$1.3 Billion Wasn’t Enough
It’s Not Luck. It’s Strategy. FAT Brands just filed for bankruptcy with $1.3 billion in debt and only $2.1 million in cash. Their stock crashed 45%. Independent restaurants are thriving. Here’s why. Stop spending cash on things you can trade for. TradeFirst members barter 60% of routine expenses—marketing, accounting, supplies—preserving cash for rent and payroll. Your […]
From Slow Season to Sold Out: How TradeFirst Members Win in January
Start 2026 strong with TradeFirst. January might be slower for some businesses, but TradeFirst members are already turning open calendars and extra inventory into new customers, stronger cash flow, and real momentum for the year ahead. Thank you to every member who is kicking off the year by leaning into the network—filling empty seats, booking […]
Finishing 2025 Strong: How TradeFirst Members Turned the Holiday Season into New Opportunity
What an incredible finish to 2025 with our TradeFirst community. December is always a big month for local businesses, and this year our members truly showed what it means to put trade in action—filling calendars, moving inventory, and saying “yes” to new opportunities right through the holiday rush. From holiday gifts and seasonal services to […]