Chili’s Parent Wants a Bigger Slice of Fast Food’s Digital Business — CEO Calls Takeout the ‘Next Big Frontier’

Brinker International's CEO, Kevin Hochman, sees the future of fast food in takeout and digital ordering. After reporting mixed quarterly results, Brinker's stock jumped on Wednesday, likely due to a short squeeze. The company's adjusted earnings per share reached $2.99, exceeding the $3.09 analyst estimate. Revenue grew to $1.536 billion, surpassing the $1.534 billion forecast.

Hochman highlighted same-store sales growth and digital opportunities as key growth drivers. Takeout, currently accounting for 25% of Brinker's business, is identified as the next big frontier for the company. The CEO expects further growth in sales, traffic, and digital transactions, with plans to enhance the app, streamline pickup, and improve order accuracy.

For the fiscal year 2027, Brinker anticipates adjusted earnings of $12.60 to $13.40 per share, outpacing the $12.52 estimate. The company projects revenue between $6.15 billion and $6.27 billion, including a 53rd operating week that may add about 2% to revenue and 70 cents to adjusted earnings per share.