Adapting Delicacies in a Pandemic: Joe Guith on McAlister’s Deli’s Evolution and the Future of Dining

How are customer behaviors changing during the COVID-19 pandemic? Can brands see a change in the types of products customers want in the current environment? That’s one of the topics that Joe Guith tackles in today’s podcast. Joe is the president of McAlister’s Deli, a large regional brand. Listen in to hear what Joe has to say about his role in the company, how the company has adapted during the pandemic, and what Joe thinks will shape the restaurants of the future. Topics Discussed in Today’s Episode:

✔ What McAlister’s Deli is and what Joe’s role is there ✔ How McAlister’s as adjusted to the pandemic ✔ How many of the changes due to the pandemic will stick ✔ Consumer and customer behaviors that have accelerated during the pandemic ✔ Investments Joe is thinking of making in the business ✔ How McAlister’s handles adapting to local market demands ✔ Things that Joe thinks will shape the restaurants of the future ✔ Automation that will impact the industry ✔ How McAlister’s has been staying in contact with customers ✔ Types of food that are more prone to be ordered curbside ✔ Advice Joe would give other restaurant operators ✔ Fun brands in Atlanta that Joe recommends

Resources:

Joe Guith McAlister’s Deli

QUOTES:

“As relates to our business, I do believe that digital is easier. It’s more convenient.” “There’s definitely been a surge in the indulgent category, whether that be sandwiches or definitely in the dessert category.” “If your brand promise or your business value or experience has been largely predicated on physical, in-person interaction, how are you extending that in a digital world?”