A sign advertises meal deals at a McDonald’s restaurant in Burbank, California, on July 22, 2024. Mario Tama | Getty Images Restaurant CEOs have become obsessed with the word “value” in explaining to investors why their sales lagged this quarter while sharing plans to revive traffic in the coming months. On McDonald’s quarterly conference call … Read more
Customers arrive at an Olive Garden location in San Antonio, Texas. Callaghan O’Hare | Bloomberg | Getty Images Casual-dining chains are gaining customers who have grown frustrated with higher fast-food prices, Darden Restaurants CEO Rick Cardenas said on Thursday. While Darden itself hasn’t benefited from the shift, its competitors, like Chili’s owner Brinker International and … Read more
A food delivery messenger carries a take-out bag outside a Sweetgreen in Manhattan, New York City, on Sept. 14, 2023. Jeenah Moon | The Washington Post | Getty Images High-income consumers helped Chipotle Mexican Grill, Wingstop and Sweetgreen report strong sales this quarter, bucking the broader consumer slowdown that’s been hurting other eateries. As a … Read more
Applebee’s and IHOP owner Dine Brands thinks its deals can lure away fast-food customers who have grown frustrated with menu prices. The company reported first-quarter earnings that fell short of Wall Street’s estimates, and both Applebee’s and IHOP’s same-store sales shrank more than expected. Still, Dine reiterated its full-year outlook and said sales have improved … Read more
