Costa Vida’s Allen on Catering, Tech and AI

If you aren’t playing the value game, you’re turning a blind eye to a big trend in the marketplace that isn’t going away soon, Smashburger’s co-founder Tom Ryan tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Ryan and CEO Jim Sullivan sit down with BI senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss how Smashburger’s $4.99 menu has contributed to its same-store sales turnaround. They discuss efforts to improve branding, operations and innovation and comment on the new marketing campaign slated for April 7.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a high level, there are two questions I ask our teams to consider: Is what we’re doing making things better or easier for our team members, or better or easier for our guests? BJ’s Restaurants’ Chief Executive Officer Lyle Tick tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Tick sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss the company’s simplification efforts. They also explore BJ’s culture and new restaurant development as well as alcohol consumption trends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dog Haus’ new franchisee deals “mutually align incentives” between the brand and its operators, CEO Michael Montagano tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Montagano sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss how the company signed development agreements for 1,500 stores by offering partners a 20% equity stake, board representation and senior management roles. He also highlights the chain’s focus on quality proteins, strong unit economics and how its deal with Jake Paul boosted brand awareness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All-in-one software solutions didn’t work before and aren’t going to work this time, Juan George, co-founder of 858 Partners, tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, George sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss why modular, open systems that allow operators to innovate are the best option. He also gives advice on negotiating software-as-a-service (SaaS) contracts and comments on investments in AI, robotics, point-of-sale systems, customer data platforms and solutions to help control back-of-house spending.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Custom packaging is a brand impression at scale and quality equates to retention for restaurant chains, SupplyCaddy co-founder and CEO Zachary Stein says on this episode of Bloomberg Intelligence’s Choppin’ It Up podcast. Stein sits down with BI senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss how marketing, operations, price and predictability factor into purchasing decisions for foodservice packaging. He also comments on innovation, sustainability and the hidden labor costs restaurants face when managing a fragmented supplier base.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The way diners are discovering restaurants has shifted away from reviews and to social media, Loop’s co-founder Anand Tumuluru tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Tumuluru sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss changing trends in the restaurant industry, particularly the delivery channel. He also comments on the importance of right-sizing delivery marketing spending and maximizing flow-through on those sales.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three out of 10 restaurant customers believe food quality is deteriorating and stores are understaffed, Lisa Miller, founder and president of Lisa W. Miller & Associates tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Miller sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen discuss the state of restaurant spending in the US. Miller also comments on attracting Gen Z customers and getting the most out of Gen Z employees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a lot of talk about how soft the consumer is, but our third-party delivery same-store sales are up 50% year over year, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop CEO Jeff Galletly tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Galletly sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and food-service analyst Michael Halen to discuss how the company is performing amid soft spending by fast-casual customers, particularly millennial and Gen Z consumers. He also comments on Brooklyn Dumpling Shop’s packaged-food business, value approach and a planned reverse takeover. Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If a leader wants to run a business that’s more focused on taking care of its people, he or she has to reflect on their own values and how they embody them, Liberty Ventures Founder and CEO Alexander McCobin tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, McCobin sits down with BI senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss how the principles of conscious capitalism can help restaurant leaders leverage their values and company culture to achieve greater success. He also comments on the benefits of community, collaboration and creating value for all stakeholders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Value is more than just price — you have to give the guests an experience that exceeds their expectations, Golden Corral CEO Lance Trenary tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Trenary sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss how the buffet chain is growing same-store sales in a difficult consumer environment. He also covers operational improvements, managing food costs and weak spending by Hispanic and Gen Z consumers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.