NRN editors discuss IPO surges, the National Restaurant Association Show, and KFC nuggetsNRN editors discuss IPO surges, the National Restaurant Association Show, and KFC nuggets

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

Two restaurant companies recently announced plans or filed for initial public offerings: Cava and Panera Brands. Panera has long been rumored to be filing for an IPO and they are one step closer now. Cava, on the other hand, officially filed for its IPO. Guesses to its valuation are all over the place. Are we entering another IPO frenzy like we saw a few years ago?

Also, the NRN editors talked about the NRA Show. The four-day-long show just wrapped, and our editors have combed through the show floor picking some of their highlights. What did our editors see and what were some of their favorite moments?

Finally, the editors talked about KFC and its chicken nuggets. Something that seemingly should have been at KFC all along and was long-awaited has already sold over 100 million in just under two months. Traffic for the chain is also up 8% over the same time period. Is it because of the nuggets?

This week’s guest is Tina Gantz, VP of franchise development for District Taco.