This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a production of Nation’s Restaurant News’ Last Bite Network, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Joanna Fantozzi discussed the news that came out of the recent virtual ICR conference.
Companies like Shake Shack, Domino’s, El Pollo Loco, Chuy’s, Dutch Bros and more pre-reported their latest quarter earnings during the conference. Fast-casual Shake Shak saw quarterly earnings exceed pre-pandemic levels for the first time since 2019 in the fourth quarter despite sales in the chain’s hometown of New York City shrinking by 20%. The team discusses why that is and what Shake Shack could do to change the trends.
Also, the team discusses the labor crisis and how its impacted restaurant finances. This is the first quarter where both the labor crisis and the supply chain crisis have impacted restaurants financially, so the team analyzes what it means looking ahead.
Plus, Fantozzi speaks with the CEO of Checkers and Rally’s, Frances Allen. The two discuss how the chain is improving its technology and using AI to step up to the plate.