Cheesecake Factory Shakes Up Menu with Budget-Friendly Bites and Bowls

The Cheesecake Factory is making waves with a fresh menu update, introducing two new categories: Bowls and Bites. These additions are aimed at providing customers with more wallet-friendly choices. The changes were announced during the company's latest earnings call and are now available at all U. S. locations. The new items are designed to attract customers who are looking for good value, especially in today's tough economic climate. The Bowls category features six new dishes, including the Teriyaki Salmon Bowl and the Peruvian Chicken Bowl, priced between $15 and $16. These bowls offer a complete meal at a more affordable price point. Meanwhile, the Bites section includes eight smaller plates, all priced between $10 and $15. Options like New Orleans Cajun Shrimp and Chicken and Biscuits are presented on a separate menu card to highlight these value choices. Company executives mentioned that these changes represent a price cut and offer more flexibility for diners. The smaller Bites plates could encourage customers to order more items, potentially increasing the average check. The Bowls, on the other hand, are expected to boost takeout sales due to their convenience and competitive pricing. Despite a recent 4 percent menu price increase, which led to a slight dip in customer traffic, The Cheesecake Factory reported a 1. 2 percent year-over-year rise in same-store sales for the period ending July 1, 2025. The new value-driven offerings aim to reverse the downward trend in visits and maintain sales growth. This menu overhaul is part of The Cheesecake Factory's ongoing strategy to keep its offerings fresh and engaging. Alongside the Bowls and Bites, the company added over 20 new items earlier in the year while removing 13, ensuring the brand's signature variety remains intact. The Cheesecake Factory CEO, Matthew Clark, stated during the earnings call, "When we look at what we're doing from a value perspective, on effective pricing, I think it's going to be well below where the industry is at, and we're driving significant value for the consumer. " Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, commented, "Cheesecake Factory finds itself in the same situation as many other restaurants, struggling with foot traffic and sales from a customer base wanting to spend less on food. These smaller plate options, priced at around the $10 range, are meant to entice customers who haven't frequented their restaurants recently, and as we're seeing with other chains, it may work. " Looking ahead, The Cheesecake Factory plans to focus more on daytime dining, with potential promotions for lunch-goers, as part of a broader effort to boost traffic during slower periods. However, the question remains whether these pricing tactics will successfully bring back diners who prefer eating at home and saving money in the current economic climate.