PREVIEW-Red Robin Q3 results likely to miss estimates

* What: Q3 results

* When: Thursday after market close

* Double-digit fall in same-store sales expected

By Renju Jose

BANGALORE, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc's (RRGB.O) quarterly results could miss market expectations, as the absence of aggressive discounts in a highly promotional environment kept budget-conscious diners away from its eateries.

The casual dining operator resisted the temptation to offer significant discounts, even as larger rivals like Brinker International Inc's (EAT.N) Chili's Grill & Bar and DineEquity Inc's (DIN.N) Applebee's have promoted heavily to attract customers.

"My guess is that the top line could fall short of expectations because the consumer environment remained so difficult," Sterne Agee & Leach analyst Lynne Collier said.

In August, the company said same-store sales fell 15.3 percent in the first four weeks of the third quarter.

Greenwood Village, Colorado-based Red Robin consistently topped earnings estimates in the previous four quarters, but missed revenue expectations in the first two quarters of the current financial year.

Jefferies & Co analyst Jeff Farmer, who expects Red Robin to earn 34 cents a share in the third quarter, said in an email that his below-consensus number reflected margin erosion on declining sales.

"Red Robin has delivered upside in recent quarters, but it is getting more difficult in my opinion," Farmer said.

Analysts on average are expecting the company to earn 37 cents a share, before items, on revenue of $197.5 million in the third quarter, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Red Robin also does not have the advertising power of Chili's and Applebee's, Sterne Agee's Collier said.

Jefferies' Farmer said the company lost market share to Chili's and Applebee's heavily advertised 3-for-$20 and 2-for-$20 promotions in the quarter.

Chili's has been offering a special deal of an appetizer, two entrees and a dessert to be split between two diners for $20, while Applebee's offer includes one shared appetizer and two entrees.

However, Keybanc Capital Market's Brad Ludington said Red Robin's decision to abstain from discounting will benefit the company over the longer term.