DiscoverExtra Serving: A restaurant industry podcastWhat to learn from a crazy earnings week, including results from McDonald’s, Applebee’s, Wendy’s, and more
What to learn from a crazy earnings week, including results from McDonald’s, Applebee’s, Wendy’s, and more

What to learn from a crazy earnings week, including results from McDonald’s, Applebee’s, Wendy’s, and more

Update: 2025-08-11
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On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the whopping 18 companies that reported earnings last week, from the good (McDonald’s, Applebee’s, Dutch Bros, Taco Bell, and BJ’s) to the bad (Pizza Hut and KFC) to the very bad (Wendy’s, Jack in the Box, and Sweetgreen). Alicia connects the dots on how the companies that are focusing on their core menu items are thriving, while those that are innovating at a more rapid pace are actually creating too much noise for their customers. Sam and Alicia also talk about the fact that casual dining seems to be performing better by comparison, while limited service is struggling to find a foothold — even in an increasingly value-conscious world. Plus, they discuss the headwinds that continue to face the industry and how there’s no signs of a quick turnaround for those brands that are struggling. Finally, tune in to a conversation between managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Michael Keller, CEO of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. 

For more on these stories:  

Promotional, value efforts drive McDonald's recovery

Wendy’s looks to simplify its marketing calendar

Yum Brands starts to yield benefits from its tech stack

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What to learn from a crazy earnings week, including results from McDonald’s, Applebee’s, Wendy’s, and more

What to learn from a crazy earnings week, including results from McDonald’s, Applebee’s, Wendy’s, and more