Shows
The Week in RestaurantsWhy Chipotle needs to push more valueEarnings season is upon us, and the early returns from Chipotle weren’t great.On this edition of The Week in Restaurants, we discuss the burrito chain’s tough second quarter, and why it may need to do more to prove it’s a good value.We also talk about an attack on Cracker Barrel’s diversity, equity and inclusion policies by a pro-Trump legal group. It’s the first restaurant chain to become a target over DEI in Trump’s second term.And we examine McDonald’s new beverage lineup, which has been adapted f...2025-07-2515 minThe Week in RestaurantsA potential deal could shake up food distributionA potential deal could shake up food distribution.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants features a discussion on a potential big deal between distributors US Foods and Performance Food Group. US Foods, the nation’s third-largest distributor, may buy PFG, the second-biggest. In addition, Red Robin has a new CEO and a new management plan. We talk about that, as well as the risks for restaurant chains that change their strategies frequently.And a Del Taco franchisee files for bankruptcy, raising questions about the brand and the s...2025-07-1822 minThe Week in RestaurantsUntangling what no tax on tips means for restaurantsWorried about what no tax on tips means for your restaurant? Don’t sweat it, because we have you covered on this edition of The Week in Restaurants.We discuss how the new Trump administration policy could create some headaches for restaurant operators. We also look at how a wave of bankruptcies last year impacted the full-service segment, before touching on some surprising CEO news from Wendy's.And on Tech Check, Senior Editor Joe Guszkowski gives his perspective on the impending sale of Olo.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Subscribe on Spotify.2025-07-1115 minThe Week in RestaurantsValue pressure comes to the fast-casual sectorHow are fast-casual chains dealing with consumer frustration over prices?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants features a look at pressure on fast-casual chains over value. Sweetgreen is working to beat back concerns over the price of its salads. We look at that issue. McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme are ending their partnership long before it is complete. We discuss what that means for the two chains. And deportation policy may be hurting restaurant sales in Hispanic markets.Meanwhile, Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski talks...2025-06-2721 minThe Week in RestaurantsHulkamania is coming for HootersHulkamania is coming for Hooters, or at least it’s trying to.In this week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants, we discuss news that Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer Brand is making a play to buy Hooters out of bankruptcy. We discuss whether this is real or a stunt and whether it has a chance at success.Yum Brands, the owner of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut, named Chris Turner its new CEO. We talk about that move and what it means for the company.Conven...2025-06-2017 minThe Week in RestaurantsA look at Din Tai Fung's eye-popping average unit volumesHow is a 16-unit soup dumpling chain generating the industry’s highest average unit volumes?In this week’s episode of The Week in Restaurants, we discuss the surprising performance of Din Tai Fung, a fast-growing casual-dining brand from Taiwan that does $27.4 million per location.We also cover the news from Starbucks’ leadership summit in Las Vegas, where it unveiled some new plans for staffing and operations. And we consider the merits of its Back to Starbucks turnaround strategy.And we talk about our recent visit to Dine Brands, where executives unveiled a new “f...2025-06-1318 minThe Week in RestaurantsHow Dave's Hot Chicken became a $1B brand in 8 yearsHow did Dave’s Hot Chicken reach a $1 billion valuation in just eight years?In this week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants, we discuss the fast-casual chicken chain’s sale to Roark Capital.We look at the chain’s valuation, and how it was able to get that valuable, that quickly, and what it says about the modern restaurant industry. We also discuss Roark Capital’s performance and what Dave’s brings to the firm. We also talk McDonald’s, which is bringing back the Snack Wrap next month. 2025-06-0617 minThe Week in RestaurantsRestaurant chains are pushing more valueHere comes the summertime value war.This week’s episode of the restaurant news discussion podcast The Week in Restaurant features a discussion on the restaurant industry value war. Notably, the fast-casual pizza chain &pizza is planning to actually lower prices.We discuss whether that is a good thing or not.McDonald’s is shuttering CosMc’s and will bring its beverage test into its regular restaurants. We explain why that was inevitable.We also take a look at Bubba’s 33, the bar-centric chain being developed by Texas Roadhouse that is apparent...2025-05-3017 min
Take-Away with Sam OchesDenny’s CEO Kelli Valade on building a successful career by "coloring outside the lines"In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Kelli Valade, CEO of Denny’s and Keke’s Breakfast Cafe. This is the second edition in NRN’s new Signature Series, which are conversations with some of the biggest CEOs in the restaurant industry, powered by The Coca-Cola Company. This interview is rolling out in two parts, and in this episode Kelli talks about her career, her leadership style, and the lessons she imparts to young and upcoming leaders in the restaurant industry — particularly women in foodservice. Kelli spent 22 years at Brinker before going on to CEO roles at Bl...2025-05-2759 minThe Week in RestaurantsA black market develops for restaurant reservationsThere is a black market for restaurant reservations. This episode of the weekly discussion podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the black market that has developed for restaurant reservations and what that means for the industry—and what’s being done about it. We also talk about our takeaways from the National Restaurant Association Show, including the biggest trends from that event. And a giant Hardee’s franchisee has sued the chain, revealing deep-seated issues over the company and its operations.Joe Guszkowski also talks technology. 2025-05-2325 minThe Week in RestaurantsIs the plant-based meat trend dead?A plant-based chain has filed for bankruptcy. Is it time to put this whole plant-based meat thing to rest for good?On this episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants, we talk about the bankruptcy filing of the upscale chain Planta, and what that bankruptcy means for the plant-based meat trend.We also discuss Wingstop’s new “smart kitchen” plan and sales at Cava. We also talk about the National Restaurant Show and McDonald’s McCrispy Strips. Also, Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski talks super apps.2025-05-1630 minThe Week in RestaurantsTwo huge technology deals could shake up the restaurant businessWhy is Krispy Kreme slowing its McDonald’s deal?In this week’s episode of The Week in Restaurants, we talk about the delay of Krispy Kreme’s sale of its doughnuts inside McDonald’s restaurants. We talk about what that means for both brands.We also revisit the Panera Bread closure of its dough making operation and discuss a slew of weak earnings reports. We also discuss some big news in the restaurant industry, including the two acquisitions by DoorDash, of Deliveroo and of SevenRooms. And we talk about Wonder’s ridiculous valuation. ...2025-05-0931 minThe Week in RestaurantsOn a mostly tough set of restaurant chain earningsThis has been a tough quarter for restaurants.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants examines a tough set of restaurant earnings.Several chains, including fast-food giants McDonald’s, Starbucks and Yum Brands, reported weak topline results. But so have growth brands Chipotle and Wingstop. We talk about what’s going on with those results.We also talk about a pair of standouts, Chili’s and Taco Bell, that have both thrived despite these challenges.And we discuss Panera Bread’s closure of dough-making facilities and its sh...2025-05-0222 minThe Week in RestaurantsWhy restaurant chains are changing CEOsThere’s a revolving door in the C-suite.This week’s episode of the Restaurant news podcast The Week in Restaurants features a discussion about Charlie Morrison, who was named CEO of the sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s. Morrison takes over for Peter Cancro, who has helmed the chain he founded for 50 years.We also talk about Red Robin, where G.J. Hart resigned this week and was replaced by David Pace. We discuss where the casual-dining chain goes from here.We also talk about Del Taco, which is on the market just three...2025-04-2525 minThe Week in RestaurantsAnother bankruptcy hits Burger KingAnother Burger King franchisee filed for bankruptcy.This week’s episode of The Week in Restaurants includes a discussion on the bankruptcy filing of a 57-unit Burger King operator in Florida and Georgia. In addition, we talk about Raising Cane’s surpassing KFC, and other topics from the Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report. We talk about the big takeaways from the Restaurant Leadership Conference. Also, Joe Guszkowski talks about technology and his recent profile of the bankrupt casual-dining chain Hooters. Check it out.2025-04-1826 minThe Week in RestaurantsThere's a new casual-dining king in townThere’s a new king of casual dining. The weekly restaurant news podcast The Week in Restaurants features a discussion on Texas Roadhouse, which just overtook Olive Garden to be the largest casual-dining restaurant chain in the U.S. We discuss why Texas Roadhouse was able to do that.We also talk about the unfortunate histories of Macaroni Grill, On the Border and Corner Bakery, all of which at one point were owned by Brinker International but have struggled since they were sold. And how will all this tariff talk and economic upheaval affe...2025-04-1125 min
The Restaurants Grow Podcast - How marketing and operations come together for restaurant success.How to Grow Your Restaurant Business with Lisa Malikow and Tunji JunardDiscover more about the annual National Restaurant Association Show, the BIGGEST show in the restaurant business including what happens at the show, why you should go, who is the show is for and best practices to get the most out of the show.
Featuring special guests: Tunji Junard, CMO & Co-Owner at Steam Boys and Lisa Malikow, Senior Vice President, Restaurant Show for Informa Connect Foodservice
We'll also share a couple marketing and operations tips, tricks and tactics that you can start to implement today on how to successfully grow your restaurant business!
2025-04-1030 minThe Week in RestaurantsHow tariffs and more economic upheaval will affect restaurantsHow will tariffs affect restaurants? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants will deal with the economic upheaval of the week, and particularly the potential challenges that a protectionist trade policy could have on the industry, following the announcement of sweeping new tariffs from President Trump.We also talk about Chick-fil-A, which saw sales slow in 2024. Its sales grew slower than they have in decades. We talk about what this means.And we discuss Portillo’s test of breakfast. Should the Italian beef brand turn its attention to t...2025-04-0428 minThe Week in RestaurantsWhy Bar Louie joined the growing ranks of casual-dining bankruptciesThis week’s podcast features a conversation about Bar Louie’s bankruptcy, California Pizza Kitchen’s mid-life crisis, and Panera Bread’s new CEO. Also, more on Nvidia's partnership with Yum Brands, and Piada Italian Street Food’s latest handheld menu item, which could be a gamechanger.2025-03-2819 minThe Week in RestaurantsAI is coming for your Taco Bell drive-thruAI is coming for your drive-thru.This week’s episode of the restaurant news podcast The Week in Restaurants features a discussion on one of the industry’s hottest topics: AI. Specifically, Yum Brands announced a landmark deal with AI chipmaker Nvidia. What does that mean for Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut?We also talk about Olive Garden’s strong March, and what that means for the state of full-service restaurants. Are they coming back?And Luckin Coffee is eyeing the U.S. market. What impact will that have on a beverage market...2025-03-2127 minThe Week in RestaurantsWhy Starbucks is redesigning its coffee shopsWhat will the future of Starbucks look like?This week’s episode of the restaurant news podcast The Week in Restaurants includes a discussion on Starbucks’ plans to redesign its cafes. The chain revealed that it is testing new designs that include outlets, better seating, better division with mobile orders and a more espresso-making “theater” experience. McDonald’s, meanwhile, is creating new Restaurant Experience Teams, including teams focused on beef, chicken and beverages, to take on more specialized competitors. Is that the right idea?And Noodles & Company is changing its menu again. We discuss tha...2025-03-1428 minThe Week in RestaurantsWhy On the Border filed for bankruptcyAnother casual-dining chain has filed for bankruptcy. The latest episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants features a discussion on the bankruptcy of On the Border, the fourth casual-dining chain to declare Chapter 11 in less than a year. A fifth could be coming. We also discuss the weird situation involving the closure of all but one Del Taco location in Colorado. And Applebee’s is getting back into the business of running restaurants, albeit temporarily. In Tech Check, a discussion on an interesting loyalty program. And then a discussion on the m...2025-03-0728 minThe Week in RestaurantsWhy Hooters is near bankruptcyWhat does a potential Hooters bankruptcy say about the industry?In the latest episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants, Executive Editor Lisa Jennings and I discuss the potential bankruptcy of Hooters and what led the brand to this fate, as well as several other companies. We also talk about the layoffs at Starbucks, and why the company is doing that, and why culture may be playing a role. Dave’s Hot Chicken is also near a sale to Roark Capital. What are the risks in that deal.Senior Tech Edi...2025-02-2828 minThe Week in RestaurantsDebating KFC's move to TexasIs KFC’s move to Texas a good, long-term move for the company? This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast This Week in Restaurants features a discussion on KFC’s recent announcement that it will move its U.S. headquarters to Plano, Texas. In addition, we discuss the recent earnings from Texas Roadhouse, which admitted that weather has created challenges early this year. Tech Check this week is about the recent lawsuit against DoorDash by Uber Eats. And Emily Nordee-Rogers joins the podcast to talk about who will appear at the upcoming Restaurant Leadership Conference.2025-02-2123 minThe Week in RestaurantsIn-N-Out's move to Tennessee, earnings season, and the potential sale of Dave's Hot ChickenWelcome to the latest podcast from the crack team at Restaurant Business: The Week in Restaurants. The podcast will feature a discussion on the week’s biggest stories in the industry by RB editors, led by myself, along with other features highlighting other topics and some previews of what’s to come.This week, Executive Editor Lisa Jennings and I discuss In-N-Out’s move to Tennessee. The burger chain is moving some workers to its second headquarters and we discuss the real reasons for that move. We also talk about lower-income consumers, who appear to be shying away from restau...2025-02-1420 min
Take-Away with Sam OchesSip Fresh founder Sharon Arthofer on building a simple yet innovative franchiseIn this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Sharon Arthofer, founder and CEO of Sip Fresh, an emerging beverage franchise out of Southern California that is serving high-quality, fresh fruit juices in small-footprint locations. Sharon has been in the foodservice business for 30 years, having been one of the first hires by Rick Wetzel and Bill Phelps when they launched Wetzel’s Pretzels in the mid-90s. She later became Wetzel’s first franchisee, and before launching Sip Fresh in 2017, Sharon had built a successful franchise portfolio with multiple brands. Sharon joined the podcast to talk about why s...2025-02-1143 min
Take-Away with Sam OchesWhy Robert Irvine, star of ‘Restaurant Impossible,’ is a big believer in new technologyIn this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with chef Robert Irvine, host of the TV show “Restaurant Impossible,” owner of multiple restaurant concepts, and all-around food entrepreneur and innovator. Robert and Sam sat down at the recent National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago to discuss his leadership style, his thoughts on the state of the foodservice industry, and his recent investments in restaurant technology.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:A strict but empathetic leadership style creates a productive, loyal working environment You’ll get better results when you drop your ego and li...2024-05-3036 min
A Deeper DiveA preview of this year's National Restaurant Association ShowWhat’s coming to this year’s National Restaurant Association Show? More seats, for one thing.
This special episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Tom Cindric, the president of exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice, which operates the show and is also a sister company of Restaurant Business.
We will be attending the Show this year, and will do a few podcasts from the event, which runs from May 18 through May 21. But we wanted to talk with Cindric to get a better idea of what to look for.
Cindric expects a bi...2024-05-0713 minTake-Away with Sam OchesHow Yum Brands is working toward gender parityIn this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam turns the reins over to NRN executive editor Alicia Kelso, who spoke in-person with Yum Brands’ Chief Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer, James Fripp. Alicia was in Dallas for the annual Women’s Foodservice Forum Leadership Conference and had a chance to connect in person with James to discuss Yum’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, its work to accomplish gender parity, and how the company is developing people at what is the largest restaurant company in the world.Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@in...2024-04-1123 min
Menu TalkSo long Menu Feed, welcome to Menu TalkMenu Talk will still feature Pat Cobe, but now she'll have a cohost: Informa colleague, Bret Thorn with Nation’s Restaurant News.
Both are veteran reporters on the menu beat and eager to bring you inspiring conversations about what’s happening in restaurant and foodservice kitchens, including weekly interviews with chefs, operators and food professionals.
Get ready for a new era of Menu Feed with Menu Talks!2024-04-0401 min
Room For SecondsGregg Majewski at FSTEC - Unlocking Success in the Restaurant IndustryFSTEC is “where restaurants and tech connect”. The conference is a premier gathering of visionaries and innovators in the technology and foodservice industries, recently featured in a compelling presentation by Craveworthy Brands CEO, Gregg Majewski. Watch now to learn more about hospitality being a key to restaurant success, his dislike for technology in restaurants, and being first in business.Episode Links:FSTEC Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/connectfsvert/INFORMA CONNECT FOODSERVICE VERTICAL (FSTEC) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/informaconnectfoodservicevertical/Takea...2024-04-0310 minTake-Away with Sam OchesMeet Lauren Fernandez, the investor supporting small businessesIn this encore episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam reshares a conversation with Lauren Fernandez, founder and CEO of the investment firm Full Course. Lauren joined Sam in person last summer to share her tips for emerging brands looking to secure capital and her thoughts on how to get more women and minorities involved in foodservice leadership. If you enjoy this conversation, you’ll have a chance to connect directly with Lauren and other investors at NRN’s Investment Summit, part of the CREATE event this October in Nashville; visit create.nrn.com for more details.In this conve...2024-03-2856 minTake-Away with Sam OchesBONUS: The can’t-miss restaurant industry event right around the cornerIn this special episode of Take-Away, 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 the most out of the event, and why he’s particularly excited for keynoter Martha Stewart.Want to attend Restaurant Leadership Conference? Visit restaurantleadership.com and click “Request an Invitation.” Contact Sam Oches at...2024-03-1220 min
At Your ConvenienceSheetz’ Secret to Success in Foodservice: A Team ApproachThere is no ‘I’ in Sheetz… At least that’s how Matt High, senior sales manager for Sheetz MTO, puts it.
In this episode of At Your Convenience, High, and Abbey Lewis, vice president of content strategy at Informa Connect, discuss the player-coach relationship he has with his team, his involvement in CSP’s Convenience Store Women’s conference and menu ideation at Sheetz. We even get him to give us a sneak peek at new menu items for spring.2024-03-1218 min
Extra Serving: A restaurant industry podcastBONUS: The can’t-miss restaurant industry event right around the cornerIn 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 the most out of the event, and why he’s particularly excited for keynoter Martha Stewart.2024-03-0617 min
Take-Away with Sam OchesBONUS: What’s next for restaurant technology?In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Juan George, cofounder of foodservice technology investment firm and consultancy 858 Partners. Juan was one of Olo’s earliest hires, and he’s had a front-row seat to the explosion in new technology tools, strategies, and services over the past 16 years. Now he’s giving back to the foodservice tech world through 858 Partners, alongside fellow cofounder Marty Hahnfeld and recent additions Jackie Berg and Seth Hall — all of whom are also Olo alums.Juan offers a wealth of knowledge on the past, present, and future of restaurant technolo...2023-09-0557 min
Hospitality Hangout | Expert Strategies & Industry Trends from Hospitality Insiders"BREAKING NEWS at NRA" Informa Acquires Winsight | Season 9, Vol. 9In the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, broadcast from The National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, hosts Michael Schatzberg "The Restaurant Guy", Jimmy Frischling "The Finance Guy", and special guest Sterling Douglass, Co-Founder & CEO of Chowly, interviewed Joe Donnelly, Group Director & Publisher of Informa’s Restaurant & Food Group. The discussion centered on Informa's recent acquisition of Winsight, a company offering services in data, analytics, events, and content marketing for the foodservice industry.Winsight, with its portfolio of clients, is expected to enhance Informa's capabilities in delivering superior enterprise experience to all its restaurant clients, regardless of si...2023-06-2031 min
Walker Crips' Market CommentaryUK markets remain flat as labour market shows signs of easingInforma shares increased approximately 4% last week as it was announced the company had reached an agreement to acquire Winsight for $380 million and that its acquisition of Tarsus completed ahead of schedule. The acquisition of Winsight is expected to accelerate Informa’s growth by offering expansion within the business-to-business foodservice market. Informa’s acquisition is also expected to deliver strong financial returns with earnings accretion from the outset and a post-tax return ahead of Informa’s long-term weighted average cost of capital in the first full year of ownership. The deal has been fully funded by in-year cash flow growth and In...2023-05-2406 min
The Restaurant Report233. Is Restaurant Media Broken? + How Will This Affect Your Restaurant BusinessInforma, a London-based global events, digital products, and academic services firm, announced the acquisition of Winsight, LLC, a leading B2B information provider in the foodservice and allied retail industries. The acquisition will create a category-leading B2B business with a strong presence in the restaurant industry.Winsight's portfolio includes a number of leading brands, including Restaurant Business, Nation's Restaurant News, and Technomic. Informa's portfolio includes a number of leading events, in teh crown jewel of the National Restaurant Association Show.The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023. Informa has said that it plans to continue...2023-05-1922 min
Hospitality Hangout | Expert Strategies & Industry Trends from Hospitality InsidersTransformative Tech Strategies for Restaurantsl | Season 9, Vol. 2In the latest episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg "The Restaurant Guy" and Jimmy Frischling "The Finance Guy" are joined by Christi Ravneberg, Director of Content Integration, Restaurant & Food Group, and Joe Donnelly, Group Director & Publisher, Restaurant and Food Group at Informa Connect. Informa, a leading B2B global media exhibition company, aspires to become the foremost voice in content, connections, and intelligence. Generating approximately $2.2 billion in annual revenue, Informa is traded on the London Stock Exchange. Joe Donnelly and Christi Ravneberg are integral members of Informa Connect, the company's Knowledge & Networking division, which is...2023-05-0953 min
Grocery GuysTops transitions to in-house shoppers for pickup ordersThe past few months have seen grocery foodservice endeavors ramping up. Hy-Vee, for example, first had a partnership with Wahlburgers in 2017 to open dozens of locations of that burger brand, including freestanding units. Now this week, the company said that any Wahlburgers restaurant locations it opens moving forward would be inside its stores exclusively, saying, quote: “With the changing nature of the restaurant business combined with staffing challenges, we are evolving our strategy when it comes to standalone Wahlburgers restaurant locations.”And it’s not it’s not just Hy-Vee. Other grocery chains ar...2023-01-2615 min
Packaging PossibilitiesPackaging Possibilities: Strategic Sourcing Smooths Supply Chain ShocksGlobal foodservice manufacturer Golden State Foods shares helpful advice on how best to source packaging today. 2022-05-0321 min