The Restaurant Report

In today’s podcast, we dive into the future of technology and innovation that seem to dominate the consumer landscape; there is a growing paradoxical trend among millennials. Many of them are embracing traditional values while seeking unique and creative experiences. This shift in consumer preferences has not gone unnoticed by brands like Chicken Salad Chick, which has successfully tapped into thi...

In today's podcast, we delve into the world of Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe with the extraordinary Julie Wade. Join us as we embark on a culinary adventure, exploring the vibrant flavors and rich history of Mediterranean cuisine. Julie, the visionary behind Taziki's, shares her insights on creating a thriving restaurant business, fostering a passionate team, and delivering an exceptional dining exp...

In this episode of The Restaurant Report , we sit down with Mike LaRue, a 16+ year franchise veteran who has, since the beginning, maintained a focus on emerging brands. Mike is the VP of Franchise Development for Angry Chickz , a fast-growth Nashville hot chicken brand. We discuss how this brand could build 20+ units without an infrastructure, which could be its secret weapon to success. Link her...

In today’s podcast, we interview Robert Hersch of Mastodon Ventures and discuss the market for raising capital and what you should be doing to prepare. We break down a variety of ideas. What are some areas you are watching for capital deployment in 2024 within the restaurant sectors? How the market will respond to consumer spending pressure? Will brands grow in 2024? Is franchising a viable option...

In this episode of The Restaurant Report podcast, I speak with Erle Dardick, of Lunchbox, a leading restaurant e-commerce platform . We discuss the top tech and consumer trends to watch in the restaurant industry in 2024, including: AI and its impact: AI is already having a major impact on the restaurant industry, from automating tasks in the kitchen to personalizing customer experiences. In 2024,...

In today’s Pod, we chat with Raju Malhotra, Chief Product and technology Officer at PAR Technology (NYSE: PAR). He joined PAR by acquiring Punchh, an omni-channel loyalty and engagement startup based in San Mateo, CA.This discussion takes turns into the future of foodservice and tech as well as the overall guest loyalty journey that has begun to shift for Gen Z. Gen Z Brand Loyalty: UX and Digital...

The restaurant industry has been at the forefront of innovation in today's fast-paced world. From digital menus to contactless payments, the industry has continually adapted to meet the changing demands of consumers. However, there is a challenge that the industry is currently facing, one that is directly impacting consumer sentiment: the struggle to keep pace with evolving expectations, particula...

Consumer spending is the driving force of the US economy, accounting for about 70% of GDP. So when consumers start to cut back on spending, it's a big red flag for the economy. That's why economists worry about a potential fall consumer spending drop. There are several factors that could contribute to this, including: High inflation: Inflation has been at a 40-year high in recent months, and it's...

In this podcast, we visit with the Lettuce Entertain You Leadership team to discus success and the formula for the future. Featuring Ethan Samson, Executive Partner - Vice President & Deputy General Counsel Amarit Dulyapaibul, Managing Partner Kevin Brown, CEO Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) is a family-owned restaurant group founded in 1971 by R.J. Melman. The company has become one...

In this podcast, we get a chance to talk with Stefanie Miller, President, Away From Home at Kellogg Company - We explore the way we consume food away from home is rapidly evolving. Whether grabbing a quick snack at a convenience store (C-Store), dining on a military base, or choosing options at a college or university cafeteria, the food service industry is witnessing significant changes. One of t...

In this episode, we dive into research and trends from TJ Wommack, Partner at AlixPartners . We discuss the composition of management teams is undergoing a significant transformation. This shift is changing the face of leadership and influencing business strategies, particularly in the restaurant industry. This article delves into the demographic shifts in management teams and their profound impac...

First up, we'll be exploring the incredible journey of Big Chicken, a fast casual giant that's redefining the way we think about chicken. Stay tuned as we sit down with their visionary CEO, Josh Halpern, to uncover the secret recipe behind their remarkable growth and exciting future plans. Also, in the episode, we'll take you on a savory journey with Dog Haus, the pioneers of gourmet hot dogs and...

The fast-casual restaurant industry is booming, and two brands that are leading the charge are Velvet Taco and Starbird. Both brands have seen rapid growth in recent years, thanks to their unique offerings and savvy leadership. Velvet Taco Velvet Taco was founded in Dallas in 2011 by Randy DeWitt and his son, Travis. The concept is a fast-casual taco restaurant with a twist: the tacos are made wit...

In recent years, third-party delivery services have become increasingly popular, with companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub taking a large cut of restaurant sales. However, a new trend is emerging: restaurant takeout is starting to lead as the more popular model. There are a few reasons for this shift. First, third-party delivery services can be expensive for restaurants. They typically...

White Castle is partnering with SoundHound to roll out voice AI at select drive-thrus. The technology will be added to over 100 White Castle drive-thrus by the end of 2024. Many of these drive-thru lanes will operate 24/7.White Castle initially tested drive-thru AI in 2020 through a partnership with Mastercard. SoundHound provided voice recognition for the trial, while Rekor Systems offered vehicl...

In today's fast-paced business world, the quest for effective executive education and leadership development is more critical than ever. Executives and business leaders constantly seek opportunities to enhance their skills, stay ahead of the competition, and foster innovation within their organizations. One platform that has been making waves in professional development is the Prosper Forum. I had...

Starbucks is one of the most well-known and beloved brands in the world. The coffee giant has a loyal customer base that is estimated to be worth over $1 trillion. In recent years, Starbucks has been making a number of moves to embrace Web3 technology. In December 2022, the company launched Starbucks Odyssey, a Web3 loyalty program that allows members to earn and purchase digital collectible asset...

This entire podcast is based on a WHAT IF Mcdonalds’ and the likes of Starbucks and Chick Fil could enter the Web3 space with their respective 95 Billion in annual sales and the Impact it would have on the next generation of technology - in this podcast, I detail a lot of ideas within the podcast so LISTEN TO THE PODCAST first - then dive into just some of my research below. McDonald's products co...

In this episode, Barry Westrum - CMO at Taco John’s, discussed the brand's current position and strategies for growth in the restaurant industry. With a focus on providing higher quality options in the quick-serve restaurant (QSR) sector, Taco John's aims to capture a niche between fast casual and traditional QSR chains. This write-up delves into the key points discussed during the interview, high...

Golden Corral, the popular buffet chain, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The company has come a long way since it opened its first location in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1973. Today, Golden Corral has over 500 locations in 43 states. In our podcast interview, Golden Corral CEO Lance Trenery talked about the company's history, success, and future plans. How has the brand change...

Informa, 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 Restaura...

The fast food industry constantly evolves, with companies striving to meet customer demands and enhance profitability. In recent news, Wendy's, Sweetgreen, and Chipotle have made significant announcements regarding their operations and innovations. This article highlights the key developments from each of these popular brands. Listen to the Full PodcastWendy's to Shut Down Remaining US Reef Units...

The Savory Fund is a restaurant growth company based in the United States that provides capital, expertise, and support to help independent restaurant concepts scale and succeed. They partner with talented restaurateurs to help them expand their businesses, with a focus on innovative and high-growth concepts. We had a chance to talk with Andrew Smith an executive with the Savory Fund, serving as a...

The challenge that operators are dealing with today is the issue with consumer sentiment, and it's underperformance when sales and menu prices are up. Has the art of hospitality been lost? In todays podcast, I get a chance to break this down with Claiborne Irby, SVP, of Strategy & Insight at Focus Brands. Our discussion topics: Thoughts on new customer growth this year in the wake of consumer...

Breaking down some of the emerging and fast growing brands in the fast-casual space had always been a passion of mine; even when I founded fastcasual.com, some of the most memorable takeaways from the segment were always in my conversations with CEO's and founders. This convo was no different with my long-time friend Clay Dover, CEO of the Dallas-based Velvet Taco. So much has changed for the fast...