Extra Serving: A restaurant industry podcast · 2026-06-22 · 47 min
On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Yum! Brands’ sale of Pizza Hut, Jersey Mike’s overtaking of Chick-fil-A in a major consumer sentiment study, and KFC’s announcement that it was entering a new chapter for growth. First up is Pizza Hut, which was officially sold by Yum! Brands in two transactions totaling $2.7 billion. Sam and Alicia discuss the potential future of the brand, and particularly its U.S. business, which was acquired by relatively new private equity firm LongRange Capital. Can Pizza Hut reclaim the loyalty of fans who are nostalgic for its Classic model? Next up they talk about the most recent American Consumer Satisfaction Index, in which Jersey Mike’s came out on top - after 11 years of Chick-fil-A taking the crown. Should Chick-fil-A be worried? Sam and Alicia break down the study and why the data matters (to a point). They then transition to KFC, which announced a new “chapter” in which the company would focus on menu innovation, refreshed branding, and modernized stores.
Domino’s CEO’s surprising announcement, LongHorn Steakhouse’s shocking performance, and a bevy of Starbucks news58 / 100Cracker Barrel claws back, KFC explores table service, and menu innovations galoreMcDonald’s new strategy, World Cup marketing, and creative pricingWendy’s new CEO, Starbucks AI walk-back, and CAVA’s big quarterTrends to watch according to the National Restaurant Association Show