The Food Focus Podcast

Food Focus 3/29/17 – Large Chicken Recall, Darden’s Interest in Cheddars Scratch Kitchen

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

Food Focus 3/22/17 – Dunkin’ Continues Innovation, the Keurig & A-B-InBev Partnership

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

Food Focus 3/15/17 – Ruby Tuesday Considers Sale, Del Taco Remains En Fuego

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

Food Focus 3/8/17 – Shake Shack at Crossroads, Monster Energy Continues to Impress

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

Food Focus 2/28/17 – McDonald’s Latest LTO, Dominos & Papa John’s Continue Pizza Growth

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

Food Focus 2/23/17 – Wendy’s Future Direction, Restaurant Brands Attempts Popeye’s Takeover

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

Food Focus 2/15/17 – Positive Signs From Panera, Pie Five Continues Struggles

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

Food Focus 2/8/17 – Chipotle Battles Market Cynicism, a Canadian Staple Enters U.S.

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

Food Focus 1/31/17 – Starbucks’ Earnings, Olive Garden Riffs on ‘Never Ending’ in Latest LTO

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

Food Focus 1/25/17 – Early Returns on ADB 2.0 at McDonald’s, Bojangles’ Concept Store

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