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Consumer Trends

Consumers are still dining out, with some caveats

 By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 19, 2025

New reports from Toast, OpenTable and Resy show how diner demands are shifting. Late dinner is out, bar seating is in, and the bathroom better be Instagrammable.

Technology

Cracker Barrel logo backlash was fueled by bots, data shows

 By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 29, 2025

More than 44% of social posts made during the first 24 hours of the logo debacle were likely created by automated accounts with an agenda, according to PeakMetrics.

Marketing

For restaurant chains, the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce engagement is a love story. But it's also a marketing opportunity

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 27, 2025

Restaurant brands were quick to jump on the long-anticipated announcement of the upcoming marriage of the mega-watt pop star and the pro football champion.

Financing

Following days of uproar, Cracker Barrel switches back to its old logo

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 26, 2025

The family-dining chain said it heard its customers' concerns about the new logo and has reinstated the "old timer" and his barrel. Its stock spiked in after-hours trading.

Financing

Trump says Cracker Barrel should go back to old logo

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 26, 2025

In a social media post, the president added his voice—and a note of optimism—to the nearly weeklong outcry over the family-dining chain’s rebrand.

Marketing

P.F. Chang's flips the script with first-ever movie tie-in

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 22, 2025

The limited-time Freakier Flavors menu, a partnership with Disney’s new “Freakier Friday” movie, is part of a more modern approach to marketing at the Asian casual-dining chain.

Food

How TikTok and Instagram are fueling menu innovation and momentum

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 18, 2025

Chefs continue to mine social media for trends, while content creators are becoming a greater force in shaping menu development. Here’s how brands including Chili’s, Velvet Taco, Shake Shack, Legal Sea Foods and Smoothie King are balancing the two.

Operations

IHOP President Lawrence Kim wants to bring 'new energy' to the pancake chain

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 18, 2025

The family-dining restaurant chain is leaning into value, simplifying operations and finding its voice on social media. "We're 66 years young," Kim says.

Technology

Dave's Hot Chicken ponders life after TikTok

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 21, 2025

The fast-casual chicken chain’s marketing relies heavily on content created by users of the video app. What happens if it goes dark?

Marketing

Applebee's picks a meal-deal fight with Chili's

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 11, 2024

Applebee’s took a page from Chili’s playbook with its new $9.99 Really Big Meal Deal. Now the bar-and-grill chain is poking its rival on social media as it looks to make up lost ground.

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