The casual dining scene in the U.S. has been a rollercoaster over the past two years, with some brands struggling to keep pace while others have found ways to thrive. Chili’s, Texas Roadhouse, and The Cheesecake Factory have all experienced their ups and downs, but Chili’s recent turnaround stands out the most. At the start of 2023, things weren’t looking great for Chili’s. Foot traffic according to Advan’s intelligence was down, with year-over-year restaurant visits slipping into negative territory for much of the year.

Vail Resorts, a leader in the ski industry, has long been defined by its aggressive expansion strategy and the introduction of the Epic Pass, which revolutionized how skiers access multiple destinations. However, recent challenges, including labor disputes, operational issues, and competition from alternative passes suggest that the company’s dominant position is facing mounting pressure. A recent Wall Street Journal report highlights that Vail Resorts saw a decline in Epic Pass sales for the first time, marking a shift that could have long-term implications.

Notable Hit 1: (DAL:NYSE) On Friday January 10, 2025 Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) posted revenues of $15.56 bn surpassing the analysts estimates by 10% and in the same direction as Advan’s forecasted sales. Advan’s data showed a 3.3% increase YoY in foot traffic to the terminals at hubs operated by Delta in Q4 2025; the company’s revenue increased 10% YoY. As a result, the stock was trending up 12% from previous close.

Notable Hit 1: (DRI:NYSE) On Thursday December 19, 2024 Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) posted revenues of $2.89 bn surpassing the analysts estimates by 1% and in the same direction as Advan’s forecasted sales. Advan’s data showed a 2.3% increase YoY in foot traffic to its restaurants, including Olive Garden and other chain restaurants, in Q3 2024; the company’s revenue increased 6% YoY. The stock closed up 14.7% from previous close. Advan’s footfall data has a correlation of 0.

Starbucks faced a challenging 2024, marked by slowing growth, increased competition, and evolving consumer preferences. The company struggled to maintain its momentum from prior years, grappling with inconsistent foot traffic and mixed financial results. A significant turning point came in September with the appointment of Brian Niccol as CEO. Niccol, who previously spearheaded Chipotle’s impressive turnaround, brought a fresh perspective and a renewed focus on operational efficiency and customer engagement. His efforts are beginning to shape Starbucks’ strategy, but the results remain a work in progress.

Notable Hit 1: (PLAY:NASDAQ) On Tuesday December 10, 2024 Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. (PLAY) posted revenues of $453 mm missing the analysts estimates by 3.4% and in the same direction as Advan’s forecasted sales. Advan’s data showed a 1.3% decrease YoY in foot traffic to its stores in Q3 2024; the company’s revenue decreased 3% YoY. The stock next day closed down 20% from previous close. Advan’s footfall data has a correlation of 0.

Notable Hit 1: (ROST:NASDAQ) On Thursday November 21, 2024 Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) posted revenues of $5.07 bn missing the analysts estimates by 1% and in the same direction as Advan’s forecasted sales. Advan’s data showed a 7% increase YoY in foot traffic to its stores in Q3 2024; the company’s revenue increased 2.9% YoY. The company also posted an earnings surprise of +6.5%. As a result, the stock next day opened up 9% from previous close.

This is an updated version of our original article analyzing the impact of the recent E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s. With new foot traffic and cross-visit data, we provide fresh insights on how consumer behavior has evolved, including increased visits to competitors like Wendy’s and Burger King as customers seek alternatives. In the wake of McDonald’s E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounders, the fast-food giant faced a significant setback, especially in states like Colorado and Nebraska.

Notable Hit 1: (SBH:NYSE) On Thursday November 14, 2024 Sally Beauty (SBH) posted revenues of $935.03 mm meeting the analysts estimates and in the same direction as Advan’s forecasted sales. Advan’s data showed a 4.3% increase YoY in foot traffic to its stores in Q3 2024; the company’s revenue increased 1.5% YoY. The stock up 12% from previous close. Advan’s footfall data has a correlation of 0.94 on a YoY basis with SBH’s top-line revenue over the last 19 quarters.