Business Changes: Theories of Evolution

No business can remain static. That is true whether a brand is in foodservice or media.

By Scott Hume, Editor-in-Chief -- Restaurants & Institutions, 9/1/2007

While reporting and writing the story on fast-casual chains’ evolution that begins on p. 45, I was struck by how quickly change happens. Concepts built over decades around the promise of speedy service and budget-friendly pricing now find that many consumers are willing to pay more for something a bit different: more-comfortable décor, perhaps, and freshly prepared, customized meals for certain. Quick-service and casual-dining chains are responding by adjusting menus and service styles without negating their traditional brand personas.

Continual adjustment is called for because change is the constant for all businesses. That includes media companies, as well I know. I was R&I’s executive editor when I began writing the fast-casual article but as this issue goes to press, my title and responsibilities have expanded. It’s a change, but not at all a shift in focus or mission for this magazine.

Considering that during the pause between my writing the first and second paragraphs, Darden Restaurants Inc. announced a $1.4 billion deal to acquire Rare Hospitality International Inc., this is a fascinating time to be writing about and for the foodservice industry, and to be helping operators understand all the forces of change at work in their business and in the lives of the consumers they serve. Restaurants & Institutions always has energetically and proudly fulfilled a vital role—providing the information and insights that allow readers to anticipate and prepare for continual and often confusing shifts in what guests want, need and expect from foodservice. My mandate is to build on our leadership position in print, online and in person.

That’s a formidable challenge, but one that I relish tackling. Luckily for me, I know how such goals can be achieved because I have had the great, good fortune to watch Patricia B. Dailey accomplish it with energy, intelligence and passion during her nearly nine years as editor-in-chief. In her new role as publisher of this magazine and our sister publication, Chain Leader, she expands and continues her efforts to ensure that readers and advertisers always find what they want, need and expect. Under her guidance, R&I continually has deepened, broadened and—always—sharpened its coverage and its presentation of people and ideas and trends that matter.

The American Society of Business Publication Editors gave her efforts the highest degree of peer recognition when it named R&I Magazine of the Year in 2005. The criteria by which that accolade was determined were excellence in reporting, writing and editing; usefulness of material to readers; editorial organization; reader interaction and engagement with the magazine; and layout and design. Pat never has settled for less than excellence for all facets of this publication, including our Web sites, electronic newsletters, events and more. The solid confidence I have about our ability to further enhance the R&I brand is based largely on seeing a path ahead that she already has charted.

But change is a constant, and the most vigilant can be surprised by its arrival. I hope we continue to be ready for it, and I invite you to let me know if we are not delivering information that, like fast-casual restaurants, is comfortable, freshly made and customizable.