
Should fast casual leaders be worried about casual dining's 'comeback?'
Sam Stanovich of Craveworthy Brands, Blake Johnson, senior director of Marketing of CEC Entertainment (parent company of Chuck E.
Brinker International is a company in Burnaze's franchise knowledge graph, mentioned since 2015. 101 stories link here, each summarized from the original publisher. Filed under Restaurants / Casual dining.

Sam Stanovich of Craveworthy Brands, Blake Johnson, senior director of Marketing of CEC Entertainment (parent company of Chuck E.
Chili's buys plane tickets for fans to visit new Seattle location.

Bryan Brown will help advance the fast food giant’s NEXT strategy, which includes restaurant redesigns and improved hospitality and employee experiences.
DALLAS, July 1, 2026 // PRNewswire // -- This month, Chili's Grill & Bar offers the Bombshell Margarita of the Month, available nationwide through July 31 for $6.

The restaurant chain, recently acquired by Pappas Restaurants, has shuttered its 28 company-owned sites and entered Chapter 7 liquidation.

Restaurant chains like Portillo's and Wendy's promote bundled meals to attract price-fatigued consumers.

Chili's 3 For Me deal offers value at $10.99 price point.

Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken , the global Korean fried chicken franchise, is at a crucial inflection point.

The cultural play comes several years after the chain tapped Boyz II Men to remix the tune in an effort to double down on ‘90s nostalgia.

Some restaurant brands are relying on price increases to drive comp sales, but Bonchon is focusing on traffic and franchisee support to create a model that works for the “average” operator.

Inspire Brands has filed confidential paperwork with the U.S.

Chili's plans to maintain sales growth with investments in food and service

Chili’s Grill and Bar recorded its 20th consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales growth, driven by value-focused combo meals and high customer intent to return.

Brinker International reported high demand for Chili’s updated hand-breaded chicken sandwich platform, contributing to 20 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth.
Chili's delivered its 20th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth, up 4%, lapping a 31% increase a year ago, said Kevin Hochman, President and CEO of Brinker International.

Red Lobster’s reintroduction of its Endless Shrimp promotion leads this week’s trending stories following the brand's recent bankruptcy proceedings.

Jersey Mike’s, the fast-casual sub sandwich chain, confidentially filed documents to go public this week, effectively confirming reports earlier this year that it was planning such a move, now 18 months after its sale to Blackstone.

During Chili’s parent company Brinker International’s second-quarter earnings call in January, CEO Kevin Hochman said consumers are frustrated with inflation, noting that “high prices are more relevant than ever.”

The chain is balancing the 3 for Me value offering with more premium versions of its Big Crispy sandwich to preserve its margins and sales mix.

Chili’s Grill and Bar surged past Olive Garden in 2025 to become the second-largest casual-dining chain in the country behind Texas Roadhouse.
DALLAS, March 18, 2026 // PRNewswire // -- While others shrink portions, Maggiano's Little Italy® is going bigger and serving up more of what guests love.
Chili's delivered another strong quarter with industry-leading growth of +9%, rolling the industry-leading growth from last year for a 2-year comp sales growth of +43%, said Kevin Hochman, President & CEO of Brinker International.
Brinker International, Inc announced its financial results for the first quarter ended September 24, 2025.

Newk’s Eatery has nearly 100 units across the US, with a $2.4 million average unit volume and operational support for franchisees.