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casual dining

Marketing

Cooper’s Hawk will let wine club members earn points at Ruth’s Chris

The upscale steak chain will waive the corkage fee for members who bring their Cooper’s Hawk wine with them, through the end of April.

Operations

Antonio Swad builds a Porch Swing

The restaurateur, who founded Wingstop and Pizza Patrón, was his own general contractor for his newest restaurant, Porch Swing.

Operations

Topgolf is trying smaller locations

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 12, 2019

The entertainment concept hopes a more flexible design will fit in smaller and midsize cities.

Leadership

J. Alexander’s names Mark Parkey CEO

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 11, 2019

Jessica Hagler was named CFO as the company’s longtime CEO Lonnie Stout becomes executive chairman.

Leadership

Bloomin’ Brands’ Liz Smith to surrender CEO job

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 08, 2019

She’ll be succeeded in April by finance chief Dave Deno.

Financing

Buffalo Wild Wings’ turnaround is underway, franchisee says

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 01, 2019

Sixty-four-unit operator Diversified Restaurant Holdings said the chain’s rejuvenation efforts delivered his company’s first positive comps in three years.

Emerging Brands

Wingstop founder Antonio Swad has a new concept

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 01, 2019

Porch Swing offers “polished comfort food” and marks Swad’s return to the restaurant business.

Operations

Red Robin airs a new comeback plan

By Peter Romeo on Feb. 28, 2019

After a rough end to 2018, the casual chain is tweaking its strategy to lure back guests, particularly for dine-in service.

Financing

Punch Bowl Social’s future: Smaller stores, a hotel and an IPO?

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 28, 2019

With a new executive team, the chain is prepared for major growth and a possible public offering.

Financing

Service pivot came too late to right Q4 sales, Red Robin says

By Peter Romeo on Feb. 27, 2019

The casual-dining operation lost $10.6 million on a 4.5% drop in comps, most of it from a traffic decline.