Brio Tuscan Grille

Financing

Bravo Brio rejects takeover bid from Romano's Macaroni Grill

The two-concept Italian operation says its pending acquisition by a Swiss private-equity group is a better deal.

Consumer Trends

Top 10 most welcoming chains for solo diners—and 5 that still have work to do

A look at the top chains winning with solo diners—as well as those scoring high with most consumers but missing the mark when it comes to dine-alone guests.

More than half of the restaurant industry’s $491 billion in sales come from the Top 500 chains. And these giants grew at a modestly stronger rate, both in terms of sales and store counts, than the industry overall. Restaurant Business focused on the leading 250 performers to identify trends for our first-ever special report delivering lessons from Technomic’s annual Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report. This special package includes lessons for all operators from the largest chains by segment, menu category and more.

Technomic looks at consumers’ assessments of more than 60 attributes in order to determine the winners of its annual Chain Restaurant Consumers’ Choice Awards.

Chains ranking highest in their competitive set deliver more than just good food. They’re winning in all aspects of the dining experience, from service to convenience.

Millennials are the most reliant on foodservice of all generations, finds Technomic. They also drive off-premise dining, including takeout and delivery.

No sooner had one arresting development arisen than another quickly followed in its wake, making neck braces an acceptable fashion accessory.

Italian heavyweight Olive Garden increased sales by 3%, helping to drive the menu category's 1.9% sales growth, to $8.5 billion.

The new offerings will be available on weekdays at the restaurant’s bar area.

The owner of Bravo Cucina Italiana and Brio Tuscan Grille will be acquired in an all-cash deal.

  • Page 2