Will Krieger and Erin Dougherty, of strategic insights firm The Directions Group, join QSR Uncut this week to break down what’s happening industry-wide and how restaurants are reacting to satisfy consumers’ ever-changing needs. We talk everything from MAHA to menu simplification to shifting occasions, macro challenges, value, and a whole lot more. The Directions Group works with brands to make sense of it all, respond to current trends, and help get on the front foot of future evolutions in diner behavior. For more after listening, visit here. This episode was sponsored by our partners at The Directions Group.

Meet INDAY, a New York City-based high-growth brand that brings modern Indian flavors and a “food karma” philosophy to everyday dining. It’s out not only to conquer the power luncher set in the lucrative QSR market, but also to change perceptions of what Indian cuisine can be. Founder Basu Ratnam joins QSR Uncut to discuss how the concept came to be, where growth might take it, and how the overall Indian category has erupted in recent years.

Brad Bergaus, corporate chef and director of menu innovation at Taco John’s, joins QSR Uncut to dive into how the classic chain is delivering more than just convenience to consumers. How is Taco John’s using unexpected pairings to define its own unique West-Mex flavor and stand out in the QSR space? What’s needed to appeal to Gen Z and even Gen Alpha customers? What should operators understand about using LTOs as a testing ground? We get into those questions and much more in this week’s culinary-focused episode.