Olive Garden

Marketing

BJ’s finds success with a novel dine-in/takeout combo

Customers who spend a certain amount in-restaurant can pick off a special $6 menu of heat-and-eat take-home dishes.

Leadership

Steve Layt succeeds Brad Blum as CEO of Brio, Bravo

Blum also resigned his post as chairman, but remains a co-owner of the polished-casual chains.

The two casual-dining giants accounted for eight of last week’s 10 most effective ads for full-service brands. On the QSR side, chicken and pizza spots dominated.

A ranking of chain commercials by consumer engagement shows the game program delivered for its restaurant sponsors.

The three dozen chains participating in the ICR Conference provided plenty of aha moments. Here’s a sampling of the surprising tidbits that were aired.

Or at least that was a major theme at the ICR Conference, where three dozen chains aired their strategies and financial results.

Full-service TV advertising was dominated by Applebee's and Olive Garden, which both put a spotlight on attractively priced new offers.

A weekly ranking of restaurant chains’ top TV commercials by effectiveness shows consumers responding to value-oriented pitches from casual brands. But limited-service brands fared better with spots promising an experience.

The casual steak chain outperformed all of its sister operations, largely because of how it handled personnel, its parent company said. Olive Garden's comps rose 1.5%.

A new feature of Restaurant Business looks at the week’s most effective TV ads.

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