Introduction
In recent years, many dine-in restaurant chains have had to close hundreds of locations due to changing consumer preferences and the rise of delivery services. However, some of these chains are now making a comeback, with new locations opening and existing locations expanding. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the dine-in chains that are growing again and what they’re doing to stay competitive in the ever-changing restaurant industry. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make the most of your dining experience at these restaurants. So, if you’re looking for a great meal out, read on to find out which dine-in chains are growing again and how to make the most of your visit.
After Closing Hundreds of Locations In Recent Years, These Dine-In Chains Are Growing Again — Eat This Not That
The restaurant industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, with many dine-in chains closing hundreds of locations in recent years. But some of these chains are now starting to grow again, thanks to new strategies and innovative approaches to dining. Here are some of the dine-in chains that are growing again, and what you should be eating when you visit them.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is one of the most popular dine-in chains in the US, and it’s been growing steadily in recent years. The chain has opened more than 1,000 new locations since 2018, and it’s now the third-largest restaurant chain in the US. When you visit Chick-fil-A, be sure to try the classic chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and the delicious milkshakes.
Chipotle
Chipotle is another popular dine-in chain that’s been growing in recent years. The chain has opened more than 500 new locations since 2018, and it’s now the fifth-largest restaurant chain in the US. When you visit Chipotle, be sure to try the classic burrito bowl, tacos, and the delicious guacamole.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread is another popular dine-in chain that’s been growing in recent years. The chain has opened more than 400 new locations since 2018, and it’s now the seventh-largest restaurant chain in the US. When you visit Panera Bread, be sure to try the classic sandwiches, soups, and the delicious pastries.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden is another popular dine-in chain that’s been growing in recent years. The chain has opened more than 300 new locations since 2018, and it’s now the ninth-largest restaurant chain in the US. When you visit Olive Garden, be sure to try the classic pasta dishes, salads, and the delicious breadsticks.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the dine-in chains that are growing again in recent years. If you’re looking for a delicious meal, be sure to check out one of these popular chains. You’ll be sure to find something delicious to eat!
After a pandemic slump and an ongoing strategy of shutting down unprofitable locations, several chains have now begun to speak of major expansion again. Starbucks closed as many as 600 locations during the pandemic but has announced major growth with 500 new openings slated for the new fiscal year that started just a few weeks ago. And Shake Shack, which has seen a major decline in sales at its urban locations, recently announced the biggest expansion to date, which will take place in 2022 and add some 45 to 50 Shacks across the United States.
And dine-in chains that have been hibernating on growth are jumping on the expansion wagon as their sales numbers take a turn for the better. Here are two beloved chains that have declared their plans for growth after years of losing locations.
For more, check out This Artisanal Pizza Chain Will Soon Add Up to 3,600 Locations.
Chances are good that this image of an abandoned Applebee’s is something you’ve recently seen in your own neighborhood. In October of 2020, major restaurant operator Dine Brands alerted its investors that it was conducting a financial review of its two major brands, IHOP and Applebee’s, and as a result, was expecting to close as many as 99 restaurants across both brands in the following six months. The announcement came as both brands already shuttered dozens of restaurants during the pandemic. But it was also a bigger strategy on the part of Dine Brands—the operator was pruning underperforming locations to make room for more constructive growth.
“Closures are part of the normal course of business in the industry, especially for a company of our size and footprint, and occur for many reasons—including a restaurant being in a lapsed trade area—where once vibrant traffic characteristics are no longer present—or as a result of leases expiring, among other reasons,” a spokesperson said at the time to Restaurant Business.
A year later and the predictions were clearly right on the target—IHOP has closed 57 and Applebee’s 39 restaurants worldwide in the last year.
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However, thanks to sales that have recovered at both brands, their parent company has just announced renewed plans for growth. According to Restaurant Business, both IHOP and Applebee’s will grow with new locations in the following years, especially in places where independent restaurants have shuttered and have left market share and empty storefronts for the chains to snatch up.
“While our heart breaks for the independents, it is an opportunity for the big chains like ours,” said CEO of Dine Brands John Peyton. “And that’s why we are leaning into development. And that’s why we’ve hired three new development leaders. … It’s taking advantage of an opportunity at this moment in time.”
For Applebee’s, closures are nearing the end, but they’re not there yet. The company will close up to 1% more of its 1,689 restaurants in 2022 to prepare for growth in 2023. To kick things off, Applebee’s will add 15 new restaurants in the near term—some in converted locations of other restaurants, and some in newly built brick-and-mortars—and will accelerate growth from there. Ghost kitchens are also part of the plan.
