On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso talk about the trend of international brands growing into the U.S., which included the first U.S. opening of Luckin Coffee last week (the Chinese coffee chain has 23,000 locations globally). Will Luckin, tea concept Chagee, and other international brands like Jollibee find success with U.S. consumers even as domestic brands struggle? Then they discuss two significant earnings reports from the week: CAVA, which continues to defy the odds with a 10.8% sales increase, and Jack in the Box, which joined fellow burger chains on the struggle bus with a 4.4% sales drop. What can we learn about the state of the American restaurant industry based on these results? Then they talk about the word of the year, “uncertainty,” which has been brought up by dozens of restaurant executives during earnings season just two quarters after barely registering a blip. What’s with all the uncertainty, and is there reason for hope? Finally, we share a conversation between senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn and Brad Bergaus, corporate chef and director of menu innovation at Taco John’s.

For more on these stories:  

Starbucks China rival Luckin Coffee to make U.S. debut in New York City

Jack in the Box doubles down on digital strategy despite Q2 losses

Consumer uncertainty weighs heavy on Chipotle’s Q1

Jollibee launches its franchising program in the U.S.