217: August 16 is National Rum Day

Sales of rum are up in 2021 – especially premium rum. Rum’s is versatile with expressions ranging from white rum and black rum, to dark rum, overproof rum, spiced and flavored rums. Popular spiced and flavored rums are driving category growth, as are top-shelf super-premium aged rums. Listen to the briefing to hear just how strong the growth is.


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216: Wendy’s Announces A New Type of Ghost Kitchen

Wendy’s has expanded its partnership with Reef Technology, which was originally a pilot of eight units in Canada, to open 700 delivery kitchens over the next five years in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom, according to a press release. About 50 kitchens are expected to go live this year, and the remainder will launch between 2022 and 2025. Listen to the briefing to hear how the model is lean, effective and about to turn the industry on its ear.


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215: Beyond Pepperoni?

Pizza Hut has launched  Beyond Meat’s meat-free pepperoni to top any of their pizza crusts in five U.S. cities, starting August 10.

The topping is only available for a limited time and is the latest expansion of the partnership between the maker of meat alternatives and the parent company of Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell, Yum Brands. Listen to the briefing to hear what Pizza Hut’s long-range plan might be.


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214: Now May Be a Good Time To Increase Your Prices

Pent-up demand from consumers for dining has seen several restaurant brands express comfort in changing prices during the recent round of Q2 earnings calls. During Yum Brands’ Q2 call, for example, CFO Chris Turner said, “We are also confident in the pricing power of our brands and partner closely with our franchisees as they make strategic pricing decisions in their respective markets to deal with cost pressures.” Listen to the briefing to hear why these CEOs are willing to build in the escalating costs they’re seeing.


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213: Victoria’s Secret Angels Get Their Pink Slips

Victoria’s Secret has been accused of objectifying women and its leadership has endured scandal and inappropriate behaviour. Some argued this was part of its charm but with attitudes towards diversity and equality changing, Victoria’s Secret is too. Listen to the briefing to hear how a brand rooted in old thinking is planning a come-back.


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212: How To Stop Those “No Shows”

OpenTable has launched Direct Messaging, allowing diners and restaurants to directly communicate before a reservation, without ever having to make a phone call. Direct messaging empowers restaurants to serve up better hospitality by preventing cancellations and no-shows and building stronger connections that keep guests coming back. Listen to the briefing to hear how this new feature can help you boost sales and improve guest experience.


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211: Yelp Introduces Proof of Vaccination And Staff Fully Vaccinated Attributes to Profiles

Yelp is introducing two new COVID-related profile attributes, the “Proof of vaccination required” and “Staff fully vaccinated” attributes, the company announced Thursday. Users will be able to filter searches using these attributes and the “Proof of vaccination required” attribute will be visible in search results. Listen to the briefing to hear how Yelp is also monitoring negative reviews from those who disagree with your stance.


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210: Vaccine Passports? How Many Customers Will You Lose?

From Restaurant Dive: Vaccination requirements, which some restaurants in major metros like Los AngelesSan Francisco and Washington, D.C., have put into place voluntarily, have quickly evolved from a hypothetical strategy to quell rising COVID-19 cases to government policy. Requiring vaccine passports results in an uptick in vaccination appointments. Listen to the briefing to hear just how asking for proof of vaccination may impact your business.


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209: Molson Coors Discontinues 11 of its brands

Molson Coors has announced plans to axe 11 of its economy brands. The list contains some seemingly familiar names but many of the disappearing products are offshoots of more popular brands that won’t be going anywhere. Listen to the briefing to hear which brands are being discontinued and why the beer company is going upscale.


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