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Gen Z weakness pressuring restaurant sector, says TD Cowen’s Andrew Charles
CNBC Television· 2025-10-03 21:32
several names in the sector. So joining us now is Andrew Charles from TD Cowan. Andrew, it's great to have you on.Let's start right there. Why are you bringing price targets down on some of these chains. Great to be with you again, Morgan.So look, at the risk of sounding old, unfortunately, we're looking at Gen Z as a a new pocket of softness. You know, restaurant investors have heard about softness with lower income consumers as well as Hispanic consumers. We're flagging the most incremental and newest rig ...
As Cracker Barrel stumbles on Wall Street, its superfans offer a glimmer of hope
Business Insider· 2025-09-18 03:46
Core Insights - Cracker Barrel reported mixed Q4 earnings, missing analyst expectations on earnings but beating on revenue, leading to a nearly 10% drop in shares during after-hours trading [1] - Despite challenges, the company has seen a positive response from its loyal customer base, with same-store sales up 5.4% for the fiscal fourth quarter [3][4] Financial Performance - Q4 earnings missed expectations while revenue exceeded them, resulting in a significant share price decline [1] - Same-store sales increased by 5.4% despite a projected decline in traffic for fiscal year 2026, estimated to be between 4% to 7% [3] Customer Engagement - Loyalty program sign-ups increased by 3 million over the past year, with a notable spike following the rebranding backlash [4][5] - The loyalty program now has over 9 million registered members, accounting for over 35% of tracked sales [5] Market Position - Cracker Barrel has been recognized for having the second-most loyal fans in the casual restaurant sector, with a fidelity index score of 174 [10] - Analysts suggest that while the company faces challenges, it remains profitable and has potential for recovery with improved menu innovation and service [9]
Cracker Barrel's Rising Stock Optimism: A Closer Look
Financial Modeling Prep· 2025-09-17 15:00
Core Viewpoint - Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. has seen increased analyst optimism reflected in a rising consensus price target, indicating confidence in the company's future performance [1][2]. Financial Performance - The average price target for Cracker Barrel increased to $62, a 20% rise from last year's average target of $51.64, suggesting improved expectations for the company's financial health [2]. - Recent earnings reports have contributed to this optimism, with positive earnings surprises leading to upward revisions in price targets [3]. Market Conditions - Analysts' outlook on Cracker Barrel is influenced by market conditions, including consumer spending trends and economic recovery, which can impact the company's performance and stock price targets [4]. - Deutsche Bank's Brian Mullan has set a price target of $106 for Cracker Barrel, reflecting a positive view of the company's prospects [4]. Strategic Initiatives - Cracker Barrel's strategic initiatives and expansions can affect analysts' expectations, as the company engages with investors and stakeholders to keep them informed about its plans [5]. - This transparency allows analysts to adjust price targets based on a clearer understanding of Cracker Barrel's strategic direction [5].
Chili's Kicks off Colorful Return of Create-A-Pepper Program with All Proceeds Benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®
Prnewswire· 2025-09-02 15:00
Guests can create their pepper in-restaurant now through September 30 to help St. Jude give every child with cancer a chance.DALLAS, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Supporting lifesaving efforts during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month has never been more colorful or creative as Chili's® Grill & Bar announces the return of its annual Create-A-Pepper program – continuing its partnership of 23 years with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. Throughout September, guests can visit their local Chili's to buy a C ...
Does Red Robin Have the Recipe for Sustainable EBITDA Growth?
ZACKS· 2025-08-29 15:21
Core Insights - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (RRGB) reported a mixed second quarter, but profitability is improving with adjusted EBITDA at $22.4 million, an increase of nearly $9 million year-over-year, driven by labor efficiency and cost management [1][10] - Despite a 5.5% decline in guest traffic and a 3.2% drop in comparable sales, restaurant-level margins expanded by 270 basis points to 14.5%, indicating successful operational initiatives [1] Financial Performance - The company reaffirmed its EBITDA guidance for 2025 at $60-$65 million while reducing net debt to adjusted EBITDA to approximately 2x, enhancing financial flexibility [3][10] - RRGB's shares have increased by 27.5% over the past three months, contrasting with a 2.9% decline in the industry [8] Strategic Initiatives - Management's strategy is centered around the "First Choice" Plan, focusing on efficiency, traffic-driving initiatives, disciplined capital allocation, and restaurant refreshes [2][10] - The Big Yummm value deal has shown early success in boosting traffic trends while managing price sensitivity [2] Competitive Landscape - Red Robin's efforts to achieve sustainable EBITDA growth reflect broader challenges in the casual dining industry, where competitors like Brinker International and Bloomin' Brands are also focusing on value promotions and efficiency gains [5][6] - Both competitors are navigating a promotional environment that impacts guest loyalty and pricing power, which are critical for maintaining EBITDA stability [6][7]
Chili's® Celebrates the '90s with TV Icon Tiffani Thiessen and New Margarita of the Month, The Radical 'Rita
Prnewswire· 2025-04-28 13:00
Core Concept - Chili's Grill & Bar introduces the Radical 'Rita, a new margarita inspired by 90's nostalgia, available for $6 at participating locations throughout May [1][4][5] Product Details - The Radical 'Rita is crafted with Lunazul® Blanco Tequila, Monin® Dragonfruit, Blue Curaçao, House-Made Sour, and garnished with a lime wedge and 90's-inspired swizzle sticks [5][7] - The drink changes color from pink and blue to vibrant purple when mixed with the swizzle stick [3][5] Marketing Campaign - Tiffani Thiessen, a notable figure from the 90's, features in a promotional video demonstrating the drink's color-changing feature [6][9] - The campaign aims to evoke 90's nostalgia and will be showcased on platforms like Peacock and streaming apps [9][10] Sales Strategy - The Radical 'Rita is part of Chili's Margarita of the Month program, which has been running since 2018, offering a rotating selection of margaritas at a low price [7][9] - In 2024, Chili's sold over 25 million margaritas, indicating strong demand for their affordable margarita offerings [7] Company Background - Chili's is a leader in the casual dining industry and is known for its diverse menu, including burgers, fajitas, and margaritas [11] - The company operates nearly 1,600 restaurants across 29 countries and has raised over $110 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through guest donations [11]
Chili's® Takes Another Swing at Fast Food with the Debut of the All-New Big QP Burger to its 3 For Me® Menu
Prnewswire· 2025-04-15 13:00
Core Insights - Chili's has launched a promotional campaign called Fast Food Financing to address high fast food prices, offering gift cards to eligible guests who participate in a pop-up experience in New York City [1][4] - The new Big QP burger, part of the 3 For Me menu, is designed to provide better value than fast food options, featuring more beef and familiar flavors at a competitive price of $10.99 [2][3] Company Overview - Chili's is a leading brand in the casual dining industry, operated by Brinker International, Inc., known for its diverse menu including Big Mouth Burgers and Chicken Crispers, with nearly 1,600 locations across 29 countries [5] - The company emphasizes a celebratory dining experience and engages in community support initiatives, having raised over $110 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital [5] Product Offerings - The Big QP burger includes two slices of American cheese and 85% more beef than a Quarter Pounder, available as part of the 3 For Me menu which also includes bottomless chips and salsa, and an unlimited drink [2][6] - The Big QP joins the Big Smasher on the 3 For Me menu, which features twice the beef of a Big Mac, reinforcing Chili's commitment to providing value [3][7] Promotional Campaign - Fast Food Financing is a promotional initiative that does not involve actual loans or financial services, with gift cards available while supplies last for participants aged 18 and over [6] - The campaign aims to engage customers through social media giveaways and in-person experiences, enhancing brand visibility and customer interaction [4][6]