Podcasts about qsr

James chats with Prateek Misra, head of Luxury and Food & Beverage for India at JLL. They discuss the complexities and opportunities for international retailers entering the Indian market, which is home to over 1.4 billion people with a significant portion under 35 years old. Prateek highlights the importance of local partnerships and understanding diverse consumer preferences across India's regions. They explore successful strategies, such as market research, establishing Global Capability Centers (GCCs), and adapting product offerings. Examples include McDonald's localized vegetarian burgers and Uniqlo's culturally adapted clothing. Prateek also emphasizes the growing spaces for e-commerce, QSR, fast fashion, and experiential retail, offering insights into the best practices and potential pitfalls for foreign brands looking to succeed in India. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Chris Hatch shares key lessons from decades in brokerage and development, from first deals to managing national QSR growth.The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.  In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, Shanti Ryle, Director of Content Marketing, sits down with Chris Hatch, CEO & Manager of Forza and a third-generation real estate professional. The discussion covers Chris's expansive career in commercial real estate, starting from his family's involvement in the business to his own ventures in brokerage and development. Chris shares insights into his hard work philosophy, challenges in balancing family and work life, and the intricacies of the real estate market. The conversation delves into the growth of Forza, the importance of hands-on experience, and the latest trends in the quick service restaurant market. Additionally, Chris talks about the inspiration behind The Dirt Dog Podcast and how it provides valuable lessons from high-growth restaurateurs. Meet Chris Hatch: The Dirt DogChris Hatch's Early Life and Career BeginningsBalancing College and BrokerageFirst Major Deal: The Arby's BuyoutTransition to Ownership and DevelopmentManaging Work-Life BalanceBuilding a Strong TeamForza's Business VenturesThe Journey to DevelopmentThe Importance of Drive-ThroughsIntroducing the Dirt Dog PodcastApologies and IntroductionsPodcast Success and BrandingInspiring Conversations with RestaurateursOffice Culture and CompetitionsReflections on Commercial Real EstateLive Streaming a Dutch Bros ConstructionChallenges in Development and Learning from MistakesMarket Trends and Quick Service RestaurantsInnovations in Food Service and AutomationDrive-Through Coffee Shops and Prefabricated BuildingsImpact of COVID-19 on ConstructionNetworking and Market ResearchExciting Future Projects and Operator RoleRapid Fire Questions and AdviceFinal Thoughts and Sign Off About Chris Hatch:Chris Hatch is the founder of Forza, Legend Partners, and more, and is proud to be a third-generation real estate professional. He started his real estate career learning under the tutelage of his father and grandfather. After several years of establishing his base knowledge in real estate, Chris joined Professional Brokers in 2002. At Professional Brokers Chris was an active commercial sales and leasing agent and helped with acquisition and disposition as well as assisting a handful of retailers with expansions throughout the Intermountain Area. In 2006, Chris created a partnership with Jake Olson creating a boutique retail brokerage shop, IRG Retail. Chris holds active real estate broker licenses in Utah, Montana, Nevada, and Idaho. He is an avid outdoorsman as well as a rabid LV Raiders fan. Over the years he has worked with developers, architects, engineers, city officials, banks, property owners, and many retailers. Chris believes clear and timely communication is essential in maintaining an effective working relationship with clients. For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi's blog.Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/​ https://www.crexi.com/instagram​ https://www.crexi.com/facebook​ https://www.crexi.com/twitter​ https://www.crexi.com/linkedin​ https://www.youtube.com/crexi

Meet INDAY, a New York City-based high-growth brand that brings modern Indian flavors and a “food karma” philosophy to everyday dining. It's out not only to conquer the power luncher set in the lucrative QSR market, but also to change perceptions of what Indian cuisine can be. Founder Basu Ratnam joins QSR Uncut to discuss how the concept came to be, where growth might take it, and how the overall Indian category has erupted in recent years.

Send us a textThis week on The Digital Restaurant, Carl is joined by Jeremy Julian, host of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast and CRO of CBS NorthStar, for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of restaurant technology.We dive into highlights from FSTEC, explore new benchmarks from InTouch Insight's QSR report on voice AI & kiosks, and tackle the perennial build vs buy question that every brand faces. We also look at ChowBus' surprising pivot from delivery platform to full-stack tech provider and dig into the often-overlooked value of digital menu boards.From hospitality's enduring role to the realities of ROI, this episode is packed with insights operators and tech providers alike won't want to miss.Timestamps01:00 – Insights from FSTEC – tech must enhance guest & staff experience05:00 – Voice AI in QSRs – findings from InTouch Insight's report15:50 – Build vs Buy – hidden costs and ROI realities20:50 – ChowBus pivots from delivery to full-stack tech platform24:50 – The untapped potential of digital menu boardsSupport the show

Brad Bergaus, corporate chef and director of menu innovation at Taco John's, joins QSR Uncut to dive into how the classic chain is delivering more than just convenience to consumers. How is Taco John's using unexpected pairings to define its own unique West-Mex flavor and stand out in the QSR space? What's needed to appeal to Gen Z and even Gen Alpha customers? What should operators understand about using LTOs as a testing ground? We get into those questions and much more in this week's culinary-focused episode.

In today's Tech3 from Moneycontrol, we bring you the top stories in startups and tech: Azim Premji rejects Karnataka CM's proposal to open Wipro's Sarjapur campus for Outer Ring Road traffic; NPCI revamps Credit on UPI with fintechs leading the charge; Accenture posts strong Q4 earnings on AI bookings; Karnataka High Court questions the bike taxi ban; and California Burrito raises Rs 120 crore to fuel its QSR expansion.

Ever wondered how you can grow your real estate portfolio without getting hammered by capital gains taxes? In this episode of the Property Profits Podcast, Dave Dubeau sits down with Paul “Coach” Frank, a 40-year veteran in real estate development, brokerage, and investing, to break down the ins and outs of 1031 exchanges. Paul shares why so many investors misunderstand the term “like-kind,” the biggest mistakes people make when attempting 1031s, and how savvy investors use exchanges to trade out of management-heavy multifamily and single-family rentals into stable, cash-flowing triple net properties. From real-life stories of clients who turned underperforming rentals into hands-free income streams, to Paul's insights on why drive-thru QSR properties like Chick-fil-A and Chipotle are “gold,” this conversation will change how you think about growing wealth through real estate.   - Get Interviewed on the Show! - ================================== Are you a real estate investor with some 'tales from the trenches' you'd like to share with our audience? Want to get great exposure and be seen as a bonafide real estate pro by your friends? Would you like to inspire other people to take action with real estate investing? Then we'd love to interview you! Find out more and pick the date here: http://daveinterviewsyou.com/

When it comes to clinic marketing, most talk digital. But the smart ones don't forget their roots. In this episode, Michael and Nick welcome back Rachel Davis, the marketing leader behind AFC Urgent Care's 25 clinics across Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. With over a decade of experience growing urgent care brands from the ground up, Rachel shares what it really takes to build trust, drive patient volume, and make your clinic unforgettable.From a single social media campaign that brought in 92 patients in one day, to school partnerships, giant checks, and strategic giveaways—Rachel shows how blending grassroots marketing with digital execution isn't just effective, it's essential. Plus, we explore how she's using AI to lead with empathy, boost team morale, and uncover performance insights that actually matter.This one is packed with real-world strategies, leadership lessons, and bold ideas urgent care marketers and operators can use right now.

We have our 'normal' categories. Your Car brand, QSR, Bank, etc., that we all sell into. From an optics & legal perspective, they are all pretty 'safe'.But then, there are those categories that toe the line. That sometimes operates in that grey area.These are our Vice industries.In this episode, we dive into how to manage, de-risk, and align on how you can sell and manage those categories that aren't cut & dry from an optics perspective.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.

Sonic Drive-In's former CEO Cliff Hudson and CIO Craig Miller join QSR Uncut to take listeners behind the scenes of their innovation and how the iconic brand went from a retro drive-in to a digitally advanced concept that paved the path for the modern QSR and digital-first restaurant revolution. How did they roll out groundbreaking features? What's next for restaurants and digital growth? We get into that and much more in this wide-ranging episode featuring two of the industry's brightest minds. Check out Hudson and Miller's new book here for a follow-up.

Rinaldi Utama is the CEO and co-founder of Se'Indonesia, launched with a mission to redefine Indonesia's quick-service restaurant landscape focusing on high-quality smoked beef rice bowls. He was previously CEO and co-founder of Lakuliner, a house of indonesian-fusion culinary brands. Before that he was part of the legal team at Kopi Kenangan.Follow Rinaldi on LinkedInTimestamps(00:36) Introducing Rinaldi Utama decided to focus on beef rice bowls (03:47) Why Se'Indonesia also went into QSR business(07:48) How Se'Indonesia is approaching scale across Indonesia and across SKUs(14:15) Rinaldi's Learnings from working at the start of Kopi Kenangan's scale and starting from cloud kitchens(15:44) Future of F&B in Indonesia and advice for F&B entrepreneurs starting outFollow us ⁠⁠on LinkedIn⁠⁠ for more updatesCheck out ⁠⁠Insignia Business Review⁠⁠ for more insightsSubscribe to ⁠⁠our monthly newsletter⁠⁠ for all the news and resourcesDirected by Paulo JoquiñoProduced by Paulo JoquiñoThe content of this podcast is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, tax, or business advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insignia Ventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fund. Any and all opinions shared in this episode are solely personal thoughts and reflections of the guest and the host.

In this episode of OFFBounds, Paula Macaggi sits down with Azita Martin, VP & GM of AI for Retail, CPG, and QSR at NVIDIA, the world's most valuable company. Together they explore how AI is transforming retail, from e-commerce and supply chain optimization to computer vision, robotics, and digital twins. Azita shares real-world examples from companies like L'Oréal, Lowe's, and Yum! Brands, and explains why agentic AI and “Physical AI” will redefine how we shop and experience brands in the years ahead.Understand more how Nvidia supports retailers here: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/industries/retail/

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute:Kroger conducts site-by-site analysis of its automated fulfillment network, shifting focus back to store-level fulfillment as cost pressures mount and performance varies widely across locations.Walgreens makes a strategic play for the party supply market, dedicating in-store space and expanding its assortment nearly five-fold following Party City's bankruptcy closure.Love's Travel Stops opens its first Buffalo Wild Wings Go location in Kansas, expanding its QSR partnership portfolio as the chicken category continues strong growth with nearly 5% restaurant expansion and 10% sales increases in 2024.The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there!

My guest today is Sean Black, CEO of Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG | OTCQB: HBFGF). Happy Belly is a Canadian consolidator of emerging Quick Serve Restaurant (QSR) brands, with expansion plans into the U.S. The company started as Plantingco, a niche plant-based CPG business, but under Sean's leadership pivoted to become food agnostic—focused on scalable, cash flow positive QSR concepts. The model is straightforward: acquire small, profitable, debt-free brands, grow corporate stores with free cash flow, and scale through franchising. The portfolio is intentionally diversified with no duplication—think Rosie's Burgers as a Shake Shack equivalent, IQ Foods as Canada's Sweet Green, and Pyro as a Cava-style concept. I spoke with Sean to learn more about the company, as well as: The pivot from Plantingco to QSR consolidation M&A model and brand strategy Growth targets and the $100 million milestone Risks, alignment, and long-term vision For more information about Happy Belly Food Group, please visit: https://happybellyfg.com/ This podcast was recorded and is being made available by SNN, Inc. (together with its affiliates and its and their employees, “SNN”) solely for informational purposes. SNN is not providing or undertaking to provide any financial, economic, legal, accounting, tax, or other advice in or by virtue of this podcast. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions provided in this podcast are general in nature, and such information, statements, comments, views, and opinions, and the viewing of/listening to this podcast are not intended to be and should not be construed as the provision of investment advice by SNN. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast do not constitute and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or other course of action. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast (including by guest speakers who are not officers, employees, or agents of SNN) are not necessarily those of SNN and may not be current. Reference to any specific third-party entity, product, service, materials, or content does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the SNN. SNN assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. The views expressed by guest speakers are their own and their appearance on this podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SNN does not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information, statements, comments, views, or opinions contained in this podcast, which may include forward-looking statements where actual results may differ materially. SNN does not undertake any obligation whatsoever to provide any form of update, amendment, change, or correction to any of the information, statements, comments, views or opinions set forth in this podcast. SNN EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. By accessing this podcast, the listener acknowledges that the entire contents and design of this podcast, are the property of SNN, or used by SNN with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this podcast may save and use information contained in the podcast only for personal or other non-commercial educational purposes. No other use, including without limitation, reproduction, retransmission, or editing of this podcast may be made without the prior written consent of SNN.

In this dynamic episode of the Hospitality Hangout Podcast, we welcome Josh Kopel—award-winning restaurateur and hospitality strategist—for a deep dive into the latest hospitality trends and insider insights that are shaping today's food service industry. Josh shares his unique perspective on emerging brands making waves and how these innovations are redefining restaurant success in both QSR and full-service dining. With a blend of hard-won hospitality insights and entertaining moments, this conversation delivers practical takeaways for hospitality insiders eager to enhance profitability and sharpen their leadership skills.Whether you're in the trenches running a restaurant or managing operations at the corporate level, Josh's candid approach and evidence-based strategies will inspire you to think bigger and stay ahead in the competitive food industry! 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

Send us a textThis week on The Digital Restaurant, Carl is joined by Jennifer Kern, CMO of Qu, for a fast-moving conversation about the headlines shaping restaurants, technology, and consumer behavior.We kick off with a surprising stat: half of adults are ordering kids meals. (01:00) What does this say about QSR value wars, portion sizes, and how brands like CAVA and Starbucks are reframing value through experience, not just price?Next, we examine Chipotle's partnership with Zipline (05:00), which involves testing drone delivery in Dallas. Is this more than PR? Carl breaks down the operational hurdles, costs, and what it means for scale.From there, we dive into talent and tech shifts: Duolingo's social media star Zaria Parvez joins DoorDash (10:00), bringing 16M followers' worth of creativity, and voice AI startups raise fresh funding (14:00)— even as Taco Bell and McDonald's wrestle with reliability.Finally, we conclude with culture and agility: how restaurants capitalized on Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's engagement (21:00) to deliver playful, real-time marketing moments.Support the show

Dan Rymer, Executive Vice President of North America, leading the consumer practice at the global executive search firm, Redgrave, specializes in QSR and the restaurant industry and has an extensive track record of helping appoint C-Suite and senior leadership talent. He joins QSR Uncut to discuss his best tips for interviewing, hiring, and making sure executives find long-term success. The evolution of executive recruitment isn't just about finding the best candidate—it's about setting them up to thrive.

Cory Hibbard, President of Graze Craze, reveals how his charcuterie-focused fast-casual brand achieved 14 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth while QSR giants struggle. Operating from small 500-1,000 sq ft locations, Graze Craze has scaled to nearly 100 units in under 5 years by focusing on corporate catering and premium boards that solve dining challenges for businesses and consumers seeking elevated food experiences with fast-casual convenience.#FastCasualNation #GrazeCraze #RestaurantFranchiseGet 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 laughter-filled yet insightful episode of the Hospitality Hangout Podcast, we sit down with Nick Kenner, Founder & CEO of Just Salad, to explore bold ideas and expert strategies that are reshaping the hospitality and food service industry. Get ready for valuable hospitality insights as we discuss the evolving trends, the rise of emerging brands, and the keys to restaurant success in the competitive QSR landscape. From hospitality leadership to navigating industry challenges, Nick provides actionable takeaways that every operator, investor, and hospitality insider should know. This episode is packed with insider insights and real talk about the opportunities that lie ahead in the food industry. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting out, you'll come away inspired and informed about the latest hospitality strategies and trends.

Join Restaurant Masterminds hosts Paul Molinari and Anna Tauzin as they dive deep with Paris Baguette's Chief Development Officer Nick Scaccio about the brand's audacious plan to reach 1,000 North American locations by 2030. From their current 253 units to nearly $3M average unit volumes, discover the franchise strategies, operational excellence, and experiential design driving this Korean-French bakery café's explosive growth through economic uncertainty and intense competition.~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → https://gusto.pxf.io/PBN ~#1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and moreWith Gusto's easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto.RestaurantFranchising #ParisBaguette #FranchiseGrowthGet 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

Discover the unique approach that sets Aroma Joe's apart in the competitive QSR space, focusing on authentic customer connections and community engagement. Carrie McAleese Riley, CMO of Aroma Joe's, shares insights on leadership, advocating for oneself in male-dominated industries, and maintaining work-life balance.

Hosted by Nino Horttrich, and with the collaboration of Arvin Jawa of Diebold Nixdorf, we explore how Tillster is solving some of the biggest challenges in QSR. From tackling operational challenges to improving speed, personalization, and consistency, this conversation explores how strategic partnerships can transform the customer journey and future-proof restaurant operations.

Independent analyst Jimmy Moyaha on MTN's strong results. Off a low base with currency woes easing, yet the market sold it off – is there still value? Mongezi Mtati from Rogerwilco on their new fast food and QSR report: value, taste, and location lead the way. Seshni Naidoo of ENGIE Southern Africa on the energy transition driving not just power, but jobs and GDP growth.

It's Eye on Franchising Friday with your host, Lance Graulich! Today, I'm diving in with Mark Amery, Founder & CEO of Puddle Pools, the fast-growing pool cleaning & maintenance franchise making waves across North America.

We all know the common categories in sponsorships: QSR, dealerships, tires, etc.But what about that next step up, luxury brands? How can we close those...or even get them to care about our team and sponsorship assets?In this episode, we dive into the strategy your team can execute to find, pitch, and close luxury brands. You'll even find some luxury categories you never knew about.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.

Restaurant Masterminds hosts Paul Barron, Rudy Miick, and Stacey Kane dive deep with Greenlane co-founders Erica Spector Wishnow and Chris Kern to explore their game-changing approach to fast-casual dining. Discover how this Tampa-based concept delivers made-from-scratch salads in just 15 seconds, their mission to bring healthy options to food deserts at $6.99 price points, and the critical challenge of scaling company culture while maintaining staff engagement. Industry veterans discuss why Greenlane has that elusive "X factor" and could be a Front Runner candidate for 2025's most promising emerging brands.~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → https://gusto.pxf.io/PBN ~#1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and moreWith Gusto's easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto.RestaurantMasterminds #FastCasualDining #HealthyFastFoodGet 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 week's The Industrialist: Retail Recap, Jeremy, Bob, and Rob welcome special guest Zach Spletter, Senior Real Estate Manager for T-Mobile, for a deep dive into retail site selection, tenant mix, and the changing competitive landscape. They swap stories from hundreds of T-Mobile deals, small-town expansion strategies, and why outparcels still rule. The conversation shifts to retail market trends—from Starbucks, Chipotle, and 7-Eleven performance to the “Buc-ee's effect” and the latest QSR rankings. The guys also cover lease negotiations, bankruptcy fallout, co-tenancy battles, and Dallas-Fort Worth's fiercely competitive brokerage scene. Last but not least they give updates dates on bonus depreciation, Rollertown Beer Works' massive new Frisco facility, Paper City's top Dallas pizza picks, and what's driving today's restaurant, banking, and service leasing boom.Connect:⁠Jeremy Mercer LinkedIn⁠Rob Franks LinkedInBob Moorhead LinkedInZach Spletter LinkedIn⁠

In this exclusive Paisa Vaisa episode, host Anupam Gupta sits down with Saga Kochhar, co-founder of Rebel Foods, the company that revolutionized the food industry with the cloud kitchen model. Sagar shares the strategic decisions and "lightbulb moments" that turned Rebel Foods from a single QSR chain into the world's largest internet restaurant platform, with a portfolio of over 30 successful brands like Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, and Ovenstory. This episode is a masterclass in business innovation, covering: Cloud Kitchen Unit Economics: How the multi-brand playbook optimizes costs. Data-Driven Brand Building: Using consumer insights to launch new brands. The Power of Scalability: Ensuring food consistency with "de-skilled" recipes. Pivoting for Success: The strategic decision to go all-in on cloud kitchens. Entrepreneurship and Strategy: Advice on "intellectual honesty" and product-market fit. Future of Food Tech: The grand mission to disrupt the global food industry. Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or simply curious about the business of food, this episode provides a rare look inside a company that is fundamentally changing how we eat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

In this episode, Taco John's CEO, Heather Neary, shares her full-circle journey, the five C's of franchising success, and what it takes to grow a legacy QSR in today's competitive market. From franchisee empathy to marketing/ops integration—this is a masterclass in modern franchising.   Timestamps: 00:00 – The lawnmower hustle: Eric's childhood story 01:25 – Meet Heather: CEO of Taco John's 03:46 – Her path from cheesesteaks to CEO 04:49 – Uniting marketing & ops under one vision 06:55 – How to support struggling franchisees 09:37 – Food vs. non-food franchising insights 14:56 – Taco John's legacy and brand refresh 17:54 – How to lead meaningful brand change 20:20 – Listening tours and building trust 26:08 – Franchisee ROI and capital investment strategy   Connect with Erik Van Horn:

The self-service kiosk industry is exploding from $12 billion to $21 billion by 2027, and Don McCoole from Infi USA reveals how restaurants are seeing 40% sales increases through AI-powered upselling. From food trucks to major chains, kiosks are solving labor shortages, boosting average tickets by 20-30%, and delivering ROI in just 4-5 days. Discover why Gen Z prefers kiosks, how one location doubled tips from 8% to 14%, and the game-changing technology that's transforming customer engagement across QSR, fast-casual, and beyond.This episode brought to you by: INFI — Self-ordering made simple.

In this episode of Let's Combinate, host Subhi Saadeh highlights five critical aspects of the FDA's new Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) that you may have missed. Subhi explains the historical context of QSR and ISO 13485, their 1996 origins, and the drive for harmonization that began in 2018. Key insights include the alignment with ISO 13485, additional FDA-specific expectations, the continued importance of risk management, the removal of certain industry exemptions, and the urgent two-year compliance timeline ending in February 2026. Subhi emphasizes the necessity of updating internal quality management systems and training staff to meet these new regulatory requirements.Timelines:00:00 Introduction to FDA QMSR00:29 Historical Context and Timeline02:22 Key Takeaway 1: Harmonization with ISO 1348504:06 Key Takeaway 2: FDA's Additional Expectations05:18 Key Takeaway 3: Risk Management Expectations06:18 Key Takeaway 4: Removal of Exemptions07:44 Key Takeaway 5: Compliance Deadline09:13 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSubhi Saadeh is a Quality Professional and host of Let's Combinate. With a background in Quality, Manufacturing Operations and R&D he's worked in Large Medical Device/Pharma organizations to support the development and launch of Hardware Devices, Disposable Devices, and Combination Products for Vaccines, Generics, and Biologics. Subhi serves currently as the International Committee Chair for the Combination Products Coalition(CPC) and as a member of ASTM Committee E55 and also served as a committee member on AAMI's Combination Products Committee.For questions, inquiries or suggestions please reach out at letscombinate.com or on the show's LinkedIn Page.

Anthony Bambino founded 3Natives in 2013 in Tequesta, Florida. It's since growth to 46 locations across Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, New York, and Arizona, with plans to ramp up franchising further. What does it take to stand out in one of the most-crowded segments in QSR? We get into how to win the lifestyle, healthy segment and how to generate sales momentum throughout the system.

Join Restaurant Masterminds hosts Paul Barron, Paul Molinari, and Stacey Kane as they dive deep into the future of restaurant workforce management with Legion Technologies CEO Sanish Mondkar. Discover how AI is revolutionizing employee scheduling, reducing turnover by 79%, and solving the restaurant industry's biggest challenge - balancing business needs with employee satisfaction. Learn about demand forecasting, instant pay solutions, and why AI-powered workforce management is becoming essential for restaurant success in 2024 and beyond.~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → https://gusto.pxf.io/PBN ~#1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and moreWith Gusto's easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto.RestaurantTech #AIWorkforce #RestaurantManagementGet 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

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.

Paul Tredinnick is a seasoned senior marketing director and accomplished business leader with over 25 years of experience driving the growth of global consumer brands. His career spans key roles with iconic names like Mars Snackfood, Unilever, McDonald's, Burger King, and Primo Foods—giving him deep expertise across QSR, grocery, mass merchants, petrol/convenience, and hardware sectors.Today, Paul brings that experience to businesses of all sizes, helping them develop clear brand strategies, strengthen their market presence, and unlock sustainable growth. Whether guiding start-ups or supporting established companies, Paul partners with leaders to build brands that stand out in competitive markets and deliver lasting impact. Paul's Website: Brand Value Builders Website

Dan and Jake sit down with George Gonzalez (brand leader), and Travis Hill (field marketing partner) from Whataburger to learn what QSR means and more ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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.

Send us a textThis week on The Digital Restaurant, I'm joined by a new co-host — Alex, an AI avatar — as we break down five headlines showing how delivery, automation, and AI are shaping the next wave of restaurant operations:01:10 – Olive Garden's off-premise engine is hummingUber Direct integration, buy-one-take-one offers, and nearly 7% same-store sales growth from delivery alone05:25 – Yum China rolls out Q Smartt A voice-activated wearable assistant for managers, designed to surface operational insights in real time11:05 – GPT failed at report building QSR's Mary Pillow Thompson spent a weekend trying to automate daily ops. The issue wasn't the model—it was the lack of orchestration13:30 – DoorDash acquires Symbiosis for $175M A strategic bet on local commerce advertising, with closed-loop attribution from ad to order17:45 – Coco raises $80M to scale delivery bots Semi-autonomous, human-guided, and aiming for 10,000 units deployed by 2026Quote of the week: “Coco isn't replacing humans — they're redeploying them smarter.”Full episode: https://thedigitalrestaurant.buzzsprout.com#restauranttech #AI #offpremise #DoorDash #OliveGarden #CocoRobotics #YumChina #InvisibleTechnologiesShoutouts: Zach Rash, Joey Simons, Sam Altman, Ryan Graves, Mary Pillow Thompson, Alex (AI co-host)Support the show

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.

Send us a textRuss Hawkins, CEO of Agilence, joins Zack Oates to break down how restaurant operators can use data to improve guest experience, boost loyalty, and align teams. With a background spanning telecom, retail, and hospitality, Russ shares practical strategies for avoiding waste, tracking behavior, and turning missed expectations into long-term relationships.Zack and Russ discuss:Why personalization is the new loyaltyHow to align the boardroom with the back-of-houseUsing data to improve staff training and performanceWhat operators can learn from both QSR and fine diningWhy small moments—like remembering a name—still matterThanks, Russ!Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/russhawkins/https://www.linkedin.com/company/agilence-inc/ https://www.instagram.com/agilence_inc/ https://www.agilenceinc.com/

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.

A former college athlete and QSR hourly wage-earner, Brian Garvey, Express Pros' youngest franchise owner, has transformed his trademark determination and reliability into a successful career helping others find their life's work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

Taylor McKinnon and Adam Wilks, Mr.Charlie's TMS Taylor McKinnon is cofounder of Mr. Charlie's Told Me So (TMS)—a purpose-driven, plant-based QSR brand redefining what fast food can be—is making its biggest move yet with an 18-store development deal across Arizona.This multimillion-dollar franchise agreement marks the brand's first major regional rollout, powered by a mission of second chances, sustainability, and crave-worthy food. To support this growth, Mr. Charlie's has brought on franchising and licensing veteran Adam Wilks (former exec at Pinkberry, Cold Stone, and TYSON 2.0) as President to spearhead national expansion. With proven traction in LA, San Francisco, and Sydney, Australia, Mr. Charlie's is now opening up franchise opportunities in select U.S. states.Plant-based QSR has been largely untapped at scale—Mr. Charlie's is betting big on changing that.

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.

"It's the whole totality of the experience and how we treat our customers to show that they're valued.”Eric Wulf, CEO of the International Carwash Association (ICA), and ICA Research Director Bob Klein discuss the findings of ICA's 2025 Q1 Pulse Report, covering the health of the industry, customer satisfaction, and the balance between price and wash value for car wash customers.Top 5 Episode Highlights:The Health of the Consumer Drives the Health of the Industry – Eric and Bob discuss how customer sentiment and behavior shape industry growth, with pricing dissatisfaction often offset by strong perceptions of value—especially among subscription customers.The Price vs. Value Perception – Car wash owners must recognize the emotional side of pricing and focus on the totality of the customer experience to show value. The conversation draws insights from Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) like Chick-fil-A, where customer engagement plays a key role in perceived value.Subscribers Who Become Transactors: A Retention Opportunity – 54% of former members continue washing their vehicles at the car wash where they previously had a membership, providing an opportunity for operators to re-engage and build long-term loyalty.Loyalty Programs: A Disconnection Between Customers and Operators – The Pulse Report has asked about loyalty for nine years, and customers consistently cite loyalty programs as a key retention driver. However, operators do not prioritize them, signaling a missed opportunity to strengthen customer relationships.Industry Growth & Supplier Outlook – Projections for year-end growth increased slightly from 5% to 6%, with 6 in 10 retailers increasing prices in 2024. Meanwhile, supplier optimism has softened, with forecasted growth of 5%, and their top concerns remain hiring, rising costs, and employee retention. To counteract these challenges, suppliers are investing in training and helping car wash owners enhance customer value.Eric and Bob begin the conversation by examining the overall health of the car wash industry, which is closely tied to consumer sentiment. They emphasize that while customers may resist price increases, strong value perception—especially among subscribers—helps mitigate dissatisfaction.The discussion then shifts to how car wash owners should interpret the Pulse Report's price/value findings. Eric and Bob stress that customer experience is in the operator's control. They highlight how Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), like Chick-fil-A, focus on hospitality and engagement to reinforce customer loyalty—a model the car wash industry can learn from.Bob also references an article he authored in the 2025 Q1 issue of Car Wash Magazine, which explores the five key principles used by the QSR industry to enhance the value proposition and customer experience.The episode also covers the behavior of subscribers who become transactors, noting that 54% of former members continue to use the car wash where they had a subscription. This presents a valuable opportunity for operators to create a dialogue with past members and encourage repeat business.For the past nine years, the Pulse Report has surveyed both customers and operators about loyalty strategies. The data shows that customers strongly value loyalty programs, yet operators do not prioritize them, highlighting a gap in retention efforts.On the growth and supplier side, there is a slight uptick in year-end growth projections from 5% to 6%, and 6 in 10 retailers increased prices in 2024. Looking ahead, the Q2 issue of Car Wash Magazine will explore 12 key factors businesses should consider before implementing price increases.Supplier sentiment, however, is less optimistic, with a softening outlook despite a projected 5% increase. The top three concerns for suppliers remain hiring, rising costs, and employee retention. To stay ahead, suppliers are focusing on training initiatives and working to help car wash operators deliver stronger customer value.

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.