Nation’s Restaurant News brought together leaders from six of the 2017 Breakout Brands for a Twitter discussion on their successful concepts. Executive Editor Jenna Telesca moderated the discussion. Breakout Brands, named annually by NRN, are recognized for delivering a unique customer experience, tapping into hot trends and taking innovative approaches to food and service.
Take a look at some of the highlights from the conversation, and read the rest at #NRNChats on Twitter.
Welcome to the NRN chat on the 2017 #BreakoutBrands. Use #NRNChats to follow along. pic.twitter.com/9gVdkZTyXR
— Restaurant News (@NRNonline) April 6, 2017
@NRNonline @EHsandwich @HollerandDash @saltandstraw @GetCrackShacked @starbirdchicken 1. Hello from The Kati Roll Company! This is Anil Bathwal, The Executive Chef and Managing Director (1/2) #NRNChats
— The Kati Roll Co. (@KatiRollCompany) April 6, 2017
@NRNonline @EHsandwich @HollerandDash 1) We started TKRC 15 years ago, bringing kati rolls (street-style wraps) from our native Kolkata, India to NYC. (2/2) #NRNChats
— The Kati Roll Co. (@KatiRollCompany) April 6, 2017
A1: Hi! I'm Aaron Noveshen- I've founded multiple restaurants as well as The Culinary Edge. Our latest venture is Starbird Chicken #NRNchats
— Starbird Chicken (@starbirdchicken) April 6, 2017
@NRNonline Our founder Hunter Pond walked out of his law school final to start East Hampton Sandwich Co. (seriously) in 2012. (2/2) #NRNChats pic.twitter.com/K5Jcpq0Z7r
— East Hampton (@EHsandwich) April 6, 2017
Hi! Tyler Malek, Co-founder & ice cream maker @saltandstraw After studying in China, fell in love w. food & bringing ppl together! #NRNChats pic.twitter.com/sAR3jyrqtJ
— Salt & Straw (@saltandstraw) April 6, 2017
@NRNonline A1 Mike Chissler COO. Holler & Dash originated to meet the growing demand for southern food, premium ingredients and great service #NRNChats
— Holler & Dash (@HollerandDash) April 6, 2017
@NRNonline Hello, Mike Rosen, founder of @GetCrackShacked! #NRNChats
— The Crack Shack (@GetCrackShacked) April 6, 2017
Q2 What's next for your brand? Tell us about your growth plans! #NRNChats pic.twitter.com/PJara8zfLa
— Restaurant News (@NRNonline) April 6, 2017
A2: We're gearing up to open scoop shops in San Francisco and Seattle each w/ classic and new flavors featuring our new neighbors #NRNChats
— Salt & Straw (@saltandstraw) April 6, 2017
A2: Starbird is taking flight! We're opening 2 more locations in NorCal by end of 2017 and more early 2018! #NRNchats pic.twitter.com/hzRC4HoIjU
— Starbird Chicken (@starbirdchicken) April 6, 2017
A2: We’re expanding across the US and UK. Our goal is to launch 3 new spots this year, with 40 more by 2020. #NRNChats
— The Kati Roll Co. (@KatiRollCompany) April 6, 2017
@NRNonline A2 we will continue to listen to our guest and staff to make improvements. We recently opened our 4th have 2 more in the works #NRNChats pic.twitter.com/Nzp9ryzUmt
— Holler & Dash (@HollerandDash) April 6, 2017
@NRNonline Controlled growth, quality before expansion. Next location will open in Costa Mesa this Fall! #NRNChats
— The Crack Shack (@GetCrackShacked) April 6, 2017
@NRNonline Q2) Opening up two more spots this summer including @dallascowboys Frisco Star & continuing our growth in DFW and our next markets #NRNChats
— East Hampton (@EHsandwich) April 6, 2017
Q3 How do you differentiate from other brands? #NRNChats pic.twitter.com/It2Ks89ntY
— Restaurant News (@NRNonline) April 6, 2017
A3: We hand-make all the ice cream and mix-ins from scratch, make nearly 20 new flavors every 4 weeks #nrnchats pic.twitter.com/8ZDx0L6e0G
— Salt & Straw (@saltandstraw) April 6, 2017
A3: @saltandstraw we feel LOVE our neighbors, always working locally and strive to have a welcoming space for all. #NRNChats pic.twitter.com/5WRwOF3FXD
— Salt & Straw (@saltandstraw) April 6, 2017
A3: Traditional techniques and ingredients. Everything we serve is scratch-made – hand-rolled breads, hand-ground spices, etc. #NRNChats
— The Kati Roll Co. (@KatiRollCompany) April 6, 2017
A3 Our fine-casual concept combines quick casual, yet highest quality food with craft cocktails, beer, wine, and ambiance #NRNChats
— The Crack Shack (@GetCrackShacked) April 6, 2017
@NRNonline A3) Our differentiator is that we make our proteins and sauces in house and outsource bread to a local bakery. #NoMoreDeliMeat #NRNChats
— East Hampton (@EHsandwich) April 6, 2017
A3: Starbird is a super premium fast food brand. We are raising the bar on food design and convenience! #fastfood #NRNchats pic.twitter.com/8OdWtBgY1N
— Starbird Chicken (@starbirdchicken) April 6, 2017
Q4 How do you attract and retain great employees? #NRNChats pic.twitter.com/k4kfOEekHp
— Restaurant News (@NRNonline) April 6, 2017
A4: We pay above minimum wage (benchmark MIT living wage), two weeks paid vacation, training, promoting from within… #NRNChats
— The Kati Roll Co. (@KatiRollCompany) April 6, 2017
@NRNonline A4) High paying & fun environment that is primed for serious growth potential not only in management but at the support level. #NRNChats
— East Hampton (@EHsandwich) April 6, 2017
A4: We strive to create a sense of community within the store, which attracts quality employees and helps with retention. #NRNchats
— Starbird Chicken (@starbirdchicken) April 6, 2017
A4 We have no challenge retaining high quality employees. We encourage our employees to be brand ambassadors to bring others in #NRNChats pic.twitter.com/6ZomiX1zS3
— The Crack Shack (@GetCrackShacked) April 6, 2017
Q5 What’s your best-selling menu item? Share a photo! #NRNChats pic.twitter.com/3McUsEdBIL
— Restaurant News (@NRNonline) April 6, 2017
A5 Toss up between a couple of sandwiches and our bone-in chicken. Here's our Firebird sandwich! #NRNChats pic.twitter.com/PWYPFV7NA4
— The Crack Shack (@GetCrackShacked) April 6, 2017
Chicken Tikka Roll (Achari Paneer Roll for vegetarians). The new slow-cooked goat Kosha Mangsho roll is getting popular! #NRNChats pic.twitter.com/mvtrgA3yJN
— The Kati Roll Co. (@KatiRollCompany) April 6, 2017
A5: Well. we dont like to play favorites, but @saltandstraw most pop flavor is Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons w. homemade hot fudge #nrnchats
— Salt & Straw (@saltandstraw) April 6, 2017
A5: The Starbird Sandwich-- crispy chicken, super slaw, avocado, and mayo on a warm house baked roll. Our signature menu item. #NRNchats pic.twitter.com/je91bso87t
— Starbird Chicken (@starbirdchicken) April 6, 2017
Q6 How do you reach new customers and build buzz around your brand? #NRNChats pic.twitter.com/orzqyYFkFZ
— Restaurant News (@NRNonline) April 6, 2017
@NRNonline A6) Social media is big for us, community involvement, empowering influencers to talk about our food, but (1/2) #NRNChats
— East Hampton (@EHsandwich) April 6, 2017
@NRNonline making great food that people want to talk to their friends and co-workers about is the key. (2/2) #NRNChats
— East Hampton (@EHsandwich) April 6, 2017
A6: Social media has been a successful tool to showcase what we're doing + building buzz about the brand. #NRNchats https://t.co/rZTm93969S
— Starbird Chicken (@starbirdchicken) April 6, 2017
A6 Customer experience builds buzz and traffic. People love to share our food on social media! #NRNChats
— The Crack Shack (@GetCrackShacked) April 6, 2017
A6: One bite and they usually come back! We used various trial promotions and rely on organic growth through word of mouth. #NRNChats
— The Kati Roll Co. (@KatiRollCompany) April 6, 2017
@NRNonline Q8) Trying to optimize our menu and operation while still making sure we keep our customers happy and our food perfect. #NRNChats
— East Hampton (@EHsandwich) April 6, 2017
A8: Our toughest challenge is communicating our premium ingredient story and value beyond just convenience. #NRNchats
— Starbird Chicken (@starbirdchicken) April 6, 2017
A8 Awareness and recognition of our ingredients and experience leading to a higher price point. That's why we say fine-casual! #NRNChats
— The Crack Shack (@GetCrackShacked) April 6, 2017