Extra Serving: A restaurant industry podcast

Extra Serving is a series of weekly podcasts hosted by the editorial team at Nation’s Restaurant News, the…

by Nation's Restaurant News

About Extra Serving: A restaurant industry podcast

Extra Serving is a series of weekly podcasts hosted by the editorial team at Nation’s Restaurant News, the leading source for information and insights on the American restaurant industry. Covering the latest and most relevant topics in foodservice — including emerging chains, food trends, technology, and more — Extra Serving features a recap of the week’s biggest headlines, plus guests ranging from restaurant owners and operators to CEOs, founders, chefs, and other experts.

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Episodes

197 episodes

Nov 12, 2026 · 48 min

BONUS: First Watch Chef Shane Schaibly on how chain is redefining the morning daypart

Some people work in restaurants to make money; others work in restaurants because they believe they were put on the earth to do just that. Shane Schaibly is among the second group, and has cooked in restaurants since he was a teenager. These days, Schaibly is senior vice president of culinary strategy for First Watch, the daytime cafe concept that has become a billion-dollar behemoth influencing how millions of…
Nov 9, 2026 · 1 hr 9 min

How might election results affect restaurants? Plus a Q3 earnings bonanza

On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and senior editor Joanna Fantozzi discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including the impact of last week’s midterm election results plus recent quarterly earnings reports from Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Cava, Dutch Bros, Texas Roadhouse, and many more. Sam and Joanna kick things off with details of their recent travels: Joanna attended a workshop from…
Nov 5, 2026 · 22 min

Restaurateur Kevin Boehm is having a full-circle moment

Kevin Boehm has experienced the highs and lows of the restaurant industry. His award-winning restaurants range from the Michelin-starred Boka to Girl and Goat with Chef Stephanie Izard. Still, in his early days in the industry, he fought addiction and mental health issues and eventually hit rock bottom. Many of those highs and lows are detailed in “The Bottomless Cup: A Memoir of Secrets, Restaurants, and…
Nov 2, 2026 · 1 hr 0 min

3 chains soar in Q3, plus Cheesecake Factory has a big week and more restaurant news

On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Cheesecake Factory’s big results and bright spotlight, three chains that smashed the third quarter out of the park, and two shareholders’ attempted takeover of Wendy’s. First up is Cheesecake Factory, which unexpectedly found itself at the center of controversy last…
Oct 30, 2026 · 56 min

BONUS: Meet the chef redefining Italian cuisine at the fast casual Piada

Chef Matt Harding has been working with Italian food for more than 30 years, first as corporate executive chef at Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, and later at Piada Italian Street Food, the fast-casual Italian chain started by Bravo Brio cofounder Chris Doody. Piada opened its first location in Columbus, Ohio, in 2010, and has since grown to more than 60 locations in seven states. Originally, Harding designed Piada’s…

Earlier episodes (192)

Oct 26, 2026 Taco Bell re-ups with Pepsi, QSR pizza scores a win, and Wendy’s is all yellow
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Taco Bell’s renewal of its partnership with Pepsi, the QSR pizza category’s market share gains against retail, and Wendy’s efforts to win back customers. First up is the news that Taco Bell renewed its contract with Pepsi through 2036. This came in the wake of Yum…
Oct 19, 2026 KFC switches to Coke, Taco Bell ramps up beverage innovation, and Domino’s falters
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including KFC U.S.’s switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola products, Taco Bell’s expansion of its Live Mas Cafe concept, and Domino’s underwhelming sales results. First up is the news that KFC U.S. was switching from Pepsi products to Coca-Cola after 40 years. It’s unusual for such a…
Oct 15, 2026 BONUS: Burger King’s chef dishes on menu innovation, inspiration, and hacks
For more than 30 years, Amy Alarcon has served as a chef at some of America’s favorite restaurant chains, from Church’s Chicken to Taco Cabana and Arby’s. But it was at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen that Alarcon established herself as a major influence on the way Americans eat, overseeing for 18 years the development of some of that chain’s most popular menu items, including its iconic Chicken Sandwich. Alarcon’s time…
Oct 12, 2026 Starbucks/Chipotle merge rumors, True Food’s bankruptcy, and Uber’s big acquisition
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including the rumor that Starbucks was exploring an acquisition of Chipotle, True Food Kitchen’s bankruptcy filing, and a class-action lawsuit against McDonald’s. First up is the news that Starbucks had explored acquiring Chipotle. While the connective tissue is obvious —…
Oct 5, 2026 El Pollo Loco eyes New York, Chipotle hits a milestone, and Crumbl starts to crumble
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including El Pollo Loco’s plans for growth in New York, Chipotle’s drive-thru milestone, and a new report that details major struggles at Crumbl Cookies. First up is the chicken category, starting with El Pollo Loco, which announced that it had signed three development…
Sep 28, 2026 KFC’s new prototype, McDonald’s massive initiative, and Darden’s impressive results
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including KFC’s new Open House prototype, McDonald’s massive NEXT initiative, and Darden’s impressive results across its portfolio. First up is KFC, which introduced its Open House prototype at a new location outside Dallas last week. Alicia toured the new location and reported…
Sep 21, 2026 Wonder shakes up the off-prem business while Chili’s targets a fast-food competitor
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Wonder’s investment from DoorDash, Chili’s intentions to grab market share from Taco Bell, and Dave & Buster’s confession that the economy was not solely to blame for its misfortunes. First up is Wonder, which had a big week: The ghost-kitchen business…
Sep 17, 2026 Chef Sarah Thompson on her historic James Beard win: 'We can do this'
Sarah Thompson came up in NYC restaurants like Marea and Cosme that were run by strong female leaders. When she came to Las Vegas, though, things looked very different. But at Casa Playa, her fine dining Mexican restaurant at the Wynn Las Vegas, Thompson built a team that’s about 50% female, and she’s 100% helping to change the face of Las Vegas dining. Thompson spoke to guest host Gloria Dawson about the evolving…
Sep 14, 2026 Will Yum buy another brand? How can Jersey Mike’s reach young people? And why is Walmart delivering for Papa Johns?
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Yum Brands’ hint that it could acquire another brand, Jersey Mike’s attempts to attract younger consumers, and Walmart’s new deal to deliver Papa Johns pizzas. First up is Yum Brands, which just offloaded Pizza Hut and yet is already teasing about a potential future…
Sep 7, 2026 Is Domino’s new pizza as iconic as the Big Mac?
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Popeyes’ reintroduction of its $6 Big Box, Domino’s new Detroit-style pizza, and new data showing that fast food’s value perception is slipping. First up is Popeyes, which reintroduced its $6 Big Box as a value offering and rolled out a new promotional campaign around…
Aug 31, 2026 Wendy’s shakeup continues, Taco Bell collabs with Olivia Rodrigo, and indie restaurants score a win
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Wendy’s ongoing executive turnover, Taco Bell’s celebrity partnership, and sales data that’s good news for independent restaurants. First up is Wendy’s, which announced that Tariq Hassan — formerly chief marketing and customer experience officer at McDonald’s — would…
Aug 24, 2026 Taco Bell throws back to 2016, Jack in the Box names CEO-in-waiting, and Chipotle looks to Gen Alpha
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Taco Bell’s nostalgic menu, Jack in the Box’s CEO-in-waiting, and Chipotle’s Gen Alpha influencer partnership. First up is Taco Bell, which never lacks for menu news. The brand introduced three new energy drinks — the Pineapple Citrus Energy Refresher, Strawberry…
Aug 17, 2026 Cava and Chili’s wow once again, McDonald’s adds an energy drink, and a 'Hot Ones' promo bombs
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including quarterly results from CAVA and Chili’s, new products from McDonald’s and Domino’s, and marketing promotions that have been surprising failures. First up is a recap of this week’s earnings reports, including updates from CAVA, Brinker International, Jack in the Box,…
Aug 10, 2026 The good, bad, and meh of restaurant earnings, featuring Burger King, Texas Roadhouse, Wendy’s, and more
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Salad and Go closing all of its restaurants and major chains reporting their latest quarterly earnings, from McDonald’s and Burger King to Wendy’s, Texas Roadhouse, Bloomin’ Brands, Dine Brands, Sweetgreen, and more. First up is the news that Salad and Go had closed…
Aug 6, 2026 BONUS: How Chef Avishar Barua brings humor and value to fine dining
Chef Avishar Barua sat down with guest host Gloria Dawson to discuss his Columbus, Ohio, restaurants Agni and Joya’s, what Midwestern food really is, and how he brings humor and value into fine dining. In addition to his restaurants, Avishar makes time for numerous speaking, consulting, and TV engagements. He discusses how these projects outside the restaurant have become a part of doing business as a modern chef…
Aug 3, 2026 Starbucks and Chipotle shine while Wingstop flails and Jersey Mike’s goes public
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including a flurry of earnings reports that paint a mostly positive picture for restaurants. They kick things off with some encouraging news: Starbucks same-store sales climbed 7.9% in the most recent quarter, including a 4.2% transaction increase, demonstrating real progress in…
Jul 27, 2026 Cracker Barrel’s CEO change, Domino’s meh results, and Noodles’ impressive turnaround
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Cracker Barrel's leadership transition, Domino's barely positive sales results, and Noodle & Company's standout performance. They start with the announcement that Dave Deno has been named CEO of Cracker Barrel, replacing Julie Felss Masino, who stepped down…
Jul 20, 2026 Cyclosporiasis outbreak traced to Taco Bell lettuce, restaurant bankruptcies surge, and a new marketing blitz
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including the origin of the cyclosporiasis outbreak, the troubling rise in bankruptcies and closures, and a wave of new marketing campaigns aimed at winning back customers. They start with some explosive news related to the recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis: Investigators…
Jul 13, 2026 The chicken wars heat up, value menu overload, and Wonder's IPO plans
On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including McDonald’s and Burger King’s new chicken tests, Wonder's potential IPO, and the proliferation of tiered value menus. They kick things off with product news from two of the biggest players in quick service: McDonald's and Burger King are both exploring new premium…
Jul 6, 2026 Jersey Mike’s IPO, restaurant closures, and concerning jobs numbers
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Jersey Mike’s imminent IPO, the latest jobs report, and a trend in mass restaurant closures. Fresh off an exciting weekend of World Cup action, Sam and Alicia start with the summer of marketing initiatives, which have leaned heavily into the World Cup as well as…
Jun 29, 2026 Domino’s CEO’s surprising announcement, LongHorn Steakhouse’s shocking performance, and a bevy of Starbucks news
In this week’s episode of Extra Serving , hosts Alicia Kelso and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister dive into the latest developments shaping the restaurant industry. Domino’s Pizza makes headlines as CEO Russell Weiner announces his retirement, leaving big shoes to fill for successor Joe Jordan. The duo discusses the legacy of bold campaigns and market share dominance that defined Weiner’s tenure. Meanwhile, Darden…
Jun 22, 2026 Pizza Hut’s sale, Jersey Mike’s new crown, KFC’s next chapter
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Yum! Brands’ sale of Pizza Hut, Jersey Mike’s overtaking of Chick-fil-A in a major consumer sentiment study, and KFC’s announcement that it was entering a new chapter for growth. First up is Pizza Hut, which was officially sold by Yum! Brands in two transactions…
Jun 15, 2026 Cracker Barrel claws back, KFC explores table service, and menu innovations galore
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Cracker Barrel’s newfound momentum, KFC’s ongoing revitalization, and a menu innovation boom across the industry. First up is Cracker Barrel, which is continuing in its comeback after last year’s controversial rebrand derailed growth. In its most recent quarter,…
Jun 8, 2026 McDonald’s new strategy, World Cup marketing, and creative pricing
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including McDonald’s new corporate strategy, the World Cup’s plentiful promotions, and how brands are strategically leveraging pricing in their marketing. First up is McDonald’s, which announced its new McDonald’s Next corporate strategy that emphasizes operational efficiency…
Jun 1, 2026 Wendy’s new CEO, Starbucks AI walk-back, and CAVA’s big quarter
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Wendy’s hiring a new CEO, Starbucks ditching an AI tool, and CAVA cruising in the first quarter. First up is Wendy’s, which announced that it was hiring former Potbelly CEO Bob Wright as its next CEO. Wright had three previous stints as an executive at Wendy’s, and Sam…
May 26, 2026 Trends to watch according to the National Restaurant Association Show
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso sit down after three days at the National Restaurant Association Show — the biggest foodservice event in the Western Hemisphere, featuring more than 55,000 foodservice professionals from 112 countries and roughly 2,300 exhibitors — to discuss some of the biggest trends they saw from the show floor. This includes…
May 18, 2026 Jack in the Box’s leadership shakeup, Papa Johns' retail move, and 2025’s winners and losers
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Jack in the Box’s CEO transition, Papa Johns’ big retail play, and results from the most recent Top 500. First up is Jack in the Box, which replaced CEO Lance Tucker after just over a year on the job with interim CEO Mark King — former CEO of Taco Bell. Sam and Alicia…
May 11, 2026 Inspire’s plans to go public, Burger King’s case for brand of the year, and Wendy’s worrisome woes
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Inspire Brands’ plans to go public plus earnings results from 18 currently public restaurant companies. First up is the news that Inspire had filed documents with the SEC to go public — a move that Sam and Alicia have anticipated for a few years, yet nevertheless feels…
May 8, 2026 Inside the National Restaurant Show: What to expect from the industry's biggest event
The biggest foodservice event in the western hemisphere is right around the corner, and Extra Serving is offering a first-hand look at what's in store. That's right, the annual National Restaurant Association Show is coming up this May 16-19 in Chicago, and for regular attendees and newcomers alike we've got the tips that will help you maximize your time at the show. Join Nation's Restaurant News editor-in-chief…
May 4, 2026 Chipotle swings positive, Starbucks wows, and Wingstop lays an egg
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including the latest earnings results from Chipotle, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Domino’s, Chili’s, and Wingstop. First up is Chipotle, which earned positive same-store sales (albeit ever so slightly) after a negative 2025. Even more noteworthy: a quarter of all transactions included…
May 1, 2026 How Defined Hospitality leads with passion and authenticity
On the surface, Defined Hospitality's restaurants might not seem to have much in common. The Philadelphia-based restaurant group's operations include Kalaya, a southern Thai restaurant from Chef Nok Suntaranon; Pizzeria Beddia, a specialty pie spot from Chef Joe Beddia; Suraya, a spacious Lebanese café and market; and Picnic, a restaurant and wine store housed in a converted brewery and known for its rotisserie…
Apr 27, 2026 Starbucks’ east coast move, McDonald’s major milestone, and Little Caesars’ new delivery method
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Starbucks’ new Nashville office, McDonald’s unit-count surge, and Little Caesars’ new drone delivery test. First up is Starbucks, which announced two initiatives last week: a $100 million new office in Nashville that helps it establish a stronger East Coast presence,…
Apr 20, 2026 New AI developments, McDonald's big beverage upgrade, and Red Lobster's return to endless shrimp
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso sit down at the Restaurant Leadership Conference to discuss the latest restaurant news, including Starbucks and Little Caesars partnering with ChatGPT, McDonald's upgrading its beverage menu, and Red Lobster bringing back Endless Shrimp. First up is the news of Starbucks and Little Caesars partnering with ChatGPT, which…
Apr 13, 2026 Chick-fil-A’s crazy sales, Chili’s big milestone, and Taco Bell’s new flavor enhancer
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Chick-fil-A’s wild 2025 sales figures, Chili’s position on the casual-dining leaderboard, and Taco Bell’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Diablo Dust. First up is Chick-fil-A, which released its latest Franchise Disclosure Document detailing 5.2% sales growth in 2025. Sam…
Apr 10, 2026 When hospitality becomes unreasonable, with food writer Adam Reiner
After working front-of-the-house roles at fine dining restaurants in New York City like Carbone, Baboo, and the Grill, Adam Reiner has seen all sorts of dining behavior. He’d like to help improve the dining experience for both diners and restaurants. His book "The New Rules of Dining Out" explores how diners can be active participants in the dining experience and start to see themselves as partners, not just…
Apr 6, 2026 Starbucks offers baristas bonuses, McDonald’s raises the value bar, and Shake Shack goes full tech
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN executive editor Alicia Kelso and managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including workforce news at Starbucks and Burger King (along with the monthly jobs report), another potentially game-changing value move at McDonald’s, and major tech updates at Shake Shack. First up is the labor market. The March jobs report showed a slight…
Mar 30, 2026 Domino’s revs up Pizza Tracker, McDonald’s sees modest bump from Big Arch, and Noodles & Co. explores ramen
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Domino’s updates to its Pizza Tracker app, McDonald’s modest traffic bump from the Big Arch, and Noodles & Co.’s terrific Q4 performance. First up is Domino’s, which updated its Pizza Tracker app, which allows customers to see the progress of their pizza order. The…
Mar 23, 2026 Burger King takes a page from Domino’s, Darden keeps defying odds, and Fat Brands gets a lifeline
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Burger King’s new ad campaign, Darden’s impressive sales performance, and Fat Brands’ lifeline in the midst of its bankruptcy proceedings. First up is Burger King, which introduced a new advertisement during the Oscars ceremony that crowned its customers as the new…
Mar 16, 2026 Taco Bell’s new menu reveal, gas prices’ threat to restaurants, and Starbucks’ loyalty update
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Taco Bell’s big menu announcement, the impact that surging gas prices could have on restaurants’ recovery, and Starbucks’ overhaul of its massively popular loyalty program. First up is Taco Bell, which hosted its annual Live Mas Live event in Hollywood earlier this…
Mar 9, 2026 McDonald’s Big Arch controversy, Cracker Barrel’s sales woes, and alarming data about closures
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including that McDonald’s CEO video, Cracker Barrel’s ongoing sales woes, and new data that shows red flags for full-service restaurants. First up is the Big Arch video controversy, in which McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski was skewered for posting a video of himself eating the…
Mar 2, 2026 McDonald’s ‘Big’ new menu item, Domino’s pizza dominance, and a fast casual’s no-good-very-bad quarter
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including McDonald’s Big Arch Burger coming to the U.S., Domino’s incredible dominance over its pizza competitors, and Sweetgreen’s disastrous fourth quarter. First up is McDonald’s, which announced that its Big Arch Burger — which has tested internationally since 2024 — would…
Feb 27, 2026 Moving to the 'burbs: Why BondSt chef Marc Spitzer opened a new spot in Roslyn, NY
After commuting from Long Island for decades as a partner and longtime chef at BondSt in New York City, Marc Spitzer was considering opening a restaurant in Long Island near where he grew up and lived. He teamed up with Noam Shemel, a real estate investor and Long Island native who had a deep understanding of the area, particularly the affluent North Shore. Their first venture is Okaru, a sophisticated Japanese…
Feb 23, 2026 Burger King’s president on speed dial, Wingstop’s sales hit a wall, and LTOs aren’t working like they used to
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Burger King’s president’s invitation to guests to give him a call, Wingstop’s first negative sales year in two decades, and why limited-time offers don’t seem to work quite as well as they used to. First up is Burger King, which is enjoying some sales momentum as it…
Feb 17, 2026 Wendy’s brutal sales, McDonald’s big momentum, and Dutch Bros' infinite runway
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Wendy’s huge sales plunge, McDonald’s impressive momentum, and Dutch Bros’ ongoing surge in sales and unit growth. First up is Wendy’s, which reported that its Q4 same-store sales dropped a whopping 11%, while 2025 sales were down 8%. While Wendy’s expected sales to be…
Feb 9, 2026 Chipotle’s in a funk, Taco Bell cannot be stopped, and snacks are all the rage
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Chipotle’s negative sales year, Taco Bell’s ongoing dominance, and the incredible growth in snacks. First up is Chipotle, which last week reported that its same-store sales declined 1.7% in 2025. CEO Scott Boatwright introduced a “Recipe for Growth” plan that has five…
Feb 6, 2026 Philadelphia-based chef Tyler Akin on the benefits of hotel dining
Chef Tyler Akin has a long and impressive bio. Earlier in his career, he worked at Zahav in Philadelphia and Mini Bar and Komi in D.C. More recently, he opened Bastia in Philadelphia's Hotel Anna & Bel, which helped solidify his role in redefining hotel dining. But a lot is going on behind the scenes with Akin. Many of his projects he describes as "white label," meaning he's brought on to create a signature dish,…
Feb 2, 2026 Chili’s secret ingredient, Starbucks’ solid quarter, and lessons from the Fat Brands debacle
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Chili’s continued sales growth, Starbucks’ solid quarter, and Fat Brands’ bankruptcy. First up is Chili’s, which reported its 19th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth. Sam and Alicia break down the remarkable performance and how the company has positioned…
Jan 26, 2026 Restaurant closures, casual-dining value offerings, and a fast-casual chain’s big aim
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including expectations for fourth-quarter earnings, casual-dining value roll-outs, and a regional chain with plans to go national. First up is a look ahead at fourth-quarter earnings, which kick off in earnest this week with Starbucks and Brinker. What should we expect to learn…
Jan 20, 2026 2026’s dim prospects, Chipotle’s undesirable milestone, and the state of the value wars
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including expert predictions for 2026, Chipotle’s negative year, and the ongoing value wars. First up is 2026 predictions, specifically as it relates to the economy; Sam and Alicia both traveled to Florida last week for separate conferences where they heard more about 2026…
Jan 12, 2026 Chick-fil-A’s biggest marketing campaign ever, plus ominous signs for regional chains
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including the surge in marketing and value deals from restaurant chains, Chick-fil-A’s biggest marketing campaign ever, and red flags from smaller, regional chains across the U.S. First up is marketing news from across the restaurant industry, as 2026 has already seen…
Jan 5, 2026 5 restaurant resolutions for 2026, plus the explosion in protein and implosion of Sprinkles
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including the rise in protein menus across the restaurant industry and the news that Sprinkles Cupcakes had shuttered. They also offer their five resolutions for the restaurant industry in 2026. First up is protein, which is surging on menus as more consumers embrace…
Dec 19, 2025 Building a culture of hospitality and growth with Cameron Mitchell's Katie Laudick
Katie Laudick perfectly encapsulates Cameron Mitchell's Restaurants' growth-from-within philosophy. She worked her way up from server and HR intern to become the company's chief people officer. She now helps to hire, train, and maintain the company's culture throughout the restaurant group's 6,000 employees and over 70 restaurants, which include Ocean Prime, Del Mar, and Hudson 29. Katie tells guest host Gloria…
Dec 15, 2025 Cracker Barrel’s sales tumble, Sweetgreen’s value play, plus 2026 trends to watch
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Cracker Barrel’s post-logo-change sales slump, Sweetgreen’s introduction of a $10 value bowl, and restaurant trend expectations for the year ahead. First up is Cracker Barrel, which continues to reel after its rebrand and logo change from earlier in the year.…
Dec 12, 2025 Drew Nieporent reflects on decades in the restaurant industry
If you regularly dined out in New York City over the last 40 years, you've probably eaten at one of Drew Nieporent's restaurants. He opened nearly 40 of them, mostly in New York. His most well-known restaurant is, of course, Nobu, the restaurant that started the global sushi franchise. However, earlier on, there was Montrachet, a groundbreaking spot in Tribeca that maintained its three-star rating from The New…
Dec 8, 2025 McDonald’s Christmas miracle, Subway’s sub flub, and the power of simplicity
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including McDonald’s big win with its Grinch Meal, Subway’s controversial Sub Club revamp, and the trend of restaurant companies pushing more for menu simplicity. First up is McDonald’s new Grinch Meal release, which came with either a Big Mac or 10-piece McNugget,…
Dec 1, 2025 Burger King’s marketing shift, Gen Alpha’s dominance, and some not-so-great traffic data
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Burger King’s menu and marketing shifts, Gen Alpha’s growing importance, and the latest data on fast-food and fast-casual traffic. First up is Burger King, which is rolling out a new campaign — including four new menu items — tied to the film “The SpongeBob…
Nov 24, 2025 Panera’s plan to reclaim dominance, Jack in the Box’s big struggles, and public chains go private
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Panera Bread’s plan to reclaim its fast-casual dominance, Jack in the Box’s brutal sales report, and Topgolf’s sale to a private-equity group. First up is Panera, a chain that is considered one of the OGs of fast casual but which has had…
Nov 17, 2025 What to expect of beverages in 2026, Starbucks’ merch controversy, and full service explores value
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief SamOches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including (yes, more) updates on beverages and what could happen to the category in 2026, plus the barista strike and “Bearista” bonanza at Starbucks. First, Alicia offers her recap of the recent Restaurant Finance & Development Conference (RFDC), where she says…
Nov 10, 2025 Was this 2025’s craziest restaurant news week yet? Breaking down all the M&A, earnings news
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news — and wow was there a lot of it, from M&A moves to a glut of meaningful earnings reports. They start with the M&A headlines, exploring the Denny’s acquisition, Starbucks’ sale of its China business, and Yum’s strategic review of Pizza Hut. What do these moves mean for…
Nov 2, 2025 Chili’s wows once more while Chipotle struggles and everyone else turns to beverages
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including earnings reports from Chili’s, Chipotle, Starbucks, Shake Shack, and more, plus all the beverage news that’s fit to podcast and a roundup of new menu items with senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn. First up is a recap of the week’s earnings, which…
Oct 31, 2025 Big Mamma's Victor Lugger on bringing restaurant payments into the 21st century
The pandemic might have pushed Victor Lugger to create a payment app, but he argues that paying at restaurants has always been a bit broken. Asking for a check. Handing diners a printed piece of paper. Going back and forth with a credit card. “It seems insane,” Victor Lugger, the co-founder of Big Mamma restaurant group and the app Sunday, told guest host Gloria Dawson. He discusses why he was inspired to change…
Oct 27, 2025 Starbucks’ plans for AI, how the AWS outage hurt restaurants, and why Q3 could be bad
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Starbucks’ plans for AI, how the AWS outage hurt restaurants, and why Q3 is shaping up to be a tough one for restaurant sales. First up is Starbucks, which continues to look for a buyer for its China business and which is now officially testing its…
Oct 21, 2025 Jack in the Box gives up on Del Taco, guests get deal fatigue, and Domino’s crushes Q3
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Jack in the Box’s sale of Del Taco, new data that shows consumers are getting deal fatigue from QSR brands, and Domino’s third quarter sales that were up more than 5%. First up is Jack in the Box, which only three years ago purchased Del Taco for nearly…
Oct 13, 2025 Domino’s big refresh, Wendy’s strategic shift, and McDonald’s Snack Wrap struggles
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Domino’s brand refresh, Wendy’s new strategic plan, and McDonald’s Snack Wrap struggles. First up is Domino’s, which refreshed its branding with new colors, a new font, and even its first-ever jingle, recorded by Grammy-nominated musician Shaboozey. Sam and…
Oct 6, 2025 Loyalty program innovations, value deals galore, and the chicken wars heat up
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including innovations in loyalty programs, new value deal launches, and how non-chicken brands are crashing the chicken party. First up is news around loyalty programs; McDonald’s is connecting its famed Monopoly game to its loyalty program, while Krystal is launching…
Oct 3, 2025 How chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley of The View creates a menu that is straightforward yet delicious
For executive chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley, the draw of The View wasn’t the novelty of the rotating restaurant or the history behind the space. It was the new owners — Union Square Hospitality Group. The restaurant group reopened the historic restaurant earlier this year. Before her role at The View, Meek-Bradley spent time at restaurants in Northern California, New York City, and D.C., including stints at…
Sep 29, 2025 Chick-fil-A joins the beverage bandwagon, plus a whole lot of restaurant closures
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Chick-fil-A’s planned beverage concept, Starbucks’ layoffs, and a plethora of store closures. First up is Chick-fil-A, which announced that it would open a new concept called Daybright in Atlanta, serving specialty coffees, smoothies, juices, and more. It’s…
Sep 22, 2025 Cracker Barrel’s results are in, Olive Garden shrinks its portions, and Starbucks is getting sued
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Cracker Barrel’s sales results from its eventful quarter, Olive Garden’s big bet on small portions, and Starbucks employees’ lawsuit against the company. First up is Cracker Barrel, which reported a sales increase in its most recent quarter — but also a…
Sep 19, 2025 How Chef India Doris weaves her identity and experience into NYC's Markette
India Doris traveled the world, soaking up knowledge and culinary skills from a young age. She “grew up” in the restaurant world at a time when fine dining meant French. But when it came time to open her own fine dining restaurant — Markette in New York City — she made sure the menu, and the vibes, were all her. Her menu blends her Caribbean roots and her time cooking in England, France, and Spain, as…
Sep 15, 2025 Yum’s exec shake-up, Potbelly’s acquisition, and inflation warning signs
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Yum Brands’ C-suite shake-up, RaceTrac’s Potbelly acquisition, and concerning data on inflation and jobs. First up is Yum Brands, which announced a shake-up of the C-suite that included adding a new title for Taco Bell CEO Sean Tresvant plus the exit of chief…
Sep 8, 2025 Taco Bell’s AI glitches, Starbucks enjoys its best week ever, and McDonald’s draws a line in the sand
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Taco Bell’s plans for voice AI in the drive thru, Starbucks’ best week ever, McDonald’s issue with tipped wages, and M&A activity heating up. First up is Taco Bell, which found itself in headlines when a viral video showed its voice AI glitching when a…
Sep 5, 2025 Founding Farmers' Dan Simons on advocating for farmers and employees
Dan Simons, Founding Farmers co-founder, opened his first restaurant in 2008 before terms like sustainability and farm-to-table were commonplace on menus. Today the farmer-owned restaurant continues to help set the standards for how a mission-driven company can meet the needs of farmers, guests, and employees. Speaking to guest host Gloria Dawson, Dan discusses how everything from the Black Lives Matters…
Sep 1, 2025 Taylor Swift engagement mania, NFL promo deals, and the future of veganism
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso start by talking about the biggest story in the restaurant industry — Taylor Swift’s engagement to Travis Kelce, of course. Indeed, the news captured the attention of not just Swifties but also nearly every brand in America, as companies rushed to meme-ify the engagement or otherwise ride its coattails. Alicia…
Aug 25, 2025 McDonald’s scores with value, Chipotle takes to the skies, and Cracker Barrel becomes a lightning rod
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso tackle a noisy week for restaurants, including McDonald’s value moves, Chipotle’s drone delivery, and the national uproar around Cracker Barrel. First up is McDonald’s, which is driving buzz with a number of menu moves, including two special meal deals — the nostalgic McDonaldland Meal and the BTS Happy Meal…
Aug 18, 2025 Puzzling over restaurants’ strange Q2, featuring CAVA, Red Robin, Chili’s, and more
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso try to dissect 2025’s bizarre second quarter and the flashing warning signs that the industry sees in consumer behavior. First up is an analysis of CAVA, which was once a sure-fire success but which experienced a more or less flat quarter, sending its stock price plummeting. Combined with the struggles at…
Aug 11, 2025 What to learn from a crazy earnings week, including results from McDonald’s, Applebee’s, Wendy’s, and more
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the whopping 18 companies that reported earnings last week, from the good (McDonald’s, Applebee’s, Dutch Bros, Taco Bell, and BJ’s) to the bad (Pizza Hut and KFC) to the very bad (Wendy’s, Jack in the Box, and Sweetgreen). Alicia connects the dots on how the companies that are focusing on their core menu…
Aug 4, 2025 Wingstop’s high-tech success, Shake Shack’s plans to support growth, and what’s going wrong at Starbucks
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Wingstop’s latest quarterly earnings, which may have seemed disappointing — same-store sales were down 1.9% — but are actually impressive when you consider the fact that it’s compared with a 28.7% growth from the same time period a year ago. Sam and Alicia discuss what’s been key to that…
Jul 28, 2025 Domino’s earnings success, Chipotle’s value problem, and McDonald’s new beverage plan
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN executive editor Alicia Kelso and managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister discuss the beginnings of earnings season. Domino’s numbers were better than we’ve come to expect from the pizza chain as they claw back market share. What’s the secret, and can it continue? Next, they talk about Chipotle’s earnings, which were grimmer: That brand saw a same-store sales decline for the second…
Jul 21, 2025 KFC’s comeback plan, McDonald’s Snack Wrap boom, and a peek at Chili’s marketing strategy
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss KFC’s new comeback campaign, which includes a mad-looking Colonel Sanders and an invitation for guests to share their input (plus free chicken). KFC has been in need of a comeback for a while; could this finally be the plan that works? Next they talk about McDonald’s Snack Wrap launch, which reportedly…
Jul 14, 2025 The pizza value wars heat up, Burger King innovates with the Whopper, and TV ads are important again
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss how pizza chains like Domino’s, Little Caesars, and Pizza Hut are increasingly turning to value deals to get customers’ attention. It’s no surprise in a year when so many other restaurant chains are leveraging value, but what does it signify about where pizza is headed — especially now that virtually all…
Jul 7, 2025 How the Big Beautiful Bill affects restaurants, new menu R&D gets exclusive, and what to know about falling traffic
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso unpack the Trump Administration’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ which cleared the House on Thursday and was signed into law by President Trump on Friday. What should restaurant leaders know about the bill and how it affects their business? Sam and Alicia break it down. Next they discuss new menu items from across the…
Jun 30, 2025 Taco Bell’s beverage bet, McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme split, and immigration raids’ impact on sales
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Taco Bell’s announcement that it would expand its Live Mas Café platform to an additional 30 locations before the end of the year — and eventually to all U.S. locations. The test at a San Diego location has been so successful that Taco Bell expects beverage could be a $5 billion platform by 2030. So…
Jun 23, 2025 The most satisfying restaurant chains, Darden’s impressive results, and what to make of MAHA
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index, which once again named Chick-fil-A and Texas Roadhouse as the top fast-food and full-service chains according to guest satisfaction. What do this year’s rankings say about the state of the restaurant industry — and how brands can keep guests satisfied…
Jun 16, 2025 Chicken, beverage, value: Updates on the 3 biggest restaurant trends of the year
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the three biggest trends of 2025: chicken, beverages, and value deals. First up is chicken, as they talk about Taco Bell’s new Crispy Chicken Tacos and Burritos, Culver’s new chicken lineup, and Chick-fil-A’s two new sandwich tests. As major chains pile on the surge in chicken offerings, how can we expect…
Jun 9, 2025 Popeyes’ fires first shot in chicken wrap wars, Sweetgreen seasons things up, and Dave’s gets the big money
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Popeyes’ new Chicken Wraps, which come in three varieties and appear to be a direct shot at McDonald’s, which is preparing to re-release its Snack Wraps. Have the Chicken Sandwich Wars suddenly become the Chicken Wrap Wars? Sam and Alicia discuss the trend and why we could see a tsunami of wrap activity…
Jun 2, 2025 CosMc’s is kaput, Red Robin shows signs of life, and the summer of value is here
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss McDonald’s announcement that it would shutter its CosMc’s locations after barely a year and a half in business. Is CosMc’s a massive failure for the company, or did McDonald’s get everything it needed out of its sister concept? Sam and Alicia debate. Then they discuss Red Robin’s surprising first-quarter…
May 27, 2025 Darden closures, McDonald’s late-night hours, and Portillo’s smaller footprint
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso share their thoughts on the recent National Restaurant Association Show, the biggest restaurant event in the world that’s held each year in Chicago. Their perspective? Expect more innovation around beverages, personalization, and AI. Then they discuss Darden’s announcement that it would shutter two Seasons 52…
May 19, 2025 CAVA is crushing, Luckin Coffee is officially stateside, and ‘uncertainty’ is the word of the year
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso talk about the trend of international brands growing into the U.S., which included the first U.S. opening of Luckin Coffee last week (the Chinese coffee chain has 23,000 locations globally). Will Luckin, tea concept Chagee, and other international brands like Jollibee find success with U.S. consumers even as…
May 12, 2025 The problem with breakfast, some surprising restaurant success, and DoorDash’s global conquest
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso recap another week of Q1 earnings reports. This week brought more optimistic news than last, with companies like Burger King, Noodles & Co., and Dine Brands reporting better than expected (albeit in some cases still negative) results. First, though, Sam and Alicia explore breakfast and family dining chains,…
May 5, 2025 The good, the bad, and the ugly of restaurants’ Q1 performance
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso recap the week in Q1 earnings reports, which saw results from companies like Yum Brands, Brinker, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Wendy’s. They start with the bad: Many chains, including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Starbucks, experienced negative sales and traffic as consumers tightened their belts in a shaky economy. In…
Apr 30, 2025 Get to Know a Nonprofit, Episode 4: Giving Kitchen
Throughout the month of April, Extra Serving is bringing you a new bonus content series: Get to Know a Nonprofit, highlighting nonprofit organizations that either benefit members of the restaurant industry or actively work through the restaurant industry to benefit others.    Next up in Get to Know a Nonprofit is Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides emergency assistance for foodservice…
Apr 28, 2025 Chipotle’s surprising sales, Jersey Mike’s big CEO change, and McDonald’s new menu item
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Chipotle first-quarter earnings, in which both sales and traffic were down. Considering Chipotle’s incredible success since the early days of the pandemic, the results — largely influenced by a volatile consumer season marred by bad weather events, wildfires, rampant sickness, and political uncertainty…
Apr 21, 2025 Starbucks’ dress code, Red Robin’s bottomless burgers, and top chain performance trends
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Starbucks’ new uniform policy, which calls for neutral-color clothing that lets the brand’s signature green apron stand out. Employees aren’t happy about the change, but could it be another smart step in the turnaround process kicked off by new CEO Brian Niccol? Then they discuss Red Robin’s new…
Apr 18, 2025 Get to Know a Nonprofit, Episode 3: National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
Throughout the month of April, Extra Serving is bringing you a new bonus content series: Get to Know a Nonprofit, highlighting nonprofit organizations that either benefit members of the restaurant industry or actively work through the restaurant industry to benefit others.  Next up in Get to Know a Nonprofit is the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, or NRAEF, which is the nonprofit…
Apr 11, 2025 Introducing the Power List, Biglari makes El Pollo his next target, and the status of inflation
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the 2025 Power List, which features 52 of the most powerful women in foodservice. They explain why a list such as this is still necessary in closing the gender parity gap within foodservice leadership, and how these 52 women provide a model for women in the development pipeline across the…
Apr 10, 2025 Get to Know a Nonprofit, Episode 2: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Throughout the month of April, Extra Serving is bringing you a new bonus content series: Get to Know a Nonprofit, highlighting nonprofit organizations that either benefit members of the restaurant industry or actively work through the restaurant industry to benefit others.    Next up in Get to Know a Nonprofit is Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), the largest independent charity dedicated to…
Apr 7, 2025 Hooters’ bankruptcy, Yum’s CEO to retire, and what to know about tariffs
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Hooters’ bankruptcy filing and the fact that it would be entirely franchised moving into the future — with leadership from the original founders. What can Hooters due to become relevant to the U.S. customer again? Then they discuss Yum Brands’ announcement that CEO David Gibbs would retire in 2026,…
Apr 3, 2025 Get to Know a Nonprofit, Episode 1: Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry
Throughout the month of April, Extra Serving is bringing you a new bonus content series: Get to Know a Nonprofit, highlighting nonprofit organizations that either benefit members of the restaurant industry or actively work through the restaurant industry to benefit others.  First up in Get to Know a Nonprofit is Share Our Strength and its No Kid Hungry campaign. One in five U.S. kids is at risk of hunger,…
Mar 31, 2025 McDonald’s beats Starbucks in key metric and more restaurant chains hit retail shelves
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the recent report that McDonald’s had surpassed Starbucks in global brand valuation. After an eight-year run at the top, Starbucks’ valuation declined 36% last year to drop it to No. 2, and Sam and Alicia talk about the significance of this change and some other surprises in the top 10 most valuable…
Mar 24, 2025 Yum’s big AI innovation, red flags with consumer sentiment, and Darden’s reason for optimism
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso start by talking about Alicia’s recent trip to Atlanta, where she visited Zaxby’s headquarters and learned about how the fast-casual chain is preparing for a big growth push; stay tuned for Alicia’s story in the coming weeks. Then they discuss Yum’s partnership with Nvidia, which will fuel the restaurant…
Mar 17, 2025 McDonald’s plan to beat back competitors, Starbucks’ plan to become a coffeeshop again
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso start by talking about the 5-year anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic and reflect on how much the restaurant industry has changed in those five years. Then they discuss McDonald’s new Restaurant Experience Team and how it’s designed to push back against rising competitors by bringing new ideas to market faster,…
Mar 10, 2025 Taco Bell’s cult-like following, Wendy’s big growth plans, and chains slashing menus
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Alicia’s time at Taco Bell’s Live Mas Live event in New York City, where company leaders announced that they would double their menu rollouts in 2025. Sam and Alicia discuss the rarefied air that Taco Bell occupies, where it’s built a cult-like following among younger consumers and can continue to…
Mar 3, 2025 How CAVA, Domino’s, Jack in the Box, Red Robin, and more fared in the latest quarter
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss sales results from several prominent restaurant companies, including Domino’s, CAVA, Sweetgreen, Jack in the Box, and more. With some outliers, both for good (CAVA) and bad (Krispy Kreme), restaurants were relatively stagnant in both sales and traffic, and many companies are reporting that customers…
Feb 24, 2025 KFC’s move to Texas, the mirage of sales growth, new menu items from Taco Bell and more
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss KFC’s announcement that it would move its U.S. headquarters from Louisville, Ky., to Plano, Texas. The news is personal for Louisville-based Alicia, who shares the dismay of many from around the industry who think it’s a mistake to take Kentucky Fried Chicken out of Kentucky. Plus they talk about recent…
Feb 18, 2025 Dutch Bros’ torrid pace, McDonald’s bumpy road, low-income consumers tighten belts
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss recent earnings reports from major restaurant companies, results of which have so far been a mixed bag. First up is Dutch Bros, which just crossed the 1,000-unit mark and enjoyed massive sales growth in 2024. Could its ceiling be even higher than the 4,000-unit goal it set for itself? On the other…
Feb 10, 2025 Chipotle’s winning ways, Yum’s new AI division, and restaurant growth in 2025
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the news that Dine Brands is laying off 9% of its corporate workforce as Applebee’s and IHOP continue to languish with stagnant sales and traffic. How might these chains capture some momentum like full-service peer Chili’s? Plus, Chipotle reported positive sales and transaction growth in Q4; Sam and…
Feb 3, 2025 Chili’s eye-popping results, Chuck E. Cheese rebound, and exciting new menu collabs
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the never-ending news cycle that is Starbucks, where new CEO Brian Niccol has welcomed some familiar faces into the executive suite and instituted several operational changes designed to improve sales and traffic. Plus they talk about Chili’s, which announced a staggering 31.4% same-store sales…
Jan 27, 2025 New loyalty programs, Starbucks’ layoffs, Hot ‘n Now’s resurrection campaign
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the news that Hot ‘n Now — a Michigan-based burger quick serve that once had 150 locations but is now down to just one — is planning to jumpstart growth again, spearheaded by a developer who plans to use modular build-outs. In the wake of the news that Chi-Chi’s and Steak & Ale…
Jan 17, 2025 Shake Shack’s big growth goals, Papa Johns’ course correction, Twin Peaks’ IPO
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the biggest headlines coming out of the ICR Conference, which was held last week in Orlando. First they talk about Papa Johns, whose CEO, Todd Penegor, said the company would leverage local-store marketing, tech investments, and menu innovation to turn sales around. Next up is Shake Shack, which is…
Jan 13, 2025 Why M&A is picking up, McDonald's reworks big policy, KFC aims to transform
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss McDonald's announcement that it would walk back its official DEI policy, and why restaurants still must aim to diversify their talent pipelines. Plus they talk about KFC and its transformation plan; will this finally bring momentum the brand so desperately needs? Finally, managing editor Leigh Anne…
Jan 6, 2025 Two early trends for 2025, Noodles & Co.’s struggles, and the potential in breakfast
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss two trends that have already made themselves known in the early days of 2025: value menus and beverage innovation. How might these two trends influence the restaurant industry in the year ahead? And how can restaurants put value menus to work for them without getting stuck with discounted…
Dec 20, 2024 KFC’s new tenders brand, Darden’s impressive performance, PizzaExpress’s plans for the U.S.
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss KFC’s new Saucy concept, a spinoff brand opening in Orlando that is built around chicken tenders plus a wide variety of sauces and beverages. Why might KFC be going in this direction? And why are so many legacy chains launching spinoff concepts? Plus they discuss the biggest headlines of 2024’s…
Dec 16, 2024 Taco Bell’s new beverage concept, Papa Johns turnaround plan, and Starbucks’ better benefits
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Taco Bell’s new Live Mas Café, a beverage-focused prototype that follows McDonald’s CosMc’s concept as well as the boom in drive-thru coffee chains like Dutch Bros and 7 Brew. Will this prove to be a fruitful direction in a beverage-crazed world or a distraction from the core business model? Plus, Papa Johns…
Dec 9, 2024 Chi-Chi’s resurrection, Pizza Hut’s drive thru, and a Top 500 preview
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the news that Michael McDermott, son of Chi-Chi’s founder Marno McDermott, plans to resurrect the Tex-Mex casual chain more than 20 years after it closed its last location. Will consumers be eager to embrace it? Plus, Alicia got a preview of Technomic’s Top 500 showcasing the 500 biggest restaurant chains in…
Dec 2, 2024 Subway’s CEO transition, catering’s potential, and consumer trends in 2025
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Subway’s announcement that CEO John Chidsey would retire and be replaced on an interim basis by Carrie Walsh, the company’s president of Europe, Middle East, and Africa. While Chidsey has accomplished plenty in his five years at the helm, Subway continues to struggle in a more competitive sandwich category;…
Nov 25, 2024 The Jersey Mike’s acquisition, McDonald’s new value meal, and food trends for 2025
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Blackstone’s acquisition of Jersey Mike’s. The brand’s founder and CEO Peter Cancro claimed it was still in the “early innings” of growth, so what should we expect from this sandwich player going forward? Plus, McDonald’s has had a busy couple of weeks, playing both offense (debuting the McValue menu, offering…
Nov 18, 2024 CAVA’s massive success, Wonder’s acquisition of Grubhub, and some good news for full service
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss CAVA’s massive third-quarter success, which included a same-store sales increase of 18.1% and 12.9% traffic growth. What is the limit for this fast-casual Mediterranean leader? Plus, learn more about Wonder’s acquisition of Grubhub and the one-stop-shop it appears to be building for food delivery. And in this…
Nov 11, 2024 The election’s impact on the restaurant industry and a recap of third quarter earnings
In this week’s episode of Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso recap the presidential election and how president-elect Donald Trump’s policies could potentially impact the restaurant industry. They also take a look at some down ballot legislation in certain states, such as minimum wage increases and tipped wages. Also, third quarter earnings are now largely behind us and…
Nov 4, 2024 Chipotle’s global plans, Chili’s shocking success, and a chat with the founder of a surging BBQ chain
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss third-quarter earnings reports from some of the biggest restaurant chains in America. Learn more about how McDonald’s is faring in the midst of an E. coli outbreak, why Wendy’s is closing 140 locations, how Chipotle plans to become a global powerhouse, how Chili’s is bucking the trend among…
Oct 28, 2024 McDonald’s E. coli outbreak, Starbucks’ performance woes, and Mo’Bettahs acquisition
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s, which was traced to the onions on its Quarter Pounders. As the fallout reverberates around the restaurant industry, Sam and Alicia recount how past food-borne illnesses have affected companies like Jack in the Box, Chipotle, and Chi-Chi’s. Plus, they talk about the…
Oct 21, 2024 Chipotle’s latest investments, KFC’s tenders, and Red Robin’s activist investor
In this week’s episode of Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Chipotle’s latest investments from its $100 million Cultivate Next fund, which included an AI supply chain firm as well as the fast-casual Mediterranean concept Brassica. Find out why they’re bullish on the Brassica investment despite Chipotle’s spotty history developing other concepts. Plus, KFC debuted…
Oct 14, 2024 Reflecting on CREATE, the McDonald’s/Krispy Kreme expansion, and SpongeBob SquarePants taking over menus
In this week’s episode of Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam and executive editor Alicia Kelso recap the CREATE and Investment Summit events, which brought emerging restaurateurs together in Nashville to network, exchange ideas, and explore financing opportunities. Plus, the McDonald’s/Krispy Kreme partnership is expanding to Chicago this week with a goal of becoming nationwide by the end of 2026. The…
Oct 7, 2024 McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac, Subway’s new unit goal, and who’s winning the value wars
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss McDonald’s announcement that it would offer the Chicken Big Mac for a limited time. Will it resonate with younger guests and find a place on the permanent menu? They also dig into Subway’s goal to open 10,000 locations internationally and whether a company that has closed thousands of locations in just a few…
Sep 30, 2024 Raising Cane’s big goal, Texas Roadhouse’s culture, and third-party delivery performance
In this week’s episode of Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Raising Cane’s recent team event in Cancun, Mexico, where founder Todd Graves outlined his goal for Raising Cane’s to become a top 10 restaurant chain with more than $10 billion in sales. Plus, Sam and Alicia discuss their visit to Texas Roadhouse’s support center in Louisville, Ky., where they were reporting…
Sep 23, 2024 Chipotle’s automation, Olive Garden delivers, and insights from a food tech conference
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Chipotle’s investment in automated kitchen equipment, including the Autocado and Augmented Makeline. How does this equipment improve the Chipotle operation and help it achieve its goal of 7,000 restaurants? Plus, they discuss Olive Garden’s decision to finally use third-party delivery and the results of…
Sep 16, 2024 McDonald’s value menu, Brian Niccol’s letter, and plant-based goes bust
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the fact that restaurant menu prices are still inching upward even as supermarket prices are essentially flat. That leads them to discuss McDonald’s $5 meal deal and the risk that major chains take when discounting their way out of negative traffic trends. Plus, Brian Niccol is officially the CEO of Starbucks and…
Sep 9, 2024 Fall menu trends, NFL players turned restaurateurs, and eatertainment’s struggles
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss all of the NFL players who have gone on to become restaurateurs, plus the recent news from Topgolf and Pinstripes that suggests the eatertainment category may not be riding as high as it once was. Then senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn joins to talk about this year’s fall menu trends — which, of course,…
Aug 30, 2024 Shake Shack’s bump in the road, CEO shake-ups, and the future of dynamic pricing
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the recent Prosper Forum in Amelia Island, Fla., plus the several CEO changes from across the restaurant industry. They also cover Shake Shack’s store closures, whether the better-burger trend has hit a bump in the road, and how Subway is clawing back from the $5 Footlong deal. Finally, for this week’s extra…
Aug 26, 2024 Chick-fil-A’s new elevated drive thru gives us a glimpse at the future
Welcome to a new and improved Extra Serving! This week, we’re introducing a new format where NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso talk about the biggest headlines of the week before rolling into the “extra serving” portion of the episode, where they welcome a colleague to the show to go deeper on a story.    This week, Sam and Alicia talk about Chick-fil-A’s new elevated drive…
Aug 19, 2024 Breaking down Starbucks' hire of Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol
This week on Extra Serving, editors Alicia Kelso, Joanna Fantozzi, and Sam Oches discuss the shocking news from last week that Starbucks would hire Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol for its chief executive role. What does this mean for the future at Starbucks? Find out in this conversation. Then, NRN's senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn sits down with brothers Zane and Brandon Hunt of fast-casual pizza chain…
Aug 9, 2024 Philz stands out in a coffee-heavy market
This week on Extra Serving, a podcast from Nation’s Restaurant News, managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister sat down with Mahesh Sadarangani and Andi Trindle Mersch of Philz Coffee.  Philz Coffee has been thriving in California for more than 20 years, and now it’s ready for more. With 70 locations as of the end of 2023, 64 of which are in the chain’s home state (the other six…
Aug 5, 2024 A restaurant veteran on the state of franchising
This week on Extra Serving, a podcast from Nation’s Restaurant News, editor-in-chief Sam Oches sits down with Lynette McKee, senior vice president of franchising for Potbelly Sandwich Works. Lynette is an industry franchising veteran who worked with Checkers, Dunkin’, and more before joining Potbelly last year. In this interview, conducted on the floor of the recent National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago,…
Jul 28, 2024 The state of the industry, according to this Mediterranean fast casual leader
This week on Extra Serving, a podcast from Nation’s Restaurant News, editor-in-chief Sam Oches sits down with Little Greek president and majority partner Nick Vojnovic. Nick is an industry veteran who was previously president of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s for many years, but since 2011 has been scaling the Mediterranean fast casual Little Greek.    In this interview, conducted on the floor of the recent…
Jul 22, 2024 How Just Salad innovates around sustainability
This week on Extra Serving, a podcast from Nation’s Restaurants News, editor-in-chief Sam Oches sits down with Just Salad supply chain and sustainability manager Alex Harden to talk about the brand’s innovation around sustainable operations and packaging. This interview, conducted on the floor of the recent National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, uncovers why Just Salad is so committed to sustainable…
Jul 12, 2024 How a restaurant acquisition impacts culinary and supply chain
This week on Extra Serving, a podcast from Nation’s Restaurant News, senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn sat down with Becca McIntyre, VP of culinary and supply chain at Craveworthy Brands. Craveworthy has been on a tear lately, adding Untamed Brands, parent company of Taim Mediterranean Kitchen and Hot Chicken Takeover, to its robust portfolio in May of this year. The restaurant group, founded just last…
Jul 11, 2024 How restaurants benefit from strategic tech integrations
In this special bonus episode of Extra Serving, a podcast from Nation’s Restaurant News, editor-in-chief Sam Oches sits down with colleague Jonathan Maze, editor-in-chief of Restaurant Business, to debrief their time at the National Restaurant Association Show. From THC drinks to snacks, there was plenty of food and beverage to discuss, but the editors were clear on one thing: technology investment remains…
Jul 5, 2024 How Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ plans to become the ‘best neighborhood barbecue in Texas’
This week on Extra Serving, a podcast from Nation’s Restaurant News, we’re sharing a recent conversation between NRN senior editor Joanna Fantozzi, and Smokey Mo’s president Craig Haley. Smokey Mo’s is an emerging fast-casual barbecue chain with 19 locations and counting in the state of Texas, and according to Craig, the brand is on a quest to be “the best neighborhood barbecue in Texas.” According to Technomic,…
Jun 28, 2024 How Sam ‘the Cooking Guy’ Zien became a content creator before social media even existed
This week on Extra Serving, a podcast from Nation’s Restaurant News, we’re sharing the first of many conversations we had with restaurant experts in Chicago at the National Restaurant Association Show this spring. As always, the Show was widely attended by vendors, operators, and — luckily for all who now get to enjoy this conversation — social-media stars.  Today, we’re sharing a chat between our…
Jun 25, 2024 CKE Restaurants CMO Jennifer Tate on free burgers, influencer marketing, and separating the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brands
On this bonus episode of Extra Serving, a podcast from Nation’s Restaurant News, we’re sharing a conversation between senior editor Bret Thorn and CKE Restaurants chief marketing officer Jennifer Tate . You may recall that back in April, we here at NRN published our annual Power List, highlighting 25 restaurant marketers who are creatively reaching guests leveraging the creator economy, and 25 social-media…
Jun 21, 2024 NRN Top 500: What’s up with pizza and dessert restaurants?
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, editors Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Sam Oches do a deep dive into the 2024 Technomic Top 500 data. Last week, we had a downer of a conversation about casual-dining unit retrenchment, so today we mixed it up by highlight some positive unit growth data. You might expect the largest chains to have an advantage when it comes to opening new…
Jun 18, 2024 How Wendy’s does influencer marketing
You may recall that back in April, we here at NRN published our annual Power List, highlighting 25 restaurant marketers who are creatively reaching guests leveraging the creator economy, and 25 social-media influencers creating innovative food content.  This week and next, we’re bringing you conversations with those marketers as they share their stories and tips. Today, we’re highlighting Kristin Tormey,…
Jun 14, 2024 A big week for menu innovation with new items at KFC, Krispy Kreme, and Taco Bell
This week on Extra Serving, a podcast from Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Sam Oches talk all things menu innovation. The week saw a new sauce at KFC, doughnut holes at Krispy Kreme, and Limonada Freeze at Taco Bell. The editors talk through why all of these updates make sense, and how restaurant operators can make menu changes with big operational shifts. Then, the editors pivot to…
Jun 7, 2024 The Top 500, Rubio’s bankruptcy, and Cracker Barrel’s rebrand
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Leigh Anne Zinsmeister, and Alicia Kelso discussed the Top 500 chains in the country. This week, NRN released its Top 500 report and the editors got into some of the nitty gritty from the past year’s financials and some trends they have noticed. The editors also talked about Rubio’s, which declared bankruptcy for…
May 31, 2024 Consumers' interests in pricing, discounting
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Alicia Kelso, and Joanna Fantozzi discussed the state of the consumer. There have been many conversations over the past few months about what consumers wants, what they consider “value” in an industry that’s seen prices rise substantially over the past five years. Quick-service brands like McDonald’s and Burger…
May 24, 2024 Red Lobster’s bankruptcy and whether flashy marketing moves can work
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches, and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about Red Lobster’s bankruptcy. It may be the biggest news of the week, but it’s also the least surprising: Red Lobster has declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In court documents, Red Lobster CEO Jonathan Tibus said that Red Lobster’s seafood supplier, Thai Union, which is…
May 17, 2024 Brand activations, Cheesecake Factory earnings, and the future of QSR with low-income consumers
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Leigh Anne Zinsmeister, and Ron Ruggless spoke about brand activations. This week, the writers took a break from earnings because frankly they’re all exhausted. NRN senior editor Ron Ruggless is on the pod this week and he talked about his recent experience with North Italia in Miami. He was there for a brand…
May 15, 2024 Bonus: Leaders from Chick-fil-A, Chili’s, and Taco Bell talk about their careers and the future of the industry
This week on a bonus episode of Extra Serving, a podcast by Nation’s Restaurant News, there are three interviews with restaurant executives to fill your feed. First is an interview with Erick McReynolds, VP of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Chick-fil-A. McReynolds has been in his post since 2021 and has been with the Atlanta-based chicken chain since 2007. Chick-fil-A has long been known for its Christian…
May 10, 2024 Quarterly earnings from Texas Roadhouse, El Pollo Loco, Bloomin’ Brands, and more
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches, and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister continued to speak about this quarter’s earnings. Since the editors last gathered for the pod, several companies have reported, including Bloomin’ Brands, El Pollo Loco, and Texas Roadhouse. The editors mentioned Texas Roadhouse last week, anticipating the brand’s positive…
May 3, 2024 Earnings calls from Yum Brands, Starbucks, Wingstop, and more restaurants
It’s earnings season, and the editors will be talking about it a lot over the next few weeks. So far, the outlook is mixed. Brands like KFC and Pizza Hut have taken a big fall, while Wingstop and Chipotle are seeing big gains. McDonald’s also had a tough quarter. While still up, the chain saw its value player status fall even further. Starbucks also had a hard quarter. It experienced a decrease in same-store sales…
Apr 26, 2024 Restaurant bankruptcies, Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s sale, and Chipotle’s impressive quarter
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches, and Alicia Kelso talked about the state of the financial market in the industry. While some brands are thriving, there are plenty of others that have been struggling. Many have either declared bankruptcy or are rumored to be. Tijuana Flats and Oberweis Dairy both declared Chapter 11 this week and the…
Apr 19, 2024 Food trends, influencer marketing, and Red Lobster’s future
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches, and Bret Thorn spoke about food trends. Senior food and beverage editor Thorn spoke about the latest food trends at chains and independents. Throughout the week on First Bite, Thorn covered some of the latest trends, including the “swicy” combination and the rise in sauces. The team gets into some…
Apr 12, 2024 Two female C-suite leaders discuss mentorship, finding a place in leadership, and how to make restaurants better
This week on Extra Serving, we have a special episode featuring two women in C-suite restaurant roles that aren’t typically held by women: finance and technology. There are two interviews with female executives, recorded last month during the Women’s Foodservice Forum Leadership Conference, that cover everything from how they’ve achieved success in their career to mentoring to what it means to be a woman in the…
Apr 5, 2024 Restaurant tech, California’s minimum wage, and the James Beard Awards
On this week’s episode of Extra Serving, a Nation’s Restaurant News podcast, NRN editors Holly Petre, Bret Thorn, and Joanna Fantozzi spoke about how restaurants are reacting to the introduction of AB 1228 in California. The bill, which went into effect on April 1, raised the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 an hour. Several restaurant and franchise groups prepared for the raise by laying off workers —…
Mar 29, 2024 Food trends and the McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme deal
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Bret Thorn discussed food trends. NRN’s resident food trend expert, senior food and beverage editor Thorn, talked about what’s going on in drinks, pizza, snacks, and more. He covered what’s hot in the industry now and what you should be looking out for in the R&D pipeline. Then, the editors talked…
Mar 22, 2024 The DEI pipeline in restaurants, the metaverse, and wings
This week, on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Leigh Anne Zinsmeister, and Alicia Kelso spoke about the slew of female CEOs that were appointed this week. In an industry that’s flooded with white male CEOs, seeing several female leaders in one month is unusual, let alone one week. That’s contrasted with companies like Yum Brands and Starbucks pulling back on…
Mar 15, 2024 The rise in snack items, Florida’s delivery law, and McDonald’s attempt to return to its value player status
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches, and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister talked about a new law in Florida that could impact third-party delivery services across the country. The Florida State Senate last week passed a bill that would protect restaurants and consumers from third-party delivery companies by requiring the possibility of…
Mar 8, 2024 NRN editors discuss the latest restaurant beverage trend, and what’s going on behind the scenes at Panera Bread
On this week’s episode of Extra Serving, a podcast by Nation’s Restaurant News, managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister, editor-in-chief Sam Oches, and senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn talk about the latest drink trend sweeping the nation. Adding cream to sodas is not a new concept, but in their current form, dirty sodas certainly feel new and exciting and they’re trending in large part thanks to…
Mar 6, 2024 BONUS: The can’t-miss restaurant industry event right around the corner
In this special episode of Extra Serving, NRN editor-in-chief Sam Oches talks with Chris Keating, EVP of Conferences for NRN parent Informa Foodservice. Sam and Chris talk about the upcoming Restaurant Leadership Conference (RLC), held April 14-17 in Phoenix, and why restaurant leaders should plan to attend this influential annual event. Chris shares more details on RLC’s program and speakers, how attendees can get…
Mar 1, 2024 CAVA, Applebee’s, IHOP, and that viral Wendy’s pricing comment
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, Nation’s Restaurant News editors Holly Petre, Alicia Kelso, and Joanna Fantozzi spoke about what feels like the longest earnings season ever. CAVA reported early this week, and showed that it’s still possible to have double-digit traffic gains in this economic environment. The brand, which went public in June 2023, has now seen three straight quarters of same-store sales…
Feb 24, 2024 Wingstop, Texas Roadhouse, GoTo Foods, and how Apple Vision Pro will impact the industry
This week, we’re going to be talking about some outliers. During the first half of earnings season, we have an idea of what the industry looks like and the results are not great. Most companies are seeing positive same-store sales in the low single digits. Except for Texas Roadhouse and Wingstop. The two brands on very different ends of the spectrum both saw higher than average sales growth with Wingstop seeing…
Feb 16, 2024 Taco Bell’s new menu items and restaurant industry financial rumors about Inspire Brands and Flynn Group
What’s up with Taco Bell? It released over a dozen new menu items in a futuristic display in Las Vegas and some of the items are wacky while others make sense for the brand. We’re also talking about some financial rumors on this week’s episode of the pod. Check it out.
Feb 9, 2024 Chipotle’s big numbers, the future of beef, and Valentine’s Day promotions
This week, the earnings conversation will focus on Chipotle, which saw massive gains during the fourth quarter. The fast-casual chain bucked all trends with a same-store sales increase of 8.4% with a 7.4% increase in transactions compared to a 1.6% decline industrywide. The editors talked about how Chipotle has managed to exceed both analyst and industry expectations and what this means for the future of Chipotle…
Feb 2, 2024 Earnings season predictions and Starbucks’ pace in the industry
What will this earnings season tell us about the industry? After what appeared to be a successful holiday season for restaurants, should we be seeing huge gains? In this episode, NRN editors give their predictions and what they’re looking out for over the next month as chains start to report in earnest.
Jan 26, 2024 Chipotle’s marketing to Gen Z, Applebee’s Date Night Pass, and America’s Favorite Chains
How is Chipotle marketing to Gen Z ahead of its busiest time of the year? Why are some customers labeling Applebee’s latest marketing promotion a “scam”? Find out more about these stories plus hear from the NRN team about America’s Favorite Chains. Check out America’s Favorite Chains here >> Get caught up on the LinkedIn Live explaining the data behind the report >>
Jan 19, 2024 The Carrols and Burger King deal, how the joint employer rule will impact restaurants
This week some huge news dropped: Burger King is acquiring its largest franchisee, Carrols Restaurant Group. What does this mean for Burger King? Plus, the joint employer rule is threatening the independence of franchisees but possibly to the benefit of workers. Who will win? Stay tuned to find out.
Jan 12, 2024 Capitalizing on virality and trends and Domino’s delivery future
Want to know why the recent Stanley cup by Starbucks collaboration went viral? Or how CPG is changing in the industry? Tune in to this week's episode of Extra Serving.
Jan 5, 2024 Pizza Hut layoffs, rising minimum wage, Pinstripes’ public offering, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s possible sale
What can you expect from California’s new minimum wage bill? According to Pizza Hut franchisees, the possible end to in-house delivery. Plus, hear what a possible sale for Tropical Smoothie Cafe could mean for the growing brand and how the IPO market is shaping up in 2024.
Dec 22, 2023 Chick-fil-A being open on Sundays, Chuck E. Cheese’s possible sale, and Olive Garden’s appeal
Could Chick-fil-A possibly ever be open on Sundays? Find out that and more including why Olive Garden has a generational appeal and how Chuck E. Cheese is planning a turnaround on this week’s episode of Extra Serving.
Dec 15, 2023 Specialty beverages, CosMc’s, and the future of Boston Market
Do you want to know the latest trend in restaurants or how McDonald’s is expanding its reach? Listen to this week’s episode of Extra Serving to hear what the NRN editors think about hot button issues in the industry.
Dec 8, 2023 Gen Z’s love of McDonald’s, Panera’s possible IPO and Starbucks’ holiday slump
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches, and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about Gen Z’s preferences. According to a new survey by dcdx titled Gen Z’s Top 25 Most Magnetic Brands, Gen Z is a fan of limited-service restaurants, with three brands on the list. Topping that list was McDonald’s, which jumped six spots from last year due to its…
Dec 1, 2023 Jack in the Box’s future, California’s minimum-wage bill and social-media listening
What’s going to happen to restaurants when the California minimum wage bill sets in? Hear about that, plus how Jack in the Box is setting itself up for success, and why it’s important to pay attention to social media.
Nov 22, 2023 Hear from two emerging operators on the challenges and triumphs of running restaurants
We’re coming at you a bit early this week with our episode of Extra Serving because of the holiday, but we didn’t want to leave you hanging. This week is a special episode because we’re bringing you two interviews with emerging restaurateurs. You’ll hear from Mehdi Zarhloul, CEO and founder of Crazy Pita, and Zandrique Harrold, director of operations for Milk & Honey. These two emerging brand leasers were at…
Nov 17, 2023 Restaurant tipping fatigue, Burger King franchisee bankruptcies, and the next phase of chicken
Want to know what’s up with Burger King franchisees declaring bankruptcy? Or why restaurant customers are experiencing tipping fatigue? Find out those and more on the future of chicken on today’s episode.
Nov 10, 2023 Earnings from CAVA, Chipotle, Shake Shack, and more
This week, on the Extra Serving podcast, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches, Leigh Anne Zinsmeister, and Alicia Kelso continued their discussion of earnings season. After the barrage of earnings last week, this week seems calm in comparison, but the NRN editors saw several interesting chains report and are starting to get more color on the season as a whole. Traffic remains a big throughline of earnings season, and…
Nov 3, 2023 The first half of earnings season
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Joanna Fantozzi talked about earnings season. A slew of restaurant companies have reported, and we’re here to talk about them. These chains span from McDonald’s to Starbucks to Cheesecake Factory to BJ’s. One throughline we’ve seen is that traffic numbers are down. McDonald’s, the…
Oct 27, 2023 Discounts at McDonald’s and Domino’s, and how KFC is appealing to Gen Z and Alpha
This week, on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about discounting. McDonald’s was in the news this week for not one but two stories. First, the chain revealed it would be giving fries away on Fridays to customers who purchase anything over $1 on the chain’s mobile app. How far can McDonald’s go with its deals? Also,…
Oct 20, 2023 The surge in late-night and why the chicken sandwich wars got spicy
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Joanna Fantozzi discussed the changing daypart — again. While there was a steep decline in traffic during the late-night daypart three years ago, several brands have decided to hone in on it over the past few weeks. From White Castle to Chipotle, brands are gearing up for a burst to the…
Oct 13, 2023 Teens’ favorite restaurants and the changing daypart
This week on Extra Serving, a Nation’s Restaurant News podcast, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about teens’ spending habits. The latest Piper Sandler survey was published earlier this week. The results from the survey let brands know what’s resonating with teens, with the average age of survey respondents being about 15. These members of Generations Z and Alpha are leaning on…
Oct 6, 2023 How three emerging restaurant operators are finding wins
Hi and welcome to Extra Serving, a Nation’s Restaurant News podcast. I’m your host, Holly Petre. Today is a very special episode. You won’t hear a conversation between me and my cohosts. Instead, you’ll hear three dynamic interviews with some of the restaurant executives who were at CREATE: The Experience this week in Palm Springs, Calif. If you weren’t able to make it this year, we’re going to Nashville next…
Sep 29, 2023 FAT Brands’ latest acquisition, Panera Brands’ possible IPO and the Top 500
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Joanna Fantozzi spoke about new acquisitions. FAT Brands has made another acquisition. The company acquired Smokey Bones, the BBQ casual-dining concept, for $30 million. This comes in the wake of legal troubles for FAT Brands’ former CEO and board member Andy Wiederhorn. FAT Brands made…
Sep 22, 2023 Taco Bell and Hopdoddy Burger Bar menu trends and Boston Market’s decline
This week on Extra Serving, a Nation’s Restaurant News podcast, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about menu trends. Taco Bell has been experimenting with partner Mountain Dew for a few new products in test. One is a gelato made with Mountain Dew, and another is an energy drink in collaboration with the soda company. On the other side, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is introducing…
Sep 15, 2023 Celebrity partnerships and Hot Concepts and CREATORS winners
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about celebrity partnerships. This week alone there have been several celebrity food deals, from Ben Affleck and Ice Spice partnering with Dunkin’ to Sweetgreen making a bowl with Reneé Rapp. While celebrity partnerships are nothing new, it seems like there are more of…
Sep 8, 2023 Chick-fil-A mobile lanes, Toast's new CEO and Taco Tuesday
This week, on the Extra Serving podcast, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about Chick-fil-A’s mobile order pick up lanes. This week, Chick-fil-A announced it would be upping its number of mobile drive-thru lanes. Chick-fil-A has had a tough time opening new units because towns and cities know what it means for them: lots of traffic and disruptions. These new mobile lanes, having…
Sep 1, 2023 TikTok for recruiting, Chipotle’s child labor violations and Panera’s menu
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, Nation’s Restaurant News editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about TikTok for recruitment. Many chains have used TikTok for marketing, but now Chipotle is going in a new direction —  using TikTok for hiring. The brand is looking to add several thousand employees through this campaign. Will it work? In more Chipotle news, though not as…
Aug 25, 2023 Subway’s official sale, catering and the next big thing in restaurant design
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches, Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Alicia Kelso discussed the news of Subway’s buyer. The sandwich brand will be purchased by Roark Capital Group for an undisclosed price, though the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that the price tag was $9.6 billion. Roark, which also invests in sandwich chains…
Aug 18, 2023 CAVA’s first quarterly earnings and It’s Just Wings
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about the tail end of earnings season with the highly anticipated first report from CAVA. The fast-casual restaurant brand rose to fame with its impressive debut on the stock market late last month and has been riding high since then, according to its earnings. The…
Aug 11, 2023 Major themes from the Q2 restaurant earnings season
On this week’s episode of Extra Serving, a Nation’s Restaurant News podcast, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about themes in this month’s earnings. One of the major themes was a desire to grow traffic. While that may seem obvious, this quarter overlapped a quarter last year that was semi-normal, so the year-over-year traffic numbers are relatively evened out. How are brands…
Aug 4, 2023 Earnings from major restaurant brands, ChatGPT and MrBeast Burgers
On this week’s episode of Extra Serving, a podcast by Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Joanna Fantozzi spoke about the latest in Q2 earnings. As executive editor Alicia Kelso so eloquently put it in a piece she wrote last week, earnings season is like Christmas for the industry. A time to figure out how certain LTO campaigns worked for the major restaurant companies.…
Jul 28, 2023 Earnings season and Chick-fil-A’s new prototypes
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister talked about earnings season. Earnings season has just begun. The editors talked about the trends they expect to see throughout the industry as well as what they’re looking for from certain brands. Chipotle, McDonald’s, Subway, Domino’s and Sweetgreen all reported this week.…
Jul 21, 2023 Restaurants’ marketing initiatives and Toast removing its controversial fee
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches, Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Alicia Kelso spoke about the latest trend in restaurants. A few years ago, we were talking about Sweetgreen and Wingstop — both brands that viewed themselves as tech companies first and restaurant companies second. Now, there’s a new trend across restaurants as they become…
Jul 14, 2023 McDonald’s, Chipotle’s automation and Domino’s foray into third-party deliver
This week on the Extra Serving podcast, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about Chipotle’s foray into automation. Though the company hasn’t shied away from automation in the past, and competitors like Sweetgreen have gone all in on technology, Chipotle’s latest move to automate its guacamole production is a step forward. Also, the editors talked about McDonald’s and its McCafé…
Jul 7, 2023 Cell-cultivated meat and Subway’s revamp
On this week’s episode of Extra Serving, a production of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about the introduction of cell-cultivated meat. Last week, news came out that both the USDA and FDA had approved two different brands of cell-cultivated meat for sale in the U.S., and this week, famous chefs Dominique Crenn and José Andres have used the…

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Extra Serving: A restaurant industry podcast

About Extra Serving: A restaurant industry podcast

Episodes

BONUS: First Watch Chef Shane Schaibly on how chain is redefining the morning daypart

How might election results affect restaurants? Plus a Q3 earnings bonanza

Restaurateur Kevin Boehm is having a full-circle moment

3 chains soar in Q3, plus Cheesecake Factory has a big week and more restaurant news

BONUS: Meet the chef redefining Italian cuisine at the fast casual Piada

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