President Donald Trump dined at a restaurant in Washington, DC, for the first time since taking office, praising the city's safety due to his administration's crime crackdown, while protesters outside chanted against him. Trump announced plans to target another city with similar efforts, highlighting a shift in his approach to DC's safety and his engagement with the city.
For those looking to avoid the stress of cooking on Thanksgiving, numerous restaurants across the U.S. will be open, offering special holiday menus. Options range from casual dining at places like Applebee's and Denny's to more upscale experiences at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Many establishments provide traditional Thanksgiving meals, while others offer unique twists on the holiday feast. It's recommended to check local hours and availability in advance.
Darden Restaurants Inc., the owner of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, reported a 6.8% rise in total third-quarter sales to $3 billion, but CEO Rick Cardenas noted a shift in consumer behavior, with lower-income families dining out less while higher-income individuals are spending more. This reflects a two-track economy where lower-income consumers are pulling back while higher-income families are splurging. The company's earnings call also highlighted affordability challenges for lower-income households, with fast-food chains like McDonald's also facing similar issues. Despite this, Darden's sales at certain restaurants have reached record levels, indicating a somewhat return to the pre-COVID status quo in terms of income mix.
Darden Restaurants Inc., the owner of Olive Garden, experienced an 11% stock plummet after reporting lower-than-expected revenue and a pullback in consumer spending, particularly among lower income and older customers. The company attributed this trend to unfavorable weather conditions, elevated inflation, and changing consumer behavior. Despite acquiring new restaurants, only LongHorn Steakhouse saw growth in same-store sales. Darden updated its fiscal 2024 financial outlook, expecting sales for the fourth quarter to be approximately $11.4 billion and planning to open 50 to 55 new restaurants during the period.
Registered dietitians share tips for ordering wisely at Olive Garden, recommending options like Pasta Fagioli for its low calorie count and high fiber content, grilled chicken margherita for its balanced nutrients, and scampi dishes for their protein, fiber, and fat sources. They advise portion control, suggesting to-go boxes and soup and salad combos, and emphasize moderation with breadsticks and dressings while still allowing for enjoyment of indulgent dishes.
Registered dietitians share tips on how to order wisely at Olive Garden, recommending options like Pasta Fagioli for its low calorie count and high fiber content, grilled chicken margherita with limited breadsticks, shrimp or chicken scampi with portion control, herb-grilled salmon with reduced garlic butter, and any soup and salad combo with moderation. They emphasize the importance of balanced meals and suggest ways to enjoy dining out while being mindful of nutritional and emotional needs.
Nutrition experts share tips for dining out while trying to lose weight, including swapping fries for veggies, choosing lean proteins, opting for water over sugary drinks or alcohol, dining out for lunch instead of dinner, asking for dressings and sauces on the side, ordering vegetable soup as a first course, requesting veggies with dip, visualizing portion sizes, and considering steamed lobster as a low-fat, portion-controlled entrée option.
Nutrition experts share tips for dining out while dieting, including swapping fries for veggies, choosing lean proteins, opting for water over sugary drinks, dining out for lunch instead of dinner, ordering dressings and sauces on the side, starting with veggie soup, asking for veggies with dips, visualizing portion sizes, and ordering steamed lobster to control portion sizes and slow down eating speed.
Excessive salt consumption can lead to health issues, but there are practical ways to reduce sodium intake without sacrificing taste. Embracing fresh produce, choosing low-sodium alternatives, reading labels mindfully, cooking at home, and limiting processed meats are some strategies. Rinsing canned goods, using herbs and spices, limiting high-sodium condiments, being mindful when eating out, and staying hydrated are also effective ways to lower sodium intake.
Rising restaurant prices, with a 5.1% increase in food consumed at restaurants compared to a 1.2% increase in grocery prices, are making dining out more expensive than eating at home for Americans. This trend reflects the impact of inflation on daily life and could pose challenges for President Joe Biden's campaign in an election year. The shift is attributed to increased demand for services, such as dining out, which has led to upward pressure on wages.
Many Americans are choosing to dine out or order from restaurants on Thanksgiving instead of cooking at home. A survey suggests that nearly half of the Americans polled plan to do one or the other. Restaurants across the country are prepared to meet the demand, offering traditional Thanksgiving meals as well as non-traditional options. Reasons for dining out include convenience, not having to clean up, and the desire for different dining experiences. The trend of outsourcing Thanksgiving cooking is attributed to changing traditions and the ease of ordering from restaurants, especially during the pandemic.
Making a reservation for an earlier dinner time, between 5 and 6:30 p.m., can lead to better service and meals prepared with more care at restaurants. The staff is likely to have more energy and be in better moods before the dinner rush. Additionally, dining early may have health benefits, such as reducing hunger levels and aiding in weight management. While it's important to consider individual circumstances and circadian rhythms, trying an earlier dinner time occasionally can enhance the dining experience.
Seniors are not returning to dine at Cracker Barrel and Olive Garden since the pandemic, and it remains uncertain when they will come back. The 65-and-older crowd is being cautious due to COVID-19 and financial concerns amid high inflation. Both chains have seen a decline in senior customers, with Cracker Barrel stating that many of them may have permanently disappeared. Darden Restaurants, the owner of Olive Garden, hopes to attract seniors with its Never Ending Pasta Bowl promotion. The restaurant industry has lost about 10% of its customers, mostly older diners, since the pandemic.
Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, gained viral attention after his comedic Instagram rant about hating eating in restaurants circulated on July 4. In the video, Schlossberg expresses his dislike for the limited choices, waiting times, and the need to read menus at restaurants. He argues that eating at home is healthier, quicker, and allows for more freedom. While some found his musings charming and captivating, others criticized his privileged perspective. The video provided a lighthearted departure from the polarized times, and it coincided with a trend of Americans reducing dining out due to rising inflation costs.
Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of JFK, caused a stir on social media with an odd rant on Instagram about dining out. In the video, Schlossberg expresses his frustration with the concept of eating at restaurants, criticizing the lack of choice, the need to read menus, and the time spent waiting. Despite the backlash against dynasty families like the Kennedys, Twitter has surprisingly responded with affection and humor, dubbing Schlossberg a "himbo" and praising his passion and oratory skills. Schlossberg, an attorney and Harvard Law School graduate, typically keeps a low profile, making this viral rant a departure from his usual demeanor.