3. A polarization in casual dining
The full-service sector could be readily divided on the basis of performance into two camps: Texas Roadhouse and most of Darden Restaurants’ brands, which did remarkably well; and every other player.
Roadhouse continued to make the case that it’s a candidate for steroids testing. Same-store sales rose 4.5% for company units and 4.7% for franchises.
Olive Garden’s turnaround slowed, with comps rising by 1.9%. But its sister brands within the Darden fold posted stronger results, ranging from a 2.6% gain for the company’s next-largest brand, LongHorn Steakhouse, 2% for The Capital Grille, and 2.5% for Eddie V’s.
At the other extreme was a segment leader, at least in size. Chili’s suffered an 8.1% drop in traffic, which dragged down comps by 3.5%.
Other standout negative results were aired by Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, whose declines ranged from 1.1% for its high-end steakhouse, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle, to 5.4% at its lowest-ticket brand, Del Frisco’s Grille, and 7.7% at Sullivan’s.
All of Bloomin’ Brands’ casual operations except Outback Steakhouse saw declines, ranging from 1% for Fleming’s to 4.3% for Bonefish Grill. Outback eked out a 0.6% gain.