Podcasts about fast casual

In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler interview Hady Kfoury, CEO of fast-growing Middle Eastern concept NAYA. Kfoury shares how his Lebanese-inspired brand has grown to 31 locations with plans for 200 by 2030. The conversation covers NAYA's Chipotle-inspired assembly line model, strategic positioning in the Northeast, digital ordering evolution, and innovative approaches to attract Gen Z consumers while balancing ethnic authenticity with mainstream appeal.FastCasualNation #MediterraneanCuisine #RestaurantInnovationGet Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory

In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “The Finance Guy,” are joined by Mike Smith, Chief Brand Officer of Moe's Southwest Grill, for a high-energy conversation packed with hospitality insights, real-world hospitality stories, and brand-driven restaurant transformation. Mike shares how Moe's is leaning into emerging hospitality trends, executing bold hospitality strategies, and driving hospitality success in a competitive landscape. From the power of brand to the importance of connecting players across the industry, this episode is a masterclass for hospitality insiders looking to stay ahead. Tune in and discover what it takes to lead in the evolving world of hospitality. Episode Credits:Produced by: Branded Hospitality MediaHosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy FrischlingProducer: Julie ZuckerCreative Director: Adam LevineShow Runner: Drewe RaimiPost Production: Three Cheers Creativewww.thehospitalityhangout.com

#156 Pat's daughter Emma McGovern stops by to chop it up on important brands to Gen Z.   Plus, a deep dive on the NBA and film studio A24.    Here are the highlights:    02:25 – What Makes a Brand Magnetic to Gen Z 06:10 – The Rise of Influencer Culture 10:30 – Where Are the Fashion Brands? 14:10 – Food, Fast Casual, and Gen Z Brand Spending 19:40 – Brand Deep Dive #1: The NBA 23:55 – Attention Economy and Sports Consumption 29:00 – Is the 3-Point Shot Ruining Basketball? 37:30 – Brand Deep Dive #2: A24 Films 40:00 – Is Moviegoing Back for Gen Z? 42:20 – The Genius of A24 Marketing 46:00 – The IP Temptation 48:30 – Threats to A24's Cool Factor   Connect with Emma on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-mcgovern-a4b6a514a/   Get some Lindt chocolate, it's delicious: https://www.lindtusa.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqQBqbPCQ5YId2uxb7LY08lKUWq99Ryo0Bd0i-kzkol5tYM9SHW Connect with Pat at: pmcgovern@ascedia.com   Before you go, please do us a favor. Take a minute and leave us a review. That's the energy that powers this supertanker!  Thanks, you're the best! Want more marketing insights? Take a look at our full lineup.

Send us a textThis week on The Digital Restaurant, Carl is joined by Yaro Tsyhanenko, founder of PickPad, to break down the headlines shaping restaurants and tech:⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Meet guest host Yaro, CEO of PickPad 01:00 – Why did Yum Brands partner with Nvidia? 05:37 – What does Qu's State of Digital 2025 Report reveal? 13:06 – Why did Starbucks acquire Empower Delivery? 18:47 – Are loyalty programs evolving or stuck in the past? 26:02 – Could Bolt disrupt Uber and DoorDash in North America? 30:00 – What is PickPad, and how is it improving restaurant pickup?

Michel Falcon, founder of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen, is a restaurateur, author, and keynote speaker who has used unorthodox tactics to build his brand. From launching a hotline phone number so people can learn about Peru, to applying strategies inspired by Netflix, he's taking a unique approach to the restaurant industry. Listen now to learn about deep family roots, thinking outside the box, and why you won't forget 1-844-GO-BRASA. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

In this insightful episode of Fast Casual Nation, host Paul Barron speaks with Charles Bililies, Founder and CEO of Souvla, about pioneering the "fast fine" category that blends counter service with full-service restaurant quality. Bililies shares how Souvla has maintained its core menu for 11 years while serving over a million meals annually across six locations, appealing to Gen Z through omnichannel flexibility and consistent quality. The discussion explores Souvla's deliberate growth strategy, its unique value proposition of offering 80% of full-service dining at 50% of the price, and the real estate challenges in today's market as the brand aims to expand to 10 Bay Area locations.FastCasualEvolution #RestaurantInnovation #FoodServiceTrendsGet Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory

Top 5 Fast/Casual Restaurants full 1168 Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:06:22 +0000 keytOxThvby8a7rgRdFypobI4cEABlZR sports The Fan After Dark sports Top 5 Fast/Casual Restaurants The Fan After Dark includes a rotation of hosts offering a truth-telling sports entertainment experience that gets listeners right on the biggest sports topics in and around DFW, across the country, and around the world. Focusing on the Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks, etc., The Fan After Dark airs M-F from 7-11 PM and is the only live and local sports radio show in the MetroplexCome 'Get Right' with Reg on The Fan, and be prepared for sports talk on a whole new level. You can follow Reg on Twitter @regadetula © 2024 Audacy, Inc. Sports False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=https%3A%2F%2F

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.

How do you take a legacy brand and make it stand out in one of the most competitive markets in hospitality? For Joseph Ortiz, CEO of Farmer Boys, the answer lies in blending time-tested traditions with bold innovation. From redefining the drive-through experience to balancing hospitality and technology, Joseph is leading Farmer Boys into a future where quality and connection take center stage. In this episode, we explore how he's navigating shrinking margins, driving customer frequency, and building a brand that continues to resonate across generations. If you're looking for actionable insights on how to grow smarter, not just bigger, this episode is packed with inspiration. For more on Farmer Boys and their mission to deliver fresh, made-to-order meals with a human touch, visit https://www.farmerboys.com. ____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:Yelp for Restaurants PodcastsRestaurant expert videos & webinars

Panera founder Ken Rosenthal died last week. How did he invent a new concept for American dining and can fast casual restaurants continue to grow in the future? Plus: Layoffs at Starbucks and Apple's big US investment. Join our hosts Mark Dent and Rob Litterst as they take you through our most interesting stories of the day. Get our Side Hustle Ideas Database: https://clickhubspot.com/thds Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehustle.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehustledaily/ Thank You For Listening to The Hustle Daily Show. Don't forget to hit Subscribe or Follow us on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode! If you want this news delivered to your inbox, join millions of others and sign up for The Hustle Daily newsletter, here: https://thehustle.co/email/  Plus! Your engagement matters to us. If you are a fan of the show, be sure to leave us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hustle-daily-show/id1606449047 (and share your favorite episodes with your friends, clients, and colleagues).

Domino's Pizza (DPZ) sunk following its latest earnings, which Dan Ahrens attributes to people weighing "value versus price" with other companies. He calls the fast casual space full of winners like Brinker (EAT) and Cava Group (CAVA). Dan's firm is avoiding "true fast food" due to fast casual finding the value "sweet spot."======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Fast Casual expert Cherryh Cansler joins Restaurant Masterminds to reveal how Gen Z is revolutionizing the restaurant industry in 2025. From the rise of GLP-1 medications affecting menu development to the death of traditional loyalty programs, this episode dives deep into the forces reshaping fast casual dining. Discover why technology integration is becoming make-or-break for brands, how TikTok is driving food trends, and why the next generation of consumers demands total transparency from restaurants. Plus, learn about the emerging trend of experiential rewards replacing traditional discounts and why your brand's tech stack might be holding you back.FastCasual2025 #RestaurantIndustry #FoodTrendsAre you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. ➡ Visit www.savor.fmFollow on X: Savor_fm

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep with Flytrex CEO Yariv Bash to explore how drone delivery is revolutionizing the restaurant industry. With over 130,000 successful deliveries under their belt, Flytrex has become America's largest drone delivery service, bringing hot food to customers' backyards in just 3-4 minutes. The future of food delivery looks promising as Bash reveals how their drones can carry up to 10 pounds, operate at lower costs than traditional delivery services, and maintain consistently high food quality. From partnerships with major chains like Papa John's and Walmart to their innovative approach to suburban delivery, discover how this technology is set to transform the way we get our favorite meals delivered.DroneDelivery #FoodTech #FutureOfDeliveryAre you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. ➡ Visit www.savor.fmFollow on X: Savor_fm

Chef Andrew Gruel, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, is a food entrepreneur and media personality. He is the CEO and founder of American Gravy Restaurant Group, which includes Calico Fishhouse, Big Parm Pizza, Two Birds Chicken, Butterleaf, Lolo's Tacos, and 101 Burger. Previously, he founded Slapfish Restaurant Group, an award-winning food truck-turned-international restaurant chain with 27 locations, based in Huntington Beach, CA. Andrew has appeared on numerous television series, most recently as a judge on Food Network's Chopped Junior alongside Meghan Markle. He hosted FYI's Say It To My Face and was a judge on Food Network's Food Truck Face Off. His media presence includes appearances on NBC's TODAY, Fox News, CNN, NBC Nightly News, PBS, and the Cooking Channel, as well as features in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Men's Health, Food & Wine, USA Today, Entrepreneur, and Nation's Restaurant News. Recognized as a top industry leader, he was named among the Top 25 Business Executives for Fast Casual magazine and featured in Nation's Restaurant News' 2017 Power List. In 2013, he was honored as one of Orange County's Top 40 Under 40 entrepreneurs. During the pandemic, he and his wife Lauren Gruel were named Pandemic Heroes by Restaurant Business Magazine, alongside Guy Fieri and José Andrés. Andrew currently co-hosts The SoCal Restaurant Show on AM 830 and is a regular contributor on various national news channels.

McDonald's (MCD) sales fell in part due to the company's E. coli outbreak in late 2024. Dan Ahrens believes there's more problems behind the company and the general fast food space. He points to inflationary and employment headwinds that could limit future growth. The fast casual space is an industry Dan is more bullish on. He talks about Dutch Bros (BROS) ahead of its earnings and his other best-positioned stocks.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

R.J. Hottovy reacts to Chipotle (CMG) earnings as the stock trades lower. He sees strength in new locations and “Chipotlanes”. He adds that competition and tariffs could impact CMG to the downside. He also takes a look at the fast casual space overall, calling Cava (CAVA) and Sweetgreen (SG) “ones to watch.” ======== Schwab Network ======== Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6D Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribe Download the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185 Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7 Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watch Watch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-explore Watch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/ Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Franchising can be a double-edged sword—scaling a brand while maintaining its soul is no easy feat. John Ramsay, a veteran with over 35 years of experience in franchising, who's leading the charge to transform Taco Cabana into a powerhouse of profitability and culture. In today's episode, we dive into John's journey from designing restaurants to developing franchise systems, the strategic pivots that have positioned Taco Cabana for success, and the lessons any restaurateur can apply to their own business. Whether you're an independent operator or considering franchising, this episode is packed with insights you can use. For more information on Taco Cabana and their exciting expansion plans, visit https://www.tacocabana.com.TakeawaysTaco Cabana started as a bar outpost in San Antonio.The brand straddles fast food and full-service dining.Messaging focuses on variety, convenience, and value.Breakfast culture is key to customer engagement.Franchising requires a stable brand and committed leadership.Unit economics are crucial for franchise success.Building a franchise model involves collaboration across departments.Ideal franchisees should have restaurant experience and community ties.Market selection is based on supply chain efficiency and operational support.Catering is essential for revenue and brand building.Chapters00:00 The Origins of Taco Cabana06:08 Breakfast Culture and Customer Engagement11:46 Franchising Strategy and Timing17:55 Building a Franchise Model from Scratch23:47 Market Selection and Growth Strategy29:56 Catering as a Revenue Stream35:59 Maintaining Focus on Awareness____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:Yelp for Restaurants PodcastsRestaurant expert videos & webinarsCheck out DUER's flagship stores in LA or Denver, or get 20% off your first order by visiting https://shopduer.com/FULLCOMP.

Wife and husband duo Stanya and James Gorraiz are proud foodies, travel enthusiasts and veteran business owners with an eye for finding and filing unique niches in local communities. In November, she and James opened Urban Hip-E at 1541 Oxbow Drive, Unit 1000, bringing unique European-inspired eats to the Montrose community.Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 My guest this week is Thomas Prather, the Chief Marketing Officer at Smashburger.Thomas brings over 30 years of marketing expertise, beginning in automotive advertising, where he managed Cadillac's resurgence in 1995. He transitioned to the food and beverage industry in 2003, joining Starbucks and eventually becoming VP of U.S. Retail Marketing.At Starbucks, he drove growth across more than 17,000 U.S. locations, notably overseeing the brand's third-party delivery partnerships with UberEats and DoorDash, while leading the brand's most successful fall season with the 20th anniversary of the Pumpkin Spice Latte.As Smashburger's CMO, Thomas now applies his extensive experience to drive the brand's growth through innovative global strategies focused on elevating Smashburger's brand presence. He aims to attract a broader audience by aligning the company's offerings with emerging trends and consumer expectations, all while ensuring the brand remains relevant and committed to delivering an exceptional guest experience. 

Bobby Shaw is an influential, collaborative and high-energy restaurant executive recognized by FastCasual.com as a Top 25 Executive. Bobby authored the best-selling book, "Cutting Onions: Leadership Lessons Learned from the Restaurant Industry" in 2020 and hosts The Cutting Onions Podcast. What problem do we solve? In this podcast, helpful advice is offered on dealing with important issues that business owners face. Methods for assessing and enhancing employees' abilities, which benefit the company's expansion as well as the growth of its employees are discussed. The importance of a productive workplace that aligns with the ideals of younger generations, such as Generation Z and Millennials is also emphasized. Additionally, guidance is provided on how to identify and assist high performers, emphasizing motivation, competence, and effort. Additionally, the episode discusses how the workplace is evolving and what businesses can do to adapt. Small Business Answer Man Show Notes Bobby explains how company owners may identify and nurture talent in their workforce. He provides methods for generating expansion prospects that are advantageous to the company and its staff. Gary and Bobby investigate creating a powerful people culture that appeals to future generations, such as Gen Z and Millennials. Bobby emphasizes how crucial talent, drive, and effort are in spotting and developing high achievers. He discusses the evolving nature of the workforce and how successful firms may adjust to these changes. He also offers advice on how to promote cooperation, development, and a common goal inside the company. Bobby talks about how important it is to treat people with respect and consideration at work. One-on-one discussions might promote development, participation, and trust. They discuss how a focus on creating an environment where workers feel appreciated and heard. A real-world illustration of Chipotle's leadership style is the Development Journal and how it affects staff development. Bobby talks about how improved performance and retention may result from deep and ongoing involvement with employees. He talks about how asking "why" is crucial to identifying the underlying causes of issues rather than only treating their symptoms. Insights are discussed from Harvard Business Review about creating a work environment that prioritizes meaningful interactions. Bobby discusses how investing in people and creating a supportive culture leads to business success. He talks about how leadership is about surrounding yourself with talented people to drive growth and performance. Bobby shares lessons from his time at Chipotle, showing how leadership principles apply across industries. True leadership focuses on empowering others, which creates long-term success. Bobby Shaw Advice for Leaders: Assess your organization's talent and create growth opportunities that benefit both the business and employees. Build a people-centric culture that aligns with the values of younger generations, focusing on a shared mission. Prioritize hiring individuals with the effort, ability, and desire to perform at a high level. Foster a workplace environment where employees are motivated to grow and support each other. Adapt your leadership style to the evolving workforce dynamics and generational shifts. View employees not just as workers but as potential future leaders to enhance long-term business success. Talk to staff members one-on-one frequently to learn about their objectives and give them the assistance they require. Demonstrate genuine interest in staff members beyond their job performance to foster a compassionate, people-centered workplace. To monitor the objectives, difficulties, and progress of your staff, use tools such as a Development Journal. When dealing with problems at work, try to grasp the underlying causes rather than make snap judgments. To avoid reoccurring problems, use the "Five Whys" technique to identify the underlying cause of any issue. Create training and onboarding programs that are clear to make sure new hires are prepared and comfortable in their positions. Encourage a culture of mutual respect and trust in the workplace since it increases productivity and employee retention. Connect with Bobby Shaw: Website Instagram X Linkedin Clarity Navigator Discovery Session – Sign Up HERE

#86. What does it take to revolutionize fries and rethink fast-casual food? Jesse Konig, Co-Founder of Swizzler and Jesse & Ben's Fries, joins us on this episode to share his journey of turning a simple side dish into a product with purpose. Jesse dives into the origins of their signature house-cut style fries and walks us through the typical process of making frozen fries. He discusses the surprising and unwanted ingredients often found in food and how he and Ben are challenging that with their clean, thoughtfully sourced recipes. We also explore the unique cost structure behind Swizzler's operations and hear Jesse's vision for the future of fast food.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation, quality, and creating a food system we can all feel good about. Where to find Jesse Konig:InstagramLinkedInWhere to find Jesse and Ben'sWebsiteInstagramWhere to find SwizzlerWebsiteInstagramLinkedInWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(03:00): The creation of the frozen fry(13:09): How frozen fries are typically made(19:22): Finding unwanted ingredients in food(32:00): Jesse and Ben's ingredients(41:00): Swizzler and it's COGS(45:21): What does 10 years in the future look like for Jesse?

McDonald's is making a big investment in marketing after its e. Coli incident. The industry is making strides toward more affordable childcare. And you can add another fast-casual pizza chain to the roster of those that have filed for bankruptcy this year.

CEO David Trainer sat down with Chuck Jaffe of Money Life to talk about our Danger Zone pick this week: Don't Shack Up With This Stock.

At a StrictlyVC event in New York this past Wednesday, Connie talked to Marc Lore, founder and CEO of Wonder, about Wonder's plans for the future, including the news that Wonder is buying GrubHub for $650 million, or $6.65 billion less than the Netherlands-based food delivery company Just Eat Takeaway paid for the company just four years ago.

Industry experts Paul Barron, Rudy Miick, and Paul Molinari discuss the evolving fast-casual restaurant landscape on Restaurant Masterminds podcast, emphasizing the critical need for brand differentiation, operational consistency, and unique value propositions. The conversation explores emerging opportunities in health-conscious and allergen-friendly dining, while highlighting challenges in managing food costs and maintaining brand identity. Key insights include the struggles of established chains like Chipotle and Cava to distinguish themselves, the importance of reliable customer experiences, and the potential growth in specialized dietary segments, all while keeping core costs under control to deliver perceived value.FastCasualDining #RestaurantInnovation #FoodServiceTrends

Chili's is gaining popularity all over as Applebee's continues to close locations in the KC metro.

WOWorks' CEO Kelly Roddy joins QSR editorial director to discuss the inspiration, development, and evolution of one of the category's fastest-growing multi-brand groups, which now includes Saladworks, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, Frutta Bowls, The Simple Greek, Barberitos, and Z!Eats (formerly Zoup!). As the former president of Schlotzsky's, he repositioned the brand from a sandwich deli chain to a high-quality eatery, doubling its average unit sales, and, in 2019, took over Saladworks, navigating it through the challenges of COVID-19. We discuss everything from that journey in leadership to ghost kitchens to America's food system to how you scale a health-halo brand in today's market.

Restaurants with clear value are winning. The CREATE conference kicks off in Nashville. And Perkins has a new fast-casual model.

Anand Gala, managing partner of Galla Investments, shared his approach to investing in the restaurant industry during the Prosper Forum event. With a background in franchising and operations, Gala focuses on "adolescent franchisors" - brands with 25 to 250 units that have potential for growth. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right partners, valuing leadership qualities like adaptability, and focusing on fundamental operational improvements. Gala cautions against the overwhelming "tsunami of technology" in the industry, advocating for mastering basics like labor scheduling and inventory management before adopting advanced solutions. His investment strategy prioritizes long-term value creation over rapid growth, aiming to build sustainable, profitable businesses through operational excellence and strategic partnerships.

In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Denise Tran, founder and CEO of Bun Mee, a Vietnamese fast casual with four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bun Mee has been around since 2011, and now after 13 years — and many important lessons — it's ready to grow through franchising. Denise joined the podcast to talk about what it's like to launch a business selling food most people haven't heard of and how she's much stronger having navigated the difficult operating environment that is San Francisco. In this conversation, you'll find out why:Customers may not understand your product — and that's OKAirport locations are tough work, but well worth the effort If you can succeed in a tough operating environment, you can succeed most anywhereHaving your house in order can help you through crises There is no perfect time to grow Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.

Your 60-second money minute. Today's topic: New Meal Deals At Fast Casual Chains

In this episode, we sit down with Beto Guajardo, CEO of Blaze Pizza, to discuss the brand's exciting transformation. We delve into the details of their newly revamped menu, featuring bigger, bolder flavors and an increased focus on customer value. Beto shares insights into the strategic decision behind this overhaul and how it positions Blaze Pizza as a leader in the fast-casual space. We explore the brand's commitment to innovation and their new partnership with Folds of Honor.

From Wall Street to Main Street, the latest on the markets and what it means for your money. Updated regularly on weekdays, featuring CNBC expert analysis and sound from top business newsmakers. Anchored and reported by CNBC's Jessica Ettinger.

On this week's episode of the Modern Retail Rundown, the staff begins with a recap of some food establishment earnings, which include growing sales at Chipotle and Starbucks' continued slump. This week also saw Etsy's announcing its first-ever membership program to incentivize shoppers with perks. Finally, a new report from Semafor outlines how former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is still indirectly involved in the company through joint investments in olive oil.

This week on Extra Serving, a podcast from Nation's Restaurant News, editor-in-chief Sam Oches sits down with Little Greek president and majority partner Nick Vojnovic. Nick is an industry veteran who was previously president of Beef ‘O' Brady's for many years, but since 2011 has been scaling the Mediterranean fast casual Little Greek. In this interview, conducted on the floor of the recent National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Nick shares his thoughts on the headwinds and tailwinds facing restaurant operators today.

In this MB episode, Zack dives into a vast array of topics with the Queen of Fast Casual (also the Editor of Fast Casual Magazine), Cherryh Cansler. We discuss technology within F&B, trends with sweets/treats, the rise (and fall) of different food trends and all about the events Fast Casual puts on each year.

Kernel is a new highly-automated restaurant chain from the founder and former CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Steve Ells. At the Wall Street Journal's Global Food Forum on June 26, Ells told WSJ reporter Heather Haddon about how robots could improve the restaurant business model. Plus, internet browsers are getting a makeover for the workplace. Zoe Thomas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Chris Doody and Matt Harding, the CEO and chief creative officer, respectively, for Piada Italian Street Food, a fast-casual Italian brand that is approaching 60 locations across six states. Having launched in 2010, Piada was a part of fast casual's first big wave, and Chris and Matt joined the podcast to explain why the brand has finally earned the right to grow through outside capital.In this conversation, you'll find out why:A strong dinner daypart is critical to fast casual successYou don't have to charge an arm and a leg for high-quality fast-casual foodAchieving a 2.5:1 sales-to-investment ratio is when you deserve to growYou shouldn't emphasize growth until you've earned brand awareness in your existing marketsItalian food is harder than it looksCustomers should know who is in charge of your restaurantsHave feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.

Rory James is a comic (@itsroryjames on IG and a podcast called “I'm super excited with Rory James.”) and he defines and identifies with a SPECIAL kind of fast food. The rest of us probably just call it Chipotle. He is a delight. You will love. Donate to The Dork Forest if you like the show. The paypal is my email jackie@jackiekashian.com and venmo is jackiekashian. Links to everything is at www.dorkforest.com or www.jackiekashian.com THERE IS NEW MERCH: BEES TSHIRT and BEANIES. I'm Made of BEES. Are you? www.JackieKashianStore.com is the direct. www.jackiekashian.com and www.dorkforest.com have so many other things.  Extra TDF / standup and a storytelling album are available here: https://thedorkforest.bandcamp.com/   Lots of stuff here: https://www.youtube.com/@JackieKashianInc And it's @jackiekashian on all the social mediaz. Audio and Video by Patrick Brady Music is by Mike Ruekberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're ranking our favorite fast casual restaurants--regional chains accepted. Opinions welcome.

When you think about a "convenience store manager," you probably don't imagine a future billionaire. But that's exactly the path Ron Shaich took from humble beginners selling Tollhouse cookies to a $7.5 billion restaurant empire. In this episode of Big Shot, Harley Finkelstein and David Segal welcome Shaich, the founder of Panera Bread, who shares his incredible journey from a nonprofit convenience store to his pivotal decision to create Panera Bread. Ron is a master at finding the trends others can't see before becoming popular.  He shares the challenges and successes that defined his path, highlighting the power of adaptability and innovation. And breaks down the difference between risk-taking and risk-avoidance, and how leaning into one over the other can lead to incredible success. The episode is filled with incredible takeaways, including: How Ron has the best-performing restaurant stock of all time (44x return compared to the S&P 500) Why his first store in college was a spite store What he learned from his IPO with Au Bon Pain How he created an entirely new category, “Fast Casual” And so much more — In This Episode We Cover:  (02:35) Ron's early years growing up in New Jersey in a family of left-wing political activists (07:50) Ron's gap year working for a congressman  (09:45) How a false accusation of shoplifting prompted Ron to open a convenience store (14:50) How Ron fell in love with business and his time at Harvard Business School (19:28) The rewards of entrepreneurship  (20:40) What business has in common with politics (23:22) How Ron made money selling flea collars in college  (26:00) Why Ron got his inheritance early (27:35) Ron's work in DC as President of Targeting Systems (29:08) How Ron opened The Cookie Jar in Boston (31:43) Ron's partnership with Au Bon Pain's founder, Louis Kane (39:44) Ron and Louis's exceptional friendship and partnership (42:25) The importance of empathy and the insights that it brought Ron (48:35) How Ron created a brand new category, bakery cafe (51:50) How Ron felt right before Au Bon Pain's IPO (53:00) The downsides of going public (54:50) Ron's means, ends, and by-products framework (57:20) What Ron learned from watching his parents face death (1:00:13) How Ron organized his life  (1:03:35) Ron's purchase of the St. Louis Bread Company  (1:07:28) How Ron's trend studying led him to fast casual dining (1:13:52) The transformation of St. Louis Bread into Panera  (1:15:33) Why Ron decided to sell Au Bon Pain to focus on Panera (1:20:25) The rapid growth stage of Panera  (1:22:51) Ron's philanthropy with No Labels and Panera Cares  (1:25:14) The painful journey of transforming Panera  (1:32:09) Thoughts on success, chutzpah, and the Jewish entrepreneurial spirit (1:34:28) Why entrepreneurs are risk avoiders  (1:35:34) Why Ron sees building organizations as a way to impact the world positively (1:37:44) Ron's investment company, Act 3, and the problem with short-termism  — Where to find Ron Shaich: Website: ⁠https://www.ronshaich.com/⁠ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronshaich/ X: https://x.com/shaich Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaich Where To Find Big Shot:  Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bigshot.show/⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bigshotpodcast⁠⁠⁠   TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@bigshotshow⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigshotshow/⁠⁠⁠   Harley Finkelstein: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/harleyf⁠⁠⁠  David Segal: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/tea_maverick⁠⁠⁠ Production and Marketing: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://penname.co⁠

In this episode of After Earnings, the hosts sit down with Brett Schulman, co-founder and CEO of the fast-growing restaurant chain Cava. They discuss Cava's journey from its founding to going public, emphasizing the strategic preparations and robust growth leading to its successful IPO. Brett shares insights on the company's focus on digital transformation, leveraging data, and maintaining strong in-store and digital customer experiences. Additionally, the conversation highlights Cava's commitment to employee development and the impact of its Mediterranean-inspired food on the American dining landscape. $CAVA 00:00 START 01:15 Interview with Brett Schulman, cofounder and CEO of CAVA 02:25 The Love Button for Employees 03:22 The Origins and Growth of Cava 05:15 Retail Strategy and Digital Transformation 08:55 Navigating the IPO Process 14:12 Maintaining Growth and Profitability 23:45 Employee Engagement and Stock Rewards 25:50 New Menu Items and Market Expansion 30:31 Data-Driven Decisions and Future Plans 40:54 Conclusion and Reflections After Earnings is brought to you by Stakeholder Labs and Morning Brew.  For more go to https://www.afterearnings.com Follow Us  X: https://twitter.com/AfterEarnings TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@AfterEarnings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterearnings_/ Reach Out  Email: afterearnings@morningbrew.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Success is a Choice podcast, our guest is Chef Andrew Gruel, a renowned food entrepreneur and TV personality.   Twitter - @chefgruel Email - admin@wintherace.info Website - chefgruel.com Facebook - Facebook.com/CHEFGRUEL Instagram - @andrewgruel YouTube - youtube.com/user/andrewgruel Substack - andrewgruel.substack.com Chef Gruel covers a lot of ground in this conversation including ... Behind the scenes of running a restaurant Thoughts about pineapple on pizza The food dish he never gets right Differences between him and his wife when it comes to cooking Tipping at a restaurant ... and much more!!! Andrew Gruel is the Founder of Slapfish Restaurant Group (27 locations), the award-winning food truck turned international brick and mortar, based out of Huntington Beach, CA and currently CEO and founder of American Gravy Restaurant Group which comprises Calico Fishhouse, Big Parm Pizza, Two Birds Chicken, Butterleaf, Lolo's Tacos and 101 Burger. Andrew has appeared on multiple television series including his most recent role as a judge on Food Network's “Chopped Junior” with Megan Markle. He was the Host of FYI Series “Say It To My Face”, as well as a judge on Food Network's “Food Truck Face Off.” He has made appearances on the TODAY show, Fox News, CNN, NBC Nightly News, PBS, Cooking Channel, and has been featured in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Men's Health, Food & Wine magazine, USA Today, Entrepreneur and Nation's Restaurant News. He was named Top 25 Business Executives for Fast Casual magazine as well as featured in Nation's Restaurant News' 2017 Power List. In 2013 he was named top 40 under 40 entrepreneurs in Orange County. He and his wife Lauren Gruel were named Pandemic Heroes by Restaurant Business Magazine alongside Guy Fieri and Jose Andres. Episode Timestamps: 2:00 - Anything you can't make? 3:20 - Instructions or Improvising 4:16 - Career snapshot 6:25 - Pineapple and Anchovies on Pizza 7:30 - Go-to picnic dish // working with lobster 9:30 - Dish he never gets right // Cooking difference between he and wife 11:00 - Running cross country in college // Going on TODAY show during honeymoon 12:45 - Behind the scenes on cooking shows // Reality TV 17:00 - The restaurant business 20:15 - Creative business tips 23:00 - How covid affected small businesses 27:00 - Economics and tipping at restaurants 30:30 - Final meal he'd like to eat - - - - Each week, the SUCCESS IS A CHOICE podcasting network brings you leadership expert Jamy Bechler and guest experts who provide valuable insights, tips, and guidance on how to maximize your potential, build a stronger culture, develop good leadership, create a healthy vision, optimize results, and inspire those around you. - - - -  Please follow Jamy on Twitter @CoachBechler for positive insights and tips on leadership, success, culture, and teamwork. Check out our virtual sessions for parents, coaches, students, and administrators at FreeLeadershipWorkshop.com. These sessions are free and cover a variety of topics. - - - -  The Success is a Choice podcast network is made possible by TheLeadershipPlaybook.com. Great teams have great teammates and everyone can be a person of influence. Whether you're a coach, athletic director, or athlete, you can benefit from this program and now you can get 25% off the price when you use the coupon code CHOICE at checkout. Build a stronger culture today with better teammates and more positive leaders.  If you like quotes, then you'll want to check out Jamy Bechler's new book "The Coach's Bulletin Board". It contains thousands of insights, thoughts, and quotes are contained in this book. Please visit JamyBechler.com/BulletinBoardBook to get your signed copy. - - - -  Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a quick review on iTunes.  Ratings and reviews are the lifeblood of a podcast. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. Thanks again for listening and remember that “Success is a choice. What choice will you make today?” - - - -  Jamy Bechler is the author of five books including "The Captain" and "The Bus Trip", host of the "Success is a Choice Podcast", professional speaker, and trains organizations on creating championship cultures. He previously spent 20 years as a college basketball coach and administrator.  TheLeadershipPlaybook.com is Bechler's online program that helps athletes become better teammates and more positive leaders while strengthening a team's culture. As a certified John Maxwell leadership coach, Bechler has worked with businesses and teams, including the NBA. Follow him on Twitter at @CoachBechler. To connect with him via email or find out about his services, please contact speaking@CoachBechler.com. You can also subscribe to his insights on success and leadership by visiting JamyBechler.com/newsletter.

Is Fast Casual Beating Fast Food? What is happening to the Fast Food Industry? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 328: Neal and Toby look into the lawsuit that could shake up the NIL landscape in college athletics. Then, Japan wants to prevent overtourism of its iconic sites by literally blocking its view. Next, fast casual dining has become a lunch favorite while fast-food is falling behind. Plus, destructive hail weather is threatening to cause billions of dollars of damage. Meanwhile, microplastics have been tested to be found in tes…ticles. Yikes. Lastly, an Australian magnate wants a portrait of herself taken down in a gallery…only to cause more attention to it.   Visit https://www.sage.com/morningbrew for more! Get your Morning Brew Daily Mug HERE: https://shop.morningbrew.com/products/morning-brew-daily-mug?utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=mbd&utm_campaign=mug Listen to Morning Brew Daily Here: https://link.chtbl.com/MBD Watch Morning Brew Daily Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MorningBrewDailyShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is Tuesday, May 21, and we're looking at Chipotle vs. Sweetgreen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This Week in Startups is brought to you by… Wistia. All-in-one video platform for business, with tools that help you create, manage, and measure the impact of your videos. Try Wistia for free at http://www.wistia.com/startups CLA. Innovation takes balance. CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors can help you get from startup to where you want to end up. Get started now at http://www.CLAconnect.com/tech Lemon.io - Hire pre-vetted remote developers, get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://www.Lemon.io/twist * Todays show: Jason is joined by sweetgreens' Jonathan Neman to discuss: the x-factor that makes a strong manager (7:36). deciding between the franchise model vs owned and operated (16:02), robotics in the restaurant industry (24:23), and more! * Timestamps: (0:00) Jonathan joins Jason. (2:30) The scale and innovation of sweetgreen today (7:36) The x-factor that makes a strong manager (10:05) Wistia -  Try Wistia for free at http://www.wistia.com/startups (12:31) The “Sweetlife” and the importance of “polishing forks” (16:02) Navigating the decision between the franchise model vs owned and operated (18:30) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech (24:23) Robotics in the restaurant industry (29:28) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist (30:33) The details and benefits of the machines Sweetgreen has brought into its restaurants. (37:15) Restaurant difficulties with inflation, COVID and “sticker shock” (38:46) Delivery in the business today pre and post-pandemic (45:10) How Australia fits into the origin of sweetgreen (48:01) The best way to build a brand (52:28) The seed oil conversation (45:53) sweetgreen is positioned towards tailored menus. (1:01:12) The challenging topic of food options and availability across different socioeconomic groups. (1:05:58) The definition of healthy food * LINKS: Check out sweetgreen: https://www.sweetgreen.com/ Watch The Founder (2-16): https://www.amazon.com/Founder-Michael-Keaton/dp/B01MY7FSMF Watch our Business Breakdown of the film The Founder: https://youtu.be/kYqzEEFU_nw Watch The Bear: https://tv.apple.com/ca/show/the-bear/umc.cmc.javg04xbn3eonbgfvnaqmodk Check out Unreasonable Hospitality: https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com/ Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp * Follow Jonathan: X: https://twitter.com/JonnyNemo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-neman-9a28aa8/ * Follow Jason: X: https://twitter.com/Jason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis * Thank you to our partners: (10:05) Wistia -  Try Wistia for free at http://www.wistia.com/startups (18:30) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech (29:28) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist * Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland * Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis * Follow TWiST: Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups * Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast