Chains are dealing with two major problems: rising operating expenses and middle-class customers cutting down on restaurant spending due to inflation.
Many companies have launched fast-casual menu spinoffs in an effort to combat the financial hardship.
To attract budget-conscious customers, Golden Corral and Perkins both developed smaller versions of their eateries.
The fast-casual rollouts have elicited a range of first reactions. Outback Steakhouse’s parent company, Bloomin’ Brands, has already reduced the scope of its renovation projects.
