Episodes

  • Restaurant Trends of 2024: Best Of

    Restaurant Trends of 2024: Best Of
    Dec 20 2024
    In this engaging industry discussion, restaurant experts explore the critical dynamics of founder transitions, brand evolution, and modern operational challenges. From analyzing successful transitions like Dave's Hot Chicken's expansion to addressing workforce management in today's multi-generational environment, the conversation reveals key insights for restaurant professionals. The discussion highlights the importance of systematic approaches to maintaining brand integrity, particularly in franchising, while emphasizing the need for clear financial planning and strategic decision-making when entering the restaurant business or considering expansion.

    RestaurantBusiness #RestaurantIndustry #FoodService
    🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

    📈 Learn More ~ Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

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    39 mins
  • Texas-Born, Fresh-Focused: Inside Taco Cabana's Franchise Strategy

    Texas-Born, Fresh-Focused: Inside Taco Cabana's Franchise Strategy
    Dec 18 2024
    Discover how Taco Cabana, the Texas-born Mexican fast-casual chain, is revolutionizing the restaurant industry with its innovative approach to franchising and operations. From its humble beginnings as a late-night taco spot in San Antonio to its current 146-unit operation, learn how the brand balances traditional TexMex favorites with modern menu innovations, leverages double drive-thru technology, and strategically expands across the Sun Belt and Midwest. Director of Franchise Sales John Ramsay shares insights on their unique franchise strategy, integrated technology stack, and focus on younger suburban communities.

    #RestaurantIndustry #FranchiseGrowth #FastCasualDining

    🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

    📈 Learn More ~ Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

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    47 mins
  • The Winning Brands of 2024

    The Winning Brands of 2024
    Dec 12 2024
    In this compelling exploration of restaurant brand dynamics, we delve into the strategies of Cracker Barrel, BurgerFi, and Dave's Hot Chicken, revealing how successful brands navigate transformation, leadership challenges, and market adaptation. From Cracker Barrel's strategic modernization under female leadership to Dave's Hot Chicken's targeted demographic approach, and highlighting the critical nonprofit work of CORE supporting food service workers, this analysis offers invaluable insights into surviving and thriving in the competitive restaurant industry.

    Guest: Jill Chapman | Director of Corporate Partnerships at CORE

    RestaurantInnovation #BrandStrategy #FoodServiceTrends

    🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

    📈 Learn More ~ Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

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    47 mins
  • The College Campus: A Culinary Launching Pad for Innovative Brands

    The College Campus: A Culinary Launching Pad for Innovative Brands
    Nov 20 2024
    Halal Shack CEO Jamal Rasoully reveals how innovative restaurant brands can thrive in college campuses by prioritizing quality, authentic experiences, and adapting to the unique challenges of contract food service, demonstrating a successful strategy for connecting with the next generation of consumers.

    RestaurantInnovation #CampusDining #FoodTech
    🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

    📈 Learn More ~ Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

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    44 mins
  • Embracing Tech and AI to Elevate the Customer and Employee Experience

    Embracing Tech and AI to Elevate the Customer and Employee Experience
    Nov 13 2024
    Join Aaron Novashen, CEO of Starbird, as he reveals how his fast-casual restaurant chain is revolutionizing the industry through AI and technology integration. Learn how Starbird achieves remarkable efficiency with 85% digital orders, uses predictive analytics for production, and maintains exceptional employee retention by implementing tech solutions that enhance both guest and staff experiences. Discover practical insights on balancing high-tech innovations with genuine hospitality in this must-watch episode for restaurant professionals.

    RestaurantTech #AIinHospitality #FutureOfDining
    🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

    📈 Learn More ~ Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

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    35 mins
  • Fast Casual 2025 Trends

    Fast Casual 2025 Trends
    Nov 6 2024
    Industry experts Paul Barron, Rudy Miick, and Paul Molinari discuss the evolving fast-casual restaurant landscape on Restaurant Masterminds podcast, emphasizing the critical need for brand differentiation, operational consistency, and unique value propositions. The conversation explores emerging opportunities in health-conscious and allergen-friendly dining, while highlighting challenges in managing food costs and maintaining brand identity. Key insights include the struggles of established chains like Chipotle and Cava to distinguish themselves, the importance of reliable customer experiences, and the potential growth in specialized dietary segments, all while keeping core costs under control to deliver perceived value.

    FastCasualDining #RestaurantInnovation #FoodServiceTrends
    🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

    📈 Learn More ~ Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

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    51 mins
  • The Impact of a TikTok Ban For Restaurants

    The Impact of a TikTok Ban For Restaurants
    Oct 24 2024
    TikTok has emerged as a transformative force in the restaurant industry, with 53% of millennial users visiting restaurants they discover on the platform. The app contributes $24 billion to GDP and supports 224,000 American jobs, while potentially generating nearly $1 billion in annual restaurant sales through its influence. Its success in the food service sector stems from its visual appeal, authentic content, viral potential, and user-generated content, making it an essential marketing tool for modern restaurants.

    #FoodTikTok #RestaurantMarketing #DiningTrends

    🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

    📈 Learn More ~ Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

    Follow on X: Savor_fm
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    41 mins
  • The Gen Z Factor: Transforming Your Restaurant's Culture

    The Gen Z Factor: Transforming Your Restaurant's Culture
    Oct 2 2024
    Building Gen Z teams in the restaurant industry requires a fresh approach to recruitment, retention, and management. Industry experts emphasize the importance of quick hiring processes, clear communication, and creating a purposeful work environment. Gen Z employees value instant feedback, recognition, and opportunities for growth. Successful restaurants are adapting by leveraging technology, fostering inclusive cultures, and providing clear paths for career development. Leaders must be adaptable, transparent about company values, and continuously reinforce the organization's mission. By understanding generational differences and commonalities, restaurants can create workplaces that appeal to Gen Z while benefiting team members across all generations, ultimately building stronger, more engaged teams in a challenging labor market.

    GenZWorkforce #RestaurantHR #FutureOfHospitality
    🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

    📈 Learn More ~ Restaurant Power Index featuring the top 50 brands' performance in consumer sentiment based on 12 performance markers in food, service, and overall brand consumer sentiment. The RPI features historical and current sentiment analysis for key brands based on the overall market sentiment data. Subscribe for weekly reports on the top brands in the restaurant industry. https://www.savor.fm/restaurant-power-index

    Follow on X: Savor_fm
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    42 mins