Casual Dining

How the Famous Toastery Bowl came to be

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 10, 2024

Marketing Bites: With six weeks’ lead time, the regional breakfast-and-lunch chain pulled off the title sponsorship of a nationally televised college bowl game.

Beverage

Applebee's elevates the bar experience with new partnerships, premium options

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 10, 2024

A celebrity-branded mezcal makes its debut in three approachable and affordable signature cocktails.

Financing

TGI Friday's closes 36 stores, sells more to Ray Blanchette

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 03, 2024

Blanchette, a former CEO of the chain, will operate the stores as a franchisee. The price he paid was not disclosed.

Financing

Earnings roundup: Recent months prove tough for Ark, Good Times, RCI

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 19, 2023

The three multi-concept restaurant operators showed significant declines, with at least one blaming more serious consumers.

Premium

Food

Bar Louie fills menu gaps to boost traffic beyond happy hour

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 19, 2023

Behind the Menu: As new VP of culinary, Joel Reynders is expanding the menu in new directions without losing focus on the bar.

Food

How Bar Louie is putting a culinary focus on lunch and dinner without losing its bar vibe

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 14, 2023

As new VP of culinary, Joel Reynders is creating chef-driven entrees, sides and bar bites that cover every daypart.

Operations

TGI Fridays bolsters C-suite with two new execs

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 13, 2023

The former CEO of Via 313 Pizzeria is named U.S. president and COO; and the former COO of Papa Murphy's becomes CFO and president of international for the casual dining brand.

Operations