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Bigger Portions, Same Price: Maggiano's Offers Larger Portions and Expanded Family Style Dining at No Extra Cost

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Maggiano's Little Italy (NYSE:EAT) begins larger portions and an expanded Family Style menu effective March 18, 2026. Guests receive approximately 20% more pasta and increased protein on signature entrees at no extra cost across 48 locations. Family Style adds 15 dishes and starts at $44 per person ($14 for children under 12), with endless refills and three desserts for sharing. Pricing and availability may vary by location; Family Style unavailable at airport sites.

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Negative

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News Market Reaction – EAT

-1.91%
-1.91% Session close to close

In the Mar 18 session, EAT declined 1.91%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights Maggiano’s strategy of offering about 20% more pasta, added protein, an...
Analysis

This announcement highlights Maggiano’s strategy of offering about 20% more pasta, added protein, and 15 new Family Style dishes at unchanged prices, emphasizing value and abundance. It follows a series of brand and marketing initiatives across Brinker’s portfolio and comes after Q2 2026 results with revenues of $1,452.2M and raised guidance. Investors may watch how these changes affect Maggiano’s traffic, check averages, and mix, especially given its recent comparable sales softness versus Chili’s.

Key Figures

Pasta increase: 20% more pasta New family dishes: 15 additional options Restaurant count: 48 locations +5 more
8 metrics
Pasta increase 20% more pasta Beginning March 18 on favorite entrées
New family dishes 15 additional options Expanded Family Style menu
Restaurant count 48 locations Maggiano’s Little Italy nationwide
Family Style price $44 per person Four-course Family Style menu for parties of four or more
Child price $14 per person Family Style price for guests under 12
Courses 4-course menu Family Style dining experience
Daily guests served More than one million Guests served daily across Brinker brands
Restaurant system size More than 1,600 restaurants Brinker-owned or franchised in 29 countries and two territories

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 16 (Positive)
Pattern 5 events
Date Event Sentiment 24h Move Catalyst
Mar 16 Brand activation promo Positive +0.8% Chili’s and Spire Motorsports unveiled a themed NASCAR Marg Machine car.
Mar 02 Executive promotion Positive -1.0% George Felix promoted to EVP and CMO overseeing Chili’s and Maggiano’s.
Feb 24 Sponsorship extension Positive +0.3% Chili’s extended multi-year sponsorship with Spire Motorsports and NASCAR presence.
Feb 11 Customer loyalty launch Positive +2.0% Launch of Chili’s Margarita of the Month Club for fan engagement and promotions.
Jan 28 Earnings and guidance Positive -0.4% Q2 2026 results with higher revenues, EPS, buybacks, and raised full-year guidance.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent brand- and marketing-focused news has often seen modest positive price moves, while larger strategic or leadership updates have occasionally met with mild selling.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, Brinker has emphasized brand activation and marketing for Chili’s and Maggiano’s, including NASCAR partnerships and a Margarita of the Month Club, with several of these promotions followed by small positive moves of up to 2.02%. Leadership changes, such as promoting George Felix to EVP and CMO on March 2, 2026, coincided with a -1.02% reaction. Q2 fiscal 2026 results showed higher revenues of $1,452.2M and raised full-year guidance, yet the stock slipped 0.41%, indicating occasional profit-taking after fundamentally positive updates.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Beginning March 18 Guests Can Enjoy 20% More Pasta, Increased Protein on Favorite Dishes, and an Expanded Family Style Menu with 15 Additional Options and Endless Refills

DALLAS, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- While others shrink portions, Maggiano's Little Italy® is going bigger and serving up more of what guests love. The iconic Italian-American brand is going back to Maggiano's — returning to the abundant portions, welcoming hospitality, and classic dishes that made the brand a favorite for decades.

Across all 48 locations nationwide*, guests will see substantially larger pasta dishes with approximately 20% more pasta on favorite entrées like Chicken Fettucine Alfredo and Spaghetti & Meatballs served with increased portions of chicken, meatballs, and shrimp — all at no extra cost. The Family Style menu — the best way to experience Maggiano's — has also been expanded to include 15 additional classic dishes including favorites like Baked Ziti, Eggplant Parmesan, Four Cheese Ravioli, and Chicken Piccata, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy more of their favorites (and discover a few new ones, too).

The move reflects a confident return to what Maggiano's does best: hearty portions, familiar Italian-American flavors, and meals meant to be shared. By leaning into abundance and delivering more value, Maggiano's is bringing people back to the table in a big way, staying true to its roots while reigniting the spirit that has defined the brand for generations.

"Back to Maggiano's means recommitting to what made this brand special— scratch-made food, abundant portions with enough to take home for a second or third meal, and Italian-American favorites we all love sharing with friends and family," said Kevin Hochman, CEO and President of Brinker International, Inc. "The new family-style spread is exactly how Nonna would do it—serving up plate after plate until you couldn't possibly eat another bite, then sending you home with leftovers anyway."

The brand is also taking its beloved Family Style dining experience to the next level by adding 15 additional dishes to the current selections — giving guests even more variety and more reasons to gather around the table. Designed for parties of four or more, and starting at just $44 per person ($14 for guests under 12), the four-course Family Style menu continues to deliver an abundant spread of fan-favorite dishes and keeps them coming until everyone is full. The experience begins with two salads, followed by two appetizers, four entrées, and three scratch-made desserts designed for sharing including the famous Gigi's Buttercake, Tiramisu, and New York Style Cheesecake.

"At Maggiano's, we've always believed that Italian-American dining should feel generous in spirit and rich in flavor," said Chef Anthony Amoroso, Vice President of Innovation and Growth at Maggiano's Little Italy. "That tradition has defined us for decades. Whether enjoying your favorite pasta or gathering around the table for Family Style, the experience should feel warm, welcoming, and leave everyone feeling satisfied. We are going back to our core beliefs to make sure every dish reflects that spirit — delivering the same scratch-made quality, abundant portions, and classic dishes that remind you why you came in the first place."

Whether gathering for a celebration, date night or family dinner, guests can expect fuller plates, more choice and the warm hospitality that defines the Maggiano's experience. 

To find a Maggiano's location near you, please visit maggianos.com, and follow along on social @MaggianosLittleItaly. 

*Prices and selections may vary by location. Family Style menu is not available at airport locations.

About Maggiano's Little Italy®
Maggiano's Little Italy specializes in Italian American cuisine served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Maggiano's menu features both classic and contemporary recipes – authentic pastas, signature salads, steaks, seafood, decadent desserts, and a captivating selection of theatrical cocktails. Maggiano's has 48 restaurants nationwide offering lunch, dinner, delivery, carryout and various banquet services. Select menu favorites may also be found at airport locations, which offer dine-in and carryout only. Maggiano's is owned and operated by Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than one million guests daily. Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories. In addition to Maggiano's, Brinker owns and operates Chili's® Grill & Bar.

Follow news about Maggiano's on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. For additional information, including the restaurant nearest you, please visit maggianos.com.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bigger-portions-same-price-maggianos-offers-larger-portions-and-expanded-family-style-dining-at-no-extra-cost-302716712.html

SOURCE Maggiano's Little Italy

FAQ

What changes did Maggiano's (EAT) make to portions starting March 18, 2026?

Maggiano's increased portions by about 20% on pasta dishes, improving protein amounts on key entrees. According to the company, the change applies across all 48 locations and keeps prices the same to deliver more value to guests.

How many new dishes were added to Maggiano's Family Style menu and who is it for?

Maggiano's added 15 additional classic dishes to the Family Style menu for parties of four or more. According to the company, the expanded menu includes items like Baked Ziti and Chicken Piccata to increase variety and sharing options.

What is the cost of Maggiano's Family Style experience after the March 18, 2026 update?

Family Style starts at $44 per person, with a child rate of $14 under 12. According to the company, the four-course sharing menu includes salads, appetizers, four entrées, and three desserts with continuous refills.

Will Maggiano's larger portions increase menu prices for diners at EAT locations?

No; Maggiano's is offering larger portions and increased proteins at no extra cost to guests. According to the company, this change aims to restore abundant portions while maintaining current pricing across locations, subject to local variations.

Are there any location limitations for Maggiano's Family Style expansion announced March 18, 2026?

Yes; Family Style menu is available at non-airport locations only and selections may vary by restaurant. According to the company, airport sites offer select menu favorites but do not carry the full Family Style experience.

How does Maggiano's describe the customer experience after the March 18, 2026 menu changes?

Maggiano's says the update returns to abundant, shareable Italian-American meals with warm hospitality. According to the company, the intent is fuller plates, more choice, and a Family Style spread designed for sharing and taking home leftovers.