casual_dining

By Peter Romeo on Jul. 12, 2023

Reality Check: 3-for-$10 (or thereabouts) and buy one/take one home deals are back in vogue.

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Operations

Red Robin's turnaround begins with juicier burgers

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 11, 2023

The chain is completely overhauling its signature item in an effort to make good on the “Gourmet” in its name.

Leadership

If you don't know who Norman Brinker was, hit the play button

By Peter Romeo on Jul. 11, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: He was as much of a god to the business as Ray Kroc, though a lot more recently. Here's why the industry should not forget such an inspirational, successful and fascinating character.

Consumer Trends

Consumers see full-service chains offering greater value today, even with inflation

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 27, 2023

A new American Consumer Satisfaction Index survey shows the public perceives the sector as offering better quality for the money.

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Leadership

Someone forgot to tell Gene Lee this business is for losers

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 23, 2023

Reality Check: The retiring Darden Restaurants chairman blazed a career that should shush assertions the restaurant industry will take you nowhere.

Leadership

Gene Lee is retiring as Darden chairman

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 22, 2023

The former CEO of the owner of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse will step down after the company’s annual meeting, set for September.

Financing

Olive Garden's parent is preparing for a slowing economy

By Joe Guszkowski on Jun. 22, 2023

Stagnant spending will keep a lid on growth at Darden Restaurants over the next 12 months, but it still expects to outpace the industry.

Financing

The biggest traditional casual dining chains in the U.S.

Jun. 20, 2023

These are the biggest varied menu casual dining chains in the country based on 2022 sales, according to the Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report.

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Food