One of the hottest stocks in the world, surprisingly, isn’t AI darling Nvidia (NVDA). It’s actually Brinker International (EAT), which owns the restaurant chain Chili’s. How has the company regained relevance with an eating public that loves to order food from their mobile phones? Well, it starts by improving the food quality at the chain and aggressively marketing it. The company has also doubled down on its value offerings while also investing in new kitchen equipment to serve food faster. Yahoo Finance Executive Editor Brian Sozzi sits down on the Opening Bid podcast with the marketing wiz driving the turnaround at Chili’s, CEO of Brinker Kevin Hochman. What’s next for Chili’s? Hochman says to think ribs and fajitas, done better.

Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid, brings you a high-octane take on the freshest analyst calls, wildest stock moves and shrewdest commentary in the business world. Executive Editor Brian Sozzi puts Wall Street's finest through their paces in this essential conversation for every investor - before the stock market opens.

Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Opening Bid at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/opening-bid/.

Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected].

00:00-Kevin Hochman on Opening Bid

03:20-Cost cuts to save their way to profits

04:00-Elevating the guac

08:30-How do they brand these crazy names?

13:20-Growth focused on new locations

18:30-AI and automations in the restaurants

22:00-Eating with your competitors

Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid is hosted by Brian Sozzi, and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky.

Kevin Hochman serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of Brinker International, Inc., one of the world’s leading casual dining companies and home of Chili’s® Grill & Bar, Maggiano’s Little Italy® and two virtual brands: It’s Just Wings® and Maggiano’s Italian Classics™. He is also President of Chili’s and a member of Brinker’s Board of Directors.

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