Leaning into the wood fired grills, bringing fine-dining elements to a more casual environment and an affinity for families are points of differentiation for Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, CEO Steve Kislow tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Kislow sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss the drivers of the chain’s same-store sales outperformance vs. casual dining peers. He also comments on employee turnover, one-to-one marketing and his outlook for inflation in 2025.

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Fast-food chains have lost their value and convenience advantages over competitors, Restaurant Insight Monitor Founder and Partner Tom Wagner tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Wagner sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss how lower cost of goods sold and the proliferation of mobile apps have hurt quick-service industry sales. He also comments on McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal and why it’s so important for restaurant chains to attract millennials and Gen Z.

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The No. 1 issue behind the spread of foodborne illnesses is food handling and handwashing practices, making up 89% of outbreaks, PathSpot CEO and cofounder Christine Schindler tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Schindler sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss what restaurant chains can do to protect their employees and customers. She also comments on the importance of tracking food temperatures throughout the supply chain and monitoring expiration dates, as well as the impact of food-safety issues on brands like McDonald’s.

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Cava’s brand awareness has gotten a boost from the 2023 IPO, social media and its growing consumer packaged goods business, Chief Experience Officer Andy Rebhun tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Rebhun sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss how the chain’s marketing strategy is boosting same-store sales. He also comments on the success of its grilled steak and how the connected kitchen initiative can improve quality, consistency, order accuracy and speed of service.

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Shake Shack’s food speaks for itself, but marketing can help reinforce the qualities that make it special like brisket in the burgers and shakes made with custard, CEO Rob Lynch tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Lynch sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss how changes to the company’s marketing program -- including plans to highlight its premium ingredients, create a strategic calendar for limited-time offers and increase spending -- can boost customer frequency. He also comments on kitchen and operational improvements and his vision for Shake Shack’s loyalty program.

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Guests are very willing to adopt kiosks as a part of their ordering process, and the technology can boost check averages 20% or more for some restaurants, Bite CEO Brandon Barton tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Barton sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss how kiosks are being used for upselling and can ease staffing challenges. He also comments on voice AI, facial recognition and McDonald’s new kiosks that accept cash.

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The US presidential race is between Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump and the couch, according to Bloomberg Intelligence senior policy analyst Nathan Dean. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Dean sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss why strong voter turnout may help Harris. He also comments on how turnout could decide which party controls the US House of Representatives, why Republicans have an inside track at a Senate majority, tariffs, M&A, price gouging, consumer-facing company regulation, tax reform and why he doesn’t think tips will be made nondeductible.

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It’s a battle for restaurants to become top of mind with consumers, so generating cultural relevance is imperative, Chili’s Chief Marketing Officer George Felix tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Felix sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss how ad campaigns with Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men and Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey from The Office, as well as investments in TikTok and influencer marketing, are driving Chili’s same-store sales and traffic gains. He also comments on operational improvements, fajita enhancements, Ziosk tablets and the loyalty program revamp.

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