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casual_dining

Financing

Key lessons from Chili's success

 By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 28, 2026

The Bottom Line: The casual-dining chain’s same-store sales have been on an unbelievable trajectory over the past two-plus years. Here are some key learnings from that performance.

Financing

'More of the same' for Chili's as sales soar again

 By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 28, 2026

The chain seems to have perfected a formula for growth in casual dining and shows no signs of letting up. Next up is a new chicken sandwich and remodeled restaurants.

Workforce

Ruby Tuesday faces backlash after firing manager on Christmas

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 27, 2026

In a viral TikTok post, the longtime employee said he was fired after closing his restaurant early on Christmas day. The casual-dining chain defended the decision.

Financing

Famous Dave's wants to put more restaurants under one roof

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 21, 2026

The casual-dining barbecue chain is co-branding with sister concepts Papa Murphy’s and Cold Stone Creamery with the goal of generating more sales from the same footprint.

Financing

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill carves out a niche in polished casual

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 13, 2026

The full-service chain is hitting a sweet spot for value-conscious consumers, who are trading up and down to visit the growing brand, even at lunch.

Financing

Olive Garden parent Darden is not done acquiring restaurants

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 12, 2026

The full-service restaurant operator is coming off the acquisitions of Ruth’s Chris and Chuy’s and is eyeing more M&A to increase its market share and scale, executives said at the ICR conference.

Financing

TGI Fridays plans to open hundreds of new restaurants worldwide

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 12, 2026

The casual-dining chain wants to reach 1,000 locations by 2030, and plans to fuel the momentum by creating more immersive experiences in its restaurants.

Emerging Brands

Among Artistry Restaurant's stable of 7 brands, Oak & Stone is designated for growth

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 09, 2026

The value-positioned casual-dining concept has a Tap Wall with about 50 beverage offerings, from craft beer to cocktails. The Florida-based multi-concept group is moving the brand into Texas for the first time this year.

Emerging Brands

The Sports Bra wins investment from WNBA champion and team owner Renee Montgomery

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 09, 2026

An owner of Atlanta Dream, Montgomery will also serve as creative advisor to the women's-sports-centric bar based in Portland, Oregon. The franchise chain is expanding into four more cities.

Financing

Dallas restaurant group acquires Razzoo's, closes 9 locations

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 02, 2026

M Crowd Restaurant Group hopes to revive the Cajun casual-dining chain following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in October.

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