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Marketing

From Grimace shakes to Spongmonkeys, restaurant marketing reimagines the past

 By Reyna Estrada on Aug. 25, 2023

As restaurant chains lean into nostalgia marketing, they’re tasked with making sure old concepts seem fresh and new.

Financing

O'Charley's closes 18 restaurants in one day as sales struggle

 By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 23, 2023

The chain has been hit hard by changing trade areas and, more recently, soaring inflation. It believes the "pruning" will help its 91 remaining stores.

Marketing

Chili's bets more TV ads will help traffic

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 16, 2023

After a successful return to the airwaves earlier this year, the chain plans to invest up to $60 million in more commercials.

Operations

In the aftermath of Maui's wildfire, restaurants step up to help

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 16, 2023

Maui restaurateurs are still evaluating the damage caused by a raging fire that killed at least 106, but now the focus is on helping the "ohana," or family, of industry workers as they start on the road to recovery.

Leadership

Chuy's co-founder Mike Young dies at age 74

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 15, 2023

An entrepreneur who said he relied on Jose Cuervo for his design ideas, the lifetime Austin restaurateur also opened several independents in his hometown.

Leadership

Texas Roadhouse CMO S. Chris Jacobsen resigns

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 04, 2023

He had been with the chain for 20 years. No reason was given for his departure, and a replacement was not named.

Financing

Applebee's to close more restaurants than it expected this year

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 03, 2023

The chain said it will finish 2023 with 25 to 35 fewer U.S. locations after identifying more underperforming stores.

Financing

Applebee's and IHOP see a more cautious consumer

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 03, 2023

The Dine Brands concepts said guests are gravitating toward discounts and opting for pickup over delivery as prices continue to rise.

Financing

At The Cheesecake Factory, prices rise and traffic falls

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 03, 2023

Prices were up 10.5% in the second quarter, with additional hikes to come. The chain believes its customers can handle it.

Financing

Restaurants keep adding service fees, even as customers say they don't like them

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 02, 2023

After wages and other costs have taken off, operators have responded by adding extra charges to the bill. The move risks alienating consumers and attracting regulatory scrutiny. But operators say they don’t have a choice.

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