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casual_dining

Financing

Smokey Bones to close 15 underperforming locations

 By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 02, 2025

The casual-dining barbecue chain will be left with 26 restaurants, while another 19 are being converted to sister brand Twin Peaks. It also named a new president.

Consumer Trends

A surprising name tops a new ranking of casual-dining chains

 By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 28, 2025

Logan’s Roadhouse finished No. 1 in a ranking of customer loyalty, leaping eight spots from a year ago, according to Market Force Information.

Financing

Chili's blew the casual-dining curve last quarter

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 26, 2025

The Bottom Line: A look at winners and losers from a tough second quarter. Full-service restaurants outperformed limited-service chains. But they didn’t if you don’t factor in Chili’s.

Financing

Sardar Biglari-led Steak n Shake fans the Cracker Barrel flames

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 25, 2025

The burger chain’s account on the social media site X has been among the loudest critics of the family-dining chain’s rebrand, going so far as to call for the CEO’s ouster. The chain is owned by Cracker Barrel’s longtime nemesis.

Leadership

Applebee's names new marketing and operations chiefs

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 25, 2025

CMO Michelle Chin and COO Jay Wong fill out the casual-dining chain’s executive team as it looks to continue its recent momentum.

Technology

Don't overlook takeout's role in the casual-dining comeback

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 25, 2025

Tech Check: Value meals are getting all the attention, but pickup and delivery are quietly driving sales and traffic for a lot of resurgent brands.

Financing

Bravo Brio Restaurants declares bankruptcy again

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 19, 2025

The owner of Bravo Cucina Italiana and Brio Tuscan Grille filed its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy in five years.

Financing

The ongoing contradiction of the casual-dining restaurant sector

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 19, 2025

The Bottom Line: How can Chili’s and Texas Roadhouse thrive while other casual-dining companies like Bravo Brio file for bankruptcy? The answer lies with the companies themselves.

Financing

Casual dining (finally) finds its footing

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 14, 2025

The Bottom Line: The restaurant environment is brutal and consumers aren’t eating out as much. But don’t tell that to the full-service chains that have suddenly become more fashionable.

Financing

Red Robin sees traffic boost from $9.99 value meal

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 14, 2025

The Big Yummm meal launched last month has helped the casual-dining chain chip away at a sharp traffic decline. But it is still expecting sales to be down this year.

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