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NRN editors discuss merchandise lines, restaurant traffic, and Taco Bell’s use of Pete DavidsonNRN editors discuss merchandise lines, restaurant traffic, and Taco Bell’s use of Pete Davidson

Plus, hear from AJ Kumaran, co-CEO of Raising Cane’s

Holly Petre, Assistant Digital Editor

April 28, 2023

1 Min Read
Nation's Restaurant News logo in a gray background | Nation's Restaurant News

Today on the Extra Serving podcast, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister talked about new merchandise lines at restaurants. Panera Bread, Chick-fil-A, and Sweetgreen have all recently launched merchandise lines. Do merchandise lines help with brand awareness and virality?

Next, the NRN editors talked about traffic. It seems to be turning around at several of the biggest brands including McDonald’s, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Subway. After years of traffic declines, things seem to be turning around this quarterly earnings season.

Finally, the editors talked about Taco Bell. The brand is turning once again to Pete Davidson for its latest breakfast campaign. We’ve talked about using celebrities to promote your brand before, but this latest campaign begs the question, is breakfast back?

This week’s guest is AJ Kumaran, co-CEO of Raising Cane’s.

 

About the Author

Holly Petre

Assistant Digital Editor

Holly Petre is a digital editor for Nation’s Restaurant News as well as the host of NRN’s podcast, Extra Serving, and producer for Informa Restaurant and Food Group’s other three podcasts, One On One by Food Management, Off the Shelf with SN and In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn. Holly holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Sculpture, fibers and Material Studies and Ceramics from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A native New Yorker, Holly enjoys her place on staff as the resident pop-culture expert and millennial with a sassy attitude and great sense of style.

Holly Petre’s work on Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality often covers marketing and trends, either aimed-at or examined-through the millennial mindset. Holly is responsible for introducing TikTok and Twitch to NRN and RH readers as well as explaining terms like “Karen” to staff and readers alike. She also spends her time on staff trying not to make every headline a pun.

Holly Petre hasn’t spoken at any events or on panels, but she is readily available with a killer shoe wardrobe and several witty quips.

 

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