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Menu Talk

Menu Feed transitions to Menu Talk, a new podcast hosted by yours truly, Pat Cobe of Restaurant Business, and my Informa colleague, Bret Thorn with Nation’s Restaurant News. We are veteran reporters on the menu beat and eager to bring you inspiring conversations about what’s happening in restaurant kitchens, including weekly interviews with chefs, operators and food professionals.

Beverage

Dutch Bros leads with menu innovation and hospitality

 By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 25, 2025

Menu Talk: CMO Tana Davila shares how the fast-growing chain differentiates itself in the competitive beverage segment.

Beverage

Galit beverage director Scott Stroemer discusses what Chicagoans like to drink

 By Bret Thorn and Patricia Cobe on Nov. 19, 2025

Menu Talk: The sommelier also oversees neighboring restaurant Cafe Yaya.

Food

At Shake Shack, innovation begins with guest insights

By Patricia Cobe and Bret Thorn on Nov. 10, 2025

Menu Talk: Nancy Combs, SVP of culinary and calendar innovation, shares the strategy behind the fast casual’s menu successes.

Food

Omaha restaurateur David Utterback offers his take on Japanese food without a proper kitchen

By Bret Thorn and Patricia Cobe on Nov. 04, 2025

Menu Talk: The chef and owner of Yoshitomo and Koji provides serious but playful takes on the cuisine.

Food

For Zaxbys' CMO Patrick Schwing, enhancing the core menu is key

By Patricia Cobe and Bret Thorn on Oct. 28, 2025

Menu Talk: The fast-casual exec discusses how Zaxbys is competing in the crowded chicken space with a new menu format, sauce innovation and compelling limited-time items.

Food

Jeffrey Bank, head of Carmine’s and Virgil’s, shares how to succeed in high-volume dining

By Bret Thorn on Oct. 21, 2025

Menu Talk: The head of Alicart Restaurant Group focuses on consistency and the well-being of his employees

Food

Korean restaurant Bonyeon offers 'a new way to steak'

By Patricia Cobe and Bret Thorn on Oct. 14, 2025

Menu Talk: Co-founder Kate Park describes the Chicago restaurant’s steak omakase and how the chef combines Korean cuisine and culture into a 14-course interactive tasting.

Beverage

BarChef owner Frankie Solarik elevates experiential cocktails

By Bret Thorn and Patricia Cobe on Oct. 07, 2025

Menu Talk: The former rock climber leads chef-driven cocktail lounges in Toronto and New York City.

Food

How Levain Bakery is leaning into treat culture through catering

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 30, 2025

Menu Talk: Donna Magen, senior manager of specialty channels, shares the story behind the bakery’s cult favorite cookies and its current growth plans.

Food

Scott Conant chats about his new restaurant, his sauce line and his plans for a sandwich shop

By Bret Thorn and Patricia Cobe on Sep. 23, 2025

Menu Talk: The chef and restaurateur has reached a stage in his career where he can pick and choose his projects.

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