Starbucks’ dress code, Red Robin’s bottomless burgers, and top chain performance trends

On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Starbucks’ new uniform policy, which calls for neutral-color clothing that lets the brand’s signature green apron stand out. Employees aren’t happy about the change, but could it be another smart step in the turnaround process kicked off by new CEO Brian Niccol? Then they discuss Red Robin’s new Bottomless Burger Pass, a limited promotion that, for just $20, gives customers a burger every day for a month. The pass was so in demand that it crashed Red Robin’s website, and Sam and Alicia talk about how this could be a smart marketing strategy. They also talk about Applebee’s, which last year did its own pass — a Date Night Pass — that was equally as in demand but couldn’t spur enough momentum for the chain to enjoy sales growth. Now Applebee’s has lost CMO Joel Yashinsky, who left for the same position at Burger King U.S. and Canada. So what’s next for Applebee’s? Senior editor Joanna Fantozzi joins for this week’s extra serving to talk about Technomic’s Top 500, which illustrates some interesting trends among the biggest chains in the U.S. Finally, we share an interview between senior food and beverage editor Bret Thorn and Walk-On’s senior director of culinary John Hagen.


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