On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including Chili’s continued sales growth, Starbucks’ solid quarter, and Fat Brands’ bankruptcy. First up is Chili’s, which reported its 19th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth. Sam and Alicia break down the remarkable performance and how the company has positioned itself for continued growth, not just flash-in-the-pan success. Sam shares notes on his sit-down interview last week with CEO Kevin Hochman and what he learned about the executive’s approach to business at Chili’s that continues to resonate nearly four years after he took the job. Next Sam and Alicia tackle Starbucks, which reported positive sales and traffic growth in the most recent quarter, declaring in the meantime that “Starbucks is back.” Senior editor Joanna Fantozzi joins to share her insights from the company’s investor day, in which CEO Brian Niccol shared more about the investments the company has made in its turnaround and why he believes true success can’t be measured until 2028. Finally, Joanna details her long-term reporting on Fat Brands, which filed for Ch. 11 bankruptcy protection last week. She, Sam, and Alicia discuss the lessons restaurant operators should glean from the Fat Brands debacle, which includes franchisee lawsuits, unpaid vendors, and enormous bonuses paid to executives.

For more on these stories:

Chili’s posts 19th straight quarter of same-store sales growth

Starbucks delivers 4% global sales growth as turnaround plan gains momentum

FAT Brands and Twin Hospitality file for Ch. 11 bankruptcy