McDonald’s Big Arch controversy, Cracker Barrel’s sales woes, and alarming data about closures

On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including that McDonald’s CEO video, Cracker Barrel’s ongoing sales woes, and new data that shows red flags for full-service restaurants. First up is the Big Arch video controversy, in which McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski was skewered for posting a video of himself eating the brand’s new burger that came across as inauthentic to many. Sam and Alicia discuss the response from consumers and competitors alike, noting how many brands — Burger King specifically — raced to capitalize on the faux pas. Was this a mistake from McDonald’s, or could it be that no news is bad news? Next up is Cracker Barrel, which reported that same store sales in its most recent quarter fell 7.1% as the brand continues to fight its way back from its own controversy last summer, when it reversed a controversial rebrand. Cracker Barrel claims there are reasons to be optimistic; do Sam and Alicia agree? Then they tackle a new report from Black Box Intelligence, which noted that 9% of full-service restaurants are at risk of closing in 2026. Sam and Alicia break down the numbers and why they think restaurateurs could indeed be at risk of failing this year. Finally, we share a conversation between managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Darren Spicer, who just sold his Clutch Coffee brand to Dutch Bros.

For more on these stories:

Big Arch, big buzz: McDonald’s turns viral moment into marketing opportunity

Cracker Barrel sees slow improvement despite continued traffic slump in Q2

9% of full-service restaurants are at risk for closure in 2026