Restaurant Chains Struggle Amid Rising Gas Prices
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 04 2026
0mins
Source: Newsfilter
Brinker International Inc's stock fell as it hit a 20-day low, reflecting broader challenges in the restaurant industry.
The decline is attributed to a significant slowdown in restaurant sales, with traffic down 2.3% year-over-year, primarily due to rising gas prices that have forced consumers to cut back on dining out. This trend has created a competitive environment where brands like Applebee's are trying to attract budget-conscious diners with new promotions, while others like Chili's and Burger King are gaining market share despite the overall downturn.
The implications for Brinker International are concerning, as the company may face increased pressure to innovate and adapt to changing consumer behaviors in a challenging economic landscape.
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Analyst Views on EAT
Wall Street analysts forecast EAT stock price to rise
18 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 140.020
Low
155.00
Averages
188.00
High
210.00
Current: 140.020
Low
155.00
Averages
188.00
High
210.00
About EAT
Brinker International, Inc. is a casual dining restaurant company. The Company owns, operates or franchises the Chili’s Grill & Bar (Chili’s) and Maggiano’s Little Italy (Maggiano’s) restaurant brands. It includes approximately 1,600 restaurants across 31 countries and two United States territories, serving flavors, handcrafted drinks, and hospitality. Its segments include Chili’s and Maggiano’s. The Chili’s segment is principally located in the United States and operates within the full-service casual dining segment of the industry. The Maggiano’s segment offers carry-out and delivery options with delivery service which makes restaurants more accessible to guests. It also offers banquet rooms to host large special events, particularly during the holiday season. Its 3 for Me platform, offers non-alcoholic drink, appetizer and entrees for guests. Its To-Go menu is available through Chili’s mobile application, chilis.com, and delivery partners.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Restaurant Chains Face Sales Slowdown Due to Rising Gas Prices
- Gas Price Impact: The U.S. conflict with Iran has driven gas prices above $4.50 per gallon, resulting in a record low for consumer sentiment, with 43% of surveyed drivers cutting back on dining out and takeout, directly affecting restaurant sales performance.
- Industry Traffic Decline: According to Black Box Intelligence, restaurant traffic fell 2.3% in March compared to the previous year, indicating that consumers are opting for lower-cost dining options in a high gas price environment, posing ongoing risks for many restaurant chains.
- Applebee's Strategy: To attract budget-conscious consumers, Applebee's is accelerating its rollout of an All-You-Can-Eat special priced at $15.99, aiming to boost traffic and enhance its competitive position in the market amidst rising costs.
- Market Share Shifts: Despite the overall decline in restaurant spending, brands like Chili's and Burger King have seen market share gains, with Chili's CEO noting that strong brands will become stronger, reflecting the dynamic changes in the market under economic pressure.
See More
Restaurant Sales Slow as Gas Prices Rise
- Sales Slowdown: According to Black Box Intelligence, restaurant traffic fell 2.3% in March compared to the previous year, primarily due to rising gas prices, which have led consumers, especially low-income groups, to cut back on dining out.
- Applebee's Strategy: To attract budget-conscious diners, Applebee's is accelerating its rollout of an All-You-Can-Eat special for $15.99, aiming to boost traffic and enhance its competitive position in the market amid rising costs.
- Market Share Competition: Some restaurant CEOs see the rise in gas prices as an opportunity to capture market share from weaker competitors, with Chili's CEO noting an acceleration in their market share as overall restaurant spending declines.
- Diverse Fast-Food Performance: Despite the overall sales slowdown, McDonald's reported a 3.7% same-store sales growth in Q1, driven by increased spending from higher-income consumers, while Burger King achieved a 5.8% growth, highlighting significant performance disparities among brands.
See More
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- Revenue Decline: Amrest Holdings SE reported revenue of EUR 589 million, reflecting a 1.5% year-over-year decline, indicating pressure from ongoing market challenges, particularly in the Czech market where consumer sentiment is low.
- Net Profit Loss: The company posted a net loss of EUR 17.3 million for the quarter, primarily impacted by lower sales leverage and non-operational factors, highlighting significant challenges in profitability.
- New Restaurant Openings: Amrest opened 12 new restaurants during the quarter, totaling 89 openings over the past 12 months, demonstrating confidence in future growth despite difficulties and aiming to expand market share.
- Strong Digital Sales: Digital sales accounted for over 60% of total sales, reflecting a structural shift in consumer behavior; this growth area provides new momentum for the company despite overall revenue declines.
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- Market Position: With over 33,000 restaurants and $33.4 billion in sales, Inspire Brands' IPO will position it as a direct competitor to major restaurant chains like Starbucks, further solidifying its market presence.
- Financial Strategy: The net proceeds from the IPO will be utilized to repay outstanding loan debt, reflecting the company's proactive measures in optimizing its financial structure and reducing costs, aiming to enhance future profitability and financial flexibility.
- Underwriting Team: The IPO is being led by JPMorgan and Bank of America, with collaboration from Barclays, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, showcasing strong market confidence and support for Inspire Brands' future growth trajectory.
See More
Brinker International Surprises with Better-Than-Expected Earnings Amid Inflation
- Earnings Surprise: Brinker International reported Q3 2026 adjusted EPS of $2.90, exceeding the $2.86 estimate, with revenue reaching $1.47 billion, demonstrating strong performance despite cost pressures.
- Sustained Sales Growth: Chili's achieved its 20th consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth at 4.0%, despite a high base of 31.6%, indicating brand resilience and stable consumer preferences.
- Profitability Improvement: Operating income rose 6.18% year-over-year to $166.6 million, with net income at $127.9 million, reflecting the company's ability to maintain profitability in a high-cost environment, boosting investor confidence.
- Optimistic Outlook: Brinker raised its FY2026 EPS guidance to $10.60-$10.85 and narrowed revenue guidance to $5.78 billion-$5.82 billion, showcasing management's confidence in future performance.
See More
BRINKER INTERNATIONAL INC: TD COWEN LOWERS TARGET PRICE FROM $188 TO $170
- Target Price Adjustment: TD Cowen has cut the target price for Brinker International from $188 to $170.
- Market Impact: This adjustment reflects changes in market conditions and expectations for the company's performance.
See More
Restaurant Chains Face Sales Slowdown Due to Rising Gas Prices
- Gas Price Impact: The U.S. conflict with Iran has driven gas prices above $4.50 per gallon, resulting in a record low for consumer sentiment, with 43% of surveyed drivers cutting back on dining out and takeout, directly affecting restaurant sales performance.
- Industry Traffic Decline: According to Black Box Intelligence, restaurant traffic fell 2.3% in March compared to the previous year, indicating that consumers are opting for lower-cost dining options in a high gas price environment, posing ongoing risks for many restaurant chains.
- Applebee's Strategy: To attract budget-conscious consumers, Applebee's is accelerating its rollout of an All-You-Can-Eat special priced at $15.99, aiming to boost traffic and enhance its competitive position in the market amidst rising costs.
- Market Share Shifts: Despite the overall decline in restaurant spending, brands like Chili's and Burger King have seen market share gains, with Chili's CEO noting that strong brands will become stronger, reflecting the dynamic changes in the market under economic pressure.
See More
Restaurant Sales Slow as Gas Prices Rise
- Sales Slowdown: According to Black Box Intelligence, restaurant traffic fell 2.3% in March compared to the previous year, primarily due to rising gas prices, which have led consumers, especially low-income groups, to cut back on dining out.
- Applebee's Strategy: To attract budget-conscious diners, Applebee's is accelerating its rollout of an All-You-Can-Eat special for $15.99, aiming to boost traffic and enhance its competitive position in the market amid rising costs.
- Market Share Competition: Some restaurant CEOs see the rise in gas prices as an opportunity to capture market share from weaker competitors, with Chili's CEO noting an acceleration in their market share as overall restaurant spending declines.
- Diverse Fast-Food Performance: Despite the overall sales slowdown, McDonald's reported a 3.7% same-store sales growth in Q1, driven by increased spending from higher-income consumers, while Burger King achieved a 5.8% growth, highlighting significant performance disparities among brands.
See More
Amrest Holdings SE Earnings Report Analysis
- Revenue Decline: Amrest Holdings SE reported revenue of EUR 589 million, reflecting a 1.5% year-over-year decline, indicating pressure from ongoing market challenges, particularly in the Czech market where consumer sentiment is low.
- Net Profit Loss: The company posted a net loss of EUR 17.3 million for the quarter, primarily impacted by lower sales leverage and non-operational factors, highlighting significant challenges in profitability.
- New Restaurant Openings: Amrest opened 12 new restaurants during the quarter, totaling 89 openings over the past 12 months, demonstrating confidence in future growth despite difficulties and aiming to expand market share.
- Strong Digital Sales: Digital sales accounted for over 60% of total sales, reflecting a structural shift in consumer behavior; this growth area provides new momentum for the company despite overall revenue declines.
See More
Inspire Brands Files Confidentially for IPO
- IPO Potential: Inspire Brands aims to raise up to $2 billion through its initial public offering, although the specific number of shares and price range are yet to be determined; this funding will be used to repay existing loans and cover offering expenses, indicating the company's focus on optimizing its future capital structure.
- Market Position: With over 33,000 restaurants and $33.4 billion in sales, Inspire Brands' IPO will position it as a direct competitor to major restaurant chains like Starbucks, further solidifying its market presence.
- Financial Strategy: The net proceeds from the IPO will be utilized to repay outstanding loan debt, reflecting the company's proactive measures in optimizing its financial structure and reducing costs, aiming to enhance future profitability and financial flexibility.
- Underwriting Team: The IPO is being led by JPMorgan and Bank of America, with collaboration from Barclays, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, showcasing strong market confidence and support for Inspire Brands' future growth trajectory.
See More
Brinker International Surprises with Better-Than-Expected Earnings Amid Inflation
- Earnings Surprise: Brinker International reported Q3 2026 adjusted EPS of $2.90, exceeding the $2.86 estimate, with revenue reaching $1.47 billion, demonstrating strong performance despite cost pressures.
- Sustained Sales Growth: Chili's achieved its 20th consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth at 4.0%, despite a high base of 31.6%, indicating brand resilience and stable consumer preferences.
- Profitability Improvement: Operating income rose 6.18% year-over-year to $166.6 million, with net income at $127.9 million, reflecting the company's ability to maintain profitability in a high-cost environment, boosting investor confidence.
- Optimistic Outlook: Brinker raised its FY2026 EPS guidance to $10.60-$10.85 and narrowed revenue guidance to $5.78 billion-$5.82 billion, showcasing management's confidence in future performance.
See More
BRINKER INTERNATIONAL INC: TD COWEN LOWERS TARGET PRICE FROM $188 TO $170
- Target Price Adjustment: TD Cowen has cut the target price for Brinker International from $188 to $170.
- Market Impact: This adjustment reflects changes in market conditions and expectations for the company's performance.
See More
