Dining out has long been an American ritual—a night out with friends, family dinners at your favorite corner restaurant. But as inflation climbs and consumer habits change, that tradition may be slipping away.
In a recent Roggin Report roundtable, Fred Roggin explored the growing crisis facing casual dining. Major chains like TGI Fridays and Red Lobster have filed for bankruptcy. Outback Steakhouse and Applebee’s have closed dozens of locations, and dine-in Pizza Huts are becoming increasingly rare. Since 2019, hundreds of locations across the country have shuttered, signaling what some are calling the end of the casual dining era.
Stephanie Green pointed out that even high-end restaurants are feeling the pressure. “Even if you just want to go out for drinks and an appetizer, you don’t want to spend $200,” she said. “During COVID, we all learned how to cook and host at home. That’s changed everything.”
Green added that younger generations aren't as tied to the tradition of dining out. “They’re at home on their phones, connecting with their social circles in different ways. They’re not going out to share a beer and appetizer like we used to.”
Brian Harnick echoed concerns over affordability—not just in dining, but in healthy eating overall. “Raising wages and food costs are impacting everyone. Eggs are up, supplies are up—it’s all falling on the consumer,” he said. “And I worry most about the mom-and-pop places. The big chains have some cushion, but the local owners are getting hurt.”
Harnick gave a shoutout to his favorite Palm Desert spots—Casuela’s Café, Mitch’s, Los Primos, and John’s—emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses, especially during economic downturns. “That’s what you get when you live with the mayor of Palm Desert,” he joked.
As casual dining chains struggle, the heart of the discussion remains centered on community, affordability, and whether the next generation will preserve—or replace—the long-held tradition of gathering around a table.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
April 8, 2025
