Stephens analyst Will Slabaugh maintained an Equal Weight rating and $45 price target on Brinker International (EAT) ahead of the company's earnings report on Tuesday, telling investors that while he is "encouraged" to see better momentum in recent traffic trends, he is keeping the rating until he is more comfortable that recent initiatives are translating into a sustained traffic improvement. The analyst says Restaurant Brands (QSR), Carrols (TST) and Wendy's (WEN) remain his favorite names in quick-service and BJ's Restaurants (BJRI) among casuals.