News

Joseph lends his restaurant branding expertise to Vox & Washingtonian

Joseph chimes in on Vox.com and The Washingtonian

Principal, Joseph Szala, lends his expertise to two articles about restaurant branding and naming. The first article discusses the nuances of restaurant naming and how it pertains to a new fast casual restaurant in Washington, DC. The second, published on Vox, speculates the real reasons for Hooters’ decline. Is it the uniform? The format? Millennials’ disinterest in female anatomy?

[Washingtonian] Is “I’m Eddie Cano” a Good Name For a Restaurant? We Asked an Expert

New fast casual Italian joint opened in DC with a name that caused quite a stir. The good people at the Washingtonian discussed the restaurant’s name, pros, cons, and general naming advice with Joseph. Read the full article »

Hooters is closing restaurants. Is its offensive uniform to blame?

As Hooters’ future waivers, speculation surrounding the uniforms and concept’s primary offering come into question. Joseph discusses the implications of this dated restaurant concept and brand with the people at Vox.com. Read the full article »

Suggested Reading

News Bites – March 2025

Restaurant Chains Chase Snack Shoppers to Grocery Aisles With snacking trends shifting toward grocery retail, more restaurant brands are moving into supermarket shelves to stay competitive and top-of-mind. Companies like Dutch Bros, Zaxbys, and Hooters are following in the footsteps of legacy brands like Starbucks and P.F. Chang’s by launching

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cartons of eggs

Eggflation: How Breakfast Restaurants Can Navigate the Scramble

The restaurant industry is no stranger to volatility—shifting consumer trends, rising labor costs, supply chain disruptions. But in recent months, one ingredient has become the poster child of inflation-driven headaches: eggs. Breakfast-first restaurants, in particular, have been hit the hardest, as egg prices surged to historic highs and sent ripple

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