casual_dining

Red Robin's revamp takes a bite out of wait times

By Joe Guszkowski on May 24, 2023

Just 2% of guests now report waiting more than 15 minutes for a table, an 8-point improvement from a year ago.

5 ways to set up restaurant staff for success

By Restaurant Business Staff on May 21, 2023

Restaurant Business’ GMs of the Year shared how they cultivate a strong team culture during a session at the National Restaurant Association Show.

Financing

Casual dining completed its comeback. Now what?

By Joe Guszkowski on May 12, 2023

The segment is generating sales like it’s 2019 again, but it hasn’t shaken pre-pandemic traffic problems. That will make future growth hard to come by.

Financing

The Cheesecake Factory is launching a loyalty program

By Joe Guszkowski on May 10, 2023

Cheesecake Rewards members will get access to reservations and free birthday cheesecake. The program is expected to go nationwide in June.

Financing

Record traffic lifts Texas Roadhouse sales, but not profits

By Joe Guszkowski on May 04, 2023

Traffic rose 7.6% at the chain in the first quarter. But more guests spelled higher labor costs, which ate into margins.

Financing

Darden Restaurants to acquire Ruth's Chris for $715M

By Joe Guszkowski on May 03, 2023

The deal adds another fine-dining concept to Darden's portfolio, which includes Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille.

Leadership

Red Robin fills out C-suite with marketing, development chiefs

By Joe Guszkowski on May 01, 2023

New CMO Kevin Mayer comes from BJ’s, while Chief Business Development Officer Jason Rusk has spent 25 years at Red Robin. The chain also hired an interim chief people officer.

Financing