How The Cheesecake Factory turned a family recipe into a global restaurant chain

Tech Insider : Business
The Cheesecake Factory
Take a closer look at The Cheesecake Factory's early beginnings and 48-year history.

Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images

Chili's CEO wakes up at 5 a.m., runs daily, and uses that time to generate ideas for the business

Tech Insider : Business
Chili's CEO Kevin Hochman photo collage
Chili's CEO Kevin Hochman starts his day before sunrise, and some of his best business ideas come to him during his morning run.

Kevin Hochman/Chili's Bar & Grill; Getty Images; Tyler Le/BI

Chili's CEO says its comeback comes down to 2 simple principles

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
chilis ceo kevin hochman
Chili's is defying a casual-dining slowdown with growth driven by viral menu hits, a focus on value, and a back-to-basics strategy.

Chili's Grill & Bar; Robert V Schwemmer/Shutterstock

I ordered the same meal at Olive Garden and Red Lobster, and the winning chain had slightly lower prices

Tech Insider : Business
Composite of olive garden exterior next to exterior of a Red Lobster
I ordered fried calamari, a shrimp Alfredo pasta, and a chocolate-cake dessert at Olive Garden and Red Lobster to compare.

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images; Bloomberg/Getty Images

I tried Red Lobster's Endless Shrimp, which once contributed to the chain's bankruptcy. It's still an unbeatable deal.

Tech Insider : Business
red lobster endless shrimp
I tried Red Lobster's revamped Endless Shrimp deal, which contributed to its bankruptcy. Two years later, it's still an unbeatable value.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I visited Applebee's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Chili's with a $30 budget. Some chains offered way more value than others.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
A composite image of the exteriors of Applebee's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Chili's restaurants.
I compared $30 meals at three different chain restaurants to find the best value.

Artography/Shutterstock; Ken Wolter/Shutterstock; Joseph Hendrickson/Shutterstock

I tried Red Lobster's new Lobsterfest menu after its revamp. It's not the same chain I remember from 2 years ago.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
red lobster lobsterfest meal
Red Lobster's Lobsterfest is one of its longest-running, most popular promotions. I tried it for the first time and can't wait to go back.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I tried every new item on The Cheesecake Factory's spring menu. I now have a new favorite appetizer.

Tech Insider : Business
cheesecake factory bbq pork belly buns
I was impressed by The Cheesecake Factory's new pickle fries, pork belly buns, and bowls.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I visited Swig, the customizable 'dirty soda' chain sweeping the US. I wouldn't go back, but I get why it's so popular.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
Woman holding Swig drinks in holder in front of Swig
While at Swig, I tried a few menu items, including drinks ordered by the cast of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives."

Savannah Born

I ate at Red Lobster for the first time since its revamp. I miss Endless Shrimp, but I can't wait to go back.

Tech Insider : Business
red lobster shrimp your way times square
I tried Red Lobster after not eating there for two years. I can't wait to go back.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

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