Dining
Explore our collection of blogs covering the restaurant space, from QSR to fast casual to full-service concepts. Find data-driven insights and industry updates for a range of leading and emerging brands.
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Texas Roadhouse and Chili’s: Strong Q3 Traffic and a Secret Sauce of High-Income Diners
Amid economic headwinds, Texas Roadhouse and Chili’s are outperforming full-service peers. Location analytics show both brands sustaining traffic through strong value, efficiency, and higher-income appeal — key factors for continued growth.
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McDonald’s and Chipotle Face Headwinds in Q3 2025
In Q3 2025, McDonald’s and Chipotle contended with slowing traffic and sector-wide dining headwinds. McDonald’s faced visit declines despite promotions, while Chipotle relied on expansion to sustain growth. Both chains enter Q4 balancing momentum against mounting pressure.
Black Rock Coffee's Post-IPO Growth Potential
Black Rock Coffee’s $1.32B IPO underscores its rapid expansion, affluent customer base, and similarities to Dutch Bros’ trajectory. With visits up 226% since 2019 and a target of 1,000 stores by 2035, the chain’s strategy highlights significant growth potential in new markets.
Q2 2025 Restaurant Recap: A Cautious Consumer Shapes Dining Trends
Q2 2025 restaurant trends highlight a cautious consumer. QSRs and fast casuals face headwinds as diners trade down to cheaper options, while casual dining brands like Chili’s and Applebee’s outperform with value-driven promotions and bundled meals.
Darden Restaurants’ Portfolio Powers Through Consumer Headwinds
Darden’s 2025 performance reveals a split: overall visits rose 1.4% YoY, outpacing the full-service dining sector, but same-store traffic was flat. Yard House and LongHorn powered growth, Olive Garden held steady, while Cheddar’s softened – underscoring the importance of portfolio balance.
Has Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte Retained Its Appeal in 2025?
Starbucks’ 2025 Pumpkin Spice Latte launch once again fueled a nationwide traffic surge, reaffirming its enduring cultural and financial impact. Competitors like Dunkin’ and Dutch Bros. lag behind, underscoring Starbucks’ unrivaled mastery in seasonal LTO strategy.
Din Tai Fung: Sky High Average-Unit-Volume is a Recipe for Success
Din Tai Fung achieves an incredible $27.4 million average unit volume, nearly double its next competitor. This success is a boon for malls, boosting foot traffic, increasing dwell time, and extending evening visits, proving a powerful destination brand can uplift an entire retail ecosystem.
