Podcasts about restaurant business

Why is La Madeleine adding more fireplaces? This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features John Dillon, CEO of the Dallas-based fast-casual chain La Madeleine. This is the last in our series of podcast episodes recorded during the National Restaurant Show in May. La Madeleine operates 91 locations, mostly across the South. Dillion was named CEO of the chain earlier this year.He talks about the need for more hospitality and in-store business in the restaurants, which is increasingly vital these days. That's why the company has decided to ensure all new restaurants have fireplaces. We talk about Dillon's history with the brand, his reaction when he got the job, the music in the dining room and the French lessons in the bathroom. We also talk about value and numerous other topics.We're talking French lessons on A Deeper Dive so please check it out. 

Luckin Coffee is a massive concept based in China that is widely regarded as Starbucks' chief global rival, although it just recently arrived in the United States. Pat Cobe, senior menu editor of Restaurant Business and co-host of Menu Talk, checked out one of the two New York locations, ordered a pineapple-and-coconut drink, and gave her impressions of the place: The drink was tasty, and the venue was small and takeout-focused.Co-host Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, also had a busy week of trying food and beverage, including participating in a pastrami taste test.David Burke, celebrity chef and inventor many years ago of salmon pastrami, has a new traditional pastrami at his restaurant Park Avenue Kitchen. He thought it was pretty good, so he invited restaurateurs, food writers, including Bret, influencers, etc. to come to the restaurant and do a blind tasting against the big-name NYC pastrami purveyors, including Sarge's, 2nd Avenue Deli, Katz's, and Carnegie Deli.Whose pastrami won? Listen to this week's podcast and find out.And also listen to Bret's interview with Tyler Florence, chef-owner of Wayfare Tavern, which recently relocated in San Francisco, and Miller & Lux, with locations in San Francisco and Hawaii. Florence shares his thoughts on the post-pandemic evolution of San Francisco, and why he limits his own celebrity chef persona at his restaurants.

In the final instalment of The Inspired Series with Luke Mangan, recorded live at Foodservice Australia 2025 and presented by Straight To The Source, chef and restaurateur Ross Lusted pulls back the curtain on the realities of the modern food industry. From reinventing his career path to leading hotel kitchens, Ross shares insights on leadership, innovation, resilience, staffing, and what it takes to survive (and thrive) in a changing restaurant landscape. Takeaways Ross Lusted transitioned from dentistry to the culinary arts. Melbourne's market-centric dining scene is vibrant and diverse. Hotels offer a unique journey in hospitality compared to standalone restaurants. Innovative cooking methods are key to restaurant success. Partnerships in the restaurant industry can enhance opportunities. Staffing challenges are prevalent across the hospitality sector. Supply chain issues impact the availability of quality ingredients. The restaurant market is competitive, requiring resilience and adaptability. Understanding market demands is crucial for pricing strategies. Opening a restaurant during tough times can lead to future success. Sound bites "I was going to be a dentist." "I love the idea of restaurants." "We won a few awards." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Culinary Journey 01:08 Exploring Melbourne's Culinary Scene 02:18 From Dentistry to Culinary Arts 03:42 The Allure of Hotel Dining 04:46 Building Successful Restaurants 06:11 Innovative Cooking Methods at Woodcut 08:23 Navigating Partnerships in the Restaurant Industry 09:39 Challenges in Staffing and Work Ethic 11:00 The Impact of Supply Chain Issues 13:07 Resilience in the Restaurant Business culinary journey, Melbourne dining, hotel dining, restaurant industry, innovative cooking, staffing challenges, supply chain issues, hospitality, chef interviews, Australian cuisineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Real Estate Pros Podcast, hosts Michael Stansbury, Chad, and Kristina Roy delve into the Roys' extensive journey in real estate, from their humble beginnings with a mobile home to their current ventures in commercial properties and gold mining. They share insights on diversification, the challenges of the restaurant business, lessons learned from failed investments, and innovative acquisition strategies, including tax sales and leveraging their restoration company. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities in the ever-evolving real estate landscape.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

How does a 106-year-old brand keep customers coming back? By tapping into nostalgia.This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features A&W CEO Betsy Schmandt. This is the latest in our series of podcasts recorded during the National Restaurant show.This is a great conversation. We wanted to get to know Betsy, who was named chief executive of the chain earlier this year.A&W was founded in 1919, making it one of the oldest restaurant chains in the country. Betsy talks about that history and we talk about some of the memories we've had visiting the concept growing up. Schmandt discusses why that works for the brand and how the company plans to tap into consumer nostalgia.  We also talk extensively about hospitality and why consumers today expect a lot more from their restaurants—and what A&W is doing about it. We also talk about the chain's history of drive-ins and we talk about ways the company is adding technology into its restaurants. Betsy reveals a few things in that part of the conversation. We're talking A&W on A Deeper Dive so please check it out. 

What does it take to save a restaurant that's drowning in costs, even when customers love your food and rave about your beer? In this episode of the Restaurant Prosperity Formula Podcast, I sit down with Ian McCall of ISM Brewing to unpack his journey from overwhelmed restaurateur to confident, profitable business owner. Ian's story is a wake-up call for every restaurant and bar owner who thinks passion alone is enough to survive. In this episode, we reveal the behind-the-scenes struggles Ian faced and the game-changing moves he made to transform his brewpub into a success story—proving that with the right systems and mindset, you really can take control of your restaurant and your life.

Menu launches haven't slowed down coming off the July 4 holiday weekend. Pat Cobe, senior menu editor of Restaurant Business, and Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality spotted many new items this week.The beverage category continues to see a lot of action. Bret pointed out Starbucks' release of a super limited-time Fireworks Frappuccino, a blend of their berry refresher with coconut milk and raspberry pearls topped with strawberry puree and sweet cream cold foam. And Buffalo Wild Wings launched a Mountain Dew Radler combining the branded soft drink and Goose Island beer. There are also new mocktails from Dutch Bros, a prickly pear refresher at Whataburger and a margarita menu upgrade at Condado Tacos.From sauces to barbecue, our guest this week is Haim Asher, VP of culinary at Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, a California-based restaurant with 19 locations. Lucille's has a smoker in each location, where menu favorites like ribs and brisket cook low and slow. But the menu also offers other Southern specialties, including deviled eggs, the best-selling appetizer. Listen as Chef Asher describes how Lucille's is keeping up with barbecue's evolution in the U.S. while honoring its legacy.

What's the story behind the growth chain Mo'Bettahs?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Rob Ertmann, the CEO of the fast-growing Hawaiian-style chain Mo'Bettahs.This is the latest in our series of podcast episodes recorded at the National Restaurant Show in May. We wanted to talk with Ertmann to get the story behind Mo'Bettahs, which is one of the industry's more fascinating growth concepts. The company grew system sales 30% last year, according to Technomic.We talked about the chain's history and how it's been able to fund its growth. We talk about growth plans and what kind of barriers are standing in the way of that growth. We also touch on a variety of other topics, including tariffs, traffic, portion sizes and what's popular today.It's a wide-ranging episode on the podcast this week so check it out.

Much of the country suffered from a punishing heat wave last week, including New York City, where Menu Talk co-hosts Pat Cobe, senior menu editor of Restaurant Business, and Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, both live.Earlier in the week, Bret went to Chili's launch of three new premium frozen Margaritas, made with Patrón tequila, that was held in a heavily air-conditioned room appropriate not just for the beverages, but also for the unearthly temperatures outside (Bret joked that he felt like he was being poached).Pat discussed an interview with the corporate chef of California Pizza Kitchen about that chain's new salads, which led to a broader discussion about salad, and about pizza and whether pineapple belongs on it. Bret also pointed out that Mountain Mike's now has a Hawaiian-themed pizza with mango, something neither co-host can recall seeing on pizza before. Next they shared observations about unexpected flavors at chains outside the United States, and Bret went on a tangent about the polarizing tropical fruit durian, which he said tastes like sweetened onion and garlic, but not necessarily in a bad way.Finally, he introduced John Burns Paterson, the co-owner and operator of Frankies Nashville — an offshoot of the Brooklyn, New York, restaurants of that name. Enjoy the interview.

I'm Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I've spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.In this episode, I dive into the importance of understanding restaurant profitability and dialing in effective marketing strategies. I've seen firsthand how so many restaurant owners crush it when it comes to food and service—but really struggle when it comes to the business side of things. I address the common questions I hear all the time around how often to market and whether folks are actually listening. Spoiler alert: they are—but not in the way you think. I push for a shift in mindset: instead of chasing a bigger audience, focus on building a loyal one.You'll walk away with actionable insights on how to communicate more effectively with your guests and why repetition in your marketing messages isn't just helpful—it's essential.Takeaways:You can run a successful restaurant without running a successful restaurant business.Most restaurant owners have great food but struggle with profitability.Marketing doesn't exist in a vacuum; it's a moving parade.Repetition in marketing is compelling, not annoying.Unsubscribes can help filter out uninterested audiences.Focus on cultivating an engaged list of buyers, not just size.Engagement is the key metric, not audience size.Marketing requires consistency and multiple touch points.Your marketing should resonate with what matters to your audience.Plan to reintroduce your story regularly to keep it fresh.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Profitability00:55 Understanding Marketing in a Distracted World03:38 The Importance of Repetition in Marketing06:32 Building an Engaged Audience Over SizeIf you've got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at josh@joshkopel.com and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.

In this episode of the Real Estate Pros podcast, host Michael Stansbury interviews Sienam Ahuja, who shares her unique journey from the restaurant industry to real estate and the development of her AI-driven company, Bryckel AI. Sienam discusses her early experiences in New York City real estate, the challenges she faced, and how her background in restaurants shaped her approach to business. She highlights the contrasting real estate markets in the US and India, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, and explains how Bryckel aims to streamline complex real estate transactions using AI technology. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of Bryckel and its target market.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

How do you take a 56-year-old brand into the future?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Heather Neary, the CEO of the fast-food Mexican chain Taco John's.This is our latest in a series of podcast episodes recorded from the National Restaurant Show in May.Neary took over as CEO of Taco John's last year. We speak with her about what she's done over the past year-plus on the job.We were particularly interested in the company's technology initiatives, including its voice-activated drive-thru AI test. We talk with Neary about how well it works, how it benefits Taco John's and what the company does with the labor that no longer has to take orders.Neary discusses the company's franchising strategy and its expansion plans. She also talks about the chain's menu development efforts.We're talking tacos on A Deeper Dive so please check it out.

Grab the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: Learn about affordable franchises with high returns. Learn More: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcostPaul Russo built NYPD Pizza from scratch, then lost almost everything. In this raw, unfiltered episode, he shares how dyslexia, grit, and street smarts shaped his rise as a franchise founder, what went wrong, and how he's relaunching stronger than ever. If you're considering a food franchise or want to learn what it really takes to succeed in the restaurant world, this is the conversation you need.------------------Considering Investing In A Franchise? Discover Available Franchises Opportunities in Your Area:

What's the next step for the owner of Krystal?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Josh Kern, the CEO of the multi-brand restaurant operator SPB Hospitality, which owns several different chains.This is the latest in a series of podcast episodes that we recorded during the National Restaurant Association Show last month. SPB Hospitality owns and operates a wide range of restaurants, including the fast-food concept Krystal, the casual-dining brand Logan's Roadhouse and the upscale casual brand J. Alexander's. Kern talks about the brands and how they're doing. He also talks about operating a multi-brand company and how it can run both full-service and limited-service concepts. He also talks about the company's future strategy, and whether it plans to keep all these brands or whether it plans to put one or two of them on the market. 

How does Velvet Taco come up with its recipes?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Clay Dover, CEO of the fast-casual taco chain.This is the latest in a series of podcasts we recorded at the National Restaurant Show. Velvet Taco is a rapidly growing chain of taco shops. It finished 2024 with 49 locations and grew sales nearly 22%, according to data from Restaurant Business sister company Technomic.The chain's menu is more unique than a simple taco shop. You might go to one of the restaurants and be greeted with a Bacon Smashburger Taco or a Paneer Taco. And there are the WTF tacos, or weekly taco feature. We wanted to know how the brand develops these tacos and why that has helped the brand do things that perhaps other concepts cannot do.We also talk about other issues, including the chain's growth and its plans for international development and what Dover sees as the biggest barriers to growth right now.We're talking tacos on A Deeper Dive so please check it out.

McDonald's had been teasing the return of its chicken Snack Wraps on social media, but Popeyes beat them to the punch with the launch of similar wraps of their own. That was the big menu news this week that was discussed by hosts Pat Cobe, senior menu editor of Restaurant Business, and Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality.Bret disdained the term “chicken wars” to describe the scenario: It's the sale of food to customers, which in no way resembles the horrors of war. Nonetheless, people do enjoy referring to the situation that wy, so there you have it.In other food news, several chains rolled out cookies this week, including a new lemon cookie from Jimmy John's, chocolate chip cookies enrobing Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Oreos from Great American Cookies and an Espresso Martini-inspired cookie at Chip City Cookies that was only available for the June 6-7 weekend. There were also several beverage introductions of note, particularly Starbucks' new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.Then the co-hosts discussed the trend of pizza regionalization, particularly Connecticut's push to attract New Yorkers to the suburbs to try that state's coal-fired pies. That led them to Pat's interview with Bret Lunsford, executive chef and culinary director of Sally's Apizza, a small chain based in Connecticut, who has expanded the menu with creative pizza toppings, salads, and more. Give a listen.

I'm Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I've spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.In this episode, I talk about something I think we've gotten backwards in the restaurant industry — loyalty. Too many of us are trying to buy it with discounts and deals. But real loyalty? That comes from connection. I dig into how to move beyond the transactional and start creating experiences that actually mean something to your guests. It's about storytelling. It's about generosity. It's about making people feel like they matter. When you build that kind of emotional connection, you don't need to bribe people to come back — they come back because they want to. And better yet, they tell their friends. If you're looking to turn one-time visitors into lifelong fans, this episode is for you.Takeaways:You can run a successful restaurant without running a successful restaurant business.Most restaurant owners have great food but lack business acumen.Discounts do not drive loyalty; they create transactional relationships.Guests return for the experience, not for discounts.Creating a sense of belonging is key to guest loyalty.Generosity should be intentional and targeted, not random.Memorable experiences lead to word-of-mouth marketing.Identify high-value guest moments for targeted gestures of generosity.Document and share guest stories to enhance marketing efforts.True loyalty is built on experiences, not freebies.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Profitability02:03 The Power of Genuine Connection Over Discounts05:51 Creating Memorable Guest ExperiencesIf you've got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at josh@joshkopel.com and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.

How should marketing change in the era of AI?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Kyle Drenon, the CEO and co-owner of Supper Co., a marketing firm that works with restaurants and other hospitality industries. This is part of a series of podcasts we recorded at the National Restaurant Show last month and it is a good one.We wanted Kyle on the podcast to talk about AI, and specifically its impact on marketing and how people look for your restaurant. Kyle provides some sobering data on the impact AI is having on web traffic to normal, everyday websites.We talk about what that actually means for restaurant companies. And then we talk about how those restaurant companies can adapt by marketing with short-form video.We're talking AI and marketing on A Deeper Dive so please check it out. 

Peaches, guava and Persian flavors are trending on menus this week, according to Pat Cobe, senior menu editor of Restaurant Business, and Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, co-hosts of the Menu Talk podcast.Bret observed that peach-themed drinks are making a comeback this summer. Chick-fil-A returned its Peach Milkshake for the 16th year and added a new Peach Frosted Lemonade, and Pat reported that Piada Italian Street Food, a much smaller chain, launched a cooling Peach Basil Fresca. The beverage side of the menu continues to be a hotbed of innovation. Guava, a less-familiar fruit in the U.S., is moving into the mainstream. Bret pointed out that Dunkin' introduced a guava, orange and passion fruit refresher, and A&W has a guava, orange and passion fruit freeze on the menu. On the casual-dining front, Texas Roadhouse just rolled out a line of tropical-flavored mocktails, the chain's first foray into zero-proof cocktails.We mentioned previously how pistachio is getting more play in both food and drinks, and Pat noted that Nick the Greek is highlighting the flavor in a frozen yogurt dessert later this summer. It's called Pistachio Cream “Dubai Chocolate” Froyo and is a takeoff on the decadent Dubai Chocolate Bar that is a viral sensation on TikTok. Which spurred a discussion on whether frozen yogurt is making a comeback. Tune in to find out.Persian food seems to be emerging as a Middle Eastern niche, even in fast casual. Dig teamed up with a Persian-American content creator to put a Sumac Yogurt and Chicken Plate on the menu, and halvah is flavoring coffee at The Caffe by Mr. Espresso.Danny Grant, chef-partner in Maple Hospitality Group.Our guest this week is Danny Grant, chef-partner in Maple Hospitality Group, which operates three Maple & Ash Steakhouses in Chicago, Scottsdale and Miami. The newest in Miami has in-house dry-aging equipment and offers the Sundae Tower, an extravagant shareable dessert inspired by Grant's mom. Listen as he shares the secrets behind Maple & Ash's signatures and his passion for all things culinary.

Why are restaurant chains introducing so many limited-time offers?This week's episode of the restaurant finance podcast A Deeper Dive features Katie Belflower, manager of menu research and insights with Restaurant Business sister company Technomic. This is part of a series of podcasts we recorded during the recently concluded National Restaurant Association Show.We wanted to talk with Belflower about the shocking number of limited-time offers, or LTOs, restaurant chains have been pushing recently. The industry introduced a record number of LTOs last year, and she helps explain why. We talk about the impact social media is having on restaurants' need for more innovation and whether weak traffic is forcing more companies to push new items. But we also talk about the risks associated with so many LTOs.And we also talk a bit about menu pricing.We're talking limited-time offers on A Deeper Dive so check it out.

Bret and guest co-host Heather Lalley discuss the latest food and beverage trends and share an interview with Susan Bae, executive pastry chef of Moon Rabbit in Washington, D.C.With the National Restaurant Show in the rearview mirror, Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, welcomed a guest co-host to the podcast, Heather Lalley, managing editor of sister publications Restaurant Business, Supermarket News, and CSP Daily News. With an expert in the retail space joining the show, Bret and Heather discussed the increasing presence of drinks made with cannabis in that channel. There was also an entire section at the Restaurant Show dedicated to those drinks, with both hosts visited with enthusiasm, and Heather also sat in on a presentation on the potentially thorny legal issues around cannabis, regulations of which vary from state to state.They also discussed some of the plant-based options at the show, which are of particular importance to Heather, who's a pescatarian. Often the meatless options she's presented with at meals, though tasty, tend to lack protein, being made with ingredients such as cauliflower and mushrooms. Then Bret shared an interview with Susan Bae, the executive pastry chef of Moon Rabbit, a Vietnamese-inspired restaurant in Washington, D.C.

The annual National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago concluded Tuesday, and both editors spent the last four days walking the Show floor, sampling food and drinks from the thousands of exhibitors, recording podcasts and video interviews and attending events.Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, was on stage at the 2025 MenuMasters awards Saturday, handing out awards to this year's eight restaurant and chef recipients at a gala celebration held at Morgan Manufacturing. Michelin-starred chefs Dominque Crenn and Curtis Duffy were both honored, the former inducted into the MenuMasters Hall of Fame and the latter recognized as MenuMasters 2025 Innovator. Culinary directors from chains including Wendy's, Chili's, True Food Kitchen, Fuzzy's Taco Shop and Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant also received awards for menu innovation. And restaurateur and social media expert Alexandra Lourdes won for Digital Innovation.Pat Cobe, senior menu editor of Restaurant Business, also attended the event and was impressed how all the awardees acknowledged the importance of team collaboration to menu innovation. She also enjoyed a number of bites and sips on the Show floor. Standouts included the avocado toast bar at Avocados from Mexico, an everything bagel-seasoned brie from the California cheese booth and a pistachio latte made with pistachio milk at the Campbell's booth. Speaking of non-dairy milk, Pat tried fermented oat milk that is processed into 2-D printed sheets that simply have to be rehydrated. It's a high-tech, sustainable solution by  Milkadamia, a plant-based milk company.Bret and Pat were judges for the National Restaurant Show's Food and Beverage Innovation awards and had the pleasure of honoring the recipients on Monday, as they all came up to the Beverage Room stage for recognition and photo ops.This week's operator interview is with Kyle Knall, chef-owner of Birch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Before moving to Milwaukee to be closer to family, Knall earned his culinary chops under celebrated chef Frank Stitt in Birmingham, Alabama, and at Gramercy Tavern in New York. Birch's casual vibe and inspired, locally sourced menu have turned it into a popular dining destination. Another restaurant is in the works in Milwaukee's Third Ward historic district. Listen to Knall's culinary journey, mission and plans for the future.

What does Culver's new CEO have in mind for the chain?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Julie Fussner, who was recently named chief executive of the 1,000-unit, Wisconsin-based burger chain. Culver's is quietly one of the most consistent restaurant chains in the country and is one of a generation of high-growth burger concepts. Its system sales grew 16% last year. By contrast, fast-food burger chain sales last year grew just 1%.Fussner came to the brand in 2017 and was later named chief marketing officer, the first CMO in that chain's history. In April she was named just the fifth CEO in Culver's history and the brand's first woman CEO.So we thought we'd bring her on and ask her a bunch of questions about plans for the company.

Ube, the photogenic purple sweet potato from the Philippines, has been trending gradually in the United States. It got a boost recently when it made it onto the menu of the three Starbucks Reserve Roastery locations in Chicago, New York, and Seattle where it's added to a coconut cold foam and spooned over an Espresso Martini.Pat Cobe, senior menu editor of Restaurant Business, and Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, discussed the ube phenomenon, which also came up in Pat's conversation with the operators of Tous Les Jours, a Korean-based pastry concept that's growing quickly in the United States. Pat said they see ube and another trending Asian ingredient, matcha, as points of distinction for the brand.Speaking of trends and Korean food, Bret went to a preview of a collab between fast-casual salad chain Sweetgreen and fine-dining Korean steakhouse Cote. Sweetgreen has collaborated with fine-dining chefs in the past, including Dan Barber of Blue Hill and Nancy Silverton of Mozza, and this new one features Korean sauces and marinades that are used in three limited-time offers: Two salads and a more substantial plate.The LTOs expand on Sweetgreen's introduction of steak last year—another trend in fast-casual restaurants. While chicken, always popular, is gaining even further traction at limited-service restaurants, Pat and Bret discussed how steak really shines as LTOs, including these new ones at Sweetgreen and the Steak Stroganoff at Noodles & Company, which was discussed during that chain's recent earnings call as a reason for the fast casual's relative success during the first quarter. Bret also sampled the returning Campfire menu at Cracker Barrel. It's become a harbinger of summer for the chain, which this year added a shrimp skillet with andouille sausage to the lineup. Bret also shared an interview with Indian chef Rasika Venkatesa, the former chef de cuisine of Mourad in San Francisco, who is now in New York City operating a series of pop-ups called Mythili, named for her grandmother. Venkatesa discussed her approach to cooking Indian food, and shared how she collected recipes from villagers from throughout the state of Tamil Nadu.

Cinco de Mayo is now in the rearview mirror, and restaurant chains are focusing on new tie-ins. Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, noted the launch of Sonic's Unicorn Dreams Slush, a bubbly, bright pink drink that comes with a choice of four color-changing straws. It's perfectly positioned for Instagram, as many new menu items are lately.Pat Cobe, senior menu editor of Restaurant Business, commented that beverages continue to be a hotbed of menu innovation.  Pizza also saw some action this week, with both Mellow Mushroom and &pizza debuting taco-inspired pies. Bret also pointed out the return of chicken and waffles to KFC and barbecue sandwiches at Shake Shack. At the latter, there's a chicken sandwich and burger, each with a choice of either the Shake Shack's signature barbecue sauce or a new Carolina-style flavor profile. Along with a new campfire s'mores shake and lemonade drinks, this is a menu that's anticipating summer. Then we shared an interview with Mark Boyton, VP of global food & beverage for Puttshack, a mini-golf eatertainment concept with 16 locations. Boyton is an experienced restaurant chef and is intent on elevating Puttshack's food, cocktails, beer and wine. Instead of the usual nachos and wings, the menu features globally inspired small plates and local flavors. Listen as he shares the tasty details.

Someone wants to buy Olo. McDonald's sales took a hit. And get ready for Shake Shack combo meals. Welcome to Restaurant Daily, a look at the most important restaurant news of the day from the editors of Restaurant Business and Nation's Restaurant News. I'm Jonathan Maze, editor in chief of RB.

How does Chili's keep doing this?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business finance podcast A Deeper Dive features George Felix, the chief marketing officer for Chili's parent company Brinker International.We spoke with Felix at the Restaurant Leadership Conference. We wanted to talk about Chili's marketing, and how it's taken advantage of social media to draw attention to the brand. The chain's same-store sales have increased more than 31% each of the past two quarters despite a brutal market for full-service chains.Felix talks about the way Chili's took advantage of consumer frustration over high fast-food prices and he details the company's thinking as it elevated one of its long-time offers. He also talks about social media in general and how the company recognized consumer affinity for cheese pulls. And he talks about the company's Lifetime movie.We're talking Chili's and marketing on A Deeper Dive so check it out.

How do you teach an old pizza chain new tricks?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features David Karam, the CEO of the pizza chain Sbarro.The pizza chain was founded in 1956 and for years thrived inside mall locations. But the company took on too much debt and filed for bankruptcy twice after the Great Recession. We wanted to talk with Karam to understand what Sbarro did to survive those two bankruptcies. Karam took over the chain between the two filings and has led the it ever since and now owns the concept. Sbarro just opened its 800th restaurant and has found new life in places like convenience stores and airports as well as international markets.Karam discusses these plans and provides insight into how the company was able to find a life past bankruptcy. 

#358 If you think a busy restaurant automatically means a profitable one — think again! In this episode hosted by Kirsten Tyrrel, we sit down with Ryan Gromfin, aka The Restaurant Boss, who pulls back the curtain on the flawed traditional restaurant business model. From his early days as a 15-year-old working in a five-star kitchen to building and consulting for scalable restaurant empires, Ryan shares why systems — not just great food — are the real key to success. He explains how most restaurant owners are unintentionally stuck in survival mode and lays out practical strategies for building a business that runs efficiently and profitably. Whether you're in the food industry or not, Ryan's advice on systems, leadership, and scalability will change how you think about business! What we discuss with Ryan: + Why the restaurant model is broken + From chef to systems expert + Difference between building vs. following systems + Daily metrics every owner must track + Labor costs and post-COVID challenges + Common myths about profitable restaurants + Importance of systemizing every repeated task + How to structure successful partnerships + Revenue benchmarks for scaling locations + Top financial mistakes new owners make Thank you, Ryan! Check out The Restaurant Boss at TheRestaurantBoss.com. Check out Scale My Restaurant at ScaleMyRestaurant.com. Check out clickBACON at clickBACON.com. Follow Ryan on YouTube. Watch the video podcast of this episode! And follow us on: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok Youtube Twitter To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors. Want to hear from more incredible entrepreneurs? Check out all of our interviews here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR1hMlmuFNA&t=1sToday, we're highlighting Josh's appearance on a standout episode of Digital Hospitality with host Shawn Walchef. They explore the power of storytelling in business, the surprising ROI of podcasting, and the evolving world of restaurant tech. From menu engineering to system integration, the conversation dives deep into the real-world challenges restaurant owners face—including the lessons that only come through failure. Josh also speaks candidly about the value of mentorship and offers actionable advice for aspiring restaurateurs—focusing on what truly drives success: profitability, innovation, and the ability to adapt in a fast-changing industry.Links and resources

Pat Cobe, senior menu editor at Restaurant Business, and Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor for Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, together moderated a menu innovation panel at the Restaurant Leadership Conference last Monday in Phoenix. Participants included operators from Popeyes, Noodle's & Company, Potbelly, Applebee's and Velvet Taco, and we heard a lot about what's in the works and what's to come.At RLC, we also heard from Kevin Hochman, CEO of Chili's and our Restaurant Leader of the Year. He chatted about a lot of things on stage, including the Big QP Burger, Chili's quarter-pound burger that launched that day. It's a clear swipe at McDonald's, and as a special introductory deal, it comes with fries and a soft drink for $10.99.Then we shared an interview with Bob Johnston, CEO of The Melting Pot, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. When the restaurant chain started, there were only three fondues on the menu: beef, cheese and chocolate. Johnston, who began as a dishwasher at The Melting Pot, talked about how the menu has since expanded, with on-trend items like seafood and veggie fondues, a brie and fig variation, and steak fondue with mango-habanero sauce. There is also a full bar with craft cocktails and a varied wine selection, a far cry from Michelob—the only beer option back in the ‘70s. Listen as we hear how The Melting Pot has evolved but is still offering an interactive dining experience, which is exactly what many guests want these days when they visit a restaurant. 

How did restaurants do in 2024?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive is all about the Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report.Kevin Schimpf, senior director of industry research at Restaurant Business sister company Technomic, joins the episode to talk about the ranking. The restaurant industry did not have a great year in 2024 if you look at the overall numbers. Kevin and I talk about that and why restaurants didn't do as well.We also talk about what sectors did well and what did not. Hint: It's more menu based than anything else. We talk about the shift from some concepts to others and from some menu types to others and what it means for the future of the industry. We talk about Texas Roadhouse, McDonald's, Starbucks, KFC, Raising Cane's, Chick-fil-A and others. And also what sector should not exist.We're talking Top 500 on A Deeper Dive, so please check it out.

Hosts Pat Cobe, senior menu editor of Restaurant Business, and Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, had a busy week going to chain restaurants' promotional events in New York City.Pat had high tea featuring Portillo's menu items, and Bret went to a preview of the first United States location of Chinese chain Pull-Tab Coffee, whose signature menu item is a sort of reversed iced cappuccino: Coffee foam on top of milk on the rocks. He also went to Bar Tender, a two-day pop-up in Brooklyn created by Wingstop, featuring the chain's upgraded, crunchier chicken tenders in 12 different flavors (he didn't try them all, but he did his best).They also discussed the big chain news of Wendy's new Frosty options. They can now be blended with syrups, and starting in May there will be mix-ins available — like Dairy Queen Blizzards.Also big news: McDonald's has upgraded its lemonade, doing away with Minute Maid (although its orange juice is still in stock), and replacing it with a beverage of lemon juice, lemon pulp and sugar. Then Bret shared an interview with Juan and Gee Smalls, the owners of three-unit Virgil's Gullah Kitchen & Bar in Atlanta, featuring the food of the Gullah and Geechee people of the coastal areas from North Carolina to Georgia. They're first-time restaurateurs, motivated by what they saw as a need for venues owned and operated by Black gay people. The couple discuss their learning process and plans for the future.

How will the bankruptcy filings of TGI Fridays and Hooters affect the market for securitizations?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Ed Cerullo, a credit analyst with Octus, to talk about whole business securitizations and the potential impact those bankruptcies can have on the market. Whole business securitizations use a company's cash-generating assets to back bonds. Cerullo helps explain how they work, and why they've been so popular in the restaurant industry over the past 15-plus years. TGI Fridays was the first bankruptcy of a restaurant chain that used a whole business securitization, and Hooters was the second. Fridays also has the distinction of having lost control of its assets, the first time that had happened in any industry in 15 years. Both were risky investments, however, at the time they went to the securitization market. Cerullo and I talk about that, and whether the investments properly denoted the risks those companies presented at the time. We talk about whether the securitizations promoted this risk, and what the impact will be on the market going forward. 

Pickles are moving from sidekick to main event on restaurant menus, as the Menu Talk co-hosts witnessed recently. Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, attended Popeyes' pickle reveal at the chain's flagship Times Square location in New York City. The restaurant was decked out in green from top to bottom, and Bret got to taste Popeyes new pickle menu, which included fried pickles, a tart pickle glazed chicken sandwich and pickle lemonade. Although not on the menu, servers also handed out Pickle Margaritas infused with pickle juice, and pickles with smoked salmon, caviar and crème fraiche, courtesy of NYC deli landmark, Zabar's.When Pat Cobe, senior editor of Restaurant Business, interviewed Popeyes chef Amy Alarcon following the event, she mentioned the hydrating properties of pickle juice, which is mixed into Popeyes' signature cane sugar-sweetened lemonade. Coffee chain Dutch Bros also introduced a pickle juice energy drink this month, the Pickleback Rebel. Moving on to non-pickle items, Pat talked about the inspiration behind Jack in the Box's culturally connected milkshakes. The latest is the Pink Pineapple Express that ties into 4/20, the unofficial “holiday” celebrating cannabis. Bret mentioned that Ike's Love and Sandwiches and Jimmy John's are both offering special munchies for 4/20 as well. Other food news of the week focused on the never-ending parade of ranch dressing variations and Subway's latest footlong snack—Doritos Footlong Nachos. Bill Nevruz of Shaw's Crab House | Photo courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You EnterprisesThen the two shared an interview with Bill Nevruz, an executive partner in Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and the divisional president of Shaw's Crab House in Chicago. Shaw's is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month, and Nevruz described the festivities around that milestone, including a throwback menu that features items like sauteed frogs' legs, clams casino and crab-stuffed shrimp. Of course, signatures including oysters, sushi and king crab legs will also be on hand, along with two anniversary cocktails—an Old Fashioned and a Martini—both garnished with oysters and caviar. Listen as Nevruz relates Shaw's story and how the restaurant has earned its reputation as a premier seafood destination far from both coasts.

Beverage concepts are proliferating across the country, and for good reason. As Pat Cobe, senior menu editor of Restaurant Business, reported recently and discussed on this week's podcast, Gen Z has become a generation of afternoon treat-buyers and they enjoy rewarding themselves with something colorful and refreshing that they can exhibit proudly on social media. Hence the proliferation of beverage concepts such as HTeaO, Sip Fresh, and Krak Boba, among many others. In fact, she and Nation's Restaurant News senior food & beverage editor Bret Thorn noted that big chains have gotten in on the act, launching their own beverage-focused concepts such as Taco Bell's Live Más Café and McDonald's CosMc's.In food news, the co-hosts groused a bit about the relentless spread of hot honey (Subway jumped on the bandwagon last week) and suggested alternatives, such as sweet Thai chile sauce, or maybe brown sugar with habanero. Maybe hot honey is becoming table stakes at restaurants, but it's not going to get anyone's attention anymore. Other chains are flexing their creative muscles, however, such as Pokeworks, which just came out with a line of “Hot Plates” that resemble a Hawaiian midday staple called the plate lunch, made with some kind of center-of-the-plate protein accompanied by two scoops of rice and macaroni salad. Pat and Bret observed that Hawaiian food is becoming more prevalent on the mainland and is worth looking into. Fogo de Chão is making sure that its customers can spend as much money as they like when they visit with the introduction of an Indulgent Churrasco menu, about $20 more than the concept's all-you-can-eat Churrasco Experience and featuring luxury items such as lobster and bone marrow. Then Bret shared an interview with Jesús Méndez, a restaurateur and bar owner in Birmingham, Alabama, who recently opened Salud Taqueria, bringing Mexican street food to the center of the city. 

#310 In this episode, Justin Williams talks to Jason and Pili Yarusi about their journey and experiences in the world of commercial real estate investing. The Yarusi's began working in the restaurant and bar industry, moved to house moving and flipping, before venturing into large-scale multifamily investing back in 2016 and have since acquired a significant real estate portfolio. They discuss how to make the transition from single-family homes to apartment buildings and share insights into establishing broker relationships, understanding the difference between active and passive investing, and the importance of mentoring. They also delve into the importance of understanding the dynamics of taking calculated risks, seeking a business-savvy network, and the tax advantages investment properties offer. Furthermore, they delve into the different opportunities available for both accredited and non-accredited investors. To have a successful and thriving real estate business, The Yarusi's emphasize the significance of constantly learning, taking action, building relationships and educating oneself. (Original Air Date - 11/30/23) What we discuss with Pili and Jason: + Introduction and Background + Guest Introduction: Jason and Pili Yaroussi + Journey into Apartment Investing + Transition from Restaurant Business to Real Estate + Challenges of Running a Construction Business + Transition into Real Estate and House Flipping + Scaling the House Flipping Business + Venturing into Large Multifamily Investing + The Power of Networking and Mastermind Groups + The Benefits of Commercial Investing + The Process of Finding and Acquiring Properties + Establishing Contact with Property Owners + Broker Relationships and Direct Marketing + The Role of Brokers in Property Acquisition + Finding Opportunities through Various Channels + Understanding the Market and Building Broker Relationships + The Importance of Real Estate Resumes and Mentors + The Role of Sponsors in Property Acquisition + Sourcing Deals and Becoming an Acquisition Specialist + Active vs Passive Partners in Property Investment + Understanding the Role of Limited and Active Partners + The Potential of Passive Investing + Understanding the Concept of Accredited Investors + The Importance of Building Relationships with Investors + The Journey to Success in Business and Investing + The Importance of Planting Your Financial Tree + Closing Remarks and Future Plans Links and resources from this episode: https://www.yarusiholdings.com/ https://www.costar.com/ https://cre.moodysanalytics.com/ https://www.yardi.com/products/matrix/ For more information go to MillionaireUniversity.com To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to MillionaireUniversity.com/training. And follow us on: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok Youtube Twitter To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors. Want to hear from more incredible entrepreneurs? Check out all of our interviews here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the strategy for Authentic Restaurant Brands' newest acquisition?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Alex Macedo, the CEO of the multi-brand operator Authentic Restaurant Brands (ARB). The company recently acquired the New England polished casual-dining concept Tavern in the Square, its latest in a series of deals for largely regional chains. The company owns Pollo Tropical, Primanti Bros., P.J. Whelihan's and Mambo Seafood. The company's chains generate $1 billion worth of revenue and $150 million in EBITDA, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. We asked Alex why Tavern in the Square fits with these companies, when it plans to buy another chain and what's the strategy behind acquiring regional concepts. We also asked Alex about ARB's ultimate exit strategy. Check it out.

Spring brings a lot of menu activity, and the most recent launches show a focus on upgraded ingredients and formats. Menu Talk hosts Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, and Pat Cobe, senior menu editor of Restaurant Business, noted Maggiano's updates, which include Wagyu meatballs and Chicken Parmesan topped with freshly grated cheese.  Bret also cited Tender Greens' menu upgrades, which include the artisan Laura Chenel goat cheese as an ingredient, along with heirloom cherry tomatoes and Great Northern beans. The pair also observed more fresh vegetables on menus, with carrots—an everyday veggie—getting treated to some fancy preparations at restaurants. Another trend that's gaining steam is happening at Italian concepts. Your Pie is doing pizza shop sandwiches, filling their proprietary pizza dough with various ingredients and baking them into portable, handheld items. All have sauces based on ranch, America's favorite sauce flavor, it seems.The duo also shared an interview with Scott Davis, chief concept officer for Noodles & Company, the fast casual that just experienced a major menu upgrade two years in the making. Davis talks about how he and his culinary team responded to customers' cravings for more generous portions of sauce, more mac ‘n cheese variations, more protein and more bold, global flavors. All of those show up in the new menu additions. Give a listen.

How has the pandemic affected restaurants?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Lisa Miller, a consumer strategist and the author of "The Business of Joy."The podcast is part of our series on the impact of the COVID pandemic on the restaurant industry five years after it first hit. The pandemic wiped out a huge percentage of sales. More than half of the restaurant workforce lost their jobs. That period was an earthquake on the industry, and there have been many aftershocks since: supply shortages, runaway inflation and now traffic declines as consumers get frustrated over price hikes.We discuss the lingering impact from that era. We also talk about how consumers have changed. And we talk about the potential restaurants have to get customers, even in a tough market. The U.S. diner hasn't fully returned to the industry and still wants to eat out more often than they do. 

Menu Talk hosts Pat Cobe, senior menu editor of Restaurant Business, and Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, agree that restaurants are pushing out spring flavors earlier than ever.It's also the season for menu makeovers at several restaurant chains. After identifying “team mom” as a core customer, Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux introduced a number of new, female-friendly dishes, less sugary cocktails and higher-end wines. And Noodles & Company launched nine new menu items—an overhaul two years in the making—which you'll hear more about next week.But this week, we are spotlighting Matt King, president and COO of Legal Sea Foods, as our guest. He chats about the recent menu makeover at the Boston-based casual-dining chain. While the restaurants' signatures will never be taken off the menu—we're talking about the best-selling lobster roll and fish and chips—King shares Legal Sea Foods' journey toward customization. Guests can now create their own flavor profiles, choosing the protein they prefer, along with a sauce or rub, cooking technique and sides. For the indecisive, there are also plenty of chef-curated dishes featuring seasonal, sustainable seafood. Listen as King, the brand's former head chef, describes Legal Sea Food's new culinary direction and what's next. 

Why are restaurant chains still having challenges in 2025?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Rich Shank, the senior principal with sister company Technomic. We wanted to talk with Shank because of the uncertain state of the restaurant business so far in 2025. A lot of people thought that things would improve this year after a difficult 2024. But so far that hasn't quite happened. Many chains have reported weak sales beyond just weather concerns, saying that consumers are still cutting back. We talk about why that is. We also talk about the uncertainty surrounding the economy, particularly with the threat of tariffs. We also talk about the potential impact of immigration restrictions. In addition, Rich talks about how the restaurant business has changed since the pandemic started five years ago.We're talking about the state of the industry so check it out. 

Jaime and Matt connect with chef Giovanni Mauro to talk about the pros and cons of running a busy Italian restaurant in Las Vegas. The chefs dive into why having values and implementing systems can help navigate the ongoing demands in being a chef in 2025.

What's going on with egg prices?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Ricky Richardson, the CEO of the breakfast-and-lunch franchise Eggs Up Grill. We wanted to talk to Ricky because he recently posted about a decision his franchisees made in reaction to egg prices.Egg prices have hit record highs this year because of an outbreak of avian influenza, which has caused poultry farmers to get rid of much of their flocks, dropping supply. Because of the high costs, some chains such as Waffle House and Denny's have instituted egg surcharges. Richardson explains just how big a deal these price increases are to the company's franchisees and how the company and operators are dealing with them. We also talk about surcharges and the impact on customers. And we spend some time talking about Eggs Up and the breakfast-and-lunch category, quietly one of the hottest categories for years.We're talking about eggs on A Deeper Dive so please check it out. 

How do you take a hot restaurant concept national without destroying it?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Chris Schultz, the CEO of Voodoo Doughnut. The doughnut chain was founded in Portland, Oregon, in 2000 by Kenneth Pogson and Tres Shannon. It quickly gained a reputation for off-the-wall doughnuts—we'll let you check out the website for the names of said doughnuts—and a brilliantly pink color scheme. The company has been expanding rapidly with private-equity owners. We talk with Chris about some of the changes the company has made and how the chain can make itself ready for growth without losing the irreverence that helped it gain popularity in the first place.And we also talk with Schultz about the chain's expansion strategy, and whether that strategy can work for a concept that focuses largely on treats. 

How does a restaurant chain come back from bankruptcy?This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Jim Greco, the CEO of the recently-emerged-from-bankruptcy Tijuana Flats.Greco is an industry veteran who has engineered turnarounds at Bruegger's and Sbarro. He recently took over Tijuana Flats, the fast-casual Mexican chain, and is working on that comeback plan.We wanted to talk with him to go over the best strategies for resuscitating struggling restaurant chains. It's an important topic because a lot of companies are doing just that. So we talk about the importance of operations, marketing and, of course food.Check it out.

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Michael Denehey  interviews Simon Robustelli, who grew his restaurant business, Solo Pasta, from $5,000 to $50,000 in weekly revenue over 15 years before a successful exit. Simon shares his insights on the challenges of managing rapid growth, including the importance of consistent processes and empowering his team. He reflects on the difficulties of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the need to "work on the business, not just in it". After his successful exit, Simon emphasises the value of having the right mentors and being open to change.    Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here.   Michael delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Simon Robustelli, the hardest thing in growing a small business is patience and belief in your product or brand. He emphasises the importance of having great people around you who are aligned with your vision, as one person deviating can quickly derail the business. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Simon admits he didn't read many business books, preferring to learn through hands-on experience, mentors, and observing others. He believes his core values and business acumen came more from his father and the network of people he surrounded himself with. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? While Simon didn't have a specific podcast or online resource to recommend, he emphasises the value of being open to learning from a wide range of people, including those in your industry and beyond. He believes the more diverse perspectives you can gain, the better. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Simon's top recommendation is to focus on establishing clear procedures and processes to ensure consistency. He points to the example of McDonald's, where every step is meticulously documented, as a model for small businesses to emulate. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? If he could go back in time, Simon would tell himself to "get ready for a life-changing journey." He reflects that the experience of building and growing his restaurant business was transformative, both professionally and personally, and he wouldn't trade it for anything. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Be open to change, and that's something that you know – Simon Robustelli At the end of the day, people are coming for a service, and I need to provide that service, so teaching myself as soon as five o'clock is on, whatever you got going on before? Mate switch it off, because you're on show now – Simon Robustelli I think the biggest driving success for me was the customer satisfaction of creating something, a product which people wanted to enjoy and wanted to be associated with – Simon Robustelli      

From Chinatown to Every Town: How Chinese Immigrants Have Expanded the Restaurant Business in the United States (University of California Press, 2024) by Dr. Zai Liang explores the recent history of Chinese immigration within the United States and the fundamental changes in spatial settlement that have relocated many low-skilled Chinese immigrants from New York City's Chinatown to new immigrant destinations. Using a mixed-method approach over a decade in Chinatown and six destination states, sociologist Dr. Liang specifically examines how the expansion and growing popularity of Chinese restaurants has shifted settlement to more rural and faraway areas. Dr. Liang's study demonstrates that key players such as employment agencies, Chinatown buses, and restaurant supply shops facilitate the spatial dispersion of immigrants while simultaneously maintaining vital links between Chinatown in Manhattan and new immigrant destinations. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Why are some chains easily outperforming their biggest competitors?  This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Joe Pawlak, the managing principal with RB sister company Technomic, to talk about this topic. Several restaurant chains are easily outperforming top competitors right now. Chili's is beating Applebee's. Dutch Bros is outperforming Starbucks and Texas Roadhouse is outdistancing Outback Steakhouse. Pawlak uses data from Technomic to help explain a lot of this. Customers clearly prefer some chains over others right now, and amid intense competition they are voting with their feet.  We discussed what some of these chains are bringing to the table and how much luck plays a role. The discussion offers lessons for some brands as they look to win in a competitive restaurant market. 

The best time to invest in a restaurant chain may be when the industry is struggling. This week's episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Andrew Smith, the cofounder of the private-equity firm Savory Fund.  We have long wanted Smith on the podcast, largely because of Savory's unique history. Smith has a restaurant operations background as a franchisee of brands like Little Caesars.  These days, Savory invests in emerging chains. The ifirm has invested in brands like Swig, Mo' Bettahs, Houston TX Hot Chicken, Pincho, Via 313 and others. Smith discussed his firm's investment strategies, what they look for and how to tell whether a brand will be a winner or not. He also discussed the right time to exit an investment and why it's not about time. He also notes that tough times for the restaurant business can be good times to make an investment and explains why that is on the podcast. Check it out.