Raw Data Report: Red Lobster, Taco Bell, Morton's Steakhouse

Each day, Wall Street is flooded with stock research offering a multitude of conflicting investment opinions. As such, TickerMine is not in the business of providing more opinions. We believe that accurate raw data points can be used to gain insight in to the stock selection and valuation process.

Red Lobster (DRI) Patrons Spend Frugally

We profiled Red Lobster restaurants this week by polling respondents at 26 locations across the country about how often lobster was being ordered this year compared to last? What is the most popular menu item? How much does a party of two spend? And how long has this location existed?

We learned that all but one person (4%) reported their location was older than a year. 42% say that lobster is ordered less this year. 27% think it is more and 31% see lobster orders as the same. The Endless Shrimp takes over as best with 50% of the mentions. The Shrimp Trio was cited by 12% and Lobster was cited by 12% too. And customers aren't spending much. The average party-of-two parts with $44.06 for their meal at Red Lobster.

53% of Taco Bell Store (YUM) Respondents Say Specials Bring in New Business

Taco Bell was interviewed this week, a week after the taco chain and others in the Yum Brands restaurant chains are adding product calorie information to their indoor menu boards. TickerMine researchers consulted 34 Taco Bell stores across the country and asked whether lunch or dinner was busiest? What are the specials? Are they busier since the special was offered? What is the most popular menu item? And has this been on the menu long?

We found that 53% of those interviewed report their dinner to be busiest while 47% record lunch to be the busier shift. 21% reported no specials this week, while 79% had specials including the Triple Steak Burrito, the Chicken Grilled Tacquitos and the Volcano Taco. 47% said the specials did nothing to attract more customers, but 53% thought that the specials helped. The best selling menu item is tacos according to 35% of the stores. 18% cited the Triple Steak Burrito, 6% mentioned the Chalupa and another 6% mentioned the Nachos Supreme. And while 24% said these menu items were relatively new, 76% said they have been on the menu for a long time.

32% of Morton's (MRT) Say Business is Up Over Last Month

In a recent poll of Morton's Steakhouse restaurants, TickerMine learned that dinner is the busiest shift for most locations. Ninety-five percent of Morton's restaurants said dinner is their busiest time of day. Customers are drawn to Morton's by the menu, according to 68% of respondents. Thirty-two percent said the atmosphere is the reason customers visit Morton's. Double cut filet mignon and New York strip steak were each named the most popular entree at 26% of Morton's locations; the prime sirloin burger is tops for 16% of restaurants surveyed.

Sixty-three percent of Morton's said they are experiencing the same level of business as last month; thirty-two percent said they're busier now. The average check size for a party of two is $50 or less, according to 32% of locations polled. Another 32% said the average is more than $50 but less than $100. Thirty-six percent said the average check size for a party of two is $100 or more.