Where we were with trade talks six weeks ago and where we are now are very different and that trajectory will continue over the next six weeks to six months, Align Public Strategies’ Founding Partner Joe Kefauver tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Kefauver sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss why he thinks the worst of the tariff showdown is behind us. He also comments on tax cuts, the MAHA movement’s progress and a recent study on the impact of the FAST Act.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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37:07
Ovation’s CEO on Addressing Customer Complaints
Poor order accuracy is a fast way to lose customers and gain one-star reviews, Ovation’s CEO and Founder Zack Oates tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Oates sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss why even though most customer complaints are about food, it’s more important for restaurants to address grievances about accuracy and service. He also comments on why a bad review is a gift. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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38:29
Authentic Restaurant Brands’ CEO on M&A Strategy
Authentic Restaurant Brands wants to be national, but it’s going to get there by being regional across the country, CEO Alex Macedo tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Macedo sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss the company’s unique strategy of acquiring strong regional brands and helping them improve sales and profit instead of supercharging unit growth. He also comments on the M&A market and why it’s become increasingly difficult to scale up national brands in a cost-effective way. Find this and other Bloomberg Intelligence podcasts at BI PODCASTS <GO>. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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23:05
Brinker’s Hochman on Chili’s Accelerating Sales
Chili’s accelerated sales growth is sustainable because the company is working with the fundamentals of casual dining — the food, service and atmosphere are all better and team members are having more fun and making more money — Brinker’s CEO Kevin Hochman tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Hochman sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss why he believes Chili’s turnaround remains in the early innings. He also comments on menu simplification, strategic pricing and the importance of the Turbo Chef oven rollout, as well as improving sales and profitability at Maggiano’s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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26:40
El Pollo Loco’s Employee Turnover Bests Peers
El Pollo Loco has some of the lowest turnover in the industry, CEO Liz Williams tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Williams sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and food-service analyst Michael Halen to discuss the company’s plans to implement technology to improve the employee and customer experience. She also comments on El Pollo Loco’s brand relaunch, remodels, margin expansion and new food items, including quesadillas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Choppin’ It Up” by Bloomberg Intelligence features conversations with analysts, executives and entrepreneurs that are shaping the future of the restaurant industry. Topics include human capital, ghost kitchens, menu pricing, the FAST Act and everything in between. The podcast is hosted by Senior Restaurant and Foodservice Analyst Michael Halen.