The full-service siblings expect to finish next year with up to 80 hybrid locations, and believe there is room for up to 900 nationwide over the next decade.
The Bottom Line: Companies are starting to report their third-quarter earnings numbers. How much did fast-food chain sales slow last quarter? Can Chili’s and other casual-dining brands maintain their momentum?
Sun Holdings acquires 39-unit Bar Louie from bankruptcy, adding the upscale gastropub chain to its 1,800-unit restaurant portfolio including Burger King and Applebee's.
Taste Tracker: Arby’s, Cava, Chili’s, Applebee’s, TGI Fridays, KFC, Del Taco, Wahlburgers, Jason’s Deli, Saladworks, Church’s, Honey Baked Ham and California Tortilla headline restaurant menu news and trends.
The casual-dining chain has now posted five straight quarters of double-digit growth fueled by value and marketing and improved operations. It is not taking its foot off the gas.
The $6 combos have been driving traffic for the pancake chain, so it will start offering them on weekends, while also encouraging customers to order more expensive items.
The Bottom Line: Fast-food chains are losing market share as their core customers, low-income diners, cut back and visit less often. If the value war is working, it’s difficult to see how.
Same-store sales at the casual-dining chain rose nearly 5%, marking its first positive result in over two years, as customers responded to a refreshed 2 for $25 promotion.