This week on the Extra Serving podcast, an award-winning production of Nation’s Restaurant News, NRN editors Holly Petre, Sam Oches and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister spoke about the labor picture.

Today the team discussed the labor picture which seems to be more optimistic than in months prior. It seems like people are applying for jobs according to industry studies and the jobs picture from the Department of Labor also seems to be improving. While there is optimism, the labor picture is looking different across the country.

Also, the team discussed The Happy Customer Index, a new program from Nation’s Restaurant News.

Finally, the team talked about dynamic pricing. It seems to be the word of the minute and Noodles and Company is actually testing it in a few markets. The fast-casual chain will be using new digital menu boards to test different pricing throughout the day, by market, by tier, and by menu item. Will other chains follow suit?

This week’s guests are Becky Boyd, director of menu innovation & strategy at Bloomin' Brands, and Chef Efrem Cutler, vice president for research and development at Bloomin' Brands.