On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including KFC U.S.’s switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola products, Taco Bell’s expansion of its Live Mas Cafe concept, and Domino’s underwhelming sales results.
First up is the news that KFC U.S. was switching from Pepsi products to Coca-Cola after 40 years. It’s unusual for such a massive chain to switch beverage providers, and Sam and Alicia discuss the ramifications of such a big pivot from KFC, plus what it signals about the future of beverage innovation.
Speaking of Yum Brands and beverages, Sam and Alicia next tackle Taco Bell, which announced that it would expand its beverage-forward Live Mas Cafe to the Midwest — while also announcing that it was launching four new horchata products. They discuss Taco Bell’s approach to beverages and why the brand is so well positioned to capitalize consumer demand for new drinks.
They then turn their attention to Domino’s Pizza, which reported that its same-store sales grew only 0.3% in Q3. That was despite the launch of the Domino, a single-serve pizza product that the company considered one of the biggest innovations in its history. Sam and Alicia discuss Domino’s recent performance and why the company’s reliance on promotions and discounts could hurt the brand in the long term.
Finally, we share a conversation between senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn and Courtney Bufford-Hughes, director of culinary innovation for Edible Brands, owner of Rōti Mediterranean Grill and Edible Arrangements.
For more on these stories:
KFC U.S. switches from Pepsi to Coke
Taco Bell’s Live Más Café debuts in the Midwest
Domino’s sales impacted by pressured consumers
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