🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in foodservice! - https://www.savor.fm/ The restaurant industry is on the cusp of a major shift driven by tech-savvy Gen Y and Gen Z consumers who prefer convenience, with mobile ordering rapidly growing and projected to account for 11% of quick-service sales by 2020. Yet the industry is slow to adopt new tech, despite benefits. Companies like PAR, focused on innovative industry-specific...

The Evolution of Food Halls and Emerging Brands in the Face of Economic ChallengesIn this episode of The Restaurant Report, host Paul Barron and guest co-host Amy Hom, experts in the restaurant industry and consumer sentiment, delve into the fascinating world of food halls and emerging brands. Despite current economic challenges, such as rising prices and inflation, which have reduced restaurant visits, food halls, and innovative culinary concepts are showcasing significant growth and...

In this episode of "The Restaurant Report," host Paul Barron is joined by Zach Goldstein, CEO of Thanx, a leading restaurant customer engagement platform. The discussion delves into the evolving landscape of consumer sentiment toward dining out, with a particular emphasis on Gen Z's unique behaviors and preferences. As the restaurant industry grapples with declining consumer sentiment and lower frequency rates, Zach and Paul explore the role of loyalty programs in addressing these...

In this episode of The Restaurant Report, Paul Barron, a forward-thinker in technology and media, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with the CEO of ConverseNow, a company at the vanguard of AI-driven drive-thru technology. Together, they delve into the transformative power of artificial intelligence in reshaping customer service within the fast-food industry and beyond. Highlights of their discussion include: The Evolution of AI: An in-depth analysis of the current state of AI...

Welcome to The Restaurant Report, where we delve into the exciting resurgence of casual dining trends in the hospitality industry. As consumers start to venture out again for dining experiences, casual eateries are seeing a significant uptick in popularity. In this episode, we explore the reasons behind this shift and what it means for the future of casual dining establishments. Today’s Guest - Hal Lawlor, President and COO of Smokey Bones Smokey Bones is a growing casual dining brand known...

In a recent episode of the Restaurant Report Podcast, Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Restaurant Association, discussed several critical issues impacting the restaurant industry. Kennedy, who joined the association in June 2019, sheds light on the Association's advocacy efforts and strategic initiatives to support restaurant operators nationwide. We discussed various regulations that could affect the restaurant industry in ways we have not seen in the...

In this episode, Paul Barron discusses the fascinating world of dynamic pricing strategies and the potential role of AI in reshaping menu modeling. Ashwin Kamlani, the CEO of Juicer, joins him as they explore the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the food service industry. Ashwin Kamlani, CEO of Juicer: Ashwin Kamlani, an expert in AI and its applications, joins Paul Barron to discuss the potential of AI in revolutionizing menu modeling. As the CEO of Juicer, Ashwin has a unique...

In this episode, Amy Hom, a veteran of the restaurant brand and technology space, and Paul Barron delve into the challenges faced by fast casual restaurants in the current landscape where technology's role in driving top-line revenue and profits is not as promising as expected. This issue is rooted in the collision between technology and consumer behavior, placing restaurant brands in a complex position. One of the fundamental dynamics at play is the dominance of millennials in the social...

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

In today's podcast, we delve into the world of Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe with the extraordinary Julie Wade. Join us as we embark on a culinary adventure, exploring the vibrant flavors and rich history of Mediterranean cuisine. Julie, the visionary behind Taziki's, shares her insights on creating a thriving restaurant business, fostering a passionate team, and delivering an exceptional dining experience that has captivated guests for over two decades. The restaurant industry is constantly...

In this episode of The Restaurant Report, we sit down with Mike LaRue, a 16+ year franchise veteran who has, since the beginning, maintained a focus on emerging brands. Mike is the VP of Franchise Development for Angry Chickz, a fast-growth Nashville hot chicken brand. We discuss how this brand could build 20+ units without an infrastructure, which could be its secret weapon to success. Link here for full access to our 5 brand growth tips - ~ Check out all our podcasts on savor.fm ~...

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

In this episode of The Restaurant Report podcast, I speak with Erle Dardick, of Lunchbox, a leading restaurant e-commerce platform. We discuss the top tech and consumer trends to watch in the restaurant industry in 2024, including: AI and its impact: AI is already having a major impact on the restaurant industry, from automating tasks in the kitchen to personalizing customer experiences. In 2024, can we expect to see even more widespread adoption of AI, as restaurants look for ways to improve...

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

The restaurant industry has been at the forefront of innovation in today's fast-paced world. From digital menus to contactless payments, the industry has continually adapted to meet the changing demands of consumers. However, there is a challenge that the industry is currently facing, one that is directly impacting consumer sentiment: the struggle to keep pace with evolving expectations, particularly in areas like drive-thru service accuracy and staff engagement.Consumer Expectations vs....

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

In this podcast, we visit with the Lettuce Entertain You Leadership team to discus success and the formula for the future. Featuring Ethan Samson, Executive Partner - Vice President & Deputy General CounselAmarit Dulyapaibul, Managing PartnerKevin Brown, CEO Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) is a family-owned restaurant group founded in 1971 by R.J. Melman. The company has become one of the largest restaurant groups in the United States, with more than 120 restaurants and 60...

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

In this episode, we dive into research and trends from TJ Wommack, Partner at AlixPartners. We discuss the composition of management teams is undergoing a significant transformation. This shift is changing the face of leadership and influencing business strategies, particularly in the restaurant industry. This article delves into the demographic shifts in management teams and their profound impact on promoting diversity and inclusion. We will also present data that reveals a notable trend:...

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

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

In recent years, third-party delivery services have become increasingly popular, with companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub taking a large cut of restaurant sales. However, a new trend is emerging: restaurant takeout is starting to lead as the more popular model. There are a few reasons for this shift. First, third-party delivery services can be expensive for restaurants. They typically charge a 15-30% commission on each order, which can eat into profits. Second, third-party...

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

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