Jim Cramer Discussed These 11 Restaurants and Retail Stocks

7. Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41

Cramer highlighted Brinker International, Inc.’s (NYSE:EAT) Chilli’s low-priced meals and said:

“At the same time, there’s the other consumer who only seeks absolute bargains, the under $11 meal at Chili’s owned by Brinker…”

Brinker (NYSE:EAT) owns, operates, and franchises casual dining restaurants, with two main brands: Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, it reported a 13.0% increase in comparable restaurant sales, driven by a 14.1% rise at Chili’s and a 4.2% increase at Maggiano’s.

The growth at Chili’s was mainly attributed to menu price adjustments and a boost in customer traffic. Popular menu items, including the “Big Smasher” burger and Triple Dipper, have resonated well with guests, while the “3 for Me” combo meals have been particularly effective in attracting customers.

Brinker (NYSE:EAT) management highlighted that the “3 for Me” deal, in particular, has been a key driver of traffic, appealing to a broad range of demographics by offering significant value. The data also showed that this offering has brought in more new guests, with those who purchase “3 for Me” returning to Chili’s more frequently than those who did not opt for the deal. Management emphasized that the appeal of high-quality, affordable meals, coupled with a great dining experience, is driving repeat visits across all income levels.