NRN editors discuss restaurant tipping fatigue, Burger King franchisee bankruptcies, and the next phase of chickenNRN editors discuss restaurant tipping fatigue, Burger King franchisee bankruptcies, and the next phase of chicken

This week on the Extra Serving podcast, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches, and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about the future of Burger King franchisees.

Despite Burger King parent Restaurant Brands International investing heavily in franchisees for its ‘Reclaim the Flame’ turnaround efforts, two of the chain’s biggest franchisees — Premier Kings and Meridian Restaurants Unlimited — have filed for bankruptcy within the past two months. Another franchisee, TOMS Kings, filed for bankruptcy back in January. What’s going on with Burger King?

Also, the editors talked about tipping fatigue. Customers have become increasingly annoyed by surcharges, and now, they are tired of tipping. A new survey from the Pew Research Center showed that customers are becoming tired of tipping everywhere they go. Think of your local coffeehouse asking for a tip on the iPad. What does this mean for restaurants?

Finally, the editors talked about the Chicken Sandwich Wars 2.0. This new iteration of the famed chicken sandwich, originally launched by Popeyes in 2019, focuses on flavor, sauces, and texture, all spurred by Gen Z. We know Gen Z likes boneless chicken but now they’re changing another chicken item. What’s next?

This week’s interview is Douglas Stritzel, CEO and Founder of Pickleman's.