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Casual Dining

Leadership

Brinker CEO Kevin Hochman wants to make Chili’s fun again

 By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 30, 2022

He’s spent his first months on the job asking field-level staff and even suppliers what the brand should do differently. It's resulted in an avalanche of fresh ideas.

Marketing

Olive Garden is bringing back the Never Ending Pasta Bowl after all

 By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 29, 2022

After casting doubt on the future of the popular promotion, the chain is reviving it as sales and traffic slow.

Technology

Smokey Bones doubles down on delivery with new virtual brands, online storefront

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 28, 2022

The chain’s three existing brands, plus two new ones, will live under one digital roof at Bite Hall, where customers can order from all five at once.

Marketing

P.F. Chang’s launches $6.99 monthly subscription program

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 28, 2022

Platinum Rewards members will get special perks including more points per dollar spent and unlimited free delivery.

Food

Jamie Foxx partners with TGI Fridays to craft new menu items

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 28, 2022

The celeb’s bourbon-infused Foxx on the Roxx BBQ Sauce flavors wings, ribs and a cocktail on the chain’s fall menu.

Financing

Younger consumers are warming up to Cracker Barrel

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 27, 2022

Millennials, lured by build-your-own breakfast and fried pickles, are visiting more often. But the chain’s important 65-and-over demographic remains slow to return.

Marketing

Texas Roadhouse is selling candles that smell like honey cinnamon butter

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 23, 2022

The candles are part of the steakhouse chain’s new online merch store, where superfans can buy shirts, hats and other items.

Financing

Lower-income guests are pulling back at Olive Garden

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 22, 2022

Inflation is pinching people earning less than $50,000, but higher-income customers have held strong, executives said Thursday.

Technology

Kevin Hochman reveals what’s on Chili’s tech wish list

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 21, 2022

The new Brinker International CEO wants to invest in tools that can help the business today, not in five years.

Operations

TGI Fridays plans major expansion in Asia

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 19, 2022

The casual-dining chain will open 75 restaurants in South and Southeast Asia over the next 10 years under what it said was its largest development agreement ever.

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