I’m not sure if the rapid expansion of communication and technology has been a benefit or a hindrance in the world of business. 

During the last few months, I've seen not just one but two CEOs land their companies in hot water over their own words/ public interviews.

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, Kellogg’s CEO Gary Pilnick suggested “Cereal for Dinner” was an 'on trend' solution for poor families. Kellogg’s even created marketing campaigns going as far back as 2022 to promote this as a realistic option for families with the ad encouraging people to ‘give chicken the night off.”

In response, a mass boycott has been called together under the campaign name “Let them eat cereal” reminiscent of the phrase “let them eat cake” widely recognized as a term coined by (but never actually officially proven to have been said by) former Queen of France Marie Antoinette. 

This boycott is calling for a buying freeze of all Kellogg’s products for a full quarter from April 1 to June 30, 2024. 

Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol appears to be next on the public chopping block. The restaurant chain has been facing accusations of smaller portion sizes being served while consumers are also noticing higher food prices. In response to this, Niccol did a video interview on May 29 with Jim Cramer on CNBC's “Mad Money,” in which he told consumers that all they have to do to get more of a portion of an item is give a wide eyed look to the employee and make an odd neck gesture. 

Not only was this answer from a C-suite official met with a rigorous roasting on social media platforms (which I have to say has been hilarious to watch and dissect) but now people are convinced that if you record the employee making your order, they’ll give you more food to avoid more bad press. Internet complainers are also encouraging people to walk out mid order if the portion sizes still aren’t to their liking. 

After watching both of these things go down, I really have to wonder if hearing from the CEOs of these companies has been a help or a hindrance? I am curious to see if Kellogg’s felt an impact come the end of June, and to see what happens as consumers continue to visit Chipotle.

On a happier note, we hope that you enjoy this issue! This is our first issue of Volume 4 for the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal! You’ll find a recap of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, a sneak peak of the upcoming Juneteenth Jubilee coming to downtown Fayetteville and other business developments from our area. We hope to see you at our upcoming Power Breakfast on June 18 but for now, 

Happy reading!