Ron Shaich, Chili’s, Domino’s
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July 23, 2026
Ron Shaich is doubling down on eatertainment. The Panera founders’ Act III Holdings has invested another $50 million in Level99, a food-and-gaming concept with four locations. It follows a $50 million investment last year and will be used to help Level99 ramp up development. Its sprawling venues feature immersive mini-games and challenges as well as food and drinks. It plans to start opening four new locations a year starting in 2027.
Chili’s restaurants are getting a makeover. The redesign features elements from Chili’s past, such as red booths and ceramic tile, as well as modern touches. There is also custom Chili’s wallpaper, new exterior murals and signage, and an expanded bar. About a dozen Chili’s locations around the country are already sporting the new look, with the rest of the chain in line for an upgrade over the next several years.
Domino’s squeezed out a slightly positive second quarter, but ticket sizes were smaller as the company lapped its Stuffed Crust launch last year. Further, its premium series launch in April, including Slice Sauce, didn’t resonate with consumers and fell shy of expectations. The company has adjusted its marketing calendar for the rest of the year and we can expect a new occasion product launch in Q3 that executives said is unlike anything the company has done before and has high potential for incremental sales.
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About the Authors
Lisa Jennings
Executive Editor, Restaurant Business
Lisa Jennings is a veteran restaurant industry reporter and editor who covers the fast-casual sector, independent restaurants and emerging chain concepts. Her experience includes other industry publications as well as the daily newspaper The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn., where she was Food Editor. Her work has been cited in the Los Angeles Times, Business Insider, FoodBeast, The Huffington Post, Time.com and more.
Joe Guszkowski
Senior editor, Restaurant Business
Joe Guszkowski is a senior editor with Restaurant Business covering technology and casual-dining chains.
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