BRAND SERIES: Casual Dining's Fight for Survival Who's Winning, Who's Failing

In this eye-opening episode of our Brand Series, restaurant industry experts Paul Barron and Paul Molinari dissect the current crisis in casual dining and reveal why some chains are thriving while others file for bankruptcy. Discover how Chili's achieved a remarkable 31% sales increase through strategic social media targeting and menu innovation, while TGI Fridays and Hooters struggle to connect with millennial consumers. The hosts analyze Red Lobster's repositioning strategy, debate the controversial Hooters rebranding plan, and explore how economic headwinds are creating recession indicators even for giants like McDonald's. Don't miss these critical insights on brand transformation, consumer behavior shifts, and the technological innovations poised to reshape restaurants in 2026-2027. ~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → ~ rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and more With Gusto’s easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto. RestaurantBrandSeries Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights. Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights. Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit

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BRAND SERIES: Casual Dining's Fight for Survival Who's Winning, Who's Failing is an episode from The Takeout, Delivery, & Catering Show by Foodable Network.

This episode is 42:26 long.

This episode was published on May 8, 2025.

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