NRN editors discuss Nexbite’s downfall, Yum Brands’ possible acquisition targets and the Barbecue ShowdownNRN editors discuss Nexbite’s downfall, Yum Brands’ possible acquisition targets and the Barbecue Showdown

This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches, Leigh Anne Zinsmeister and Joanna Fantozzi talked about the Nextbite saga.

Over the past week, there has been a flurry of news about Nextbite, the virtual restaurant company. Once one of the “big three” such companies, Nextbite has been in the headlines for other reasons lately. In past few weeks, the company completed three rounds of layoffs and was sold to competitor Sam Nazarian, owner of C3 and sbe. This consolidation is an interesting move for the industry, but really, what does it mean for virtual brands?

Also, the NRN editors talked about Yum Brands’ latest news. As was previously mentioned on the podcast, Yum leaders have said they’re looking for another acquisition. This week, executive editor Alicia Kelso outlined some of the company’s potential targets, and the NRN editors discussed the probability of each one.

Finally, the editors talked about NRN’s latest showdown. This month, it’s the Barbecue Showdown, featuring seven barbecue brands from around the country. Make sure to go to LinkedIn or Instagram to vote for your favorite. The winner will be announced the week of July 3.

This week’s guest is Matthew Padilla, culinary innovation director at True Food Kitchen.