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Smashburger’s Tom Ryan dishes on the burger wars

In the latest edition of RB's podcast, "A Deeper Dive," we also talk about Chipotle’s recovery from food safety-related sales challenges.
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A Deeper Dive


How does a burger chain compete in 2018?

The level of competition in the burger business is as intense today as it's ever been, with everybody from the world’s biggest restaurant company (McDonald’s) to a family-dining chain (IHOP) and high-end concepts looking for a piece of the pie. Or patty, as it were.

In this week’s edition of “A Deeper Dive,” we talk with Tom Ryan, founder and CEO of better-burger chain Smashburger, about these issues. We joined Ryan at a Smashburger in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Louis Park.

Tom Ryan courtesy of Smashburger

Ryan dishes on the company’s efforts, its new owners in Jollibee, and how it’s competing against the likes of McDonald’s and Shake Shack.

In addition, Peter Romeo and I talk about Chipotle Mexican Grill, which last week had its best summer sales day in history even as it dealt with the fallout from its most recent food safety fear.

Please have a listen.

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