Mr. John Duffy MBA

GLG News by Mr. John Duffy MBA, President

GLG News is now G+ Insights

G+ is a community for professionals, academics and entrepreneurs to connect through online discussions and in-person meetings. You will continue to see G+ Insights (formerly GLG News) here as well as on the G+ website, where you can share and discuss the G+ Insights you read.

Wild Oats Still Well Behind Whole Foods

October 30, 2006

Analysis of:Organic Growth: Wild Oats May Prove To Be Better Bet Than Whole Foods | online.wsj.com

1.  Wild Oats has lacked the forward thinking of its main competitor Whole Foods in developing its retail business focused on offering natural and organic foods.

2.  While it is encouraging that Mr. Odak has been let go there are a number of key strategic issues that must be addressed for them to achieve the kind of success that Whole Foods continues to demonstrate.

3.  The organic industry is booming, representing $20 billion of retail sales in the U.S. The category is driven by produce at 42% of the market, growing at a rate of 20-25% per year.

McDonald's is Hitting on All Cylinders

October 23, 2006

Analysis of:McDonald's 3rd-quarter outlook beats estimates | today.reuters.com

1.  McDonald's is performing at a high level driven by core growth platforms at home in the U.S. as well as abroad.

2.  The fast food industry itself is starting to show signs of life after experiencing softness over the past year or so.  While maybe not as profoundly as McDonald's,  expect other key operators to experience renewed growth.

Baja Fresh Model Flawed from the Start

October 16, 2006

Analysis of:Wendy's Takes a Big Loss on Baja Fresh | www.latimes.com

The restaurant model developed by Baja Fresh is the bigger issue regarding the ultimate loss Wendy's sustained on the sale to David Kim for roughly $31 million.

Wendy's and other fast food operators have shown an inability to profitably grow chains with differing models, most notably those operating in the quick casual segment.
 
Chains that have shone strong value growth have done so through strong same store sales growth based on sound strategic operations.

McDonald's Stock Swap Divestiture of Chipotle a Win-Win

October 12, 2006

Analysis of:McDonald's Chipotle offering far oversubscribed | today.reuters.com

1.  The demand for Chipotle shares from McDonald's stock holders signals the strength in the quick casual foodservice market, legitimizing Chipotle as a growth stock for the future.

2.  McDonald's on the other hand is signaling a focus on their bread and butter, the quick-serve restaurant industry, as their stock is enjoying renewed success on the market.

3.  Their decision to cut all ties with its top growth division can also be viewed as a very curious move.

Bob Evans Slowdown Part Demographics, Part Segment Issue

August 30, 2006

Analysis of:Bob Evans Slows Growth | www.globest.com

Bob Evans is dealing with changing demographics that will require a brand overhaul for it to remain relevant.  A focus on new products at both retail and on the menu should help in the turnaround.

The family dining segment has been particularly hurt by sagging consumer confidence and the rise in gas prices, in particular.

Aggressive Product Development at the Heart of Wendys Turnaround

August 25, 2006

Analysis of:Wendy’s makeover beginning to pay off | www.columbusdispatch.com

Wendy's made a bold move in introducing their Frescata line of sandwiches and their same store success is a direct result.

The division of Tim Horton's will be spun off through an IPO and the impact on Wendy's will be positive, if they continue their wise investment strategy.

Restaurant Slump to Continue as Energy Costs Remain High

August 17, 2006

Analysis of:Restaurant Business in Worst Slump Since '91 | adage.com

Certain segments of the restaurant industry that are most affected by consumer trade-off spending will continue to feel the pressure as energy costs stay high.

While the industry will weather the slump, it is clear that some level of restaurant dining dollars are a direct trade-off with energy and transportation costs for consumers.

A Natural Next Step for Panera

July 21, 2006

Analysis of:Panera Targets Evening Diners | www.panerabread.com

1.  One of the key avenues to drive new growth at a successful food chain is to expand to a daypart that has been underdeveloped.

2.  Growth will tend to come from two key areas - new locations and increase in same store sales.  The single fastest way to grow same store sales is through the development of a new daypart as long as the concept is relevant.

Pepsi and Ocean Spray Only the Beginning

July 19, 2006

Analysis of:Pepsi to help Ocean Spray get on more store shelves | www.boston.com

1.  The health trends in the industry will force soft drink companies to look at further alliances that provide a healthier position in the market.

2.  Smaller juice companies that are positioned well in today's health conscious market are looking for quick avenues for growth, including alliances that can offer instant distribution and extend the reach of their brand.

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