Podcast appearances and mentions of danny klein

Indian paintbrush showed up at Porter Prairie Family Farm this week — native Oklahoma wildflower, first time Adam's seen it on his property. He didn't plant it. Nobody did. The seed bank was just dormant, waiting for the soil to be right. Two years of cattle grazing in the back pasture, no mowing, better land management — and something long dormant finally decided it was safe to bloom. Joel Salatin talks about this: when the practices change, when a property gets new stewardship, the land seems to know it. So does grace.David's been busy in a different direction. He wired up an automatic door for the chicken coop — actuator, relay, battery, timer — a sliding gate that covers the nesting boxes so the younger chickens stop sleeping in them and fouling the eggs. Under $150 total, including an actuator that lifts 300 pounds for thirty bucks. When he asked Lady Pamela what she wanted it to look like, she said: prison bars coming down. "We'll call it the Henna Tincture." David said say no more. The Henna Tincture it is.This week we're sipping Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond, Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 7 years — same distillery as Elijah Craig and Evan Williams. No gimmicks, under fifty bucks, smooth finish with a peanut butter quality that works. Bottled in bond since the Act of 1897. Very solid.Quick update on baby Mary: she's still having good days. Praise God. Keep her and Lady Haylee in your prayers. Adam also headed out to Arkansas over Mother's Day weekend to be with his goddaughter JoJo Kleine for her First Holy Communion — and got to watch nephew Danny Kleine go two-for-two at the plate with at least one RBI. After months of watching a daughter fight for her life in a NICU, sometimes what a soul needs is family, a Mass, and a kid absolutely cranking baseballs.Then we get into it: the papacy. A year in with Pope Leo XIV — the first American pope, the man who took the name knowing exactly whose shoes he was stepping into — and what does all of it mean? Where does that authority come from, and what's it actually for?Dave traces it back to the Davidic kingdom. When the king left for war, he handed the keys to his steward, who operated with full royal authority until the king returned. Matthew 16 isn't symbolism. "What you bind on earth will be bound in heaven" — the Jews at the time knew exactly what that meant. That's why Peter is listed first among the apostles almost every time. He was their leader. He had the keys. Two thousand years of unbroken succession later, here we are.But then the conversation goes somewhere unexpected. Authority is given to you so that you might serve those over whom you have authority. Not for your own glory. Not so people owe you. The pope is literally titled Servant of the Servants of God. The same authority Christ handed to Peter is the same authority He described in the upper room — the pagans lord it over their subjects, but not so among you. You will be the one who serves.For fathers, that cuts. Pope John Paul II stood up against governments, even after taking a bullet. He kept going out. What does that courage look like in an ordinary household? Probably not a wound in the square. More likely a different kind of martyrdom — the kind where you make a decision for your family that nobody else understands, that your kids resent for a season, that costs you something in your social circle. You make it anyway. Because you've prayed about it, talked it through with your wife, and you know in your gut it's the right thing for your people. You stand on the island by yourself if you have to.Dave closes with something worth trying: he prays specifically to the Holy Spirit to give Lady Pamela strong motherly intuition into the inner lives of their children. When she says something feels off, he pays close attention. That's him exercising his authority — his fatherly papacy — to draw more grace into his household. Not to control everything himself. To pray for the right graces for the right people.The fatherly papacy, if you will.Raise your glass.TOPICS COVEREDIndian paintbrush flowers appearing at Porter Prairie — and why the land responds to new stewardshipJoel Salatin and the School of Traditional Skills on how cattle and management change soil biologyDavid's automatic chicken coop door: actuator, relay, timer, and the Henna TinctureDavid's wheat harvest coming up — 12,000 square feet, building a grain cradle for the scytheBourbon of the week: Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond, 7-year Kentucky Straight BourbonJoJo Klein's First Holy Communion and nephew Danny Klein's two-for-two at the plateBaby Mary update — still having good days, keep her in your prayersPope Leo XIV's one-year anniversary — the first American pope and what it means to hear him speak in American EnglishThe modern problem of instant information and why it's harder than ever to be the popeWhy interview questions on a plane, stripped of all context, are unfair to any human beingThe name you give a child is an inheritance — a new name inherits nothingWhy Adam named Leo Thomas after Pope Leo XIII and Thomas Aquinas, and John Dominic after the Apostle and the DominicansPope Leo XIII: the Marian pope, the social doctrine pope, the first pope ever filmedThomas Aquinas on the papacy — Contra Gentiles and the SummaThe Davidic kingdom and the keys: Matthew 16 as a transfer of royal authority, not a metaphorThe question of authority — Trent Horn, Protestants, atheists, and why it always comes down to thisWhy the things closest to heaven get attacked the hardest — authority and sexuality as parallel examplesThe pope as Servant of the Servants of God — and what that actually costsPope John Paul II standing up against communist governments even after being shotWhat putting yourself in harm's way looks like for fathers: social martyrdom, not bulletsMaking decisions for your family that your kids, their friends, and their friends' parents all disagree withThe German church and what a timeout looks like at the universal levelWhy the Church has been around for 2,000 years and what that tells youPraying for your wife's specific graces — and why Dave prays for Lady Pamela's motherly intuitionAuthority as the source of efficacious prayer — a father's prayers for his childrenThe TOTUS TUUS decision and trusting a mother's intuitionPope Leo's upcoming AI encyclical — and why millennials are the generation tasked with figuring this outThe fatherly papacy — what domestic authority and universal authority shareREFERENCED IN THIS EPISODEBooks & Writings:Summa Theologiae by St. Thomas AquinasSumma Contra Gentiles by St. Thomas AquinasSaints & Historical Figures:St. Thomas AquinasPope Leo XIII (social doctrine, Marian encyclicals, first pope ever filmed)Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost, first American pope)Pope John Paul II (stood against communist governments, continued ministry after assassination attempt)Pope Francis (repose of his soul — the men still catching themselves saying the wrong name)King David / the Davidic kingdom (Old Testament typology for the papacy)St. Peter (first pope, holder of the keys)People & Guests:Joel Salatin — School of Traditional SkillsTrent Horn (Catholic apologist, debates on authority)Patrick Stephen (listener and Instagram follower who suggested the topic)JoJo Klein — Adam's goddaughter, received First Holy CommunionDanny Klein — Adam's nephew, baseballLady Haylee MinihanLady Pamela NilesLuke Minihan (Adam's oldest)Mary Minihan (in the NICU)Programs:TOTUS TUUS (Catholic youth formation program)School of Traditional Skills (online homesteading video subscription)Scripture:Matthew 16:18-19 — "I give you the keys to the kingdom"John 20:23 — binding and loosingSPONSOR BLOCKSponsor: Select International Tours — selectinternationaltours.comWhen Adam and Dave decided to lead their first pilgrimage, they asked around, and the same name came up over and over: Select International Tours. Having used them, they can tell you it's deserved. Whether you want to lead a pilgrimage or join one, Select has a tour ready for wherever the Lord is calling you. Head to selectinternationaltours.com and take a look.

Joe Blanton, founder & CEO of Stone Restaurant Real Estate, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein for a trip around the market. We look at how site selection is trending, what kind of properties operators are finding to build in today, and much more during one of the more-dynamic cost periods on record. No matter what's happening in this industry, it always starts with location.

Starbucks' strategy pivot to “turn coffee houses into living rooms” and get back to its “third place” was one of the biggest topics of 2025 and promises to grab headlines in 2026. The decision offers abundant lessons for QSRs, as Pete Champion, managing partner at brand experience agency I-AM, shares with QSR editorial director Danny Klein on this episode of QSR Uncut. Pete brings over 20 years' experience in brand environments, having worked with industry giants including Starbucks, Costa Coffee and KFC. We get into how hospitality and QSR brands transform their physical spaces to connect with customers on a deeper, more human level. And why this could make all the difference for one of the most recognizable retail brands in the world.

As Chief Marketing Officer of Yum! Brands' Habit Burger & Grill since February 2023, Jack Hinchliffe leads all aspects of brand communications, retail calendar, customer insights, digital marketing, and F&B for the fast casual. On this episode of QSR Uncut, he joins editorial director Danny Klein to discuss Habit's ongoing transformation into a more meaningful and memorable brand, and how it's earned top rankings from customers and transformed that affinity into some outside-the-box campaigns, including crashing the cultural conversation after placing a billboard outside In-N-Out locations congratulating them on their “No. 2 burger.” We get into those campaigns, Jack's history at KFC and in marketing overall, and Habit's recent partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Plus, much more.

Founded in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice launched its first Kona Entertainment Vehicle in Florence, Kentucky. Today, the brand has grown to more than 1,900 trucks and nearly 3,000 points of sale, serving 49 states. The brand has also given back more than $200 million to local communities. Lamb joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein on this episode of QSR Uncut to share the journey, how the company is evolving toward new concepts and more trucks, and why it continues to rack up awards for its unique franchise opportunity. 

Mike Perry, founder and chief creative officer at hospitality, food and beverage brand agency Tavern, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss how restaurants can endure in today's weary consumer environment. Why is brand identity mission critical? What missteps are some classic chains making with design and marketing? We explore the industry, from Starbucks to Cracker Barrel to Sizzler, and more, laying the roadmap for reinvention, and what's to come. Perry's 15-plus year career spans roles at TikTok and NBC Sports, and he's worked with brands such as Burger King and Budweiser. Note: This episode contains explicit language.

Jason Valentine, CSO at Botrista, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to break down what's perhaps the hottest battleground in quick service right now. What trends are driving the beverage movement? What do Gen Z want? How can restaurants innovate without breaking the brand? We get into all of that and a lot more.

Nancy Combs, VP of Culinary & Calendar Innovation at Shake Shack, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to break down the iconic burger chain's recent menu moves, from barbecue to fried pickles to the social media frenzied Dubai Shake. We get into how Shake Shack plots innovation, what it takes to win with premium and accessible options, and how one of the category's leading brands stays true to its roots while always thinking ahead.

Lola Beans founder Donny Bradley joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein as we break down the story and potential of the Tennessee-based emerging brand. How is it standing out in a drive-thru coffee and beverage category as competitive as any in foodservice? What's ahead for its new franchise program? We get into all that and more as we explore one of the segment's rising stars.

White Castle VP Jamie Richardson and Marigold Head of Loyalty CoE Roger Williams joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein for a wide-ranging chat about how one of the country's most-iconic restaurant chains is connecting and speaking to customers in ways it never has before. The brand's Craver Nation Rewards program adopts a “Quests” approach to redemption and has ignited engagement across the system. We'll also explore the overall state of loyalty, the pitfalls some brands run into, and what you need to know to launch a winning program that takes your restaurant business to the next level. This episode was sponsored by our partners at Marigold.

Tim Koch, COO of Franchise FastLane, began his restaurant career in supply chain at Hardee's and Carl's Jr. owner CKE Restaurants. Now, he's leading a top franchise development firm. Tim joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to talk about the state of franchising, growth, and offers his firsthand look at how different sides of the industry impact success, and what that means for the future.

Nathan Louer, chief brand officer of GoTo Foods' concept Jamba, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the iconic chain's groundbreaking new “Hello Sunshine” prototype, how Jamba is balancing customer-centric design with operational efficiencies, and why the new look and approach reflects a larger effort to modernize the brand while staying true to what's fueled it over the years. We get into strategy and vision, franchisee profitability, and how digital integration can enhance the in-store experience, along with a bunch of other things.

Former Dutch Bros executive May Han joined Pacific Northwest icon Burgerville as Chief Development Officer in September. She came onboard as Burgerville prepares to more than double the number of existing locations in the coming years. Han joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein on this episode to discuss her 25-plus year track record in scaling brands and how that experience is going to take Burgerville to the next level. 

Costa Vida president Wade Allen, promoted to the role last June, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss his career journey, the brand's potential, and his evolving role atop a fast casual with growth designs. Allen explores past lessons learned directing tech at Brinker to how he's now shifted focus to guiding teams and empowering those around him to morph an emerging brand into a powerhouse.

Nate Hedtke, VP of innovation & customer engagement at the American Egg Board, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to explain the state of avian influenza and what restaurants need to understand to navigate the situation. From how it's affecting prices to ways you can get creative on menus with eggs, we'll lay out the roadmap and where to go from here. This episode was sponsored by our partners at AEB. To learn more, please reach out to Nate at nhedtke@aeb.org or visit www.incredibleegg.org/fso for additional resources.

Danny Klein is the Editorial Director of QSR and FSR magazines. He's also host of one of the leading QSR conferences in the nation - QSR Evolution Conference.   Listen to hear new industry insights on what makes the most successful brands tick and the underlying leadership principles that make or break a company.   Connect with Danny Klein on LinkedIn.   Connect with your host Josh Swing.   Stay Saucy!

Brandon Knudsen, CEO and cofounder of Ziggi's Coffee, convinced his wife to drop out of college to give this idea a shot. From working multiple jobs to raising a baby in the restaurant, it was hardly easy out of the gates. But once Ziggi's hit its stride, it fast-tracked toward triple-digit locations—store No. 100 opened in 2024, 20 years after the brand's founding. Knudsen joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the journey, how growth is about to ramp up, and what it was like launching franchising just 12 years into the business. 

Somia Farid Silber in October stepped into the top spot at Edible. At just 31 years old, she's now leading the parent company of Edible Arrangements, a business her father, Tariq Farid, began when she was 6 years old. After serving as president for the past two years, she's now on a mission to continue redefining Edible as a top-tier hybrid retail experience. She has big plans to target a coming generation of consumers and grow Edible's market present through a variety of ways. She joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the journey and what's ahead for the category pioneer.

Last year, in what's become an annual tradition, restaurant operators shared their key priorities and initiatives in Qu's fifth-annual State of Digital report. Now, CMO Jen Kern joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein once again to discuss the findings of the sixth edition, which explored everything from the race to holistic, integrated tech to the state of investments to continued kiosk growth to why loyalty doesn't always work (without the right approach). Just like last year (and the year before that), it's a look into the future of foodservice you won't want to miss. Here's a link to the full report: https://www.qubeyond.com/2025-state-of-digital-restaurant-report/

Founded in 1994 in College Station, the original Layne's Chicken Fingers became a Texas A&M cult-favorite known for its small-town charm, friendly service, iconic chicken fingers, and secret sauce. The brand has since grown past 20 stores, seen same-store sales jump 9 percent, and guest counts 7 percent. With corporate development continuing, franchising is entering the picture, too. Reed joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the rapid development and how Layne's is thriving in one of the hottest categories in quick service.

Can drones solve some of the age-old issues with delivery? Naturally, there isn't one answer and it's a wide world of possibilities to explore. Tim Ridgely, VP of online ordering at Paytronix, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to paint a potential vision of the future and why some of these solutions might be closer to reality than operators realize.

Brian Lowe, CEO of BML, works with the some of the biggest brands in quick service and fast casual but also smaller brands. A common dominator across all, whether it's multi-unit franchisees or even a restauranteur/entrepreneur opening one location? They want to slay their grand openings. Brian joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss how brands, of all sizes, should approach this with their franchisees and the lasting impression a solid strategy has on building a following and affinity within the communities they serve and setting a tone for long term sales success.

Clutch Coffee cofounder and CEO Darren Spicer joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to chart the journey of one of the drive-thru coffee segment's hottest brands—how it got started, what it took to become successful, and where growth is now taking the fast casual. We also get into the overall state of coffee and technology in this corner of the industry and what lessons can be learned from consumers, competitors, and everything in between.

CMO Anne Pritz and VP of Operations Patric Knapp join QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss how Bobby's Burgers by Bobby Flay set out to break the fast casual mold, from culinary innovation to service. The brand is ramping up franchise development as it hits its stride, striking a balance between customer experience, convenience, and all the while, staying true to the vision of its famous namesake.

Charles Miller, RVP at Biscuitville, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to explore the story and culture of the category icon. How does the brand continue to win on labor and retention? How is it navigating the balance between hospitality and technology? We get into that and a whole lot more.

Chad Coulter, founder and CEO of Biscuit Belly, a growing fast casual franchise out of Kentucky, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss how he went from a Doctorate in Pharmacy at the University of Georgia to launching a paint-and-sip business to eventually creating Biscuit Belly with his wife, Lauren Coulter. The brand's single-shift mode has allowed for greater profitability and reinvestment into the business, along with being more attractive to top talent in a tight labor market. But there's a lot more to this story. 

In this powerful milestone episode of the Why Intervention Podcast, host Christopher Doyle marks 18 years of sobriety alongside co-host Danny Klein. Through raw and insightful dialogue, they unpack the profound transformations that emerge from long-term recovery - far beyond just staying sober. Chris shares how sobriety revealed gifts he never expected: finding power in silence, breaking free from the grip of judgment and gossip, and developing a profound capacity to love others exactly as they are. The conversation dives deep into how recovery becomes a masterclass in emotional intelligence, teaching us to sit with uncomfortable feelings without trying to fix or flee from them. A highlight of the episode is Christopher's vulnerable reflection on how helping others through their darkest moments became the light that guided his own path. He explores the delicate balance of service work in recovery, and how true healing often comes through extending a hand to others while maintaining healthy boundaries. Episode Highlights Chris and Danny examine the ripple effects of self-worth on every relationship in our lives, offering practical wisdom on: Navigating emotional triggers with grace and self-awareness Breaking free from the exhausting cycle of people-pleasing Finding the courage to say "no" without guilt Transforming grief and loss into catalysts for spiritual growth This episode isn't just for those in recovery - it's for anyone seeking to build more authentic relationships, develop emotional resilience, and discover the profound peace that comes from truly knowing yourself. Takeaways Celebrating 18 years of sobriety is a significant milestone. Sobriety brings unexpected gifts that enhance personal growth. The ability to keep quiet can lead to better relationships. Freedom from gossip and judgment fosters inner peace. Loving and accepting others is a key aspect of recovery. Self-created crises can be understood and overcome. Embracing thoughts and feelings without judgment is liberating. Compassion for oneself leads to compassion for others. Expectations can impact relationships, especially in addiction. Time flies, and recovery is a journey of continuous growth. Detaching from thoughts helps in recovery. Transformation is a powerful gift of recovery. Self-worth should not be based on external expectations. The victim mentality hinders recovery and growth. Personal responsibility is key to overcoming disturbances. Effective communication is crucial in relationships. Understanding the root of disturbances leads to healing. Saying no is a form of self-care and empowerment. Freedom from justification enhances personal relationships. Service to others is a key aspect of recovery. Helping others can provide a sense of purpose. Intuition plays a significant role in decision-making post recovery. Recovery can lead to profound spiritual growth. Grief can be experienced without added shame or blame. The journey of sobriety is filled with unexpected gifts. Sobriety allows for a new perspective on life events. The importance of community in the recovery process. Recovery is a continuous journey of self-discovery. The ripple effect of recovery can change lives.   Links and Resources from this Episode https://whyintervention.com/ https://twitter.com/whyintervention https://www.facebook.com/whyintervention/    Call to Action Schedule a Call Free Resources Review, Subscribe and Share If you like what you hear please leave a review by clicking here Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you get the latest episodes. Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Subscribe with RSS

Jacob Karnes, founder of Waves Business Coaching and the author of Master Your First Job, spent more than a decade with Chick-fil-A—both in-restaurant and at the corporate level. He joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss lessons in leadership he picked up along the way, as well as how to nurture culture and outperform expectations, in all aspects of restaurant life.

In this Valentine's Day special, intervention specialists Christopher Doyle and Danny Klein reveal counterintuitive truths about loving someone with addiction… They discuss the challenges of maintaining a loving relationship with someone struggling with substance use, the importance of connection, and the necessity of intervention and support. The speakers emphasize the need for effective communication, setting boundaries, and recognizing addiction as a serious issue that requires outside help. They share a case study illustrating the positive impact of a recovery contract and highlight the importance of envisioning a healthy future in relationships.  In this conversation, Chris and Danny explore the complexities of relationships affected by substance use. They discuss the importance of understanding the impact of addiction on loved ones, the difficult decisions that must be made, and the duality of outcomes that can arise from these situations. The conversation emphasizes the need for support, the effectiveness of contrary actions in conflict resolution, and the significant role family members play in the recovery process. They highlight that external influences often drive individuals towards sobriety and encourage listeners to seek help and resources for their loved ones. Episode Highlights Relationships are central to our lives and recovery. Addiction complicates relationships, creating a two-on-one dynamic. Effective communication is crucial in relationships affected by addiction. Intervention is often necessary to address addiction. Recognizing addiction is the first step towards recovery. A recovery contract can provide structure and accountability. Improving communication can enhance relationships, regardless of addiction status. Setting boundaries is essential for both partners' well-being. Envisioning a happy future can motivate change in relationships. Honesty and willingness to change are key to overcoming challenges.  If your loved one continues to use substances, your vision for the future may be impossible. Making informed decisions about relationships can lead to healthier outcomes. Divorce can sometimes lead to positive changes for both partners. Hope exists in various forms, even in difficult endings. Addiction requires a unique approach that differs from typical relationship advice. The most obvious actions in addiction situations can often be the most dangerous. Supporting recovery is not the same as enabling addiction. Family members can play a crucial role in initiating recovery for loved ones. Most individuals achieve sobriety due to external influences rather than internal motivation. It's essential to seek help and resources when dealing with addiction in relationships.   Links and Resources from this Episode https://whyintervention.com/ https://twitter.com/whyintervention https://www.facebook.com/whyintervention/  Call to Action Schedule a Call Free Resources   Review, Subscribe and Share If you like what you hear please leave a review by clicking here Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you get the latest episodes. Subscribe with Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Subscribe with RSS

Jim Balis, managing director, Strategic Operations Group and Partner and CapitalSpring, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the state of restaurants as 2025 gets going and why more closures could be on the way. What about tech, expansion, and other trends? Let's take a look into the crystal ball.

Zunzi's + Zunzibar CEO Chris Smith joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the journey behind the fast-casual restaurant and beach bar concept Smith grew from its roots in Savannah to multiple locations across Georgia and South Carolina. He acquired the brand in 2014 and is now preparing for significant growth. Under Smith's leadership, Zunzi's has earned accolades like “The 33 Best Sandwiches in America” by Thrillist and Yelp's “Top Places to Drink” in Savannah. What makes Smith's journey unique is his business strategy, which combines Zunzi's purpose into every aspect of the culture and expansion strategy.

Carl Comeaux, the CEO of Crust Pizza Co., joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the growth and journey of the rising franchise as it prepares for a banner year. Crust plans to invest in its people and infrastructure as it looks to triple unit sales—a possibility empowered by a decision to bring technology operations in-house by the end of Q1. From control of the customer experience to operational efficiency and data-driven decision making, learn how Crust Pizza Co. is forging its own path in one of quick-service's most crowded segments.

Doug Taylor, founder and CEO of Taylor Chip, a dessert experience company based in Pennsylvania, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss how a business that started with a $50 mixer on Facebook Marketplace has evolved into a growth-ready concept with a $25 million valuation. How can you grow a company without investors, debt, or start-up capital? What's the future of the snack industry? We get into that and a whole lot more.

Megan Hastings, head of customer insight strategy at Quantum Metric, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss Chick-fil-A's recent decision to get into the engagement game and, more broadly, how mobile platforms and devices are paving way for QSRs to foster innovative digital experiences with customers. 

Bryan Ketelhut, National Director of Non-Traditional and Development Services at Little Caesars, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss how the iconic pizza brand is diversifying its growth strategy, from markets to models, as it expands across the country. Little Caesars has found success everywhere from college campuses to New York City. We'll get into those steps in the journey, how technology and value is helping, and where it all goes from here.

Noodles & Company is entering a new phase of its strategic menu transformation in collaboration with The Culinary Edge. Scott Davis, Noodles & Co.'s chief concept officer, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to share insights on the creative process behind these new dishes, the collaboration with TCE, and what's next for Noodles in 2025 as the legacy brand continues to lead with innovation.

Mason Wiederhorn, the Chief Brand Officer of multi-concept operator FAT Brands, joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to discuss a first of its kind co-branded site for Great American Cookies/Marble Slab Creamery and the launch of a “3D Cookie Cake Builder,” among a host of other tech-forward, customer-centric evolutions. 

Dr. Emily Williams Knight, the CEO of Texas Restaurant Association, joins QSR editorial Danny Klein and WiRL associate editor Satyne Doner for a special crossover episode between QSR Uncut and our sister podcast, Women in Restaurant Leadership. We discuss everything from climbing the ladder to the industry's most-pressing issues and regulatory challenges to this February's upcoming WiRL Summit, and much more. If you're interested in learning more about WiRL or attending our February event, visit here: https://www.womenleadrestaurants.com/

VP of Marketing Steven Clarke Joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the 35th anniversary of Golden Krust, a brand that remains to this day a family-run operation that started from a single location in the Bronx, New York, before expanding nationwide. After immigrating to New York from Jamaica in the 1980s, Lowell F. Hawthorne and his 10 siblings founded Golden Krust in 1989. Clarke is carrying on that legacy, looking ahead to growth, and balancing modernizing the brand while also paying tribute to what's made it such an icon since day one.

Brix Holdings CEO Sherif Mityas, the leader of a group that includes Red Mango, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, Souper Salad, Orange Leaf, Humble Donut Co., Pizza Jukebox, Friendly's, and, most recently, Clean Juice, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to dive into the workings and inspiration anchoring the portfolio, as well as the state of franchising, investing, consumer preference, and much more through a wide-ranging discussion around restaurant growth and the keys to staying ahead.

Send us a textWe take listeners to the heart of the New Jersey Wine Expo at Bell Works in Holmdel. Sponsored by the New Jersey Lottery, the event marks the inaugural New Jersey Wine Month, showcasing the state's burgeoning wine industry. With nearly 60 vineyards across diverse climates, New Jersey is emerging as a notable wine producer, offering a unique blend of flavors and experiences.Special guests include Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn, who highlights the state's deep agricultural roots, and vineyard manager Madeleine Cozine, who discusses the impactful role of the Women in Wine Caucus. Their insights shed light on the collaborative spirit and dedication driving the local wine industry forward. The episode also explores the diverse wine offerings, from high-end selections to innovative blends, reflecting the state's rich viticultural landscape.The episode captures the expo's lively atmosphere, featuring insights from industry experts like Hank Zona and Danny Klein, who emphasize the quality and potential of New Jersey wines. Whether you're a wine aficionado or a curious newcomer, this episode offers a taste of the Garden State's evolving wine scene, encouraging listeners to explore and support local vineyards and wineries.https://www.newjerseywines.com/Music: "Ride" by Jackson Pinesjacksonpines.comThank you to our sponsors:New Jersey Lottery: njlottery.comMeghan Carroll Realtor: MCSellsbytheSea.comAlbert & Whitney CPAs:  awcpasllc.comMayo Performing Arts Center: mayoarts.org/events-calendarContact the show: mike@greetingsfromthegardenstate.com Support the show

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop's Jeff Galletly—the brand's first CEO in its history—joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to take a look inside the hybrid-automat and how it's redefining dining with cutting-edge self-service technology. We also get into the future of the space and where the consumer is taking restaurants, and how his background (most recently as VP and General Manager of Tim Hortons USA) is influencing his leadership style and plans for the fast-growing brand.

Linked Eats president and Virtual Dining Concepts cofounder Robbie Earl joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley for a deep dive into a category and topic that continues to evolve. All the rage when dining rooms shut down, how have virtual brands innovated to remain a viable revenue option? How are operators viewing the potential? What kind of technology has entered the fray to open more avenues of business and help restaurants handle the rush of digital orders? We get into all of that and a whole lot more.

Competing in the QSR coffee game is always a wild journey. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii CEO Scott Snyder joins QSR magazine editorial director Danny Klein to discuss how the 1989-founded brand is standing out in the segment and why it's poised for expansion. We also get into broader beverage trends, design, the state of the consumer, and way more.

Bruno Cardinali, global head of marketing at açaí brand OAKBERRY, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the fast casual's rise, which closed out 2023 with 35 stores in North America and is on track to double that by the end of 2024, and again by the end of 2025. Cardinali was also previously the marketing chief at Popeyes and shares some stories about the so-called “Chicken Sandwich Wars.” 

Alissa Partee, the Chief People Officer at Restaurant Technologies, which was recently recognized with three national workplace awards, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss how you can win with culture in today's hiring landscape. Can you build workplace culture from the top down and get franchisees onboard? In what ways can operators recruit/attract, and retain the best talent? We get into that and a whole lot more. This episode was sponsored by Restaurant Technologies.

Starting as an intern in 2003, Lance Vaught has held every position within the operations and training departments at Penn Station East Coast Subs, culminating in his appointment as president in January 2022. His experience and understanding of day-to-day tasks shaped his leadership style, which focuses on getting back into restaurants and helping operators stay disciplined as they navigate the challenges today. Vaught joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the state and direction of the industry, as well as why Penn Station is primed for growth.

Ryan Ostrom, the marketing chief at the legendary fast-food brand, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss how restaurants can reach and engage customers amid today's challenges and opportunities, from technology to social media to value. Ostrom oversees Jack in the Back's iconic brand marketing, directing out-of-the-box campaigns like its 2023 collab with Snoop Dog to Jack himself being named to People's Sexiest Man Alive. We'll get into that and take an overall look at the industry as another crazy year heads into its final months.

Matt Wampler, the CEO and cofounder of ClearCOGS, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the state of digital solutions, how an operator became a tech maven, and where the next wave of technology is going to take the restaurant industry.