casual_dining

Operations

In the aftermath of Maui's wildfire, restaurants step up to help

Maui restaurateurs are still evaluating the damage caused by a raging fire that killed at least 106, but now the focus is on helping the "ohana," or family, of industry workers as they start on the road to recovery.

Leadership

Chuy's co-founder Mike Young dies at age 74

An entrepreneur who said he relied on Jose Cuervo for his design ideas, the lifetime Austin restaurateur also opened several independents in his hometown.

He had been with the chain for 20 years. No reason was given for his departure, and a replacement was not named.

The chain said it will finish 2023 with 25 to 35 fewer U.S. locations after identifying more underperforming stores.

The Dine Brands concepts said guests are gravitating toward discounts and opting for pickup over delivery as prices continue to rise.

Prices were up 10.5% in the second quarter, with additional hikes to come. The chain believes its customers can handle it.

After wages and other costs have taken off, operators have responded by adding extra charges to the bill. The move risks alienating consumers and attracting regulatory scrutiny. But operators say they don’t have a choice.

Owner Bloomin’ Brands now plans to reinvest some of the earnings into boosting traffic, which fell 4% in the second quarter.

He’s returning to Paulson & Co., the private-equity firm that owns the chain. P.F. Chang’s board member Rohit Manocha will take over on an interim basis.

The chain continued a traffic tear, but rising wages and beef prices dragged down its margins again.

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