In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with the director of culinary at Chili’s, Brian Paquette, as well as the director of culinary innovation at Wendy’s, Becky Davis. Chili’s and Wendy’s were each winners at NRN’s 2025 MenuMasters Awards, which were hosted in partnership with Ventura Foods and presented during a special gala at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Brian and Becky were both on hand in Chicago to win their awards, and the next day sat down with Sam in person at the Show to find out more about their menu development process and the keys to developing items that really resonate on social media.

(Want to see Kevin Bacon and The Bacon Brothers at our CREATE event for emerging restaurateurs? Register by clicking here.)

In this conversation, you’ll find out why:

• You should continuously explore ways to make your existing menu better
• Marketers are key allies to the R&D process
• Social media must be a filter through which chefs look at new menu items
• Traditional flavors with a twist are a dependable way to succeed with sauces
• Brand partnerships bring menu items to life and tap into customer passion

Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.