Olive Garden

Steve Layt succeeds Brad Blum as CEO of Brio, Bravo

Blum also resigned his post as chairman, but remains a co-owner of the polished-casual chains.

Olive Garden, Applebee’s cut through TV ad clutter

The two casual-dining giants accounted for eight of last week’s 10 most effective ads for full-service brands. On the QSR side, chicken and pizza spots dominated.

Marketing

Chick-fil-A, Olive Garden also win in ‘Jeopardy!’ showdown

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 17, 2020

A ranking of chain commercials by consumer engagement shows the game program delivered for its restaurant sponsors.

Topics

12 reveals from this week’s big restaurant event

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 16, 2020

The three dozen chains participating in the ICR Conference provided plenty of aha moments. Here’s a sampling of the surprising tidbits that were aired.

Operations

Talk of the industry this week: On-premise dining

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 15, 2020

Or at least that was a major theme at the ICR Conference, where three dozen chains aired their strategies and financial results.

Marketing

Value pitches dominate start of QSRs' ad year

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 10, 2020

Full-service TV advertising was dominated by Applebee's and Olive Garden, which both put a spotlight on attractively priced new offers.

Marketing

Value pitches cut through casual dining’s holiday ad clutter

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 20, 2019

A weekly ranking of restaurant chains’ top TV commercials by effectiveness shows consumers responding to value-oriented pitches from casual brands. But limited-service brands fared better with spots promising an experience.

Workforce

LongHorn's labor approach yields 6.7% comp rise, Darden says

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 19, 2019

The casual steak chain outperformed all of its sister operations, largely because of how it handled personnel, its parent company said. Olive Garden's comps rose 1.5%.

Marketing