NRN editors discuss restaurant earnings from Yum Brands, First Watch and moreNRN editors discuss restaurant earnings from Yum Brands, First Watch and more

This week on the Extra Serving podcast, a product of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Leigh Anne Zinsmeister, Sam Oches and Alicia Kelso talked about earnings.

More than a dozen restaurant companies have reported this week and there’s big news to be found everywhere.

It’s mostly good news. At Yum Brands, digital business has grown by over $1 billion in the past year. How did three of the company’s four brands generate positive same-store sales last quarter?

The NRN editors also talked about big traffic increases at many chains, such as First Watch, where sales and traffic are exceeding expectations even as off-premises is softening. How are they pulling it off, and what other chains are seeing similar trends?

Finally, the editors talked about virtual brands, and why some companies like Brinker International are pulling the plug while others like Dine Brands are going all in and continuing to add more.

This week’s guest is Doug Willmarth, president of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes.