Farm to Fork: The Innovators with David Maloni
Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators, the podcast where decades of industry expertise meet the future of the food supply chain. I'm David Maloni, your host, and with over 40 years in the food production, distribution, and operations sectors, I've seen the industry evolve. But now, it's time to push the boundaries of innovation further.
Every other week, join me as I sit down with pioneers from the past, the game-changers of today, and the visionaries shaping the future of our field. Together, we'll explore new ideas, technologies, and strategies that can revolutionize how we farm, produce, move, and serve food to the world.
I invite you, our listeners, to be a part of this journey. If you know someone or have a topic in mind that aligns with our mission, please reach out. Your input matters, and it could be the spark that ignites the next big breakthrough in the food supply chain.
For more insights and to connect with my consultancy, visit www.DatumFS.com. Thank you for tuning in. Together, let's drive innovation and transform the way we nourish our communities
Farm to Fork: The Innovators with David Maloni
Financial Perspectives on Restaurant Dynamics & Distribution with Michael Halen, Senior Restaurant Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence
Today, I have the opportunity to welcome Michael Halen, a Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Restaurant & Foodservice Analyst who researches and publishes analyses of over eighteen publicly traded restaurant companies as well as the major foodservice distributors.
In this episode, Mike gives us a rundown of the state of the consumer market as we also explore the differences between franchised and company-owned chains, emphasizing the franchisors' role in marketing, site selection, and operational support. We cover labor management challenges, wage increases, and the gig economy's impact on staff retention. Additionally, we examine the food supply chain, focusing on strategies major distributors such as Sysco employ to adapt to market demands and varying economic conditions.
Join us as we provide a blend of analytical insights and real-world experiences, offer a nuanced perspective on the restaurant industry's current trends and challenges, and provide proficient tips and advice our listeners can take home and quickly implement
This is one you do not want to miss.
Connect With the Host:
David Maloni’s LinkedIn
Connect With Our Guest:
Choppin’ It Up by Bloomberg Intelligence
Connect with Datum FS:
Timestamps
01:53 - Welcome To Farm To Fork, Mike
02:39 - Mike’s His Role At Bloomberg Intelligence
03:59 - Mike's Workflow, Creating Financial Models And Providing Research For Institutional Investors
07:03 - Reasons Why Institutional Investors And Hedge Funds Invest In The Restaurant Business
10:02 - What Is Long And Short Investing?
12:22 - Consumer Health, Economic Indicators, And The Impact Of Inflation On Spending
19:54 - Assessment Of Franchisors' Health And Handling Higher Running Costs
21:53 - The Difference Between Franchised And Corporate-Owned Restaurants
30:16 - Mike Explains The Impact Of The Store Ownership Model
32:48 - Mike Emphasizes The Importance Of Good Company Culture
34:40 - How First Watch And Texas Roadhouse Are Thriving In A Post-Pandemic Economy
39:03 - Older Franchisees And Innovation Vs. Newer Franchisees And Industry Consolidation
45:50 - Challenges With Rising Costs, Pricing Strategies, And Cost-Saving Measures For Operators
52:09 - The Impact Of The Gig Economy On Restaurant Employment
54:33 - Mike’s Comments On Sysco's Strategies, Market Share And Expansion Strategies
1:03:12 - Wrapping Up
I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.