Howard Schultz is back at Starbucks and already making big decisions. One famed operator of high-end restaurants just scored a multi-million dollar investment. And industry veteran Bill Allen is the new chairman of the board of the parent company of some growth-focused fast casuals
Apr 05, 2022•3 min•Ep. 291
Despite a strong economy, recession concerns are growing. Papa John’s sold 90 locations to a large franchisee. And Teriyaki Madness is making the best of a marketing oops.
Apr 01, 2022•5 min•Ep. 290
Gas prices are hurting restaurant sales and profits. Fine-dining chains had a good year. And why higher interest rates won’t stop the hot market for restaurant acquisitions.
Mar 31, 2022•4 min•Ep. 289
Restaurant workers keep quitting. McDonald’s CEO got a fat paycheck last year. And spring menus are rolling out in full force.
Mar 30, 2022•4 min•Ep. 288
A dispute over how pigs are raised has made its way to the Supreme Court. An Applebee’s franchise exec was fired over his idea for lowering wages. And why restaurants may have more pricing power than it appears as food costs rise.
Mar 29, 2022•5 min•Ep. 287
It was a banner year for Inspire Brands. There appears to be some tension between two major industry lobbying groups, and labor organizers have some advice for the new temporary leader of Starbucks.
Mar 28, 2022•4 min•Ep. 286
Sweetgreen is plotting a drive thru. Outgoing Darden CEO Gene Lee is pontificating on the state of full-service restaurants. And McDonald’s is making progress on its diversity efforts.
Mar 25, 2022•5 min•Ep. 285
First Watch is finally raising prices. Charley’s Philly Steaks is busting out of the mall. And a fondue chain is seeing a post-pandemic boom.
Mar 24, 2022•3 min•Ep. 284
Business and leisure travel could be making a comeback, which is good news for restaurants. A steakhouse chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. And why Fat Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn said he’s not surprised that he’s being investigated by the feds.
Mar 23, 2022•4 min•Ep. 283
McDonald’s and Panera Bread are adding some hot new items to their menus. Historic restaurants could be eligible for $40,000 grants. And the District of Columbia is suing Grubhub over alleged deceptive practices.
Mar 22, 2022•5 min•Ep. 282
Another chain restaurant CEO is retiring. Burger King wants out of Russia. And senators are moving forward with efforts to regulate franchising.
Mar 18, 2022•5 min•Ep. 281
Howard Schultz is back at Starbucks. So how might that affect unionization efforts at the chain, which, by the way, thinks it can double its unit count by 2030.
Mar 17, 2022•4 min•Ep. 280
Starbucks shareholders are weighing in on unionization. Charlie Morrison’s resignation as Wingstop CEO raises more questions than it answers. And high gas prices are forcing third-party delivery providers to pay more.
Mar 16, 2022•3 min•Ep. 279
Russia is threatening restaurant companies that closed locations in the country. The owner of Famous Dave’s is making another acquisition or two. And why some people who quit their restaurant jobs wish they hadn’t.
Mar 15, 2022•4 min•Ep. 278
Red Robin is finally seeing some green shoots. Starbird is getting ready to franchise. And slow progress is being made on a hot-button animal welfare issue.
Mar 14, 2022•4 min•Ep. 277
Restaurant menu prices hit another record high in February, and many consumers say they could start cutting back on dining out. Meanwhile, skyrocketing gas prices could put a pinch on food delivery.
Mar 11, 2022•5 min•Ep. 276
The dire situation in Ukraine continues to have ripple effects on US-based restaurant chains. Bd’s Mongolian Grill is shaking up its menu. And a union-backed group has created a legal advice hotline for servers.
Mar 10, 2022•4 min•Ep. 275
McDonald’s and Yum Brands take action on their restaurants in Russia. A restaurant company is suing Google. And a small Indian fast casual concept lands some funding.
Mar 09, 2022•4 min•Ep. 274
Third-party delivery prices are soaring. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, so are gas prices. Burger King is riffing on its Whopper. And Famous Dave’s is entering the drive-thru arena.
Mar 08, 2022•3 min•Ep. 273
Some restaurants aren’t ready to lift their COVID safety requirements. The industry added more jobs last month. And for Sweetgreen, workers’ return to offices can’t come soon enough.
Mar 07, 2022•3 min•Ep. 272
McDonald’s ice cream machines are giving the chain a headache. Domino’s has hit a rough patch. And Applebee’s is taking a different approach to growth.
Mar 04, 2022•4 min•Ep. 271
President Biden’s State of the Union address included details that should interest restaurants. Wendy’s is targeting markets both big and small as it grows. And Applebee’s and IHOP are undergoing a techy transformation.
Mar 03, 2022•4 min•Ep. 270
Domino’s CEO is retiring as the chain faces multiple challenges. Wendy’s bought nearly 100 restaurants from franchisees. And technology isn’t just for limited-service brands.
Mar 02, 2022•4 min•Ep. 269
Steak n Shake was profitable last year for the first time since 2017. Chipotle is opening a new office in the Buckeye State. And DoorDash is acquiring an ordering startup.
Mar 01, 2022•5 min•Ep. 268
A pro-labor survey says Starbucks customers support unionization. How long will the omicron-fueled delivery boom last? And labor and commodity costs hit a big Burger King franchisee’s earnings.
Feb 28, 2022•4 min•Ep. 267
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could mean even more inflation for restaurants. Cities are starting to end their vaccine mandates for dining in. And Noodles took a major hit from omicron.
Feb 25, 2022•4 min•Ep. 266
Restaurants are asking the IRS for help. Firehouse Subs is doing something it hasn’t done in more than a decade. And Jack in the Box is still looking toward unit growth.
Feb 24, 2022•4 min•Ep. 265
The CEO of Fat Brands is being investigated by the feds. The union behind organizing efforts at Starbucks steps into the spotlight. And McDonald’s fires back at activist investor Carl Icahn.
Feb 23, 2022•5 min•Ep. 264
Shake Shack remains in rebuilding mode. Business at Carrabba’s Italian Grill is suddenly booming. And the Mountain Mike’s pizza chain is ready to grow.
Feb 22, 2022•4 min•Ep. 263
Restaurants’ recovery appears to be flagging. And now they might run out of avocados. Also, Carl Icahn is threatening to start a pork-related proxy fight with McDonald’s.
Feb 18, 2022•4 min•Ep. 262