Darden Restaurants Inc. reported same-store sales declines of 25.8% at Olive Garden, 12.6% at LongHorn Steakhouse, 45.2% in the fine-dining division and 36.9% for its other brands for the third quarter ended Feb. 28. The company identified staffing as its top issue and said it was offering $17 million in one-time bonuses to hourly workers and raising the pay floor for its non-tipped employees.

Brinker International Inc. reported a same-store sales increase of 0.6% at domestic Chili’s restaurants and a same-store sales decrease of 29.6% at Maggiano’s for the third quarter ended March 24. CEO Wyman Roberts said consumers’ demand for off-premise options was still strong even as the company opened more in-store seats amid easing COVID restrictions.

Starbucks reported a same-store sales increase of 9% for the second quarter ended March 28, the first time Starbucks’ U.S. sales trended positive since the pandemic began. In its earnings call, the company said it was using its AI technology, Deep Brew, to hone customer personalization and to monitor vaccination progress in multiple markets throughout the world.

Domino’s Pizza reported U.S. same-store sales growth of 13.4% for the first quarter ended March 28. CEO Ritch Allison said the company was facing “one of the most difficult staffing environments in a long time.”

Papa John’s International Inc. reported a same-store sales increase of 26% in North America for the first quarter ended March 28, as well as the most quarterly store unit growth in 20 years. The company attributed its success to menu innovation, including the continuing popularity of the Papadias and the new Epic Stuffed Crust Pizza, introduced in December.

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. reported a same-store sales decrease of 14.8% for the first quarter ended March 28 at company-owned restaurants, though same-store sales were up 72% for the month of March.

Rave Restaurant Group reported a same-store sales decrease of 3% for the third quarter ended March 28.

FAT Brands reported systemwide same-store sales growth of 7.8% for the first quarter ended March 28.

BJ’s Restaurants Inc. reported a same-store sales decline of 13% for the first quarter ended March 30. The casual-dining brand was plotting the expansion of its Beer Club and its virtual Slo Roast brand, saying it saw off-premise channels continue to drive sales even as dining-room capacity increases.

Texas Roadhouse Inc., which also owns Bubba’s 33 and Jaggers, reported a same-store sales increase of 18.5% at company restaurants compared to 2020, and 8.6% compared to 2019, for the first quarter ended March 30. Amid its sales boom, the casual-dining chain in April announced it was raising prices and extending its hours.

Noodles & Company reported same-store sales growth of 10.5% for the first quarter ended March 30. The company also saw AUVs hit a record $1.35 million, and in April announced the systemwide rollout of tortelloni.

Chipotle Mexican Grill reported a same-store sales increase of 17.2% for the first quarter ended March 31. Digital sales at the brand grew 133.9% and accounted for more than half of all transactions.

Yum Brands reported systemwide same-store sales growth of 9% in the first quarter ended March 31, which included 12% growth at Pizza Hut, 9% growth and Taco Bell and 8% growth at KFC. The strong recovery was driven by a boost in digital sales; each of the company’s brands set a weekly sales record at least once during the quarter.

McDonald’s reported a same-store sales increase of 13.6% for the first quarter ended March 31. Executives credited the brand’s pandemic moves, including digital, delivery and drive-thru improvements, along with menu simplification and promotions.

Restaurant Brands International Inc. reported same-store sales increases of 0.7% at Burger King (6.6% in the U.S.) and 1.5% at Popeyes (0.9% in the U.S.) and a decrease of 2.3% at Tim Hortons for the first quarter ended March 31. The company was expanding its digital offerings and eyeing breakfast opportunities at Burger King.

Denny’s reported a systemwide same-store sales decline of 20% for the first quarter ended March 31, but said in early May that systemwide same-store sales for the month of April were only down 2%. The family-dining chain touted its virtual Burger Den and Melt Down brands, saying the former had been rolled out to 1,100 stores and the latter to 350, with more to come.

El Pollo Loco reported a systemwide same-store sales increase of 7.4% for the first quarter ended March 31. In May, the brand was expanding its tablet technology with the aim of cutting drive-thru wait times in half.

Shake Shack reported a same-store sales increase of 5.7% for the first quarter ended March 31. The brand, founded in New York City, said its rebound was being hampered by slow recovery in urban and tourism-dependent markets.

BurgerFi reported systemwide same-store sales growth of 4% for the first quarter ended March 31.

The Wendy’s Co. reported a same-store sales increase of 13.5% for the first quarter ended April 4. Executives credited the brand’s breakfast and digital initiatives, and the company was preparing to return to the United Kingdom after more than 20 years with a June opening.

BBQ Holdings, Inc., reported a systemwide same-store sales increase of 13.1% for the first quarter ended April 4.

Jack in the Box reported 20.6% same-store sales growth for the second quarter ended April 11, retaining the high-income customers it gained during the pandemic. The brand is also preparing a new prototype and ghost kitchens as it eyes unit growth.