On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the recent report that McDonald’s had surpassed Starbucks in global brand valuation. After an eight-year run at the top, Starbucks’ valuation declined 36% last year to drop it to No. 2, and Sam and Alicia talk about the significance of this change and some other surprises in the top 10 most valuable restaurant companies. Then they discuss Dutch Bros’ decision to enter the consumer packaged goods space by putting its ground coffee on retail shelves. This move follows other chains entering the retail category, and Sam and Alicia talk about how this could be influenced by consumers pulling back on restaurant spending due to inflation. Next up is the continued struggles of casual-dining chains, which was put in sharp relief by Bar Louie’s decision to file for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Is this a bad sign for the full-service category? And in this week’s extra serving, senior editor Joanna Fantozzi joins to talk about Panera’s announcement that interim CEO Paul Carbone would lose the “interim” tag and lead the brand into the future — a future that seems to be driven less by quality and more by value and convenience.

For more on these stories:  

McDonald’s passes Starbucks as the world’s most valuable restaurant brand

Dutch Bros coffee is coming to the grocery aisle soon

Bar Louie files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Panera Brands promotes interim CEO Paul Carbone to permanent CEO