How Nathan's Famous Gave Its Old Dogs Some New Tricks for the Younger Generation

On this episode of The Main Course, Host Barbara Castiglia talked
with James Walker, Senior Vice President, Restaurants for
Nathan’s Famous. The duo dug into one of the most well-known
brands, worldwide expansion, and innovation, especially during
COVID.


Walker is a top restaurant industry expert specializing in
rebranding and repositioning iconic American comfort food brands.
He is an industry-leading authority in restaurant technology and
delivery channels, specializing in mergers and acquisitions,
domestic and international operations, franchising, and new
product development. His career launched in the early 1990s on
the culinary side, working in fine dining restaurants.


“What initially attracted me to the hospitality industry is a
passion for food,” Walker said. “One of the things I’ve said, if
there was a James Walker quote, ‘Food is the only art form you
experience with all your senses, and you must experience to
live.’”


His time spent in the back of the house and kitchens transitioned
over the years to the service side of the business. This is
something that he brings a passion for at Nathan’s. When he got
the call to work for them, the thing he was most excited about
was the brand itself. He loves the food, the locations, and the
way the company works. But that’s not all.


“Yes, the possibility of discounted hotdogs was probably one of
those things that got me excited,” Walker said cheekily. “But, it
was a brand I could see myself really being a passionate brand
evangelist.”


The company continues to grow worldwide, and he shares more on
this episode.