DENNY’S THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY

The casual breakfast dining chain recently invested more than $25 million to improve and upgrade kitchen equipment, propelling the development of menu innovation while increasing efficiency and reducing waste. After completing the initiative, the brand launched a new menu featuring a custom augmented reality (ar) experience. Recent additions like Mac N' Brisket Sizzlin' Skillet and Oven-Baked Lasagna are out- performing expectations, leading to an 8.4 percent increase in systemwide same-store sales in the first quarter of 2023. Denny’s is also making progress on its “big three” near-term initiatives, which include staffing, 24/7 operations, and value.

With a new Cheesecake Rewards loyalty program set to launch nationwide this summer, the casual dining concept considers itself a leader in the experiential dining category, differentiated by its 235 menu items made fresh from scratch, plus an integrated bakery that produces more than 60 cheesecakes and other baked goods. Same-store sales at the Calabasas Hills, California-based company rose 5.7 percent in the first quarter of 2023 year-overyear, and revenues reached $866.1 million.

Golden Corral

COVID hit Golden Corral hard, with the buffet chain losing a net of 124 restaurants across 2020 and 2021, but the bounce back is already underway. Last year, the brand grew by a net of three stores.

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