On this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso unpack the Trump Administration’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ which cleared the House on Thursday and was signed into law by President Trump on Friday. What should restaurant leaders know about the bill and how it affects their business? Sam and Alicia break it down. Next they discuss new menu items from across the industry — particularly those created in collaboration with other companies. For example, Potbelly released Hot Pepper chips in collaboration with Zapp’s, while Buffalo Wild Wings is the exclusive destination for a limited time to check out Heinz’s new smoky chipotle honey mustard sauce, created alongside the hip-hop producer Mustard. Find out why these kinds of partnerships make business sense. They also delve into the active world of McDonald’s menu innovation, which recently included the new Double Burger, Blueberry & Creme Pie, and Spicy McMuffin. Could these new items help to reverse the Golden Arches’ fortunes? Next they discuss recent data that illustrates the extent to which consumers are pulling back on their spend at restaurants — and how the data suggests that value menus are not the solution restaurants want them to be. Finally, tune in to a conversation between senior editor Joanna Fantozzi and White Castle vice president of marketing and public relations Jamie Richardson, held in person at the recent National Restaurant Association Show.
For more on these stories:
Senate version of Trump’s tax bill passes with ‘No Tax on Tips’ and business income deduction
McDonald’s is adding a Spicy McMuffin to its breakfast lineup
Buffalo Wild Wings mixes Mountain Dew with beer in limited-time offer