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casual_dining

Financing

The Cheesecake Factory is launching a loyalty program

 By Joe Guszkowski on May 10, 2023

Cheesecake Rewards members will get access to reservations and free birthday cheesecake. The program is expected to go nationwide in June.

Financing

Record traffic lifts Texas Roadhouse sales, but not profits

 By Joe Guszkowski on May 04, 2023

Traffic rose 7.6% at the chain in the first quarter. But more guests spelled higher labor costs, which ate into margins.

Financing

Darden Restaurants to acquire Ruth's Chris for $715M

By Joe Guszkowski on May 03, 2023

The deal adds another fine-dining concept to Darden's portfolio, which includes Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille.

Leadership

Red Robin fills out C-suite with marketing, development chiefs

By Joe Guszkowski on May 01, 2023

New CMO Kevin Mayer comes from BJ’s, while Chief Business Development Officer Jason Rusk has spent 25 years at Red Robin. The chain also hired an interim chief people officer.

Operations

BJ's is testing QSR-style ordering in some restaurants

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 28, 2023

It’s one of a number of efforts to boost speed at the casual-dining chain, including a smaller menu.

Financing

Bloomin' finds no easy answers for traffic declines

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 28, 2023

After another quarter of negative transactions, executives said traffic growth is the company's top priority.

Consumer Trends

Full-service restaurants are some of the most popular brands on Yelp

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 13, 2023

First Watch and Texas Roadhouse led a strong showing for sit-down chains on a newly published ranking.

Financing

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen is finally hitting its stride

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 10, 2023

Six years after it was acquired by Darden, the 179-unit chain is living up to its billing as a growth brand.

Operations

Fogo de Chao is not your average steakhouse

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 28, 2023

The Brazilian churrasco concept, in fact, is dropping “steakhouse” from its name as it looks to highlight its unique service style and varied menu.

Financing

Olive Garden says lower prices are helping sales

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 23, 2023

The chain’s strategy to undershoot inflation is driving more guests to its restaurants, executives said. And it believes peak pricing is now in the rearview mirror.

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