If you aren’t playing the value game, you’re turning a blind eye to a big trend in the marketplace that isn’t going away soon, Smashburger’s co-founder Tom Ryan tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Ryan and CEO Jim Sullivan sit down with BI senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss how Smashburger’s $4.99 menu has contributed to its same-store sales turnaround. They discuss efforts to improve branding, operations and innovation and comment on the new marketing campaign slated for April 7.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a high level, there are two questions I ask our teams to consider: Is what we’re doing making things better or easier for our team members, or better or easier for our guests? BJ’s Restaurants’ Chief Executive Officer Lyle Tick tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Tick sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss the company’s simplification efforts. They also explore BJ’s culture and new restaurant development as well as alcohol consumption trends.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dog Haus’ new franchisee deals “mutually align incentives” between the brand and its operators, CEO Michael Montagano tells Bloomberg Intelligence. In this episode of the Choppin’ It Up podcast, Montagano sits down with BI’s senior restaurant and foodservice analyst Michael Halen to discuss how the company signed development agreements for 1,500 stores by offering partners a 20% equity stake, board representation and senior management roles. He also highlights the chain’s focus on quality proteins, strong unit economics and how its deal with Jake Paul boosted brand awareness.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.