I've written alot about how restaurants are hurting during the economic recession, but I read an article recently that led me to realize that some restaurants are profiting during these hard times and in a big way.
The eateries that customers are flocking to are those with large portions, comfort food, skyscraping burgers and all you eat fries. The National Restaurant Association's performance index shows that the industry has been shrinking for 23 months in a row. High end bistros have fared the worst, with sales at fancy restaurants like Ruth's Chris and Morton's Steakhouse off by 20% or more. Casusal and family dining places have suffered too, as people eat out less, order more takeout or cook at home.
Still, a few survivors stand to benefit from the widespread pain. Here are a few of the winners. BJ's Restaurants, with many of it's restaurants in deep recession states like California, Arizona, and Florida, has somehow managed to flourish. Homemade ales, Chicago style pizza, and deep dish cookies seem to offer some comfort from the gloom, and nine new restaurant openings in 2009 (one just opened in Carlsbad, and it's gorgeous) have helped drive net income up 41%.
Chipotle Mexican Grill has also expanding like crazy and profits are up 55% this year. They have increased prices during the recession, something that is rarely done.
The Olive Garden offers more food for less money, and that hits the sweet spot in this economy. The family style portions at this casual Italian chain are a hit with diners. Overall earnings are up 15% this year, with about 35 new outlets being opened in the past year.
Panera Bread Company, Peet's Coffee and Tea and P.F. Chang's, are other chains showing double digit profits this year. In Carlsbad, the new P.F. Chang's recently opened, and the line is out the door.
It's great to see that someone is making a profit in these tough economic times. Value is what gets people in the restaurant, and large portions keep them coming back. We have two new restaurants in the Carlsbad area to try, BJ's and P.F. Chang's. I'll let you know when I try them. I know one thing for sure. They are both beautiful to look at.
The eateries that customers are flocking to are those with large portions, comfort food, skyscraping burgers and all you eat fries. The National Restaurant Association's performance index shows that the industry has been shrinking for 23 months in a row. High end bistros have fared the worst, with sales at fancy restaurants like Ruth's Chris and Morton's Steakhouse off by 20% or more. Casusal and family dining places have suffered too, as people eat out less, order more takeout or cook at home.
Still, a few survivors stand to benefit from the widespread pain. Here are a few of the winners. BJ's Restaurants, with many of it's restaurants in deep recession states like California, Arizona, and Florida, has somehow managed to flourish. Homemade ales, Chicago style pizza, and deep dish cookies seem to offer some comfort from the gloom, and nine new restaurant openings in 2009 (one just opened in Carlsbad, and it's gorgeous) have helped drive net income up 41%.
Chipotle Mexican Grill has also expanding like crazy and profits are up 55% this year. They have increased prices during the recession, something that is rarely done.
The Olive Garden offers more food for less money, and that hits the sweet spot in this economy. The family style portions at this casual Italian chain are a hit with diners. Overall earnings are up 15% this year, with about 35 new outlets being opened in the past year.
Panera Bread Company, Peet's Coffee and Tea and P.F. Chang's, are other chains showing double digit profits this year. In Carlsbad, the new P.F. Chang's recently opened, and the line is out the door.
It's great to see that someone is making a profit in these tough economic times. Value is what gets people in the restaurant, and large portions keep them coming back. We have two new restaurants in the Carlsbad area to try, BJ's and P.F. Chang's. I'll let you know when I try them. I know one thing for sure. They are both beautiful to look at.
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