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casual_dining

Leadership

Chili's sales are booming. Why Applebee's CEO says that's a good thing

 By Lisa Jennings on May 02, 2025

Dine Brands CEO John Peyton gives archrival Chili's kudos for bringing Gen Z back to casual dining. But in the bar-and-grill horse race, Peyton is betting on Applebee's to nose ahead.

Financing

Viral secret menu item gives BJ's Restaurants a boost

 By Joe Guszkowski on May 02, 2025

Sales of the off-menu Pizookie Platter spiked 17x after the shareable dish went viral on TikTok. It contributed to a 2.7% traffic increase at the casual-dining chain last quarter.

Financing

Chili's sales surge for a second straight quarter

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 29, 2025

Same-store sales soared 31.6% at the casual-dining chain as it continued to ride the success of its value meals, Triple Dipper platters and operational improvements. Now the question is how it will top its recent hot streak.

Operations

Wine concepts were the surprise toast of casual dining last year

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 28, 2025

Despite a nationwide slump in wine sales, wine-centric casual-dining chains like Sixty Vines and Postino are booming. Here’s their recipe for success.

Financing

Bertucci's files for bankruptcy for the third time

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 24, 2025

The Italian casual-dining chain has been shrinking for years. It plans to refocus its efforts on a new fast-casual format, Bertucci's Pronto.

Leadership

Red Robin names David Pace CEO, replacing G.J. Hart

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 24, 2025

Hart is stepping down as head of the casual-dining chain after more than two years at the helm. Pace has been chairman of the board since 2019.

Operations

Inside Maggiano's plans to 'democratize luxury'

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 22, 2025

The Italian polished-casual chain has upgraded everything from its croutons to its tablecloths as it looks to offer a more upscale experience. But prices are staying more or less the same.

Financing

In Hooters, another example of private-equity excess

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 21, 2025

The Bottom Line: The casual-dining chain’s owners loaded the company up with too much debt coming out of the pandemic. The result was a predictable bankruptcy.

Financing

The rise, fall and (possible) rebirth of Hooters

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 18, 2025

America’s first breastaurant chain started as a joke and then became a juggernaut. Now, forced into bankruptcy by debt, inflation and some questionable decisions, it is hoping for a second chance, back where it all began.

Leadership

Kevin Hochman: The 2025 Restaurant Leader of the Year

By Restaurant Business Staff on Apr. 17, 2025

Check out our video highlighting the traits that made the CEO of Chili's owner Brinker International the most talked-about executive in the restaurant business.

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