On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the 2025 Power List, which features 52 of the most powerful women in foodservice. They explain why a list such as this is still necessary in closing the gender parity gap within foodservice leadership, and how these 52 women provide a model for women in the development pipeline across the industry. Then they discuss one of the brands with multiple members on the Power List: El Pollo Loco, which has recently become a target of Sardar Biglari, an investor who has previously acquired Steak ‘n’ Shake and attempted to acquire Cracker Barrel. They also talk about the Consumer Price Index and up-to-date inflation data, discussing what it all means for restaurant operators. And in this week’s extra serving, managing editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister joins to talk about recent executive changes, which most recently included the president of Subway North America stepping down from his position. Finally, we share an interview between Leigh Anne and Abby Taylor, founder of Playa Bowls.

For more on these stories:  

The 2025 Power List: Women in Foodservice

Biglari Capital offers to acquire El Pollo Loco

Overall inflation cools in March, but menu prices remain stubbornly high