Some fast food spots, including McDonald's, are doing well in bad times, while sit-down restaurants like Chili's are suffering.
You can get a taste of the American economy these days by looking at where people eat out.
At restaurants like Kincaid's in Fort Worth, business is steady.
But the owner of La Gondola Italian restaurant in Mansfield said sales are down 20 percent the past few months.
"I'm trying the best I can, I'm trying to cut down on employees, cut down on ordering food. A little less every week -- a little less," La Gondola owner Sal Cucci said.
Experts said Americans are cutting out more expensive meals to save money.
If the economy doesn't improve soon, experts predict more nationwide chains could close.
