While many restaurant brands are closing underperforming stores, CAVA is moving aggressively in the opposite direction. The Mediterranean fast-casual chain has unveiled plans for another year of rapid growth as demand for its customizable bowls, pitas and salads continues to rise. CAVA plans more than 75 new restaurants CAVA expects to open more than 75 new locations during 2026, continuing a growth streak that has [...]
“Not worth what you pay”: Chili’s customers speak out
“Not worth what you pay for.” That was how one frustrated Chili’s customer summed up the chain in a Reddit discussion about the restaurant’s food, prices, and overall experience. And while Chili’s has been enjoying a very public comeback lately, not every diner is convinced the value is still there. Across online discussions, some customers say the casual dining chain feels different than it used to. The complaints vary, [...]
The 2 most beloved Kentucky restaurants that closed this month
Kentucky diners lost two notable restaurant names this month, and both closures hit Lexington in different ways. The losses come after a hard stretch for the state's dining scene, including two beloved Kentucky restaurants going dark earlier this year. This month's closures show that the pressure has not let up. Nat's Thai in Lexington Nat's Thai closed in downtown Lexington after years of building a loyal following [...]
“Not worth the expense”: Outback Steakhouse customers say the chain has gone downhill
“Not worth the expense.” That was how one Reddit user described Outback Steakhouse in a discussion about whether the chain’s quality has gone downhill. Outback still has loyal fans who love the Bloomin’ Onion, steaks, ribs, bread, and casual steakhouse atmosphere. But online, some diners say the restaurant no longer feels like a good value. Their complaints usually focus on steak quality, prices, slow service, and the [...]
Oregon has the highways Buc-ee’s loves. So where is it?
Oregon seems like it should be a natural Buc-ee's state. It has long road trips, famous scenery, heavy tourist traffic, interstate corridors and plenty of drivers moving between major cities, mountain towns, college towns and the coast. On paper, the state has exactly the kind of highway system Buc-ee's usually likes. But Oregon still does not have a Buc-ee's. The Texas-based travel center chain has been expanding [...]
The 3 most beloved Louisiana restaurants that closed this month
Louisiana is one of America's great restaurant states, which makes every local closure feel heavier than a normal business update. This month, New Orleans diners had to say goodbye to several familiar names, adding to a difficult stretch for the state's dining scene. The losses follow a broader pattern of beloved Louisiana restaurants disappearing as rising costs, construction, leases and shifting traffic keep pressuring [...]
