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casual_dining

Emerging Brands

Seafood boil concept Shell Shack ready to grow behind private-equity boost

 By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 01, 2021

The seven-unit Dallas-based chain plans to start opening five restaurants a year after its acquisition by TriSpan Partners.

Leadership

Doug Thompson retires as Texas Roadhouse COO

 By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 30, 2021

The longtime company employee had been in the position for three years. The retirement is effective “immediately.”

Financing

Cracker Barrel gets back to pre-COVID form—sort of

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 23, 2021

The chain’s same-store sales are back to status quo thanks to better staffing. But the underlying business looks a bit different.

Financing

Fat Brands is buying Native Grill & Wings for $20M

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 22, 2021

The owner of Johnny Rockets and Twin Peaks is making its fourth deal this year with the acquisition of its third chicken wing chain.

Food

Texas Roadhouse now sells steak online

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 22, 2021

Customers can order ready-to-grill meats from its newly unveiled Butcher Shop website.

Financing

Casual-dining growth turns asset-heavy

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 19, 2021

Companies like Chili’s and Texas Roadhouse are buying back franchises in a reversal of the refranchising approach that has held sway for decades.

Financing

Fogo de Chao roared back from the pandemic and into an IPO

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 17, 2021

Customers apparently couldn’t wait to get back to the Brazilian steakhouse chain this year, resulting in eye-popping sales growth.

Emerging Brands

Famous Toastery had to slow down before it could speed up

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 16, 2021

The fast-growing breakfast-and-lunch chain took a step back to focus on existing franchisees, and the move has paid off.

Food

Applebee's adds Cheetos-flavored wings to the menu

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 15, 2021

The limited-time items are the same as some of the ones offered by the chain's virtual brand, Cosmic Wings.

Financing

As staffing goes, so goes Red Robin

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 11, 2021

Sales at the burger chain returned to 2019 levels, and labor improvements are driving further growth.

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