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Casual Dining

Consumer Trends

What'll it be for a COVID-wisened industry, experience or convenience?

 By Nancy Kruse and Peter Romeo on Jan. 20, 2022

Sweet & Sour: Nancy Kruse and Peter Romeo look at the oft-voiced theory that the pandemic has shifted the focus of restaurant customers and operators to the convenience of takeout and delivery. Neither one is buying it. Some axe throwing and a drink, anyone?

Food

TGI Fridays mixes up the menu with a taste of nostalgia

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 20, 2022

The casual-dining chain is bringing back its greatest hits, updating guest favorites with new twists.

Operations

Tom Colicchio will help Cooper’s Hawk kick off one of its two new concepts

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 20, 2022

Carla Hall will be among the rotating chefs providing menus for the chain’s new Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk restaurant in Chicago, to open this year. The company is also creating a Neapolitan pizza concept.

Leadership

Red Lobster hires Patty Trevino as CMO

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 19, 2022

The former head of marketing for Hardee's and Carl's Jr. will take over the newly created position.

Financing

Cracker Barrel ordered to pay guest $6.5M after he was served chemicals

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 13, 2022

William Cronnon was injured after he drank a cleaning product called Eco-San, thinking it was ice water, at one of the chain's restaurants in 2014.

Financing

For many casual chains, growth lies outside the dining room

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 13, 2022

Nearly every big full-service chain is embracing ghost kitchens, virtual brands and other off-premise channels. Even some historic holdouts have shown signs of cracking.

Workforce

Bar Louie is offering sabbaticals to GMs

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 12, 2022

The key staffers will get a three-week sabbatical every three years, part of a new benefits program at the gastropub chain.

Financing

Applebee's franchisee SSCP buys 12 stores in Virginia

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 12, 2022

It acquired the restaurants from fellow operator Apple Investors Group, bringing its Applebee's count to 80.

Operations

Dave & Buster’s wants your lunch business

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 11, 2022

The food-and-games chain said it’s looking for ways to maximize the midday daypart. But that will likely entail a rethinking of its food-and-beverage operations.

Financing

Why Wings & Rings is accepting bitcoin from franchisees

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 11, 2022

The sports bar chain wants to experiment with cryptocurrency, part of an overall push to do more with technology.

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