The Food Focus Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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