Restaurant Marketing

Business

End of an Era: D'Amico & Sons to Shutter Final Minnesota Locations, Marking Close of 32-Year Italian Dining Legacy

The last two D'Amico & Sons restaurants in Minnesota will close permanently in March 2026, concluding a three-decade run for the family-founded Italian chain. The closures reflect the intense pressures reshaping the restaurant industry, where soaring costs and shifting consumer habits are forcing even established names to consolidate or exit.

Mar 1, 2026

From Dining Room to Dining Experience: Houston's Top Chefs Find Solace in Private Home Catering

As rising costs and shifting consumer habits squeeze traditional restaurants, a growing number of Houston's culinary talents are bringing fine dining directly into clients' homes, forging a new, intimate—and lucrative—path forward.

Feb 10, 2026

Business

Papa Johns Bets on Local Roots to Reverse Sales Slump, Taps New Agency for Brand Revival

Facing seven quarters of negative sales growth, Papa Johns is overhauling its marketing strategy by reviving local advertising co-ops and launching a new creative platform with Leo Chicago, aiming to reconnect with communities and stabilize performance by late 2026.

Mar 3, 2026

Business

Brinker Consolidates Marketing Leadership Under George Felix Amid Investor Scrutiny of Dual-Brand Strategy

Brinker International has expanded the role of George Felix to Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, placing him in charge of marketing for both its Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy brands. The move signals a strategic push for greater brand cohesion as the restaurant group navigates a volatile market and works to sustain its long-term growth trajectory.

Mar 16, 2026

Business

PF Chang's Taps Marketing Veteran Holly Smith as New CMO to Lead Brand Evolution

Casual dining giant PF Chang's appoints Holly Smith, a seasoned restaurant marketing executive, as its new Chief Marketing Officer to steer brand strategy and deepen customer engagement amid industry-wide transformation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Popeyes Bets on Operational Overhaul to Reignite Growth After Sales Slump

Following a 4.9% same-store sales decline in Q4, Popeyes is doubling down on restaurant-level execution, field support, and core menu strength in a bid to reclaim its momentum in the competitive chicken segment.

Feb 13, 2026

Business

Brinker Bets on Chili's Marketing Chief to Replicate Success at Struggling Maggiano's

Brinker International promotes Chili's CMO George Felix to oversee marketing for both its flagship chain and the lagging Maggiano's brand, tasking him with applying the value-driven playbook that fueled Chili's remarkable turnaround.

Mar 3, 2026

Business

The Great American Restaurant Split: How a K-Shaped Economy Is Reshaping Where We Eat

The traditional rulebook for dining during economic stress is obsolete. As a K-shaped recovery widens the gap between income groups, fast-food giants are struggling with deep discounts while casual dining chains unexpectedly thrive by redefining value.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Outback Steakhouse Sees First Customer Traffic Increase in Five Years, Fueled by Menu Revamp and Strategic Investments

After a prolonged slump, Outback Steakhouse reports its first quarterly traffic growth since 2019, attributing the turnaround to a new premium steak lineup, increased staffing, and a multi-million dollar investment in store remodels and marketing.

Feb 26, 2026

Business

Chipotle Bets Big on Marketing Overhaul Amid Hunt for 'Unicorn' CMO

Facing three straight quarters of declining sales, Chipotle unveils an aggressive marketing strategy centered on targeted media and menu innovation, while its high-stakes search for a new chief marketer continues.

Feb 5, 2026

Business

Jimmy John's Taps Marketing Veteran Darin Dugan for Top Role in Leadership Shake-Up

Inspire Brands elevates long-time marketing chief Darin Dugan to President of Jimmy John's, marking only the third leadership change for the sandwich chain in its four-decade history, as part of a broader executive reshuffle.

Mar 10, 2026

The Graying Guest: How Restaurants Are Adapting to an Aging Clientele

As Baby Boomers enter retirement, their spending power is set to transform the restaurant landscape. By 2030, diners aged 65+ will drive nearly one-fifth of all industry sales, forcing operators to rethink design, menus, and marketing beyond generational stereotypes.

Mar 9, 2026

Business

Red Robin Sees Annual Revenue Dip to $1.21B as Same-Store Sales Slip

Casual dining chain Red Robin Gourmet Burgers reported a decline in full-year revenue to $1.21 billion for 2025, driven by softer same-restaurant sales. While the company posted a net loss, it highlighted improvements in adjusted EBITDA and provided modest growth guidance for the coming year.

Mar 10, 2026

Business

Restaurant Industry Braces for Shake-Up: Up to 15% of Eateries Face Closure by 2026, BBI Reports

New data from Black Box Intelligence reveals a widening gap in the restaurant sector's resilience, with full-service establishments bearing the brunt of closure risks while savvy chains leverage strategic shutdowns and 'second-generation' spaces for growth.

Mar 7, 2026

Business

JRI Hospitality Acquires HCI, Cementing Its Position as Freddy's Largest Franchisee

In a major consolidation move, Kansas-based JRI Hospitality has purchased the restaurant operations of HCI Hospitality, adding 43 Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers locations to its portfolio and significantly expanding its national footprint.

Mar 3, 2026

Business

Nashville's E3 Chophouse, Backed by Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, Abruptly Shuts Its Doors

The high-profile Nashville steakhouse E3 Chophouse, co-owned by country stars Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and former MLB player Adam LaRoche, has ceased operations without warning, leaving staff and patrons in the lurch and raising questions about the viability of celebrity-backed dining ventures.

Feb 21, 2026

AI Takes a Seat at the Table: Over a Quarter of U.S. Restaurants Now Leverage Automation

A new National Restaurant Association report reveals that 25% of operators are using AI, primarily in marketing and administration, as the industry accelerates tech adoption to counter rising costs and shifting consumer habits.

Feb 18, 2026

Business

Fast Food's 2025 Finale: Value Wars Crown Winners, Leave Some Chains Reeling

The fourth quarter of 2025 solidified a stark divide in the restaurant industry. While major quick-service giants like McDonald's and Taco Bell thrived on aggressive value plays and innovation, several notable names, including Wendy's and Sweetgreen, faced deepening crises. The results underscore a market where value perception and operational agility are paramount.

Mar 17, 2026

Business

Beyond the Drink: How Chili's $6 Margarita Club Signals a New Era in Restaurant Branding

As restaurant chains grapple with shifting consumer habits and rising costs, Chili's is betting that a $6 margarita and themed merchandise can build a community, not just a transaction. This move reflects a broader industry pivot where brand loyalty is increasingly forged through cultural connection and exclusive collectibles.

Feb 17, 2026

Business

Beyond AI Hype: Toast and Instacart Forge Unlikely Alliance to Solve Restaurants' Emergency Supply Crunch

A new partnership between Toast and Instacart tackles a critical, often overlooked operational pain point: last-minute inventory shortages. Meanwhile, Par Tech's acquisition, LoopAI's funding, and other moves signal a sector focused on practical tech integrations over flashy AI promises.

Feb 14, 2026