Casual Dining

Is Chili's cheaper than McDonald's? It's complicated

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 18, 2024

Fast-food price increases have made price points between the two brands closer than ever. But there is a better comparison for the casual-dining restaurant chain.

Financing

BJ's adds ex-Darden CFO Brad Richmond to board in deal with activist investor

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 05, 2024

The agreement between BJ's and Fund 1 Investments will also create a new board committee focused on improving shareholder value.

Financing

Red Robin sells 10 restaurants for $24M in sale-leaseback deal

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 04, 2024

It’s the third such deal over the past year for the chain, which will use the proceeds to pay down debt.

Marketing

Searching for traffic, Red Robin plans to tout free refills

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 29, 2024

The chain has earmarked $3 million to remind customers of the more than 30 bottomless options on its menu.

Operations

Applebee's and IHOP eye co-branded locations in the U.S.

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 28, 2024

Dual locations have generated strong returns overseas and could provide a spark to the chains’ domestic development.

Leadership

Joe Essa named president, COO of Yardbird

By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 27, 2024

Known for his work with Wolfgang Puck Worldwide and Thomas Keller Restaurant Group, Essa is tasked with helping the casual-dining concept grow around the world.

Emerging Brands

Think recent closings were dramatic? Here's the whole chain Darden had to shutter

By Peter Romeo on Feb. 27, 2024

All 51 units of China Coast went dark on the same Tuesday morning. But that didn't stop its parent from considering other entries into the Asian market.

Financing