Core Insights - The restaurant industry faced challenges in 2025 due to inflation and reduced consumer spending, impacting stocks negatively, although Darden Restaurants showed relative strength [1][2] - Darden aims for revenue growth of 8.5% to 9.3%, with Olive Garden focusing on healthier menu options, potentially leading to better stock performance in 2026 [2] - Texas Roadhouse, despite a 6.6% decline in stock value last year, may rebound due to various factors including consumer preferences shifting towards sit-down dining experiences [4][8] Industry Trends - The rise in beef prices significantly affected restaurant chains like Texas Roadhouse, leading to increased operational costs [5] - Consumers' tolerance for higher meal prices has been tested, with the cost of eating out rising nearly double compared to eating at home, which saw a year-over-year increase of 1.9% [6] - The trend of "shrinkflation," where smaller portions are offered at the same or higher prices, has negatively impacted fast-casual restaurant chains [7] Company-Specific Factors - Texas Roadhouse's market cap is approximately $12 billion, with a current stock price of $174.32 and a gross margin of 13.27% [8] - Tax changes related to overtime and tips may indirectly benefit Texas Roadhouse, potentially improving employee retention and attracting new staff [9][10] - Increased retained earnings from overtime workers and larger tax rebate checks could lead to higher casual dining spending in 2026, supporting a rebound for Texas Roadhouse [11]

Core Viewpoint - Jollibee Foods Corp. is planning to spin off its international business and list it in the U.S. by late 2027 to accelerate global growth [1] Company Strategy - The spin-off aims to enhance the company's focus on its international operations and drive expansion in global markets [1] Timeline - The targeted timeline for the spin-off and listing is set for late 2027 [1]

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) is included among the 13 Best January Dividend Stocks to Invest in. Mizuho Sees Sales Upside at Darden (DRI), Flags Ongoing Commodity Cost Pressure On December 22, Mizuho analyst Nick Setyan raised the firm’s price target on Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) to $195 from $185 and kept a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm updated its estimates after the company released earnings. Darden delivered some upside in same-store sales growth during fiscal Q2. That streng ...

BRADENTON, Fla., Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: FWRG) (“First Watch” or the “Company”), the leading Daytime Dining concept serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, today announced that Chris Tomasso, Chief Executive Officer and President, and Mel Hope, Chief Financial Officer, will host a fireside chat at the 28th Annual ICR Conference on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The fireside chat will be available at https://investors.firstwatch.com in ...

Loyalty programs were once designed to thank customers for sticking around. This could include perks like free coffee, airline miles, or grocery discounts in exchange for repeat business. But that long-standing model of mutual benefit is rapidly disappearing. According to The Washington Post (1), these programs increasingly rely on a disturbing pattern called “surveillance pricing” where they collect data to create “individualized prices” — a tactic that may punish rather than reward consumer loyalty. M ...

Key Takeaways McDonald's relies on new restaurant openings to drive systemwide sales as traffic softens amid pressure.MCD reported over 6% systemwide sales growth in Q3 2025, with new unit development cited as a key driver.International growth underpins the strategy, with a target of 50,000 restaurants globally by the end of 2027.McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) continues to advance its expansion pipeline even as consumer pressure weighs on traffic trends, particularly among lower-income cohorts. Management has ...

EL POLLO LOCO® LAUNCHES PROTEIN-PACKED DOUBLE POLLO SALADS: TWICE THE CHICKEN, ALL THE FLAVOR El Pollo Loco® Launches Protein-Packed Double Pollo Salads COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, the nation’s leading fire–grilled chicken restaurant chain, is here to prove that eating better doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. Introducing Double Pollo Salads: packed with bold flavors, premium ingredients, and double the fire-grilled chicken. “At El Pollo Loco, we’re always ...

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #cravings--New year, new goals, same iconic Jack flavor. As fans look for protein-packed options to kick off the New Year, Jack in the Box (NASDAQ: JACK) is dialing up the crave with fresh takes on its Protein Bowls and Jack Wraps. Leading the lineup are Protein Bowls, including the fan-favorite Teriyaki Bowl and the debut of a bold new Fajita Bowl. Jack's Protein Bowls deliver up to 35 grams of protein, making it easier than ever to fuel busy days without sacrificing flavor. J. ...

A New Royal Offering Arrives, Packed with Value and Pepperoni LOS ANGELES, Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Round Table Pizza, FAT Brands’ pizza franchise known for its commitment to quality and authenticity, is kicking off the new year in a royal way with its Triple Crown Pepperoni Pizza, loaded with triple the flavor and value. Available starting today through May 3, Round Table Pizza’s newest offering elevates its pepperoni game with three types of flavorful pepperonis topped to the edge, including the ...

Intouch Insight Pizza DELCO Report 2026 Intouch Insight Pizza DELCO Report 2026 Ottawa, Ontario, Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intouch Insight, a leader in customer experience measurement, today released its 2026 Annual Pizza Delivery and Carryout Study, shedding light on the competitive landscape of the pizza industry. The study confirms that food quality stands as the most significant driver of overall satisfaction, a trend that is leveling the playing field for mid-sized chains competing against ...