Your Money Minute Restaurants Brace For Customer Pullback 11/14/25
Nov 14, 2025
Eric Johnston, an analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald, discusses how lower-income consumers are significantly cutting back on dining out due to inflation. Scott Boatwright, CEO of Chipotle, shares insight on how younger customers are opting to eat at home more often. Interestingly, a Brinker CEO highlights that Chili's is still experiencing growth among lower-income cohorts, defying industry trends. The conversation also explores the shifting landscape between fast food and fast casual chains as consumers adjust their spending habits.
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Lower-Income Consumers Are Pulling Back
- Many Americans, especially lower-income and 25–34-year-olds, are cutting back on eating out due to budget pressure.
- Analysts expect this pullback to persist after the holidays as consumers manage prolonged inflation.
Young Adults Shift To Eating At Home
- Scott Boatwright says Chipotle's core 25–34 demographic has
Chili's Sees Growth Among Lower Earners
- The Brinker CEO reports Chili's grew visits among people earning under $60,000 by 21%.
- Brinker says it grew faster across every lower-income cohort, countering industry narratives.