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casual_dining

Technology

Fogo de Chão launches AI phone system with a familiar voice

 By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 05, 2026

The Brazilian steakhouse chain tapped “brand matriarch” Selma Oliveira to lend her identity to the AI answering system, which is designed to take some pressure off employees.

Emerging Brands

Ford's Garage is ready to step on the gas

 By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 04, 2026

The casual-dining chain will accelerate new openings in the coming years after finding strong demand for its retro, car-themed restaurants.

Financing

Olive Garden parent Darden is shutting down its Bahama Breeze brand

By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 03, 2026

The casual-dining operator will close 14 locations of the seafood brand and convert another 14 to other brands. It had been considering strategic alternatives for Bahama Breeze.

Financing

A tale of two casual-dining chains

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 02, 2026

The Bottom Line: This week’s episode of the restaurant finance newsletter contrasts news about Chili’s and rival Ruby Tuesday, which are going in different directions.

Financing

Chili's and Ruby Tuesday are headed in different directions

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 30, 2026

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the restaurant news discussion podcast looks at Chili’s performance, Starbucks' strong earnings and the bankruptcy of Twin Peaks owner Fat Brands.

Financing

Chili's wants to give managers a bigger stake in their restaurants

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 29, 2026

The casual-dining chain is looking to build on its recent success by offering performance-based incentives for GMs in the coming years.

Financing

Key lessons from Chili's success

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 28, 2026

The Bottom Line: The casual-dining chain’s same-store sales have been on an unbelievable trajectory over the past two-plus years. Here are some key learnings from that performance.

Financing

'More of the same' for Chili's as sales soar again

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 28, 2026

The chain seems to have perfected a formula for growth in casual dining and shows no signs of letting up. Next up is a new chicken sandwich and remodeled restaurants.

Workforce

Ruby Tuesday faces backlash after firing manager on Christmas

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 27, 2026

In a viral TikTok post, the longtime employee said he was fired after closing his restaurant early on Christmas day. The casual-dining chain defended the decision.

Financing

Famous Dave's wants to put more restaurants under one roof

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 21, 2026

The casual-dining barbecue chain is co-branding with sister concepts Papa Murphy’s and Cold Stone Creamery with the goal of generating more sales from the same footprint.

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