Best Foodable Podcasts (2024)

1
The Future of Point of Sale: Will Gen-Y and Gen-Z Drive New Tech Advances in Restaurants? 24:49

23d ago24:49

24:49

🫶 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-s…

1
The Evolution of Food Halls and Emerging Brands in the Face of Economic Challenges 44:15

1M ago44:15

44:15

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 pri…

1
Winning Over Gen Z: The Future of Restaurant Loyalty Programs 32:18

2M ago32:18

32:18

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 grapp…

1
Will AI Create The Next Generation of Drive-Thur and Will Consumers Adopt? 45:53

2M ago45:53

45:53

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 th…

1
Casual Dining Begins Up Trend In Hospitality Sentiment 33:58

3M ago33:58

33:58

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 o…

1
Historical Impact on Regulations Affecting Restaurant Operators 22:47

3M ago22:47

22:47

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 s…

1
How Consumer Pricing Pushback Fuels the Rise of Dynamic Menu Pricing Strategies 38:50

3M ago38:50

38:50

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 it…

1
The Breaking Point for Fast Casual: Are We at a Reflection Point for Technology, Consumer, and Operational Conflict? 44:07

4M ago44:07

44:07

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 b…

1
Create a Brand That Can Last The Next Consumer Cycle 40:20

5M ago40:20

40:20

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 S…

1
Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe Expands It's Flavors and Followers 37:31

5M ago37:31

37:31

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 passion…

1
Five Secrets To Brand Growth w/ Angry Chickz 41:42

5M ago41:42

41:42

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…

1
What to Watch For When You Take On Capital As a Restaurant Startup 32:43

6M ago32:43

32:43

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 b…

1
Tech and Consumer Trends for 2024 with Erle Dardick of Lunchbox 32:25

6M ago32:25

32:25

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 kitche…

1
What Are The Real Trends Driving Consumer Loyalty? 31:28

7M ago31:28

31:28

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 sh…

1
Fastest Drive-Thru in QSR - Is Speed Hurting or Helping Restaurants 14:22

7M ago14:22

14:22

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 …

1
Consumer Spending Expected to Plummet at Restaurants This Fall 18:56

8M ago18:56

18:56

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 …

1
Lettuce Entertain You: Leveraging Concepts, Location, and Branding to Create a Fine Dining Empire 13:24

8M ago13:24

13:24

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 Counsel Amarit Dulyapaibul, Managing Partner Kevin Brown, CEO Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) is a family-owned restaurant group founded in 19…

1
Food Trends Impacting Food Away From Home 16:37

8M ago16:37

16:37

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 in…

1
Market Trends and Younger Leadership Leaning Into Diversity 10:16

8M ago10:16

10:16

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 sh…

1
Brand Growth Recipe with Big Chicken and Dog Haus Leadership 18:49

8M ago18:49

18:49

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 wi…

1
Velvet Taco and Starbird Show Strategic Leadership Pays Off 15:50

8M ago15:50

15:50

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 ta…

1
240. Menu Engineering for Profit 30:00

9M ago30:00

30:00

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…

1
239. Computer Vision and How it could affect the Future of Drive-Thru 19:20

10M ago19:20

19:20

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…

1
238. Future of Executive Education in Foodservice 31:01

10M ago31:01

31:01

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 pr…

1
237. Starbuck's and Nike Showing The Path For Growth in Web3 - Connects with Next-Gen Consumers 17:58

10M ago17:58

17:58

Starbucks is one of the most well-known and beloved brands in the world. The coffee giant has a loyal customer base that is estimated to be worth over $1 trillion. In recent years, Starbucks has been making a number of moves to embrace Web3 technology. In December 2022, the company launched Starbucks Odyssey, a Web3 loyalty program that allows memb…

1
236. McDonald's to Web3 20:04

11M ago20:04

20:04

This entire podcast is based on a WHAT IF Mcdonalds’ and the likes of Starbucks and Chick Fil could enter the Web3 space with their respective 95 Billion in annual sales and the Impact it would have on the next generation of technology - in this podcast, I detail a lot of ideas within the podcast so LISTEN TO THE PODCAST first - then dive into just…

1
235. How To Bring Back A Nostalgic Brand 24:31

11M ago24:31

24:31

In this episode, Barry Westrum - CMO at Taco John’s, discussed the brand's current position and strategies for growth in the restaurant industry. With a focus on providing higher quality options in the quick-serve restaurant (QSR) sector, Taco John's aims to capture a niche between fast casual and traditional QSR chains. This write-up delves into t…

1
234. Strategies In Building A Recession-Proof Brand 34:37

12M ago34:37

34:37

Golden Corral, the popular buffet chain, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The company has come a long way since it opened its first location in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1973. Today, Golden Corral has over 500 locations in 43 states. In our podcast interview, Golden Corral CEO Lance Trenery talked about the company's history, s…

1
233. Is Restaurant Media Broken? + How Will This Affect Your Restaurant Business 22:01

12M ago22:01

22:01

Informa, a London-based global events, digital products, and academic services firm, announced the acquisition of Winsight, LLC, a leading B2B information provider in the foodservice and allied retail industries. The acquisition will create a category-leading B2B business with a strong presence in the restaurant industry.Winsight's portfolio includ…

1
232. Wendy's Develops AI Drive-Thru and Chipotle Effect Author Predicts a new Chipotle Future 19:05

12M ago19:05

19:05

The fast food industry constantly evolves, with companies striving to meet customer demands and enhance profitability. In recent news, Wendy's, Sweetgreen, and Chipotle have made significant announcements regarding their operations and innovations. This article highlights the key developments from each of these popular brands.Listen to the Full Pod…

1
231. Restaurants Facing a Growth Wall? 34:09

1y ago34:09

34:09

The Savory Fund is a restaurant growth company based in the United States that provides capital, expertise, and support to help independent restaurant concepts scale and succeed. They partner with talented restaurateurs to help them expand their businesses, with a focus on innovative and high-growth concepts. We had a chance to talk with Andrew Smi…

1
230. Focus Brands Pulling Out the Stops for Growth 35:19

1y ago35:19

35:19

The challenge that operators are dealing with today is the issue with consumer sentiment, and it's underperformance when sales and menu prices are up. Has the art of hospitality been lost? In todays podcast, I get a chance to break this down with Claiborne Irby, SVP, of Strategy & Insight at Focus Brands. Our discussion topics: Thoughts on new cust…

1
229. Growth Brands of 2023 25:43

1+ y ago25:43

25:43

Breaking down some of the emerging and fast growing brands in the fast-casual space had always been a passion of mine; even when I founded fastcasual.com, some of the most memorable takeaways from the segment were always in my conversations with CEO's and founders. This convo was no different with my long-time friend Clay Dover, CEO of the Dallas-b…

1
228. Is Casual Dining Dying 18:17

1+ y ago18:17

18:17

In this episode, we dive into the brand-building elements for legacy brands to break thru and connect with a new generation of consumers. Dawn Petite serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Friendly’s Restaurants, which operates over 130 (company-operated and franchised) friendly, full-service restaurants. Dawn began her career at Friendly’s Rest…

1
227. Fast Casual Sectors 2023 Trends 33:14

1+ y ago33:14

33:14

Looking at the fast casual segment opens up some of the key categories as new movers based on consumer changes in the past few years. Operational restaurant trends in 2022 included an ongoing focus on off-premises dining, which put snacks and desserts front and center for operators seeking to optimize sales in the drive-thru and via carry-out and d…

1
226. Restaurant Trends for 2023 29:41

1+ y ago29:41

29:41

Building the right culture for your restaurant business could be the make or break this year as we see more and more operators facing one of the biggest challenges they have faced in the past decade, mainly since building teams and people are decade-lasting initiatives. CCI Consulting found that more than 50% of businesses lack one critical skill t…

1
225. Is Better For You The Trend for 2023 21:38

1+ y ago21:38

21:38

In this podcast, we had a chance to dive deep into trends and styles for 2023 with Steve Schulze, the CEO of Nékter Juice Bar. Our conversation dove into the company's growth and what seems to be evolving into a new era for restaurants around consumer satisfaction and how the next generations perceive eating out. The big analysis is that many shift…

1
224. Top 5 Restaurant Predictions for 2023 40:15

1+ y ago40:15

40:15

My Top five Predictions and Trends to watch in 2023 are a mix of brands, consumer trends, and the future of technology. In this episode, I will deliver trends and ideas for 2023 for your restaurant business and a special interview on operation trends with Andrew Gibson of CA Energywise. Some of my trends to watch in 2023 Four Breakout Brands and wh…

1
223. Leadership Skills in 2023 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

The skills needed for the times ahead are not built overnight. Personal experiences and professional development form strong leaders through quality learning experiences and development. The key to a successful 2023 is the ability to be agile, committed, and innovative in your approach. In today's podcast, we dive in deep with consultant an author …

1
222. Multi-Unit Franchising 32:10

1+ y ago32:10

32:10

Franchise programs continue to build in the re-birth of the fast-casual segment for 2022-23, and a handful of companies understand what it takes to grow these brands to the next level. DMD Ventures owns and operates some of the most successful and spirited brands in the United States. We dive deep with Co-Founders & Co CEOs Fred Burgess and Jack Fl…

1
221. Hotel Dining Digital Transformation 48:53

1+ y ago48:53

48:53

Understanding the new model of hospitality is gaining some ground with a shifting tide to technology, consumer demand, and a new server for exploration by the next-gen consumer. Tech-enabled hospitality startup, CAMO, is democratizing hotel dining by reimagining room service, reinventing the way travelers experience cuisine, and helping hotels gene…

1
220. Building a Growth Brand in 2023 34:02

1+ y ago34:02

34:02

These days, part of building a brand is the commitment to digital and addressing the needs of the new consumer - Hawaiian Bros has put together a model for growth that causes some fast casual operators to scratch their heads. GROWTH + EXPANSION: As one of the fastest-growing concepts in the country. they have built a fan base across Missouri, throu…

1
219. The Shifting Demands of Consumers Set to Unsettle Restaurants 41:35

1+ y ago41:35

41:35

Understanding the landscape of the restaurant industry is getting more and more difficult with various market conditions that are in place to shift so much of what we are doing now. In this deep dive Restaurant Innovator Series, we get into where the shifts will occur with Don Fox, the CEO of Firehouse Subs. Innovation Starbucks Odyssey program wil…

1
218. Top Culinary Trends for 2023 + Interview w/Mr. Brews Taphouse 44:50

1+ y ago44:50

44:50

The National Restaurant Association, in partnership with the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and Technomic, conducted the 17th annual What’s Hot survey targeted to thought leaders in the culinary field. More than 500 professionals from the ACF and chefs associated with Association programs weighed in on what they see as the leading menu trends f…

1
217. Restaurant Sales Rising - Sentiment Falling 33:46

1+ y ago33:46

33:46

Topical Smoothie is adding a double drive-thru restaurant that could help drive franchising growth for the brand. Existing franchisees are also behind 70% of the company’s total cafe openings this year, and have helped increase its year-to-date opening by 25% compared to the first three quarters of 2021. The chain also is one of the rising stars in…

1
216. Starbucks Adds NFTs, Robots, and Food, What Drives Down Rising Labor Costs 36:15

1+ y ago36:15

36:15

A new entry into the use case for NFTs and their connection to loyalty and rewards is now Starbucks. They unveiled Starbucks Odyssey, a new experience powered by Web3 layer two solution Polygon that will offer Starbucks Rewards members and partners (employees) in the United States the opportunity to earn and purchase digital collectible assets that…

1
215. Recession Proofing Your Restaurant 38:32

2y ago38:32

38:32

During a recession, there is a decline in consumer spending when the credit markets become harder and harder for consumers to utilize. This is a key trigger point we are watching very closely as the impact on the casual and fine dining sales will most likely be the first to be affected. Our Foodable Labs data shows that current trends for consumer …

1
214. The Independent Restaurants | Can They Survive? 34:07

2y ago34:07

34:07

The real heartbeat of the restaurant industry is that of the independent operator. With this sector being one of the most affected by the Cerveza Flu, it’s clear there needs to be a new understanding of running an operation in the future.This sector will need to address one of the savviest consumer sets in the history of modern society. Gen Z visit…

1
213. Challenges Facing the Restaurant Industry on the Brink of Economic Pressures 36:20

2y ago36:20

36:20

Is the restaurant industry facing a major collapse under economic pressure? Why the mass exodus of significant CEO's within the last year, with Darden, Red Robin, Denny’s, Brinker, and Starbucks all stating their CEOs were retiring after guiding their companies through the pandemic for over the past two years. Wingstop and Red Lobster’s CEOs left f…

1
212. Restaurant Industry Facing Recession | How to Prepare 46:33

2y ago46:33

46:33

The Fed Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testified in front of Congress this week. The update comes after the S&P 500’s worst week since March 2020, including its fall into a bear market and the biggest Fed hike since 1994. With this new economic pressure, the restaurant industry continues to face rising menu prices and a double-digit slow down in retai…

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