Restaurant closures, casual-dining value offerings, and a fast-casual chain’s big aim

On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including expectations for fourth-quarter earnings, casual-dining value roll-outs, and a regional chain with plans to go national. First up is a look ahead at fourth-quarter earnings, which kick off in earnest this week with Starbucks and Brinker. What should we expect to learn from the results? Sam and Alicia lay out their expectations. That could include some tough news from some chains, as a number of restaurant companies — including Torchy’s, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Peet’s Coffee — recently announced store closures. Sam and Alicia unpack that news and the reality that the U.S. restaurant scene is oversaturated, meaning we could see more closures throughout the year. Next they shout out friend of the pod Kelli Valade, the former Denny’s CEO who just took the same role at the Women’s Foodservice Forum. Sam and Alicia share their thoughts on why Kelli is perfect for the job. Then they tackle casual-dining value programs, which ramped up this week with new deals from brands like Red Robin, Kura Sushi, Ford’s Garage, and Red Lobster. Why are these full-service chains suddenly turning to value — and how can they successfully promote deals while not destroying profitability? Finally, in the extra serving portion of the episode, managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister joins to talk about news from regional restaurant chains — including a fast-casual salad concept that plans to become a national chain with its new strategic plan.

For more on these stories:

Peet’s Coffee to close dozens of locations this month

Red Robin is launching a 6-item value menu

Just Salad expects to be one of the largest restaurant chains in the U.S.