casual_dining

Leadership

Red Robin fills out C-suite with marketing, development chiefs

New CMO Kevin Mayer comes from BJ’s, while Chief Business Development Officer Jason Rusk has spent 25 years at Red Robin. The chain also hired an interim chief people officer.

Operations

BJ's is testing QSR-style ordering in some restaurants

It’s one of a number of efforts to boost speed at the casual-dining chain, including a smaller menu.

After another quarter of negative transactions, executives said traffic growth is the company's top priority.

First Watch and Texas Roadhouse led a strong showing for sit-down chains on a newly published ranking.

Six years after it was acquired by Darden, the 179-unit chain is living up to its billing as a growth brand.

The Brazilian churrasco concept, in fact, is dropping “steakhouse” from its name as it looks to highlight its unique service style and varied menu.

The chain’s strategy to undershoot inflation is driving more guests to its restaurants, executives said. And it believes peak pricing is now in the rearview mirror.

The chain is offering new operators 40 weeks of free royalties as it celebrates its 40th birthday.

The former CMO of Lazy Dog Restaurants replaces Christine Barone, who left to join Dutch Bros.

Many have tried to move away from traditional tipping, only to turn back. But the idea continues to evolve as operators look for new models to ensure pay equity.

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