FI Fast Break audio news: Sept. 24, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on Americans’ lessened confidence in the safety of the food supply.

Winner, Loser Disparity Widens Among Casual Dining Eateries

Casual-dining stocks have significantly outperformed the market over the past three years, with Brinker International especially posting eye-opening returns, while chains such as Applebee’s continue to struggle. Clearly, consumers are rewarding brands that offer differentiated experiences.

Brinker’s Spectacular Turnaround Isn’t Over Yet

Brinker International’s unexpected turnaround has propelled Chili’s to stunning same-store sales growth of nearly 26% in fiscal 2025, defying industry trends and revitalizing a brand that seemed stagnant for decades. Chili’s transformation is rewriting the playbook for restaurant chains.

FI Fast Break audio news: July 17, 2024

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the unlikely comeback bid of a once-bankrupt steak chain.

Riding High: Data Shows LongHorn Steakhouse Ascending Among Casual-Dining Chains

LongHorn Steakhouse has become a prime candidate to unseat rivals like Texas Roadhouse as America’s preferred steakhouse.

Top 5 Casual-dining Restaurant Chains by Sales

Olive Garden’s sales have bloomed even as the economy has wilted, topping the list of U.S. casual-dining chains in terms of systemwide sales.

Opinion: Why Casual-Dining Restaurant Chains are in Crisis

Casual dining is about to implode. It has already started. Full-service restaurants that were popular in the 1980s and ‘90s – old brands – I think they’re going to be cut in half. TGI Friday’s …

Chili’s Tests ‘Game-Changing’ Grills

Your weekend steak at casual-dining chains could soon reach your plate at lightning speed.

Column: Future for Casual Dining Stocks Could be Grim

The near-term pressures on casual dining operators right now are obvious. Fears of a recession are rising. Consumer confidence is falling. Labor shortages have driven up wages and in some cases forced operators to limit …

Drive-Thru or Dining Rooms? QSRs, Casual Dining Going Different Routes

Hot dog stands and early hamburger joints had one thing in common besides the fries and colas: They were walk up counters where customers would place their orders and stroll off with food to be …

Convenience to Push Fast Food Ahead of Casual Dining this Winter

Fast food may weather winter better than casual dining as the pandemic continues and flu-season arrives, reported MarketWatch (Sept. 21). Analysts are boosting their ratings and targets for fast food companies, in large part, due …

Is PPP Really Aiding ‘Small’ Businesses?

Food Institute Focus – Is PPP Really Aiding ‘Small’ Businesses?

Larger Orders Rise, But Many Chains Still at Risk

Food Institute Focus – Larger Orders Rise, But Many Chains Still at Risk