1847 ET - Casual dining demand continues to be surprisingly strong and will likely remain robust through the rest of this year, UBS analysts say in a note. The industry continues to close the gap in menu prices with quick service restaurants and promotions appear effective, the analysts say. It also has less exposure to cash-strapped lower income consumers, and experiential dining seems to hold up even amid discretionary spending slowdowns, the analysts say. Such factors should continue to boost demand for establishments like Darden Restaurants and Texas Roadhouse before the industry's momentum normalizes into next year, they add. (kelly.cloonan@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 11, 2025 18:47 ET (22:47 GMT)

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