How Chili's and Cheesecake Factory are defying consumer gloom and beating McDonald's and Chipotle at their own game
Briefly

Economic conditions are driving consumers to spend less on dining out, with about one-third cutting back on restaurant meals. Fast food chains like McDonald's, Chipotle, and Wendy's are experiencing declines in sales and traffic due to perceptions of high pricing. In contrast, sit-down restaurants such as Chili's and Cheesecake Factory are gaining popularity by offering perceived greater value for similar prices. Chili's reported a notable 24% increase in same-store sales and a significant rise in customer traffic, credited to enhancements in its menu and marketing strategy.
Consumers are tightening their belts and eating out less frequently, but sit-down restaurants like Chili's and Cheesecake Factory are persevering because they're delivering more value for about the same price as fast food.
Chili's has led the charge with a 24% jump in same-store sales in its most recent earnings report. Guest traffic at Chili's locations also increased by 16.3% over the quarter.
McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski recently hinted its customers see fast food as too expensive, even as the company has doubled down on value deals.
About one-third of Americans said they've cut back on eating out and food delivery since the start of the year, according to market research firm Ipsos.
Read at Fortune
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