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 would also be resurrected, could we be seeing a wave of nostalgia for once-dormant brands? Plus, they talk about new and improved loyalty programs from restaurants like Portillo’s, Potbelly, Red Robin, and Denny’s, and how loyalty plays a role in restaurant companies’ ongoing efforts to jumpstart traffic. Speaking of Denny’s, Sam and Alicia chat about the family dining chain’s announcement that it planned to return to net new unit growth in 2026 after closing 150 underperforming locations; while 150 closed locations may sound like a lot, Sam and Alicia share why they think this could be a positive move for Denny’s. And in this week’s extra serving, senior editor Joanna Fantozzi joins to talk about Starbucks’ announcement that it would lay off a number of corporate employees. Finally, hear from executives at ICR about their growth strategies in 2025. 

For more on these stories:  

Hot ‘n Now is planning a comeback this year

ICR takeaways: Efficiency, value adjustments, smaller boxes, cautious optimism

Denny’s plans to get back to net unit growth by 2026

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol foreshadows possible layoffs