In a recent review Nation’s Restaurant News reported on the gains reported by major casual and family dining chains during the second quarter of 2022:

• Bloomin’ brands reported increased same-store sales of 9.2 percent for Outback Steakhouse, 11.5 percent for Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 21.3 percent at Bonefish Grill and 45.7 percent for Fleming’s Prime Steak House.
• Texas Roadhouse reported a same-store sales increase of 16 percent at company restaurants and 20.4 percent for domestic, franchise restaurants.
• The Cheesecake Factory reported an increase of 20.7 percent and 32 percent for the North Italia banner.
• Brinker International reported a systemwide same-store sales increase of 13.5 percent for the quarter ending March 30th, with increases of 10.3 percent at Chili’s and 50.5 percent at Maggiano’s.

All the chains reported problems associated with supply chain disruption, availability and retention of labor and inflation in food costs.  Many of the chains increased prices of menu items, trimmed offerings and increased promotions.

In reviewing comments by management of the various chains, it is evident that new restaurants will be smaller than existing units and will incorporate a higher level of mechanization to reduce labor.

The large, proportional increases recorded between the first quarter of 2022 compared to 2021 reflect the disinclination of customers and especially those with families to dine out in 2021 due to COVID.  During the first quarter of 2022 following widespread adoption of vaccination, and a sense of a return to normalcy, consumers were willing to patronize restaurants.  Going forward, inflation might reverse the trends to both eating out and for home delivery of meals as budgets tighten.