SocraticGadfly: Brinker’s drop reflects economic slowdown

October 21, 2008

Brinker’s drop reflects economic slowdown

Brinker’s, the parent of Chili’s and Romano’s Macaroni Grill restaurants, saw its fiscal first quarter profits drop 37 percent. And, its projections indicate it will be an ongoing indicator of an ongoing slowdown.

As I’ve blogged before, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brinker’s fold some restaurants in its two flagship chains, entirely fold lower-performing nameplates besides the big two, or both.

I also wouldn’t be surprised to see some restaurant chain mergers in the next 12-18 months. Macaroni Grill is already up for sale, but no buyers yet.

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