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casual_dining

Financing

Applebee's and IHOP plan to open a lot more co-branded locations

 By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 05, 2025

The full-service siblings expect to finish next year with up to 80 hybrid locations, and believe there is room for up to 900 nationwide over the next decade.

Financing

TGI Fridays management company acquires brand's U.K. division

 By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 03, 2025

CEO Ray Blanchette’s Sugarloaf Management bought the casual-dining chain’s 49 U.K. locations amid a strong international growth push for the brand.

Financing

Bankrupt Hooters kicks off comeback under new owners

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 03, 2025

A pair of franchisees, including the breastaurant chain’s original founders, have acquired what was left of Hooters of America with plans to “re-Hooterize” the brand with menu upgrades and more modest uniforms.

Financing

BJ's Restaurants stock soars as Pizookie Meal Deal delivers again

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 31, 2025

The $13.99 value meal is driving repeat business for the casual-dining chain, which is gaining momentum despite a difficult economic environment.

Financing

More closures hit Outback Steakhouse

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 30, 2025

The casual-dining chain closed eight locations across the country amid an ongoing turnaround effort. It previously closed dozens of restaurants last year.

Financing

HopCat acquired by private equity firm Uncommon Equity

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 29, 2025

Uncommon Equity plans to continue growing the 12-unit, Michigan-based gastropub chain as it continues its rebound from the pandemic.

Financing

The Cheesecake Factory feels effects of government shutdown

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 29, 2025

The casual-dining chain said the nearly monthlong shutdown is impacting traffic. It's betting new, low-priced menu items will help it weather the storm.

Financing

Lower-income consumers are flocking to Chili's

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 29, 2025

The casual-dining chain posted another stellar quarter with 21% same-store sales growth. Traffic was up across the board, but especially with lower-income households who have been pulling back on dining elsewhere.

Food

Chili's to bring back Skillet Queso after customer outcry

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 27, 2025

Fans of the casual-dining chain apparently had strong feelings about the slow-selling cheese dip, which was replaced last month by a new Southwestern Queso. Chili’s will soon serve both.

Emerging Brands

Canadian chain Moxies aims to fill upscale-casual void in the U.S.

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 23, 2025

The full-service brand has eight locations here and plans to open seven more over the next two years. It sees a big opportunity for its broad, scratch-made menu and stylish restaurants.

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