Business Is Stronger Than Last Year, Say 40% of On the Border Grills

In TickerMine's recent survey of On the Border Grill restaurants, we learned that 77% of locations surveyed are busiest at dinner. Fifty-seven percent said the biggest draw for their customers was the menu; 37% said it was the atmosphere, and 6% said it was the prices. The average check size for a party of two is between $14 and $30, reported 54% of respondents. Forty-six percent of respondents said it's between $35 and $45. Fajitas are the most popular menu item for 46% of locations surveyed; empanadas were the second most popular item, cited by 23% of respondents. Business is good for the chain: 40% of locations surveyed said they are busier than last year. Thirty-four percent said they're about as busy as last year, while only a quarter said business last year was stronger.

50% of Red Lobsters Say Lobster Demand Is Down From Last Year

Fifty percent of Red Lobster restaurants have seen a decline in lobster orders since last year, according to TickerMine's latest poll. Thirty-eight percent of restaurants surveyed said lobster demand has remained consistent, and just 12% said more lobsters are being ordered now. However, lobster specials remain the most popular item on the Red Lobster menu, according to 21% of respondents. The shrimp sampler (15%), ultimate feast (15%) and Hawaiian Isles shrimp and salmon (9%) are also popular. Fifty-three percent of Red Lobsters indicated that the average bill for a party of two is between $40 and $50. Thirty-five percent said it's between $25 and $35, and 12% said it's between $55 and $60

Busiest Season Approaches for The Quality Inn Hotel Chain

Bookings have picked up at 90% of The Quality Inns surveyed by Tickermine as their busiest season approaches. Respondents at 47% of the Quality Inns surveyed stated that winter was very busy compared to 40% that stated is was slow. Location was cited by 60% of the hotel chain respondents as the reason customers choose to stay. At least 77% of the Inns were located within one mile of a freeway and 73% were situated near other hotels. Summer is their busiest season according to 50% of the hotels interviewed.

Economic Worries Help Payless Shoes

58% of the Payless Shoe Stores in a recent Tickermine survey stated that summer sales are up over last year. 48% feel that business is better due to concerns about the economy. Despite these facts, 94% anticipate a lot of summer sale merchandise. According to 68%, women’s shoes are outselling kids’ shoes, although several respondents noted that may change as the “back-to-school’ season approaches.

Business Steady at Pizza Inn

At The Pizza Inn restaurants, 46% say business is up over last year and 38% say it is the same. Just 15% reported being less busy than last year. The average check for a party of two is $15-$25 according to 62% of respondents. Asked to name the most popular menu item, 15% said the Meaty Max, 12% said the Pepperoni Pizza and 12% said the Taco Pizza.