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Casual Dining

Marketing

Hooters bets on gambling as new guest draw

 By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 30, 2022

The sports bar chain is hoping its game-day bonafides will make it a destination for bettors as the activity becomes more widely legal.

Operations

Dave & Buster’s hopes for smooth sailing after latest COVID surge has passed

 By Heather Lalley on Mar. 29, 2022

The food-and-games operator said it’s seeing significant pent-up demand for gathering in its restaurants and is working to boost its late-night business.

Leadership

Walk-On's hires Sam Patterson as CFO

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 29, 2022

The chain also added a VP of franchise sales and a director of loyalty as it continues its rapid expansion.

Operations

Applebee’s franchise exec fired after using gas prices to justify lower wages

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 28, 2022

A leaked email from Wanye Pankratz, executive director of operations for Apple Central, drew widespread backlash and reportedly led some employees to quit.

Leadership

Red Lobster hires Cijoy Olickal as CIO

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 28, 2022

The former Fogo de Chao CIO is the latest executive hire under new CEO Kelli Valade.

Leadership

Smokey Bones promotes Nichole Robillard to CMO

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 25, 2022

Robillard joined the barbecue chain a year ago as VP of marketing. She spearheaded the chain's "Masters of Meat" campaign and led a revamp of the beverage program.

Leadership

BJ's Chief Growth Officer Kevin Mayer is leaving the company

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 25, 2022

Mayer had been with the chain for more than seven years, most of which were spent as CMO.

Financing

Olive Garden owner’s record sales overshadowed by omicron

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 24, 2022

A historic December gave way to a difficult January for Darden Restaurants, but it had bounced back again by February.

Operations

Why Darden CEO Gene Lee isn’t worried about consumers’ spending power

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 24, 2022

On his final earnings call as chief executive, Lee provided some parting wisdom about the state of restaurants in an unusual moment for the economy.

Financing

Looking for experiences, consumers flock to polished casual restaurants

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 24, 2022

The Bottom Line: The Melting Pot had its best year in a decade last year. One reason is consumer demand for get-togethers.

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