Casual Dining Finds Its Footing in Early 2025

Article Summary

After a turbulent 2024 marked by bankruptcies and mass closures, the casual dining segment is showing signs of stabilization. According to Placer.ai data cited by Nation’s Restaurant News, overall visits to full-service restaurants dropped 1.5% between January and May 2025, but visits-per-location held steady at +0.2%, suggesting that remaining units are absorbing traffic effectively.

Chains like Red Lobster, TGI Fridays, and Applebee’s closed dozens of locations, but the surviving restaurants maintained performance levels from 2024. May data showed positive trends in both overall and per-location visits, giving the segment momentum heading into the second half of the year.

Interestingly, casual dining, fine dining, and coffee were the only segments to post year-over-year visitation growth. Casual dining saw a bump between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., while weekends accounted for nearly 39% of visits. This contrasts with QSR and fast casual, which dominate weekday and lunch traffic.

Full article from Nation’s Restaurant News

Local Business Types for Broadcasters to Consider Contacting

Independent Casual Dining Restaurants – These businesses can use broadcast media to highlight their resilience and attract weekend diners with promotions and storytelling.
Regional Restaurant Groups – With stabilized traffic, these groups may be ready to reinvest in marketing and can benefit from campaigns that spotlight their refreshed menus and service upgrades.
Local Entertainment Venues with Dining Partnerships – Theaters, bowling alleys, and music halls often collaborate with casual dining spots. Broadcast campaigns can spotlight these pairings to drive traffic and enhance the dining experience.

Three Creative Campaign Ideas for Broadcasters to Consider

Radio Station Commercial Idea: “Weekend Wins” – Feature a casual dining spot offering weekend specials, with listener shout-outs and giveaways tied to favorite menu items.
TV Station Commercial Idea: “Table for More” – Showcase a regional restaurant group’s comeback story, with visuals of bustling dining rooms and revamped dishes that reflect local flavor.
Digital Advertising Campaign Idea: “Sip & Savor” – Launch a campaign with entertainment venues and restaurants pairing signature drinks with featured entrees, supported by interactive polls and limited-time offers.