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Red Robin Rolls Out Value Combos to Combat Economic Pressures

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/20 .. t-value-combos-to-combat-economic-pressures.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 12:55 GMT by Orange County Register
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

ORANGE, CA - February 20th, 2026 - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews is rolling out a new strategy to attract diners amidst ongoing economic pressures: aggressively priced value combos. Launched nationwide on January 27th, 2026, these bundles represent a significant shift for the casual dining chain, mirroring a growing trend across the restaurant industry to cater to increasingly budget-conscious consumers.

The restaurant sector continues to grapple with the lingering effects of the economic slowdown, facing challenges like increased ingredient costs, labor shortages, and decreased disposable income among consumers. Many are pulling back on discretionary spending, including dining out. This environment has prompted a re-evaluation of pricing strategies, with numerous fast-casual chains now experimenting with value menus and combo deals to remain competitive.

Red Robin's approach isn't simply about slashing prices; it's about perceived value. The new combos are designed to offer a complete dining experience - entree, side, drink, and sometimes dessert - at a single, attractive price point. This all-inclusive pricing removes the sticker shock often associated with adding on extras, and it simplifies the ordering process for customers.

The company is currently offering three distinct combo options:

• The Bottomless Bundle: This is arguably the most ambitious offering, featuring a choice of entree (burgers and chicken sandwiches are highlighted) coupled with unlimited sides and a beverage. This appeals directly to Red Robin's historical strength: its generous bottomless fries. Expanding that concept to other sides is a bold move, potentially driving higher order values as customers are encouraged to sample more of the menu.
• The Appetizer & Entree Deal: Targeting those who enjoy starting their meal with a shareable item, this deal pairs a selected entree with a popular appetizer, such as the Tavern Double Stack burger or the Southwest Fiesta Onion Rings. This aims to increase overall check sizes by encouraging customers to indulge in an appetizer they might otherwise skip.
• The Sweet Treat Combo: For dessert lovers, this option combines an entree with a tempting dessert and a beverage. It's a targeted approach to capitalize on the "add-on" dessert purchase, a common profit center for restaurants.

Analysts suggest Red Robin's move is a calculated response to competitors like Applebee's, Chili's, and even fast-food giants like McDonald's and Burger King, all of whom have recently introduced or expanded their value menu offerings. A recent report from the National Restaurant Association indicates that 78% of consumers are more likely to visit a restaurant that offers value deals, even if it means slightly compromising on other factors.

However, maintaining profitability while offering discounted prices presents a significant challenge. Red Robin will need to carefully manage its costs, streamline operations, and potentially accept lower margins on these combo meals. The success of the strategy will depend on whether the increased volume of customers offsets the reduced profit per order.

"The key is striking the right balance," explains restaurant industry consultant, Sarah Chen. "You can't just slash prices indiscriminately. You need to identify items with good margins, bundle them strategically, and effectively communicate the value to consumers."

Red Robin is also leveraging its loyalty program, Red Robin Royalty, to promote the new combos. Members receive exclusive early access to deals and personalized offers, further incentivizing repeat visits. The company has invested heavily in data analytics to understand customer preferences and tailor its marketing efforts accordingly. They are hoping this will help drive traffic to both dine-in and takeout orders.

Whether Red Robin's value combos will successfully navigate the current economic headwinds remains to be seen. But it's clear that the company is taking a proactive approach to address changing consumer behavior and maintain its position in a highly competitive market. The upcoming quarterly earnings report will be closely watched by industry observers to assess the initial impact of this new strategy.