Red Robin Changes Have Diners Looking for New Burger Spots

Additional Coverage:

11 Great Alternatives To Red Robin, as Company Announces Closures (financebuzz.com)

Local Dining Scene Faces Shifts as Red Robin Considers Closures

The landscape of American casual dining is undergoing significant changes, and many national restaurant chains are feeling the pinch of today’s challenging economy. As families work harder to stretch their budgets and afford daily necessities, even popular eateries are struggling to maintain relevance.

National chains like On the Border, Bar Louis, and Hooters have already announced plans to close locations in 2025 due as they navigate bankruptcy proceedings. Now, Red Robin is taking steps to avoid a similar fate.

In February, Red Robin revealed it was considering closing approximately 70 locations over the next five years, with 10 to 15 potential closures in 2025. While the company stated this number could be reduced based on future performance, the news has caused local diners to wonder about the future of their favorite burger joint as other chains continue to face difficulties.

Should your local Red Robin location be among those impacted, there are still plenty of options for casual American fare. Here are some similar restaurants to consider:

Local Alternatives for Casual Dining

1. Applebee’s

A familiar neighborhood grill, Applebee’s offers a similar casual dining experience to Red Robin, with a strong focus on mainstream American cuisine, especially burgers. While providing a classic cheeseburger at a slightly lower price point, Applebee’s also boasts a wider variety of menu options beyond just burgers, chicken fingers, and sandwiches.

2. Chili’s

For those primarily seeking a satisfying burger, many argue that Chili’s burgers offer a more “backyard grill” flavor, making them a flavorful and often more affordable choice among casual dining chains. Though Chili’s leans heavily into Tex-Mex influences, its menu still features a broad selection of burgers, wings, and sandwiches to sate any craving.

3. TGI Fridays

TGI Fridays presents a comparable option if you’re missing your Red Robin burger, often at a slightly more wallet-friendly price. Like Red Robin, its menu features a substantial burger section alongside a wide array of typical American dishes.

However, it’s worth noting that TGI Fridays itself filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024.

4. The Cheesecake Factory

If you’re looking to elevate your casual dining experience, The Cheesecake Factory could be the answer. It occupies the higher end of the casual dining spectrum, both in its upscale atmosphere and its pricing.

While their burgers are pricier, they offer greater variety, including turkey and plant-based alternatives. The extensive menu, featuring over 250 made-from-scratch items and 37 cheesecake varieties, is where this chain truly shines.

5. Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday’s menu is rich with burger options, but like many casual dining establishments, it extends well beyond, offering steaks, pastas, chicken, and seafood. Prices are generally comparable to Red Robin, and the company appears to be on solid financial footing, having successfully exited bankruptcy in 2021, though with fewer locations than in its past.

6. Texas Roadhouse

While Texas Roadhouse is renowned for its steaks, it also offers burgers competitively priced with Red Robin. The rest of its menu primarily features a blend of Texan and Southwestern cuisine, with a diverse selection of chicken, fish, and pork entrees.

7. Buffalo Wild Wings

Wings are the undeniable star at Buffalo Wild Wings, but the restaurant also serves a selection of classic burger options, some of which are priced lower than Red Robin’s. For wing enthusiasts, while Red Robin offers a respectable nine sauce flavors, BWW boasts an impressive 26 different flavor choices.

8. IHOP

Though the International House of Pancakes specializes in breakfast foods, its menu includes items comparable to Red Robin’s. Its burger selection, while not as extensive, covers the classics and is offered at a similar price point.

9. Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel offers a distinct Southern, homestyle cooking experience, but it also provides a range of casual American cuisine, including burgers. Their selection of 100% pure ground beef burgers is often priced even more affordably than Red Robin’s.

What truly distinguishes Cracker Barrel is its emphasis on homemade foods prepared fresh daily, with a vast majority of ingredients sourced within America.

10. Shake Shack

Shake Shack operates with a more focused menu than Red Robin, specializing in burgers, fries, and shakes. This rapidly growing chain has proven consistently popular among younger demographics, often surpassing traditional fast-food giants like McDonald’s or Burger King in appeal.

11. Smashburger

While Red Robin offers a “smash burger,” Smashburger specializes in this cooking method. The chain helped popularize the technique, which involves pressing the burger onto a hot griddle to sear in flavor and create crispy edges.

Smashburger also offers some of the most affordably priced burgers among our comparisons, with many options ranging between $4.99 and $6.99.

The Bottom Line for Red Robin and Your Wallet

Red Robin has yet to declare bankruptcy and hopes that strategic closures of underperforming locations will help it avoid such a fate. The company has not released a comprehensive list of specific locations slated for closure. Like many American households, Red Robin is focused on eliminating debt and strengthening its financial position.

In these uncertain economic times, focusing on personal financial well-being is more important than ever. Here are some money tips that can work for everyone:

Focus on paying off your debt: Debt can significantly hinder financial progress. Beyond cutting expenses, tools like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling can help accelerate debt repayment.

Earning extra income: If finances are tight, supplementing your income can make a substantial difference. While a new job is an option, a part-time side hustle might be a better fit if you’re not ready for a major change or are already retired.

Cut your expenses: This doesn’t have to be a painful process. Start by examining your largest expenses, as these often present the biggest opportunities for savings.

For instance, with auto insurance rates rising, shopping around for a new provider could quickly reduce your bill. Similarly, for upcoming vacations, finding the right travel credit card could help offset costs.