OPINIONFinancing

How the once-mighty are falling in casual dining

Restaurant Rewind: Dominance within the full-service sector has shifted appreciably during the last 20 years. Here’s a look at how the balance of power has changed, humbling two powerhouses in particular.

Casual dining roared back as pandemic conditions lifted and dining rooms reopened, dispelling assertions the segment was cooked. But that doesn’t mean the full-service chain market has been on cruise control, as this week’s episode of Restaurant Rewind attests.

The retro-focused podcast looks back during the installment to what the casual market looked like 10 and 20 years ago, and how that compares with the state of play today. Among the brands that have clearly aged are TGI Fridays and Red Lobster, the brands that virtually midwifed the whole sector.

Join us as we look at how the market has changed, and what propelled those granddads of the segment to prominence in the first place.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

Popeyes' new management team gets a big, early test

The Bottom Line: The bankruptcy filing of Sailormen is putting pressure on the fast-food chicken chain while proving that franchisors should pay close heed to their franchisees' finances.

Technology

What's next for Olo after a pivotal year

Tech Check: The online ordering company is still focused on digitizing every restaurant transaction. It's also looking to do more M&A under new owner Thoma Bravo.

Financing

Expect more of the same in 2026: A bifurcated economy, slow growth and a lot of uncertainty

Projections suggest the restaurant industry can expect a better year, buoyed by easier comparisons and tax law changes. But many other factors could inhibit that growth, and not everybody will benefit.

Trending

More from our partners