Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Brinker Expands Chili's Presence With New Scranton Location

Read MoreHide Full Article

Brinker International, Inc. (EAT - Free Report) is set to open a new Chili’s Grill & Bar location in Scranton on April 7. The restaurant will feature elements inspired by past on-screen moments associated with the brand. It will be the only location to include the Awesome Blossom on the menu.

Chili’s has been part of popular culture for years, from the well-known Baby Back Ribs jingle to viral trends on social media. The new location will strengthen the brand’s footprint and bring a unique dining experience to Scranton.

Brinker's Focus on Expansion

Brinker remains focused on expanding its presence in both domestic and international markets. The company is working to grow its brand in existing locations while exploring opportunities in new regions. It is prioritizing international expansion in high-growth markets to drive long-term growth.

The company continues to focus on Chili’s international expansion through development agreements with new and existing franchise partners. EAT is also supporting franchise partners with opportunities to expand sales through its virtual brand offerings. During fiscal 2024, the company opened nine Chili's restaurants. For fiscal 2025, Chili’s has nine to 11 domestic openings and 21-25 international openings scheduled in the pipeline.

EAT’s Price Performance

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Shares of Brinker have surged 15.5% in the past three months compared with the Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry’s 3.3% growth. The company is benefiting from increased menu pricing, effective marketing strategies and traffic-driving initiatives. Also, the focus on menu adjustments bodes well.

EAT’s Zacks Rank & Other Key Picks

Brinker currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Some other top-ranked stocks from the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector are BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (BJRI - Free Report) , On Holding AG (ONON - Free Report) and Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM - Free Report)

BJ's Restaurants currently sports a Zacks Rank #1. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter negative earnings surprise of 84.7%, on average. The stock has gained 10.5% in the past six months. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BJRI’s 2025 sales and earnings per share (EPS) indicates growth of 3.3% and 17.7%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s levels. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

On Holding currently sports a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). ONON delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 45.6%, on average. The stock has declined 8.3% in the past six months.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for On Holding’s fiscal 2025 sales and EPS indicates a rise of 27.4% and 5.5%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s levels.

Sprouts Farmers currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2. SFM delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 15.1%, on average. The stock has gained 34.3% in the past six months.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sprouts Farmers’ 2025 sales and EPS indicates a rise of 12% and 24.3%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s levels.

Published in