Extra Serving: A restaurant industry podcast

Nation's Restaurant News
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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.

  1. 10 HR AGO

    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 not too surprising considering the ongoing beverage boom — which has also included McDonald’s and Taco Bell rolling out distinct beverage-focused concepts — but is it sensible for Chick-fil-A? Sam and Alicia think so — find out why. Next they talk about Starbucks, which surprised just about everybody when it announced it would be laying off around 900 corporate employees — on the heels of the 1,100 it let go earlier this year — while also closing hundreds of North America locations. Is the sky falling at Starbucks? Sam and Alicia puzzle out this complex news and what it could mean for CEO Brian Niccol’s plan for the future. Finally they address the flood of restaurant closures, which not only includes Starbucks but also smaller concepts like Iron Hill and Craveworthy-owned Hot Chicken Takeover, both of which closed up shop on their entire systems. Are these unique instances or could they be part of something much bigger?    For more on these stories:   Chick-fil-A is opening a beverage concept called Daybright Starbucks announces more layoffs, plans to close 1% of North America stores Craveworthy Brands’ Hot Chicken Takeover closes all locations

    32 min

  2. 22 SEPT

    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 drastic traffic decrease. All of this was against the backdrop of the company’s rebrand and new logo, which were met with such disdain from customers that the company reverted to its old logo and store design. Sam and Alicia discuss what could be next for Cracker Barrel and what other companies should learn from the company’s rebranding moves. They also touch on another casual brand that had a tough quarter: Dave & Buster’s. The company’s new CEO is pinning the blame on the former regime, but could something bigger be at play in the eatertainment category? Next they talk about Darden, which reported impressive sales growth across its portfolio, including over 5% growth for its two flagship brands: Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Sam and Alicia consider what Darden is doing right when compared with other casual chains like Cracker Barrel and Dave & Buster’s. They also drill down on Olive Garden, which announced a new value play that includes smaller portions for a lower price point. Then they shift the conversation to Starbucks, which is being sued by some of its employees for the new dress code instituted by CEO Brian Niccol. What’s at stake for Starbucks in the new policy — and restaurant employees more broadly? Finally, Sam and Alicia talk about recent restaurant closures, including from Salad & Go and Maple Street Biscuit Company.    For more on these stories:   Cracker Barrel says traffic is down, but loyalty signups are up since rebranding controversy Olive Garden tests smaller portions and prices Starbucks employees sue the company over new dress code

    41 min

  3. 19 SEPT

    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 well as for the late chef James Kent in New York. At her restaurant she mixes a high-end formal dining room with house music and quirky nods to her autobiography. In her conversation with guest host Gloria Dawson, India shares the inspiration behind her famous peri peri chicken, why it’s so important to champion her kitchen team, and the inside story behind the evolution of her restaurant identity, which included changing the restaurant’s name.

    22 min

  4. 15 SEPT

    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 digital and technology officer Joe Park. What does this mean for the biggest restaurant company in the world — especially after Taco Bell recently had such high-profile issues with its AI ordering tech? Next they talk about the surprising acquisition of Potbelly by convenience store chain RaceTrac. Sam and Alicia weigh in on what this means from a competition standpoint — more and more C-stores are competing with fresh foodservice — plus what it could mean for the broader M&A landscape. Then they talk about new data showing weak job growth plus rising inflation, particularly among full-service restaurants. Can we make any conclusions about these numbers and where they suggest the industry is going? Sam and Alicia discuss. Finally, we share a conversation between senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn and WOWorks’ vice president of culinary, Cole Thompson.     For more on these stories:   Yum Brands shakes up C-suite before Chris Turner takes over as CEO Potbelly acquired by c-store company RaceTrac Restaurants are a bright spot amid a slow jobs report

    1h 3m

  5. 8 SEPT

    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 customer tried to order thousands of cups of water. While it was a prank, it called out the unreliability of some AI today, and Sam and Alicia discuss what it could mean for customer-facing AI at restaurants. Next they talk about Starbucks, which had some AI news of its own: It rolled out an inventory management tool that will benefit its operators. The coffee giant also announced that it had enjoyed its best sales week ever after the annual Pumpkin Spice Latte launch. Sam and Alicia break down these headlines and what they mean for Starbucks. Then they tackle the news that McDonald’s was parting ways with the National Restaurant Association over a dispute about the sub-minimum wage; the Golden Arches has drawn a line in the sand and claims the sub-minimum wage is making labor competition unfair between quick and full serve restaurants. Could this be the first domino to fall in a bigger industry-wide tipping conversation? Managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister then joins for the extra serving portion of the episode to talk about recent merger and acquisition news, including Freddy’s acquisition and the rumors of other chains that could be up for sale. Finally, we share a conversation between senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn and Original ChopShop’s Kyle Frederick.   For more on these stories:   Taco Bell is adjusting its Voice AI plans Starbucks rolls out AI-based inventory counting technology McDonald’s splits with National Restaurant Association over tip policy

    55 min

  6. 5 SEPT

    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 movement to awareness of menopause in the workplace are restaurant issues.

    24 min

  7. 1 SEPT

    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 shares why being part of the pop-culture conversation in this way is table stakes for restaurant marketers. Next they turn their attention to football, as college football and the NFL grab the attention of millions of Americans in the coming weeks. Countless restaurant chains are tapping into the power of football to promote their businesses, and Sam and Alicia discuss the potential that these partnerships bring operators — and why restaurants don’t have to break the bank on a deal with a team or athlete. After a brief discussion on both new value deals — Chipotle offering a family bundle! — and new beverage innovation — McDonald’s bringing CosMc’s products to regular stores! — senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn joins for the extra serving, talking about Eleven Madison Park’s decision to bring meat back to the menu and what it means for the future of veganism. Finally, we turn to an interview between managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Amie Kromis, VP of DEI at Essity. They talk about why hygiene is such an important part of the restaurant experience. For more on these stories:   Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement inspires restaurant promotionsWingstop partners with NFL’s Cam Ward for meal dealEleven Madison Park is serving meat again — what that says about veganism

    1h 5m

  8. 25 AUG

    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 — plus the announcement that it would reduce prices on combo meals. Sam and Alicia share how these moves are driving traffic momentum at McDonald’s and why they’re a smart value play in a tough economic season. Next they discuss Chipotle’s drone delivery test, in which it’s partnering with Zipline to deliver meals in a Dallas suburb. We’ve been hearing about drone delivery for years now, but it’s failed to take off in a big way; could Chipotle’s entry into the space further legitimize the service method? Sam and Alicia share their opinions. Speaking of opinions, most Americans have one about Cracker Barrel’s new logo, which the company announced last week. Sam and Alicia wade into the hot water to discuss the reaction, which has included cruel and inappropriate comments directed at CEO Julie Felss Masino. Learn more about the controversy and why the restaurant industry must use this opportunity to demonstrate leadership in hospitality.

    44 min
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About

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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