Extra Serving: A restaurant industry podcast

Nation's Restaurant News
  • 4.1 (30)
  • News
  • Updated Weekly

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. 6d ago

    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, Cracker Barrel experienced a same-store sales decline of 2.6% and traffic decline of 6.7% — not great, but better than expected and enough for the company to raise its guidance for the year. Sam and Alicia discuss why this is good news for Cracker Barrel and how CEO Julie Felss Masino has made the right moves to get this brand back on track. Next they tackle KFC, which has experienced three consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth after seven straight negative quarters. KFC’s U.S. president Catherine Tan-Gillespie spoke with Alicia about the keys to that reversal, and Alicia shares those details on the pod, plus she and Sam talk about how KFC is competing within an ever-more-competitive chicken category. Then they shift attention to menu innovation across the restaurant industry, which has recently seen a lot of brands expand into new menu platforms — for example, Freddy’s bowl introduction, Sweetgreen’s wraps, and Crisp & Green’s sandwiches. Sam and Alicia talk about how these new menu introductions could help chains, and they discuss beef prices in particular, which could climb higher with rise of the flesh-eating screwworm. Finally, we share an interview between senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn and Culver’s head of culinary, Kasey McDonald. For more on these stories: Cracker Barrel says recovery from logo fallout is ahead of schedule KFC brings its Supergirl collaboration on the road Carbs be damned, Crisp & Green is adding sandwiches

    1h 10m

  2. Jun 8

    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 and hospitality. Alicia details what exactly this means before she and Sam discuss how the strategy fits into the broader industry push toward operational excellence and what it could look like for the No. 1 restaurant brand in the world. Next they dive into the World Cup, which kicks off this week and could be a boon to restaurant companies looking for a marketing win. Learn more about how some bigger chains are riding the World Cup’s coattails — and how it could help reshape the summer for many brands. That leads naturally into a conversation on recent restaurant marketing efforts — particularly those centered around pricing. Alicia recently wrote a story about how restaurants are marketing to families through strategic pricing initiatives, and she and Sam talk about pricing in general and how companies are getting creative with their prices to attract young consumers. Finally, in the Quick Fire portion of the episode, Sam and Alicia discuss recent headlines about the retirement of Yum Brands’ influential COO, the struggles at Shake Shack, and the new THC beverage test at Logan’s Roadhouse. For more on these stories: McDonald’s next evolution includes menu, service and technology upgrades Restaurant chains kick off a World Cup marketing barrage Restaurant chains are turning their attention to families

    41 min

  3. Jun 1

    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 and Alicia discuss how this move could be the missing ingredient to Wendy’s badly needed turnaround. Next they tackle Starbucks, which is ditching an AI inventory tool it had introduced just nine months ago after experiencing accuracy issues. In a world where AI seems to be taking over all aspects of our lives, it’s noteworthy that Starbucks joins McDonald’s, Yum Brands, and others in pausing investments in AI. Sam and Alicia break down the news and what it could mean about AI in restaurants going forward. They then discuss CAVA and its most recent quarter, in which the fast-casual Mediterranean chain reported 9.7% same-store sales growth. How does the brand continue to defy odds and build momentum? Finally, in the Quick Fire portion of the episode, Sam and Alicia discuss recent headlines about movie promotions and an international brand that’s exiting the U.S. For more on these stories: Bob Wright returns to Wendy’s as its CEO Starbucks is ending its use of AI to count inventory CAVA raises guidance after a strong 1Q

    37 min

  4. May 26

    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 innovations in beverage (dirty soda, anyone?), sauces, artificial intelligence, equipment, and much more. Sam and Alicia recap all of the highlights from the show, and share anecdotes they picked up from operators at their exclusive news desk on the show floor. For more from the Restaurant Show: Here's what we liked about this year's National Restaurant Association Show, and what we didn’t Restaurant industry navigates ‘complex’ consumer landscape as sentiment hits all-time low 29th annual MenuMasters Awards ceremony honors chefs and innovators from across the industry

    28 min

  5. May 18

    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 share whether they’re surprised by this move and discuss what King may need to do to get Jack in the Box back on track. Next they tackle Papa Johns, which has made several moves lately, from testing drone delivery to partnering with the “Toy Story” franchise to providing a home for stranded Spirit Airlines loyalty points. This week it also announced that it would roll out its signature garlic sauce to retail shelves. Will this sway loyal fans — or cannibalize restaurant sales? Sam and Alicia discuss. They then turn their attention to the most recent Technomic Top 500, which reveals sales and unit count information for the 500 biggest chains in the U.S. Sam and Alicia unpack the results, and particularly performance in the pizza, burger, and chicken categories. Which brands and categories won in 2025 — and which are on the fence? Listen to find out. Finally, we share an interview between senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn and Naya head of R&D Khalfani Coicou. For more on these stories: Jack in the Box names Mark King interim CEO Papa Johns' signature garlic sauce will hit retail shelves The Top 500 Restaurants Subscribe to Technomic Ignite by clicking here.

    1h 10m

  6. May 11

    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 huge for a restaurant industry that has been fairly dormant as far as IPOs are concerned. The editors discuss what this means for Inspire and whether it could nudge other companies to jump into the public markets. Then they take a dive into the crazy spate of restaurant earnings, of which there were 18 over the course of the week. They start with the burger category, where McDonald’s, Burger King, and Shake Shack reported positive results, while Wendy’s continued a run of negative sales. How are McDonald’s and Burger King leveraging operations and marketing to build momentum, while Wendy’s keeps taking the hits? Sam and Alicia break it down. Next they move into the full-service sector, where it’s mostly good news, as Texas Roadhouse, BJ’s, and First Watch continue to thrive while Applebee’s and Bloomin’ Brands are showing signs of life. Why does casual dinging in particular seem to be succeeding in the midst of this economy? Sam and Alicia discuss. They then dig into other brands that reported this week, including Noodles & Co. and El Pollo Loco — both of which wowed with their results — plus Sweetgreen, which posted a staggering -12.8% sales drop the same week it introduced wraps to the menu. Finally, we share an interview between managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Jeff’s Bagel Run cofounders Jeff and Danielle Perera, recorded live at Restaurant Leadership Conference. For more on these stories: Dunkin’ owner Inspire Brands files documents for an IPO Burger King’s sales surge while Popeyes struggles Texas Roadhouse sprints to best same-store sales since ’24

    1h 7m

  7. May 8

    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 Sam Oches and the Show's senior vice president Lisa Malikow as they discuss new additions to this year's show, can't-miss offsite events, and advice for getting the most out of the nation's largest restaurant show. Not registered yet? Click here to register and visit Informa's booth (#6100) to meet the NRN team.

    18 min

  8. May 4

    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 a protein add-on. Sam and Alicia discuss the results and why Chipotle should be bullish on the rest of the year. Next up is Starbucks, which impressed with 7.1% same-store sales growth in the latest quarter. CEO Brian Niccol declared that the company was putting the “turn” in “turnaround,” as the results are the culmination of nearly two years’ worth of changes that the coffee giant has made to get back to growth. Sam and Alicia dive into the results and how they set Starbucks up in the ever-crowded beverage category. They then speed through several other companies’ results — including Chili’s, Taco Bell, KFC, and Domino’s — before jumping into a conversation on Wingstop, which disappointed with an 8.7% same-store sales decline. The company blamed the results on inclement weather events and a cautious consumer, but if that’s the case, why are other chains turning out positive results? Sam and Alicia attempt to answer the question. Finally, in the Quick Fire portion of the episode, they tackle Papa Johns’ new AI assistant, Subway’s first-ever value menu, and Sweetgreen’s familiar “Faces of the Farm” campaign. For more on these stories: Chipotle swings positive after a tough 2025 Starbucks’ sales improve in a 'milestone’ quarter Wingstop’s Q1 hammered by weather, consumer pressures

    52 min
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4.1
out of 5
30 Ratings

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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