This week on the Extra Serving podcast, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about the year in review. For the last podcast of the year, the team discussed the biggest stories of the year including all 25 mergers and acquisitions and seven IPO drafts. While it wasn’t a record for M&A (2019 saw 34 mergers and acquisitions), it was an epic second half of the year that got everyone talking, including these NRN editors.
The team also discussed their 2022 predictions and trends, as well as the trends we may have gotten wrong for 2021. Casual dining has had a resurgence, something no one saw coming. But virtual brands are here to stay, something everyone predicted. We also provide an early peak at our 2022 trends package, set to drop online next week.
Finally, this week’s podcast features an interview with Nick Graff, senior vice president of culinary for Noodles and Company who speaks with Bret Thorn about the chain’s foray into stuffed pasta and R&D for the fast-casual brand.