Wrapping up Q4 earnings, we look at the numbers and key takeaways for the sit-down dining stocks, including BJ's (NASDAQ: BJRI) and its peers.

Sit-down restaurants offer a complete dining experience with table service. These establishments span various cuisines and are renowned for their warm hospitality and welcoming ambiance, making them perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply unwinding. Their extensive menus range from appetizers to indulgent desserts and wines and cocktails. This space is extremely fragmented and competition includes everything from publicly-traded companies owning multiple chains to single-location mom-and-pop restaurants.

The 11 sit-down dining stocks we track reported a satisfactory Q4. As a group, revenues were in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 6.9% since the latest earnings results.

BJ's (NASDAQ: BJRI)

Founded in 1978 in California, BJ’s Restaurants (NASDAQ: BJRI) is a chain of restaurants whose menu features classic American dishes, often with a twist.

BJ's reported revenues of $355.4 million, up 3.2% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 0.6%. Despite the top-line beat, it was still a mixed quarter for the company with full-year EBITDA guidance topping analysts’ expectations but a miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

“During the fourth quarter, we continued to deliver on our mission to create a stronger and more consistent BJ’s with our 6th consecutive quarter of comparable restaurant sales and traffic growth along with our 5th consecutive quarter of restaurant level operating profit margin expansion,” commented Lyle Tick, Chief Executive Officer and President.

Unsurprisingly, the stock is down 10.2% since reporting and currently trades at $36.70.

Is now the time to buy BJ's? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Best Q4: Red Robin (NASDAQ: RRGB)

Known for its bottomless steak fries, Red Robin (NASDAQ: RRGB) is a chain of casual restaurants specializing in burgers and general American fare.

Red Robin reported revenues of $269 million, down 5.7% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 1.8%. The business had an exceptional quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and full-year EBITDA guidance beating analysts’ expectations.

Although it had a fine quarter compared to its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 14.5% since reporting. It currently trades at $3.11.

Is now the time to buy Red Robin? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q4: Texas Roadhouse (NASDAQ: TXRH)

With locations often featuring Western-inspired decor, Texas Roadhouse (NASDAQ: TXRH) is an American restaurant chain specializing in Southern-style cuisine and steaks.

Texas Roadhouse reported revenues of $1.48 billion, up 3.1% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 0.8%. It was a softer quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and a significant miss of analysts’ EPS estimates.

As expected, the stock is down 7.5% since the results and currently trades at $168.83.

Read our full analysis of Texas Roadhouse’s results here.

Cracker Barrel (NASDAQ: CBRL)

Known for its country-themed food and merchandise, Cracker Barrel (NASDAQ: CBRL) is a beloved American restaurant and retail chain that celebrates the warmth and charm of Southern hospitality.

Cracker Barrel reported revenues of $874.8 million, down 7.9% year on year. This print topped analysts’ expectations by 1.2%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter as it also recorded a beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

Cracker Barrel had the slowest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is down 10.1% since reporting and currently trades at $27.53.

Read our full, actionable report on Cracker Barrel here, it’s free.

Darden (NYSE: DRI)

Founded in 1968 as Red Lobster, Darden (NYSE: DRI) is a leading American restaurant company that owns and operates a portfolio of popular restaurant brands.

Darden reported revenues of $3.35 billion, up 5.9% year on year. This result was in line with analysts’ expectations. Taking a step back, it was a mixed quarter as it also logged same-store sales in line with analysts’ estimates but EBITDA in line with analysts’ estimates.

The stock is down 1.6% since reporting and currently trades at $197.50.

Read our full, actionable report on Darden here, it’s free.

Market Update

Late in 2025 into early 2026, there was hand wringing around artificial intelligence. For software companies, the fear was that AI would erode pricing power and compress margins as new tools made it easier to replicate what once required expensive enterprise platforms. Crypto investors had their own version of the same anxiety: if AI agents could trade, allocate capital, and manage wallets autonomously, what exactly was the long-term value of today’s crypto infrastructure?

These concerns triggered a noticeable rotation away from these sectors and into safer havens. But markets rarely dwell on one narrative for long. Spring 2026 came, and the focus shifted abruptly from technological disruption to geopolitical risk. The US’ conflict with Iran became the dominant driver of market psychology, and when geopolitics takes center stage, the script changes quickly. Investors stop debating growth rates and start worrying about oil supply, inflation, and global stability.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Top 5 Quality Compounder Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.