.
For example, someone who regularly reviews household spending may already understand the importance of distinguishing essential expenses from optional purchases. That same judgment becomes valuable when deciding whether a business needs new equipment, additional software or a larger workspace.
Entrepreneurs also need to recognize that available cash isn’t necessarily money that can be spent freely. Some funds may be needed for upcoming bills, taxes or other commitments.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, financial management is an important part of running a business, with budgeting and cash flow planning helping owners understand their financial position and prepare for ongoing expenses.
Developing these skills before launching a company can reduce the learning curve associated with managing business finances. It also encourages entrepreneurs to make spending decisions based on actual needs rather than short-term enthusiasm.
The Importance of Building Savings Before Taking Financial Risks
Entrepreneurship involves uncertainty, and savings can provide valuable financial protection when circumstances don’t develop as expected.
A business may experience slower sales during certain months, encounter unexpected repair costs or require additional investment before becoming profitable. When the owner has no personal financial cushion, these situations can quickly affect household finances.
Establishing an emergency fund can help separate temporary business difficulties from personal financial emergencies. It may also reduce the likelihood of relying on expensive credit to cover routine living expenses.
The appropriate amount to save depends on several factors, including household costs, existing financial obligations and the stability of other income sources.
Entrepreneurs leaving traditional employment may need to plan more carefully because they are giving up a predictable paycheck. Someone who continues working while developing a business may have more flexibility, although they still need to consider the financial demands of both responsibilities.
Savings also influence how business owners approach opportunities. Having funds available can make it easier to invest in necessary equipment, professional services or improvements without placing immediate pressure on household finances.
However, maintaining a personal emergency fund separately from money reserved for business operations is important. Each serves a different purpose, and combining them can make it difficult to understand how much financial protection is actually available.
Understanding Credit and Making Responsible Borrowing Decisions
Credit management is another personal financial skill that can influence entrepreneurship. Business owners may eventually need financing for equipment, inventory, workspace improvements or expansion, making it useful to understand how borrowing works before taking on additional obligations.
Personal credit history can also matter when applying for certain forms of small business financing, particularly when a company has a limited operating history.
Paying bills on time, monitoring outstanding balances and avoiding unnecessary debt can help individuals maintain a stronger personal financial position.
Still, responsible credit management involves more than maintaining a favorable credit score. Entrepreneurs need to consider whether borrowing supports a meaningful financial objective and whether future income will comfortably cover repayment obligations.
For instance, purchasing equipment that improves productivity may provide a measurable business benefit. Borrowing to fund unnecessary upgrades, on the other hand, can increase monthly expenses without improving revenue.
Credit cards can also be useful for organizing certain purchases, provided spending remains controlled. Some consumers compare card features to understand how they can earn reward points based on their regular purchasing patterns. While rewards may offer additional value, interest charges and annual fees can quickly outweigh those benefits when balances aren’t managed carefully.
Business expenses should also be kept separate from personal purchases whenever possible. Maintaining that distinction simplifies recordkeeping, supports more accurate financial reporting and helps owners understand how their companies are performing.
How Personal Spending Habits Affect Business Growth
An entrepreneur’s relationship with spending can influence the decisions they make after their company begins generating revenue.
Some people are naturally cautious about spending, while others are more comfortable making purchases when money becomes available. Neither approach guarantees success, but understanding these tendencies can help business owners recognize potential problems.
For example, an owner who is accustomed to spending most of their personal income may be tempted to treat increasing business revenue as money available for immediate personal use.
However, business revenue isn’t the same as profit. Operating costs, taxes, debt payments and future investment needs must be considered before determining how much money can reasonably be withdrawn.
Owners who understand this distinction are better positioned to protect working capital and prepare for periods when expenses exceed incoming payments.
Personal spending habits can also affect decisions involving business growth. Expanding too quickly may create financial pressure, especially when new expenses are based on expected sales rather than established demand.
At the same time, avoiding every expense can prevent a business from improving its services or reaching new customers.
The objective is to develop balanced spending habits that encourage thoughtful investment while protecting the company’s financial resources.
Final Thoughts
Your approach to personal finances can influence nearly every stage of your entrepreneurial journey, from deciding when to start a business to managing its growth over several years.
Budgeting, saving, responsible credit use and long-term planning are not exclusively personal financial concerns. They also help develop the judgment needed to handle business expenses, assess opportunities and respond to financial uncertainty.
Although strong personal financial habits cannot guarantee entrepreneurial success, they can provide a more dependable foundation for making important decisions. By developing these habits early and adapting them as circumstances change, aspiring business owners can approach entrepreneurship with greater financial awareness and a clearer understanding of the responsibilities ahead.
The post How Your Approach to Personal Finances Can Influence Your Entrepreneurial Journey appeared first on Addicted 2 Success.
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Hooters closes another restaurant as it shutters about 56 in 2026
Sports bar and restaurant chain Hooters closed its location on Wells Street in Chicago on Oct. 18 after operating for 35 years, citing increasing development and changes to the neighborhood, Hooters Inc., CEO Neil Kiefer said in a statement emailed to TheStreet.
“The closings are not a reflection of the beloved staff, community, or sisterhood of the Orange Shorts. It is not a sign of profit or decline,” Kiefer said in the statement.
The company also posted a notice on the restaurant’s door, declaring “This location is now closed.”
Hooters closed its restaurant location on Wells Street in Chicago because of increasing development and changes to the neighborhood.Smith Collection/Gado / Getty Images
Hooters lease expired
“After over 35 years of serving the community, we will be closing this Hooters location effective at the end of business October 18th due to our lease ending,” according to the notice.
“We are sincerely grateful to our guests, team members and community partners for their continued support and loyalty throughout the years. Thank you! Wells Street Management and Staff,” the message concluded.
The notice also encouraged customers to visit the company’s Hoots Wings South Loop location in Chicago or one of its other Chicagoland locations.
A message on a billboard in front of the restaurant said, “Thank you for 35 years.”
Company has 13 Chicago-area restaurants
“Increasing development and neighborhood changes have transformed the area, leading to us to the difficult but considered decision to leave this location. We still have 13 Hooters locations, and two Hoots stores, in the nearby Chicagoland area,” Kiefer said.
“The number of stores will go up and down, but the longevity of our commitment will not. These store closures are not an indication of brand strength. Instead, we are concentrating our efforts on what has always made us successful: our community, our staff, our food, and our unshakeable dedication to all three,” according to Kiefer.
Chain has closed about 56 restaurants
Hooters has closed about 56 restaurant locations so far in 2026, according to data firm Usearch.
Hooters Inc., which is comprised of the original founders of the restaurant chain and their partner Hoot Owl Restaurants LLC, purchased the Hooters of America corporation on Oct. 31, 2025, after Hooters of America filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025. Hooters Inc. and its original owners’ group never filed for bankruptcy.
Hooters filed bankruptcy in 2025
Hooters of America filed its Chapter 11 petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas on March 31, 2025, listing $50 million to $100 million in assets and liabilities.
At the time, the company had over 420 Hooters restaurants in 42 states and 29 countries. The bankruptcy filing included the agreement to sell over 100 corporate-owned locations to the Original Hooters group franchisee Hooters Inc. and Hoot Owl Restaurants LLC.
The two franchisees owned and operated over 30% of Hooters’ U.S. locations before the bankruptcy filing and 14 of the 30 highest-volume Hooters restaurants in the chain. When the transaction closed, the Hooters Inc. owned and operated over 70% of the company’s U.S. locations.
The Atlanta-based sports bar and dining chain, which opened its first restaurant in Clearwater, Fla., in 1983, lists about 200 locations in 22 states on its website locator.
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