How to Calculate the Right Menu Price for Each Item
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
Jun 17, 2026
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
Jun 17, 2026
Explore best Areas in Chicago to open a restaurant by matching neighborhood demand, concept type, costs, traffic, and customer behavior.
Jun 17, 2026
BJ's Restaurants has appointed Monika Saxena as brand president, bringing over two decades of experience from LongHorn Steakhouse and Darden Restaurants, where she helped drive 20 consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales growth.
Jun 17, 2026
Blue Bottle Coffee has introduced Kyoto-Style Espresso, a slow-drip cold espresso made without machines, launching across its 152 global locations on June 16 with seven new cold drinks designed specifically for the way modern customers order coffee.
Jun 17, 2026
Hungry Howie's has appointed Jimmy Simonte as Executive Vice President of Marketing, bringing more than 25 years of Domino's experience to the Michigan-born pizza brand as it undergoes a major technology overhaul and prepares to launch a new loyalty programme.
Jun 17, 2026
Starbucks CFO Cathy Smith is transferring her principal accounting officer role to Val Bauduin, who will continue serving as SVP of corporate finance and development while reporting to Smith amid the chain's ongoing turnaround.
Jun 17, 2026
Yum Brands has agreed to sell Pizza Hut through two separate transactions totalling $2.7 billion, with Long Range Capital acquiring the global business for $1.5 billion and Yum China Holdings purchasing the China operations for $1.2 billion.
Jun 16, 2026
Scooter's Coffee is running a buy-one-get-one drink offer from June 19 to 21, available exclusively through its mobile app after 11 a.m.- giving customers three days to treat dad to a free drink this Father's Day weekend.
Jun 16, 2026
A group of Twin Peaks franchisees has been named strategic advisor to the chain's new owners following its sale out of bankruptcy, with a clear path to acquiring the brand outright within the next 12 to 16 months.
Jun 16, 2026
Denny's is launching The Clock's Off Menu on June 24, combining breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites available any time of day, alongside new Slammin' Meal Deals Under $10 and exciting rewards for new members.
Jun 16, 2026
Explore how Darden Restaurant Inc., particularly through Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, is revolutionizing its menu offerings to drive sales and customer satisfaction.
Photo by Patrick Tomasso
Darden Restaurant Inc.'s innovative marketing strategies, such as extending the Never-Ending Pasta promotion at Olive Garden, have significantly impacted its quarterly sales. The four-week extension of the renowned Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion, priced attractively at $13.99, saw a 2% increase in Olive Garden's same-store sales. This promotion's success lies in offering compelling value to guests, highlighted by its high refill rates and increased protein add-ons compared to previous years.
Olive Garden's recent menu update reintroduced customer favorites, Steak Gorgonzola, and Stuffed Chicken Marsala, based on popular demand. The positive reception from guests underscores Olive Garden's focus on catering to its patrons' preferences. Additionally, the upcoming advertising campaign featuring these beloved dishes at attractive price points aims to further drive customer engagement and loyalty.
LongHorn Steakhouse's strategic emphasis on steak offerings has led to a remarkable 7.5% increase in same-store sales, showcasing the brand's culinary prowess and customer appeal. By focusing on quality cuts and dining experiences, LongHorn Steakhouse has successfully differentiated itself in the competitive restaurant landscape, resulting in significant growth and customer retention.
Darden's other brands, such as Yard House and Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, have excelled in driving sales through innovative menu offerings. Yard House's culinary innovation, exemplified by items like bratwurst sliders during Oktoberfest, has resonated with customers seeking unique and trend-forward dining experiences. Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen's focus on value-driven menu items, like the Texas T-bone and bone-in ribeye entrees, has further solidified its position as a customer favorite.
Darden Restaurant Inc.'s strong performance in the second quarter, with earnings hitting $215.1 million, reflects the success of its menu development strategies across its various brands. The company's systemwide sales increase of 2.4%, driven by Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, showcases the effectiveness of its menu innovations in attracting and retaining customers. With a diverse portfolio of restaurants, including Chuy's and other well-known brands, Darden continues to lead the culinary landscape with its menu development initiatives.