Raw Data Report: Morton's, Olive Garden, and Buffalo Wild Wings

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Few Customers Dine at Morton's (MRT) for Lunch

Morton's Steakhouse was the subject of a new Tickermine survey. We asked respondents which shift was busier (lunch or dinner), what attracts your customers, what does the average party of two spend at your location, what is your most popular menu item, and how does your business compare to last month. 25 restaurants were consulted for the poll.

All 25 respondents reported dinner to be busiest. Lunch didn't even get a mention. 52% of those polled felt that there was a particular menu item that attracted their clientele for stop. Forty percent said it was the atmosphere and 8% thought it was a blend of atmosphere, the great menu and prices. Customers spend well at this chain – 44% said a party of two spends between $70-$100 per visit. Another 44% reported $40-$65 per visit. 8% were seeing checks for $120-$150 , while 4% reported $200 as the norm.

As for menu items, the Porterhouse Steak was the most popular menu item according to 32%. 24% reported their New York Steak was selling best. The Double Cut Filet Mignon was cited as best selling by 12% and the Cajun Ribeye Steak was mentioned by 8% along with the Smoked Pacific Salmon. This isn't really helping business however, because 64% of those polled said business was just the same as earlier. 8% reported their location as slower and only 28% felt that business was up.

Take-Out Orders Are Up vs. Last Year, Say 43% of Olive Gardens (DRI)

Grilled garlic shrimp pasta, lasagna classico, and chicken parmigiana are all tied for most popular entree at the Olive Garden, according to TickerMine's recent poll. Forty-three percent of responding restaurants said they are seeing more to-go orders than this time last year, suggesting that customers may be trying to save money by ordering carry-out rather than dining at the restaurant. The average tab for a party of two was evenly split between $25 to $35 and $36 to $45 (49% each). Only two percent of Olive Gardens polled said the typical bill for two people exceeds $65. All restaurants surveyed had been in business for at least a year.

18% of Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurants (BWLD) Report No Wait Time At All

Sixty-four percent of Buffalo Wild Wings reported a wait time of ten to 20 minutes, according to TickerMine's latest poll. Nine percent reported a wait of less than ten minutes, while 18% reported no wait at all. The menu is the main draw for 64% of restaurants surveyed, while the atmosphere is the main draw for 27%. The average check size for a party of two is between $20 and $30 at 70% of responding restaurants. The remaining 30% reported an average check size of $35 to $45. Traditional wings (61%) and ribs (12%) are the most popular menu items. Fifty-five percent of Buffalo Wild Wings said that business is about the same as last year; 24% said business is stronger this year, and 21% said it's weaker.