While researching the coming Rising Tide Letter, I realized there was a new trend brewing. Starbucks already capitalized on it, though the company over-expanded. Let me ask you a question. If somebody led you in blindfolded and then unmasked you, could you tell if you were in a Starbucks (SBUX) or a Benningan’s ?

Casual dining restaurants are being hit hard by a softening U.S. economy, as consumers tighten their household budgets to cope with high food and energy prices. While some fast food restaurants are benefiting from penny-pinching consumers at home and strong sales overseas, mid-level domestic casual dining restaurants are facing declining same-store sales.