The Food Focus Podcast

We begin with possibly the main food-related story of the week, as Buffalo Wild Wings enters into a preliminary agreement with Roark to be taken private. We continue with news of bolstered restaurant sales during Thanksgiving and Black Friday, and finish off the show with discussion of Campbell Soup and a glance at Chipotle's future.

We go all bakery in the first half of the Food Focus, as Flowers Foods and Hostess both release quarterly earnings…we discuss differences between the two, and why one might be on better footing than the other going forward. After discussing Craft Brew Alliance's recent earnings call, we turn our attention to Whole Foods' list of projected food trends for 2018, and which may actually have a food industry impact for years to come.

We start with Papa John's and an earnings call that referenced the NFL over 40 times as an explanation for slower-than-expected growth. Meanwhile, BJ's slows down their construction of new locations in an effort to focus on their existing restaurants while The Cheesecake Factory hits the throttle on new development in the fourth quarter.

Both Del Taco and Chipotle name one food input that is hurting their margins, and it's dark green and bumpy. We discuss this and other information from each company's earnings report before looking at the new proposed value platform from McDonald's and the complexity behind lease agreements that may hinder Whole Foods unlocking some synergies with Amazon.

After several quarters of closures and shrinking sales, Ruby Tuesday finds a buyer for their concept; we compare this deal to other recent deals for struggling FSRs. Meanwhile, Captain D's sees white space in seafood, Sonic tries to find reasons for stalling same-restaurant sales, and Muscle Maker Grill seeks funding at a time when their balance sheet is only lifting the bar.

Halo Top launches a line of dairy-free frozen desserts in an effort to stake down even more market share—we frame their expansion through the overall trend of dairy-free products. PepsiCo continues to attempt to straddle the past and the present, and Monsanto sees an increase in seed demand in the midst of a proposed merger. We close with Taco Day promotions in the U.S., and reviews of a new pizza chain and a West Coast beer.

Cracker Barrel releases their most recent earnings report, but beyond that, we look into some signals the company may be sending with their messages during the earnings call. We also look into Farmer Brothers' increased partnerships as a potential future revenue driver, Walmart's rollout of EBT payment acceptance in two sample markets, and Albertsons' acquisition of meal kit delivery service Plated.

We begin with a major story from Brinker International, as they announce cuts to 40% of their current menu in an effort to simplify their offerings. We discuss whether this may actually work to boost sales, and potential hurdles for Starbucks' latest development in cold-pressed espresso. We round out our show with legal news regarding Kroger & Lidl, and a look at El Pollo Loco's latest LTO.

Dave & Buster's earnings were released this week, and we discuss the increasing chasm between entertainment and food in their business model. After a Swiss chocolatier releases the first new natural chocolate color since the 1930s, we look at dynamics of a suddenly struggling chocolate industry. We close with two NBA-related stories, as the owner of Landry's agrees to buy the Houston Rockets and a former NBA player opens up a QSR inside…Walmart?

Although J.M. Smucker saw increased sales in the pet category, Folgers and other legacy brands are beginning to hold the food manufacturer back. We discuss possible solutions, before discussing Dominos' short partnership with Ford to explore self-driving delivery vehicles. We wrap up with a look at fall flavor challenges to pumpkin spice and a Hepatitis A outbreak in San Diego.

We lead with Zoe's Kitchen earnings, and a clearer picture of anticipated openings for 2018 that falls short of analyst expectations. We discuss why Zoe's may be right to limit growth, and also how a new partnership between Walmart and Kroger may be beneficial for all parties involved. Finally, mushroom sales are on the rise as demand is up and volumes are down: we explore the edible fungus market to close the show.

The announcement of closures for DineEquity's two brands—Applebee's and IHOP—leads our show, along with their direction forward under new leadership. We touch on two buyouts of craft beer companies, with one purchase by a beer giant and another by a craft consortium. Our show rounds out with coverage of Taco Bell's latest LTO innovations and potentially positive news from Famous Dave's.

After beginning our show by glancing at Shake Shack's recent struggles (and why warning signs lurk for the up-and-coming chain), we turn our attention to two pizza QSRs. First, Little Caesars, as they partner with a technology giant to boost customer optionality and reduce in-store wait times. Then, Papa John's, as they roll out a gluten-free crust in all locations nationwide.

Dunkin' Brands earnings lead off our podcast, and we look closely at an upcoming reimaging program that may impact Dunkin' locations throughout the country. After a brief glance at Del Taco's own queso rollout, we explore Starbucks' intent to close all Teavana locations and search for areas of positive momentum in the distilled spirits industry with Diageo's annual report as a guide.

We begin with a story on everyone's mind in the food industry: McDonald's destroys analyst expectations on every front, and in their earnings call reveals some interesting suggestions about what might be next for the QSR giant. We connect last month's story about egg prices to Cal-Maine's lackluster earnings, hop over to Chipotle's earnings call, and finish with an update on the Kroger-Lidl legal proceedings.

We first glance into how Subway's store refresh program—including kiosks—may affect franchisees as they debate whether or not to make the immediate splash into a store redesign. Additionally, it was an up and down Tuesday for Chipotle, who saw negative headlines thanks to norovirus but has the momentum of queso on their side. We close by discussing a massive hot dog recall and potential looming financial woes at Bravo Brio.

After Pepsico's earnings release this week, it becomes apparent that diversification is the key to the company's modest growth, even if management doesn't buy into the anti-sugar trend among consumers. We also discuss new plans for re-expansion at an original fast-casual burger chain, Maxwell House's efforts to attract millennials, and more acquisition for Campbell Soup.

McCormick releases their second quarter earnings and beats on profit—we take a look at how aggressive acquisitions by the company has them positioned for further growth. The Brewers Association releases a new seal for exclusive use by craft breweries, and Southeastern U.S. peach growers see dramatic crop reductions—we discuss industry impacts (or potential lack thereof) of both.

As Darden once again surpasses Wall Street expectations, we look to their earnings call and J.P. Morgan research as to reasons for their continued success. Additionally, General Mills shows signs of weakness, particularly in organics and yogurt, while competitor Kellogg's teams up with fast-casual Southwestern eatery Moe's for a new line of pre-packaged breakfast bowls.

We lead off the show by dissecting the newly public Blue Apron financials in advance of their desired IPO, and talk about their ability to hold off both other startups in their space and brick-and-mortar imitators.  After discussing Bob Evans' earnings, we jump into the MillerCoors rollout of Zima, and why it might be a bad idea to structure the return of the drink as an LTO.

Where we discussed an increasingly crowded fast-casual burger space last week, we discuss the race to be the “Chipotle of pizza” this week, as Oath Craft Pizza secures funding to grow on the East Coast. We explore differentiators there and at Del Taco, and their new CEO presented their plans to continue QSR+ dominance. Finally, we look into J.M. Smucker earnings and another city's recently-passed soda tax.

In a fast-casual landscape that already features its share of upscale burger joints, BurgerFi seeks to squeeze into the little remaining white space with new franchisee agreements.  We take a deep dive into egg prices, and how continued low price points for the staple impacts grocers and restaurants. Additionally, we discuss a tuna-related food safety issue, more Buffalo Wild Wings, and Kelly Investment Group's potential deal to buy struggling Joe's Crab Shack.

We begin the show by discussing Nutella—not because of serving size debates, but because their new concept restaurant in Chicago opened this week. We take a look at industry specials and promotions for Memorial Day before turning our focus to Colorado, who celebrated the six-month anniversary of a new retail liquor law and whose fast-casual chain Smashburger adds another protein option.

After a Pentallect report emerged showing independent restaurant operators scoring vastly higher in many consumer sentiment categories in comparison to their chain restaurant peers, we discuss what chain operators can do to counter this trend. Additionally, Cracker Barrel seeks to open more units on the West Coast, Golden Corral rolls out brunch, and trends at the Sweets & Snacks Expo.

Supermarket chain Weis Markets added stores through acquisition last year, and seeks to continue to do so…we discuss how their bolstered store portfolio affects their operations. Also, A&W shifts back into a growth mode and seeks new franchisees to help achieve more net new store openings, Wendy's enjoys another positive earnings call, and an FSR group appears on the ledge of bankruptcy (or a sale).

Despite an increase in overall revenue, questions about after Shake Shack displays lowered same-store sales in the latest quarter. We discuss whether the company's reasons for the declines are valid, and also address a generally positive earnings call from Wingstop, continued sales falloffs at Applebee's, and a slight expansion plan at Ingles Markets.

With earnings season upon us, we start the episode by detailing what Arby's is doing correctly, why Bloomin' Brands is trying to open up capital, and what could potentially lead to a turnaround at BJ's. Additionally, we take a deeper look at data provided by a study of Berkeley, CA following the implementation of a sugary drink excise tax, and what effects the tax may or may not have on retail outlets.

It's a Food Focus episode of optimism, as a number of businesses look towards immediate growth. We begin with Chipotle, where same-restaurant sales crushed analyst opinions, and continue with McDonald's, where All-Day Breakfast 2.0 appears to be working after all. We finish the show with two smaller operators seeking long-term expansion: R Taco and Papaya King.

Firehouse Subs rolls out a new line of smaller subs in an effort to appeal to calorie- and cost-conscious consumers. Meanwhile, kefir provider Lifeway funnels more money into marketing and product development, Chipotle raises prices at 20% of locations, and we address numbers suggesting restaurant growth may be slowing in the U.S.

We begin with the acquisition that had everyone in the food industry abuzz this week, as JAB seeks to purchase Panera for $7.5 billion. We also glance at earnings from Inventure Foods, an effort by Buffalo Wild Wings to sell some stores to franchisees, and with MLB Opening Day this week, a look around new and emerging food trends at ballparks throughout the country.

One of the largest chicken producers in the U.S. issues a sizeable recall, and we tackle whether or not it will affect chicken prices overall.  Additionally, Checker's/Rally's is in the midst of another sale, a Pie Five franchisee takes Rave to court, and the latest from Darden's $780 million bid for casual dining chain Cheddars Scratch Kitchen.

Dunkin' Donuts hosts a media day this week, unveiling several new product innovations and LTOs…we discuss the direction in which the company is headed. Additionally, La Madeleine seeks to grow through franchising, Jamba Juice sales fall, a ShopHouse update, and possible outcomes from the new Keurig partnership with Anheuser-Busch-InBev.

Ruby Tuesday, after several consecutive quarters of shrinking sales and operating losses, mulls over its options with the help of UBS…we discuss this along with continued excellence in revenue numbers at Del Taco. Chipotle exits their ShopHouse concept, and we talk about why El Pollo Loco may be positioned for growth despite recent lackluster quarterly financials.

Although Shake Shack saw revenue grow during the last quarter, significant signs of slowing traffic numbers spark concern for the company.  We discuss this, and Monster Energy's continued growth despite massive competitive pressures.  Finally, we touch on QSR limited time offers for Lent, and an Arkansas-based steakhouse chain trying to grow in an already crowded space.

McDonald's unveils their latest limited time offer in an attempt to regenerate restaurant traffic—we discuss how their latest plan appeals to customers and franchisees alike. Meanwhile, Domino's rolls out another quarter with double-digit sales growth, Papa John's tries a new marketing path, and Trader Joe's initiates a recall.

After we discuss earnings from Dean Foods, the largest dairy operator in the United States, we delve into information from Wendy's annual investors day, and look closely at their opportunities for future growth. Additionally, we detail the attempted buyout of Popeye's by Restaurant Brands, a failed takeover bid by Kraft Heinz, and slight optimism from Texas Roadhouse.

Panera's system-wide expansion of their 2.0 concept contributes to solid same store sales increases, while fellow fast-casual operator Pie Five shrinks in the opposite direction with another quarter of double-digit comparable-store losses. Meanwhile, we discuss Noodles & Company's move towards increased franchisee ownership, and the passing of a QSR legend.

Chipotle shows signs of a turnaround in their most recent earnings release, and we discuss why onlookers have potential reasons for optimism (and pessimism). Additionally, Tyson Foods is the subject of an SEC query, KFC launches its newest limited time offer, and a well-known Canadian grill and bar chain makes their first inroads in the U.S. by way of Texas.

Starbucks releases their latest quarterly results, and there are both positives and negatives for the coffee giant.  Additionally, Bob Evans sells off their restaurant division under shareholder pressure, and Smallcakes takes the lead in the cupcake franchise race. Finally, we discuss Olive Garden's latest limited time offer, and Taco Bell's latest unique ad campaign.

After their first financial release following their All-Day Breakfast 2.0 rollout, we discuss how the initiative impacted McDonald's bottom line. Also, we take a closer look at features in Bojangles' new concept store, and how they might use elements in their planned expansion efforts. Finally, we note layoffs at Brinker Intl. (Chili's) and a recall for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

While most pizza QSRs are enjoying a boost in sales, Papa Murphy's and Pie Five have struggled.  We discuss Papa Murphy's direction forward, and Rave Restaurant Group's new CEO in charge of turning things around.  Also, Taco Bell rolls out a new food innovation, and another state seeks to potentially legalize raw milk sales.

Earnings at Sonic Drive-In are mixed, while Ruby Tuesday continues to struggle, even after adopting a new “fresh” image.  We delve into movement in the grocery landscape, with Pyramid Foods growing via acquisition and testing a new concept store as Giant Eagle announces closures.  Finally, we discuss Burt's Bees new spot in the protein shake market, as they branch out from personal care products.

We take a look back at 2016 by detailing the food businesses that struggled most in 2016 and those that saw the most growth and success during that same span.  Additionally, Shake Shack rolls out gluten free buns at most of their locations, and we glance ahead at companies positioned for a big 2017.