The Week in Restaurants

Starbucks is apparently back.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks the latest earnings report from Starbucks, its best in more than two years. Is the coffee chain out of the wilderness for good?We also look at Subway, which just introduced its newest value offer, an under $5 menu. Can the sandwich chain finally find the right note on value? Robert Byrne from Technomic also explains why Subway is having challenges.And Chili’s once again reported strong same-store sales. We talk about one scary thing—for the chain’s competitors—as it looks into the next few years. Tech Check this week looks at the recently concluded Restaurant Leadership Conference. Want more from Jonathan Maze?https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/profile/jonathan-mazeTik-Tok @jonathandmazehttps://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/article/deeper-dive Want more from Lisa Jennings?https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/profile/lisa-jenningsTik-Tok @jenningsswaine Want more from Joe Guszkowski?https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/profile/joe-guszkowski

Why is Jersey Mike’s going public so quickly after its sale?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the IPO plans of the fast-casual sandwich chain less than two years after its sale to the private-equity firm Blackstone. Why is it going public so quickly? And how big of a deal is it?The Technomic Top 500 ranking is out. We give our thoughts on the list and what it says about the state of chain restaurants right now.We also talk about the recently concluded Restaurant Leadership Conference and some of our major takeaways, including slowing population growth, high gas prices and other concerns.And on Tech Check this week Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski talks about ChatGPT and restaurant chains.Want more from Jonathan Maze?⁠https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/profile/jonathan-maze⁠Tik-Tok @jonathandmaze⁠https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/article/deeper-dive⁠ Want more from Joe Guszkowski?⁠https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/profile/joe-guszkowski

Why are pizza chains having problems?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the potential sales of Pizza Hut and Papa Johns, and what it means about both chains and the sector at large.We also look at Starbucks and Little Caesars, both of which announced ChatGPT apps last week that could get AI more involved in the actual ordering decisions. Jersey Mike’s had another good year in 2025 and we talk about what that means about its potential IPO.This week’s Technomic Talks segment features Senior Principal Rich Shank, who talks about menu prices and whether the economy is driving them up this year. On Tech Check, Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski talks Toast and the drive-thru. Want more from Jonathan Maze?https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/profile/jonathan-mazeTik-Tok @jonathandmazehttps://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/article/deeper-dive Want more from Lisa Jennings?https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/profile/lisa-jenningsTik-Tok @jenningsswaine Want more from Joe Guszkowski?https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/profile/joe-guszkowski

Another major franchisee has filed for bankruptcy.In this week’s episode of The Week in Restaurants, we dive into the bankruptcy of Sun Gir, a major Carl’s Jr. franchisee operating 59 locations in California. What does this mean for the restaurant industry, and why are so many franchisees filing for bankruptcy right now?We also explore how rising gas prices could make things even tougher for operators.In our Technomic segment, Kevin Schimpf, Senior Research and Insights Director, discusses Chick-fil-A’s slowing average-unit volumes and what it reveals about the state of the chicken business.Plus, we talk about why Michelin stars are making their way to the Midwest and, in our Tech Check segment, Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski breaks down who’s really ordering delivery.Don’t miss this packed episode full of insights and analysis!Want more from Jonathan Maze?https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/profile/jonathan-mazeTik-Tok @jonathandmazehttps://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/article/deeper-diveWant more from Lisa Jennings?https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/profile/lisa-jenningsTik-Tok @jenningsswaine Want more from Joe Guszkowski?https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/profile/joe-guszkowski

What is the real problem at Red Lobster?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the ongoing challenges at the seafood chain even after emerging from bankruptcy.We also look at McDonald’s new Under $3 Menu and how much of a discount this new deal actually is. And Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski tells the story of a particular drive-thru record dating back 25 years. We also talk about the Sysco-Restaurant Depot deal and its various complications.Technomic’s Robert Byrne, meanwhile, taps consumer data to help explain what’s going wrong at Sweetgreen.And Guszkowski looks at robot delivery on Tech Check.

How is Nothing Bundt Cakes worth $2 billion?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the sale of Nothing Bundt Cakes to the private-equity firm KKR. We talk about what that deal means and why the chain was worth so much.Noodles & Company had a big quarter. Did closures have anything to do with it?Christine Barone, CEO of Dutch Bros, is the Restaurant Leader of the Year. We talk about why she won the award.And in some bonus content, a big Applebee’s franchisee has filed for bankruptcy. We talk about why it’s a good thing that the company is acquiring the restaurants.And on Tech Check, Joe Guszkowski talks OpenTable.

Fake news is a real problem for restaurants.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the growing problem of fake news at restaurants and why that’s a major problem for more restaurant chains.We also talk about Darden earnings and why LongHorn Steakhouse may be underappreciated.Fat Brands is on the market and its CEO and founder is out. We’ll discuss that development.This week’s Tech Check segment looks at the newest company from Uber founder Travis Kalanick. 

How low can fast-food prices go? McDonald’s is aiming to find out. This week's episode of The Week in Restaurants looks at the burger giant's plans for a new $3-or-less menu. It is McDonald's fourth iteration on value in the past two years and suggests that the value wars aren't going to be over anytime soon.We also untangle the situation at fine-dining stalwart Noma, where chef René Redzepi resigned this week amid renewed scrutiny over abuse allegations.And we talk about Uber Eats' fee hike and why it is the last thing restaurants need right now.On Tech Check, Senior Technology Editor Joe Guszkowski experiments with chatbots for food ordering. Give it a listen.

The burger chains are all in a social media war right now.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the ongoing social media war pitting most of the industry’s burger chains against each other. We explain the issue, and why it may be good for the industry.We also try and diagnose whatever is wrong with the fast-casual salad chain Sweetgreen.And we look at the coffee market, including Dutch Bros, the Luckin-Blue Bottle acquisition and Black Rock Coffee Bar.On Tech Check, Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski talks Olo’s new customer-facing app.For more on this year's Restaurant Leadership Conference, visit: https://informaconnect.com/restaurant-leadership-conference/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=rlc26

Do you want strong sales? Just add more cheese.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at strong sales results from Applebee’s, which used a cheesy new burger to win over customers. We also look at other casual-dining results.We also look at Burger King, which is making improvements to its Whopper. And we talk about the company’s use of AI to help with operations.And we talk about the pizza sector, where sales challenges at major chains have held down the sector’s overall performance.On Tech Check, Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski talks about a merger in the restaurant reservations space. For more on this year's Restaurant Leadership Conference, visit: https://informaconnect.com/restaurant-leadership-conference/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=rlc26

Subway is already pulling back on a free sub offer.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the sandwich giant’s decision to end a fourth-Footlong-free offer as part of the chain’s Sub Club loyalty program.In addition, Robert Byrne, senior director of consumer and industry insights at Technomic, provides some special insight into one of Subway’s biggest challenges. That is part of a new feature in the podcast featuring insights from the data firm and Restaurant Business sister company.We also discuss Wingstop’s rare same-store sales decline and what the company plans to do about it.And we talk about Nelson Peltz’s plans for Wendy’s.On Tech Check, Senior Technology Editor Joe Guszkowski talks about how restaurants are spending their tech dollars. For more on this year's Restaurant Leadership Conference, visit: https://informaconnect.com/restaurant-leadership-conference/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=rlc26

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the weekly restaurant news discussion podcast looks at Red Lobster, McDonald’s earnings and the Fat Brands bankruptcy.For more on this year's Restaurant Leadership Conference, visit: https://informaconnect.com/restaurant-leadership-conference/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=rlc26

How is Chipotle going to lift itself out of its sales slump?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the sales challenges Chipotle had last week and how the fast-casual burrito chain plans to lift itself out of its slump. We talk about Pizza Hut, which is closing 250 locations, as well as another Yum Brands-owned chain, Habit Burger. And a big Subway franchisee filed for bankruptcy after using merchant cash advance financing. We discuss that issue. On Tech Check, Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski talks about vibe coding. For more on this year's Restaurant Leadership Conference: https://informaconnect.com/restaurant-leadership-conference/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=rlc26

Two casual-dining chains are on two very different trajectories. This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the performance of Chili’s, which had another strong quarter. And we compare that with Ruby Tuesday, which is facing a social media backlash after firing a manager on Christmas.We also talk about Starbucks, which reported 4% same-store sales growth last quarter. The company also announced changes to its loyalty program, bringing back tiers—though customers will lose the double points they get when they spend funds loaded on their Starbucks cards.Fat Brands also filed for bankruptcy, and we explain why that was inevitable.On Tech Check, Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski talks about analog.For more on this year's Restaurant Leadership Conference: https://informaconnect.com/restaurant-leadership-conference/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=rlc26

A big Popeyes franchisee files for bankruptcy and tests the company’s leadership.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the bankruptcy filing of Sailormen, a 130-unit franchisee based in Miami. What does it say about the state of Popeyes? The burger business appears to be doing just fine, at least at some chains. We’ll talk about that. We also talk about what chains should go public and a couple that could go private this year.In addition, Senior Technology Editor Joe Guszkowski discusses the future of Olo.Learn more about the Restaurant Leadership Conference in April: https://informaconnect.com/restaurant-leadership-conference/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=rlc26

2026 will be another challenging year, but restaurants are ready.That was one takeaway from the annual ICR investor conference held earlier this week in Orlando. On this week's episode of The Week in Restaurants, we talk about other happenings at the conference, including a much-anticipated presentation by Fat Brands.We also talk about Dutch Bros' acquisition of Clutch Cafe and what it means for the coffee industry. And we look at how Minneapolis restaurants are responding to a surge of ICE activity following the deadly shooting of Renee Good.On Tech Check, Joe Guszkowski talks about a new idea for bringing down delivery costs.

More Salad and Go locations are Salad and Gone.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants examines the drive-thru salad chain, which closed its remaining locations in Texas and Oklahoma. We discuss why that concept has struggled. We also talk about protein. A dozen restaurant chains have introduced new protein items this week. What’s behind that trend and is it a fad? Some notable Fat Brands executives just got some retention bonuses and raises we’ll examine that particular bit of news. Later on in Tech Check, Joe talks about a fake Reddit post.

What were the biggest stories of 2025?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants should probably be renamed The Year in Restaurants. We discuss the biggest stories of the year. We talk about the industry’s value war. Challenges in the fast-casual sector. The Hooters bankruptcy. And the impact of immigration on the industry. And as always, Senior Technology Editor Joe Guszkowski talks technology on Tech Check.

Cracker Barrel’s tough quarter has resulted in some layoffs.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants examines the family-dining chain’s tough quarter and its corporate restructuring, which is resulting in layoffs.In addition, we discuss the bankruptcy filing of Pieology and what it says about the state of fast-casual pizza chains.Meanwhile, Hardee’s sued another big franchisee. Why is the burger chain having challenges?And on Tech Check, Joe talks about his 2026 predictions.

Subway has a new loyalty program, but it is too generous?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at Subway’s new Sub Club loyalty program, which gives users one free footlong sandwich with the purchase of three. Franchisees say it’s too generous and piles on too many discounts. We also look at Noodles & Company, which has taken numerous steps to right its ship but is still being pushed to sell company restaurants. Fat Brands, meanwhile, continues to struggle under the weight of heavy debt and received another demand for full payment of its debt. And on Tech Check this week, Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski discusses Black Friday. 

Panera Bread is hoping better food and service will help it rise again.On this episode of The Week in Restaurants, the weekly news discussion podcast from Restaurant Business, we talk about the new turnaround plan at the fast-casual bakery/cafe chain after years of declines.We also discuss the latest developments at Cracker Barrel, where shareholders backed CEO Julie Masino but ousted a board member over its recent logo debacle. And we dig into Sweetgreen’s new protein-packed Power Max Protein Bowl and its shocking price tag. On Tech Check, Senior Editor Joe Guszkowski talks about how restaurants can ease customer concerns over AI. 

This week’s episode of the restaurant news discussion podcast looks at challenges in the fast-casual sector, Starbucks’ holiday sales and takeaways from RFDC.

Denny’s is getting taken private and Pizza Hut could be next.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the sale of Denny’s to a group of investors this week and what that deal means. We also talk about Yum Brands putting Pizza Hut on the market, what it says about the brand and the pizza market in general.It was a huge week of earnings so we also sort all that out. In addition, Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski talks delivery on Tech Check. 

Tariffs are taking a bite out of the restaurant business.In this week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants, we look at the most recent slate of industry earnings.There were some fascinating results from Chipotle, Starbucks, Shake Shack and Restaurant Brands International. We discuss those earnings. In addition, we look at Greg Flynn’s agreement to develop 7 Brew locations. Joe Guszkowski discusses the AWS outage on Tech Check.But we also talk beef costs and tariffs, and how they’re impacting industry profits. 

The third quarter ended with a whimper for restaurant chains.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at what we’re expecting to hear from the various segments within the industry as third-quarter reports are revealed.We also talk about the Trump Administration’s aggressive deportation efforts and how that has impacted the industry nationwide.And Joe Guszkowski talks tipping on Tech Check.

Del Taco is getting a new owner.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the $115 million sale of Del Taco by Jack in the Box, just four years after Jack bought the Mexican chain for a lot more than that. In addition, Waymo is getting into delivery. We discuss what this means for the restaurant industry and the future of delivery. Domino’s had some fascinating things to say this week about the restaurant industry. Get ready for more depressing news.In addition, Joe Guszkowski has Tech Check.

Here comes more restaurant rebrands.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the rebrands at Domino’s and Long John Silver’s, and what those rebrands mean for the companies. Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski also talks about rebrands later in the podcast on Tech Check.Speaking of marketing, Wendy’s hired a consulting firm run by a very interesting former industry executive. You can now get delivery from ChatGPT. That is a particularly notable event in the restaurant industry.And some thoughts on Chi-Chi’s.

A slowing economy is adding to the restaurant industry’s woes.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants examines the state of the economy, with a weakening labor market and heavy deal-seeking by consumers. We also look again at Starbucks’ closures, and what they say about the state of the chain right now. In addition, we discuss the evolving strategy of the delivery provider DoorDash, which is getting into the in-store business for restaurants. Is the company getting too powerful?All that and Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski talks POS system.

Starbucks is closing stores and cutting more jobs. On this episode of The Week in Restaurants, Restaurant Business Senior Editor Joe Guszkowski and Executive Editor Lisa Jennings break down some juicy news, including those latest Starbucks moves.They also discuss a stealthy new beverage concept from Chick-fil-A, and give a quick review of some of the new drinks at McDonald's.Also, they dig into why Portillo’s made a change at CEO.On Tech Check, Joe talks about tech, hospitality and Starbucks.

Another growth chain is de-growing.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Businss podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the 41 restaurant closures of Salad and Go, which is more than a quarter of the drive-thru chain’s locations. We discuss why the chain is closing those locations. We also talk Cracker Barrel, which gave us a peek at the fallout from their rebranding blowup. US Foods and Performance Food Group may well try a merger. We talk about whether that has any real chance. All that plus an FSTEC wrapup on this week’s Tech Check. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Subscribe on Spotify.

On this week’s episode of The Week in Restaurants, we discuss the surprising sale of Potbelly to RaceTrac, and why it is a sign of the growing competition between restaurants and c-stores.We also talk about Portillo’s, which is slowing development plans and ditching breakfast as it looks to focus on the fundamentals at its restaurants.  And we get into some new data on restaurant delivery, prepared exclusively for Restaurant Business by Intouch Insight. In short, restaurants may be losing their pricing power over third-party delivery apps. On Tech Check, it’s a preview of what to look for at the FSTEC conference next week. 

Anybody want to buy some Noodles?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the potential sale process at Noodles & Company, which has not quite fulfilled the promise it had when it went public more than a decade ago. We also talk about closures at Smokey Bones and what that says about the chain, and about the barbecue sector. In addition, we talk about McDonald’s value war. In addition, Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski talks AI. 

Is this Cracker Barrel logo saga finally over?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business news discussion podcast The Week in Restaurants examines the apparent resolution of the Cracker Barrel branding issue. The family-dining chain opted to go back to the old logo. Will it quell the firestorm?We also look at “slop bowls,” and whether the bowl boom is over. Or whether it’s just beginning. And what is a slop bowl, anyway. We also talk about Taco Bell and its marketing, and why it works so well. On Tech Check, Senior Technology Editor Joe Guszkowski talks mergers and acquisitions. 

Expect the value wars to last a few more months.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at McDonald’s plan to cut the prices of its bundled meals to 15% off the cost of the items individually. We talk about why that will lengthen the value wars. Bravo Brio filed for bankruptcy. Why are some full-service chains going bankrupt and others are reporting 30% comps?Cracker Barrel is in hot water with conservatives over its logo. We’ll talk about what all that means. Also, casual dining and takeout on Tech Check, and an FSTEC preview.

What has happened to the fast-casual sector?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the suddenly weaker state of the fast-casual sector. Several chains have reported slowing sales, including stalwarts like Cava, Chipotle and Wingstop. What’s going on?Chili’s, meanwhile, continues to thrive and extended its incredible run. We look at what’s driving that chain’s success.And a look at Subway, which is sending cash to its franchisees, a group that really needs it. 

Casual-dining restaurants are outpacing fast-food chains again.This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants looks at the differing directions that casual-dining and fast-food chains are going in.This has been a big earnings week. A bunch of limited-service restaurants have reported weak results, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Jack in the Box and Del Taco. McDonald’s sales were good until its Minecraft promotion ended. And Wendy’s and Sweetgreen just reported weak results. On the other hand, chains like Applebee’s, Olive Garden and BJ’s Restaurants, not to mention Chili’s, are doing well. We discuss why that is. In addition, Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski talks ghost kitchens on Tech Check.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Subscribe on Spotify.

Starbucks appears to be making some progress. This episode of the Restaurant Business podcast The Week in Restaurants features a discussion on Starbucks fiscal third-quarter earnings, in which its sales declined again but which included some “green shoots” pointing at a turnaround.Tesla has a new restaurant in Los Angeles. And Wingstop reported something it hasn’t done all that often in its life as a public company.And Senior Tech Editor Joe Guszkowski with Tech Check. 

Earnings 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 from the now-defunct CosMc’s. The drinks are colorful and on-trend, but will they muck up operations?Then on Tech Check, Joe Guszkowski discusses the loyalty program boom and whether the programs are actually working.

A 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 state of the restaurant industry.And on Tech Check, Joe Guszkowski talks about how AI is changing how people discover restaurants online.

Worried 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.

How 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 about AI on his weekly Tech Check feature. 

Hulkamania 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.Convenience stores, meanwhile, are making real inroads into the fast-food world with their menu offerings and value deals. We talk about whether this is a cause in the sector’s sales weakness.In addition, this week’s Tech Check Segment focuses on the growing power of DoorDash. 

How 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 “fast-casual plus” format for Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. We also discuss why the company has such high hopes for its co-branded Applebee's-IHOP restaurants.Tech editor Joe Guszkowski also talks about the latest big move by DoorDash. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Subscribe on Spotify.

How 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. In addition, Joe Guszkowski talks AI agents in the food business. 

Here 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 apparently thriving. Also, on Tech Check Joe talks about POS systems.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Subscribe on Spotify.

There 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. 

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.

Why 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. Check it out. 

This 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 shift to par-baked bread. Is that a good idea? Also, Joe on Tech Check talks about Seamless.

There’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 years after Jack in the Box purchased the chain. It’s not the first time a company got buyer’s remorse after acquiring a chain.In addition, Joe talks about the restaurant technology disruptors that weren’t on Tech Check.