Many of the casual chain restaurants that Americans know and love may be in serious trouble because of a so-called “restaurant recession” going on right now.

TDn2K reported that 2016 was the industry's worst year since the recession, but will 2017 be any better?

Already this year, several major restaurant chains have shut down underperforming locations, often with little or no notice to the staff and clientele.

That's one reason why Clark does not want you to buy restaurant gift cards right now.

So why aren’t people eating at casual restaurants anymore? Clark has said that many people, particularly millennials, are eating at home because grocery prices are down.

Read the full article at Clark.com.