Here’s the latest in restaurant sales and strategy:
Darden Restaurants reported that its flagship brand, Olive Garden, recorded 3.2% same-store sales growth in the third quarter of fiscal 2026, which ended Feb. 22, according to an earnings release. The increase marked the chain’s sixth consecutive quarter of improvement in the metric. Chief Financial Officer Raj Vennam said customer traffic declined 0.4% during the period. Company executives attributed the sales gains to several factors, including modest growth in catering orders, expansion of its delivery partnership with Uber Eats, and the introduction of lighter portion menu items aimed at value-conscious and health-conscious consumers.
Taco Bell is expanding its menu this spring with the addition of new and permanent chicken items, according to Nation’s Restaurant News. The chain is introducing the limited-time Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Slider alongside the Cantina Chicken Rolled Quesadilla, which will become a permanent menu item. The company said the new offerings are part of an effort to innovate with flavors and formats, with a focus on attracting younger consumers who prefer snackable options.
El Pollo Loco plans to accelerate unit growth this year, with up to 20 new locations expected to open, as demand strengthens in emerging markets including New Mexico and Washington. According to QSR, new locations in those states are outperforming the system average, while franchisees are reporting strong traffic and seeking additional development opportunities. The company said menu innovation has played a central role in its turnaround, citing multiple product launches in 2025 and early 2026 that have driven sales growth and improved guest response.
Raising Cane’s is preparing to open its 1,000th restaurant, with plans for a high-profile location on Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, according to Restaurant Business. The site will be located near the TCL Chinese Theatre and Madame Tussauds Hollywood. The company-owned chain is targeting 1,600 domestic locations. In fiscal 2024, Raising Cane’s ranked No. 18 on the Technomic Top 500 restaurant chains list, generating nearly $5 billion in sales across 828 units. That year, the chain surpassed rival KFC, which reported $4.9 billion in sales, though most top 10 chains posted sales in the tens of billions.
Maggiano’s Little Italy is expanding its menu and increasing portion sizes as part of its “Back to Maggiano’s” strategy introduced last year, according to Nation’s Restaurant News. The 48-unit chain, owned by Brinker International, has added 15 new items to its family-style menu, including Baked Ziti, Eggplant Parmesan and Chicken Piccata. The company also increased portions across several pasta entrées, including Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, which now features about 20% more pasta along with larger servings of chicken, meatballs and shrimp at no additional cost. The approach mirrors similar moves by sibling brand Chili’s to emphasize value through portion size.
Comments are closed.