Casual dining's bar expansion (2000s-2010s)
Through the 2000s and 2010s, casual dining chains like Applebee's and Chili's expanded bar areas and drink menus. Alcohol carries higher margins than food, so bars lifted average check sizes.
Bar sales became a major revenue stream for casual dining chains.
Drinks became standard at casual restaurants, reshaping the industry's economics.
Explains the business logic behind a buffet adding beer and wine: alcohol raises revenue per customer.
