FSR January 2023

TRENDSETTERS NextGen In an all-new report, nine leaders share their brands’ cutting-edge initiatives—and what they predict is coming down the pipeline. BY NICOLE DUNCAN AND CALLIE EVERGREEN R estaurants, by nature, have always been their own little innova tion hubs. Whether it’s a mom-and-pop independent experiment ing with new recipes or a national chain redesigning its store lay out, foodservice is awash in fresh ideas and trends. Nevertheless, the notion of novelty and rapid development has largely coalesced around the tech sector in recent decades. The word, “disruptive,” which once carried a rather negative connotation, is now held up as the gold standard for innovation and ingenuity. But restaurants don’t subscribe to the “move fast and break things” philosophy of Silicon Valley. The industry has never wanted for creativ ity and outside-the-box thinking, but it does move slower and more pur posefully than the average startup. Restaurants needn’t reinvent the wheel (it’s a great wheel after all), but they can drive trends and share future-facing perspectives. That’s why we checked in with leaders across nine NextGen Casual restaurants to learn more about what their brands are doing to shake up the status quo and what foodservice can expect in 2023. From market ing strategies to supply chain management to automation, our NextGen Trendsetters have plenty of food for thought as you jump into the new year—no need to break anything along the way. A

A t First Watch, innova tion begins with col laboration. Lilah Taha Rippett, senior vice president of supply chain, leads a team that works in lockstep with the culinary division, headed by chef Shane Schaibly. And it’s this meeting of minds—plus long, deliberate lead times—that Taha-Rip pett credits with the res taurant’s continued abil ity to push the envelope with its menu. It’s a rare feat for a brand that’s rapidly approaching 450 units, she says. “Collaboration truly makes the ‘dream work.’ In an industry built on relationships, cultivating true partnership across departments and sup Lilah Taha Rippett SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF SUPPLY CHAIN First Watch

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FSRMAGAZINE .COM

JANUARY 2023