Casual chains are pulling out all the stops to reel in Millennial diners—who favor fast-casual and local restaurants. Olive Garden debuted the Meatball Pizza Bowl and Italian Nachos (which went viral), while TGI Fridays became the first chain to offer the Beyond Meat burger for vegan diners. But chains aren’t just changing their menus, they’re going digital: TGI Fridays is appealing to Customization Nation with their AI bartender, which creates a personalized cocktail, while IHOP is perfecting their to-go mobile ordering app. (Adweek)
