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.