
There's a new No. 2 brand in casual dining
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.
Olive Garden is a company in Burnaze's franchise knowledge graph, mentioned since 2015. 55 stories link here, each summarized from the original publisher. Filed under Restaurants / Casual dining.

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.

Pizza brands, sandwich chains and beverage concepts tended to have weaker average unit volumes than casual dining brands and chicken QSRs in 2025, according to Circana’s data.

As Chief Development Officer, Crumley will lead growth strategy, real estate, and construction efforts, supporting the brand’s expanding pipeline of new Cans across the country.

The fast food industry’s value meal competition is intensifying as more chains introduce discounted menu items to attract budget-conscious consumers amid rising dining costs.

15 Italian franchises to invest in, with initial investments ranging from $282,500 to $5,835,000.
Today, Pizza Hut announces the appointment of TJ Wolfersberger as Chief Operations Officer for Pizza Hut U.S., reporting to Carl Loredo, President of Pizza Hut U.S., effective July 15.

The upcoming year could be excellent for international franchise development in multiple countries.

'One-Brand Guy' Tom Pentenburg finds his fit with Spherion Staffing Services, overseeing 21 offices in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.

Josh Lovett, a MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes franchisee, is named Single Unit Franchisee of the Year for his dedication to the brand and customers.
Capital Tacos appointed Joel Bulger as its first Chief Marketing Officer, bringing 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry to the role.

Hunter and Shannon Yung are expanding Shuckin' Shack to the St. Louis area, signing a multi-unit deal with the oyster bar franchise.

Restaurants face labor shortages and competition for workers, with some offering substantial sign-on bonuses and increased wages to attract employees.
Friendly's Restaurants announces David Ellis as Chief Marketing Officer and Sylvia Becker as Vice President of Marketing, bringing over 20 years of marketing experience to their roles.
El Salvador has a 75% U.S. market share in franchises.

Carissa De Santis attributes her success to her experience in the restaurant industry and her ability to help owner/operators achieve their dreams.
Research from SOCi finds a direct correlation between revenue growth and localized digital marketing strategies for top restaurants.

Full-service restaurants face decline in traffic against third-party delivery, driven by consumer preference for convenience and technology.

The U.S. PIRG report ranked the top restaurants on their use of antibiotics, with only Chipotle and Panera receiving A-range scores.

Penn Station East Coast Subs franchisee Steve Pryor transitioned from a general manager role to a franchise partner after 24 years with the brand.

The U.S. Labor Department proposed new rules for joint employment, narrowing liability for franchisors that utilize third-party staffing firms.

Olive Garden is introducing a limited-time Giant Italian Classics menu, featuring oversized entrees and a focus on value, following a 4.3 percent rise in same-store sales.

The Brass Tap opens a new location in Vineland, New Jersey, offering a unique bar and restaurant experience.

Franchise news from February 8, 2019, including Papa John's securing a $200 million strategic investment and Taco Bell being named to the Nation's Restaurant News Power List.

Olive Garden offered bouquets of breadsticks for Valentine's Day, with a focus on creative marketing and customer engagement.