Fast Casual Nation
Join the #1 Restaurant Business Podcast Shaping the Future of The Restaurant Industry! Hosted by Paul Barron—industry pioneer, investor, and author of The Chipotle Effect—alongside Cherryh Cansler, the editorial force behind Fastcasual.com, this is where restaurant operators get the competitive edge. Every week, this power duo decodes the trends, strategies, and innovations transforming the restaurant business, driven by the Fast Casual mindset, redefining what's possible across all restaurant segments. With over two decades of combined expertise, Paul and Cherryh don't just report on the industry; they've helped build it.This isn't just a podcast. It's your playbook for what...
Why Restaurant Real Estate Is Being Rewritten — And What Operators Need to Know
On this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Daniel Ceniceros, Founder & CEO of Connect Media, to unpack how commercial real estate is reshaping the restaurant industry. Daniel breaks down why "treasure hunting" retailers like Ross and TJ Maxx are becoming smart anchor tenants, how secondary markets are opening new opportunities for fast casual growth, why shrinking restaurant footprints are the new normal, and why operators no longer need to sign themselves into decade-long leases. The conversation also dives into what's really happening with distressed office and retail properties, the future of vacant...
Dave's Hot Chicken Does Marketing in an AI Age
Dave's Hot Chicken CMO Brandon Rhoten joins Fast Casual Nation to break down how the fast-growing chicken chain uses AI on the back end for customer data and financial analysis while deliberately keeping it out of creative and content production. Rhoten, who previously helped shape Wendy's irreverent social media era, discusses why Gen Z brand loyalty is disappearing, how Dave's uses its seven spice levels to create personalization within a small menu, and why he believes brands that let AI make decisions instead of humans will struggle as the crowded chicken category faces a shakeout.
This episode...
AI Winners in 2026 in Restaurant & Hospitality
Bonchon CEO Suzie Tsai joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to talk candidly about the Korean fried chicken brand's AI journey, from admitting its tech stack needed work to building smarter supply chain forecasting, localized marketing, kiosk ordering, and data-privacy safeguards. Tsai shares her wishlist for AI's next frontier in guest connection and third-party delivery, plus a peek at Bonchon's global growth. The episode wraps with the announcement of Fast Casual Nation's 2026 Restaurant AI Awards, now open for nominations.
#FastCasualNation #RestaurantAI #Bonchon
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The Secret Strategy Behind L&L Hawaiian Barbecue’s Massive Expansion
What does it take to scale a beloved regional icon into a fast-casual powerhouse with over 240 locations?
In this episode, hosts Paul and Cherryh sit down with Elisia Flores, CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, to unpack the strategy, culture, and operational savvy behind one of fast casual's biggest success stories. Elisia shares how the rich, multicultural history of Hawaii’s iconic "plate lunch" translates into new markets across Texas, the West Coast, and now Canada.
The conversation dives deep into the delicate dance between maintaining core brand identity and giving franchisees the freedom to express th...
Mocktails are Winning
On this episode of Fast Casual Nation, host Cherryh Cansler sits down with Kelly O'Rourke, Director of Marketing at FiiZ Drinks, to talk about the explosive growth of the dirty soda category, Gen Z's shift toward non-alcoholic beverages, and what's next for the brand's national expansion, energy drink launch, and Hi-Chew partnership. Then, Tal Clark, CEO of Instant, joins to break down alarming new data on restaurant worker financial stress and how earned wage access and instant tip payouts are becoming essential retention tools for operators nationwide.
#FastCasualNation #DirtySoda #RestaurantIndustry
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The "Slutty" Empire: How Pinky Cole Turned a $100M Burger Brand Into a Religion
Slutty Vegan founder and CEO Pinky Cole Hayes joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to share her journey from television producer to restaurant entrepreneur, detailing how she navigated $20 million in debt, bought her company back through an assignment for the benefit of creditors, and rebuilt the brand as a lean, franchise-first operation. She discusses her selective approach to vetting experienced franchise operators, the flexible "menu bible" that lets locations customize their offerings, using AI to run a smaller core team, and balancing her personal brand with her business as she scales toward 50 franchise locations in the...
Winning the Fast-Casual Sandwich Wars
Mendocino Farms CMO Alicia Mowder joins Fast Casual Nation to break down how the fast-casual chain hit its 100th location while staying true to chef-driven quality, elevated hospitality, and a private-equity partnership that hasn't compromised its brand. Hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler dig into the brand's sandwich-versus-salad menu strategy, its guest-survey feedback loop, catering trends, and why the chain is intentionally slow-walking kiosks and AI ordering tech. The episode closes with Loop AI's Casey Hilder unpacking how restaurant operators can separate real AI value from industry hype. #FastCasualNation #MendocinoFarms #RestaurantIndustry Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or...
Growth Strategies: Shared Resources Without Diluting Brand DNA
GoTo Foods CBOs Mike Smith (Moe's Southwest Grill) and Donna Varner (Schlotzsky's) join Fast Casual Nation to discuss how a shared brand platform drives menu innovation, prototype design, loyalty data, and cautious AI adoption without eroding individual brand identity. #FastCasualNation #GoToFoods #RestaurantIndustry Get 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...
Gamifying the Burrito: The "Rewards on Repeat" Strategy
Chipotle COO Jason Kidd joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to break down how the 4,100-unit brand is winning and retaining the next-generation diner. From the full value equation and menu innovation to AI-powered hiring, digital order accuracy, gamification and a major back-of-house equipment overhaul rolling out to nearly half the chain, Kidd pulls back the curtain on the operational strategies keeping Chipotle at the top of the fast casual game — and shares what real hospitality actually looks like at scale. Customization and delivery are driving significant changes in restaurant operations, making advanced labeling technology essential fo...
The "Anti-Burger" Blueprint: How Teriyaki Madness is Out-Scaling the Giants
In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Jodi Boyce, CMO of Teriyaki Madness, and John Smolen, SVP of Sales at Atmosphere TV, to explore how fast casual brands are evolving beyond burgers and into experience-driven dining. From Teriyaki Madness's explosive franchise growth and craveable bowl-forward menu to Atmosphere TV's ambient content platform that turns wait time into brand engagement, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on consumer trends, in-store experience, technology, and what it takes to build a loyal, modern restaurant brand. #FastCasual #RestaurantMarketing #TeriyakiMadness Get Your Podcast Now! Are...
The "Macro-Centric" Menu: Why 2026 Diners Want Stats, Not Stories
In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, host Paul Barron sits down with Chris Treloar, CEO of PLNT Burger, and Trace Miller, founder of Konala Protein Bowls, to break down what health-forward fast casual actually looks like in 2025 and beyond. From PLNT Burger's high-volume Whole Foods footprint to Konala's drive-thru protein bowl model built for busy families, the conversation covers menu strategy, the rise of nutritional literacy, GLP-1's impact on dining behavior, and why the future of fast food isn't the death of convenience — it's making healthy eating just as convenient as the golden arches. #FastCasualNation #HealthyFastFood #PlantBased Get Yo...
50 Million Views Later: The Brutal Reality of Scaling a "Viral" TikTok Food Trend
In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Peter Yang, co-founder and Head of Development at Pokeworks, to explore how the 85-location poke brand turned a viral social media moment into a disciplined, founder-led growth story — covering everything from psychographic-driven site selection and hoodless real estate advantages to suburban expansion, unit economics, and why protecting AUV matters more than chasing location count. #FastCasual #Pokeworks #RestaurantBusiness Get 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 th...
The Piada Pivot: Can 'Italian Street Food' Save the Fast-Casual Soul
Is fast casual Italian finally having its breakthrough moment? In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Matt Harding, Chief Culinary Officer of The Piada Group, to discuss how the brand has defied the odds in a category that has swallowed competitors whole — covering national expansion plans, value-driven operations, chef-forward food culture, and what it takes to build a fast casual brand that actually lasts.
#FastCasualNation #PiadaGroup #FastCasual
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CLARITY Doomsday Approaches!🚨Hope Lost?🔥Kevin Wysocki INTERVIEW🏛️Anchorage Digital
Republican Senator Thom Tillis is conditioning his vote on the Senate Clarity Act bill on inclusion of ethics language that restricts White House officials from promoting or issuing digital assets, and without him, the math does not work.
~This episode is sponsored by Tangem~
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GUEST: Kevin Wysocki, Head of Policy, Anchorage Digital
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00:00 Intro
00:10 Sponsor: Tangem
00:45 Odds collapsed
01:20 Attendance
02:00 Bitcoin Conference recap
03:30 Kevin is optimistic
04:30 Cynt...
Office Market Meltdown Hits Small Business and Restaurants
In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, host Paul Barron and co-host Cherryh Cansler are joined by Stacey Kane, Fractional CMO for Emerging Brands, to break down the trends reshaping the restaurant industry. The trio explores how major QSR brands like Starbucks, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, and White Castle are deploying AI — from personalized beverage recommendations to drive-thru order-taking bots boasting 90% accuracy. They also dig into McDonald's bold move into craft sodas and energy drinks, the explosive growth of the dirty soda category across all dining segments, and the skepticism surrounding Jersey Mike's reported $12 billion IPO filing. If you're a re...
The Impossible Menu: How Tarka Cracked the Code on "Fast" Indian Food
In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Tinku Saini, CEO and co-founder of Tarka Indian Kitchen, to explore how the Austin-based brand has spent nearly two decades cracking the code on fast casual Indian food — from its full-service origins at Clay Pit to nine locations across Texas, covering everything from fresh-to-order curry operations and supply chain hard lessons to the brand's upcoming bowl launch and catering push via Toast.
#FastCasualNation #TarkaIndianKitchen #RestaurantIndustry
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From Food Truck to Franchise Phenomenon: Inside Mike's Red Tacos' Rapid Rise
In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, host Cherryh Cansler sits down with Lance Salsman, SVP of Operations & Training at Mike's Red Tacos, recorded live at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit in San Diego. Lance shares the brand's origin story — from a birria food truck founded by Mike in 2021 to a rapidly expanding franchise concept backed by industry legend Bill Phelps — and breaks down how Mike's is borrowing and improving on the Dave's Hot Chicken playbook to scale with experienced multi-unit franchisees, rigorous brand standards, and innovative kitchen technology that keeps the authenticity of slow-simmered birria intact across every loca...
The Celebrity Trap: Why Being a "Wahlberg" Wasn't Enough to Save the Brand
In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Randy Sharpe, CEO of Wahlburgers, to discuss one of the more compelling brand turnaround stories in the restaurant industry right now. Sharpe breaks down how he consolidated 17 menus into three, exited underperforming franchise relationships, and repositioned Wahlburgers across four distinct growth platforms — including a groundbreaking partnership with Home Depot and a major airport expansion push. If you're a restaurant operator, franchisee, or hospitality professional thinking about brand strategy, multi-unit growth, or non-traditional venue models, this conversation is one you don't want to miss.
The $600,000 Gamble: Why Jae Kim Almost Walked Away from the Sharks
Jae Kim, founder of Chi'Lantro, joins Fast Casual Nation to share how he built a Korean-Tex Mex fusion brand from a single Austin food truck in 2010 into a 13-location Texas fast casual empire, covering his three Shark Tank auditions, his experience pitching Barbara Corcoran, the unit economics that drove his growth strategy, and why people, not menu or marketing, remain the foundation of everything he builds.
#FastCasualNation #ChiLantro #KoreanTexMex
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The Great Divide: What the Restaurant Industry's Economic Reality Means for Your Business
In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist at the National Restaurant Association, to unpack the economic forces reshaping the restaurant industry. From shrinking profit margins and the K-shaped economy to the rise of technology adoption and long-term demographic pressures, Dr. Moutray delivers a data-driven look at what operators are facing right now — and what they need to do to survive and grow in an increasingly divided consumer landscape.
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How Velvet Taco Built a Cult Brand — and Plans to Keep It That Way
Chris Schultz, CEO of Velvet Taco, joins Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler on Fast Casual Nation to break down the operational blueprint behind one of the restaurant industry's most beloved cult brands. From the legendary Weekly Taco Feature (WTF) — a chef-driven rotating menu item that has launched every single week for nearly 15 years — to the in-house rotisserie Back Door Chicken sold every Monday for $20, Schultz reveals how operational discipline, supply chain rigor, and an unwavering commitment to clarity are what actually fuel creativity and brand loyalty at scale. He also shares his take on technology's rightful place in hospitality, what Star...
Fast Casual Leadership: Legacy Brands, Modern Moves
In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Paul Damico, President & CEO of Ascent Hospitality Management, to discuss his bold strategy for reinventing two iconic legacy brands — Perkins Restaurant & Bakery and Huddle House. Damico shares how cutting-edge Toast POS technology is transforming operations across 600 units, why extended hours are driving 20–40% sales increases at select locations, and how the new Perkins Griddle and Go fast casual format is designed to win over a younger generation of diners — all while keeping the legendary value that loyal guests have counted on for over 65 years.
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The Seasonal Business Playbook: Thriving in a Summer-Driven Industry
In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Lawrence Brown, Chief Development Officer at Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, to explore how one of America's largest specialty dessert franchises is scaling smart — from its iconic first-day-of-spring tradition and drive-through expansion strategy to franchisee unit economics, community-driven marketing, and what makes the ideal Rita's franchise partner in today's competitive QSR landscape.
#FastCasualNation #FranchiseDevelopment #RitasItalianIce
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2026 Fast Casual Brands To Watch
Discover the rising stars of fast casual dining as hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler interview three breakout brands from FastCasual.com's 2026 list of 25 emerging brands to watch. Jeff Pereira of Jeff's Bagel Run shares how a home kitchen experiment turned into a 26-unit bagel empire with vertical integration and proprietary tech. Brian Simowitz reveals Houston TX Hot Chicken's blueprint for scaling to 300+ locations through racing-inspired energy and loyalty innovation. Matt Morrison discusses Agapé Mediterranean's growth strategy in the fast-expanding Mediterranean category, dubbed "the new Mexican." Learn how these founders are redefining hospitality, leveraging social media, navigating price pressures, and b...
2026 Beverage Trends
Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler explore the beverage revolution transforming restaurants with SG Ellison, CEO of Diversified Restaurant Group, and Ryan Maybee, Co-Founder of J. Rieger & Co. Discover how Taco Bell's Live Más Café is reactivating dining rooms with Mexican-inspired drinks, why protein beverages are exploding across chains, and how craft cocktail expectations are reshaping every segment. Learn about draft cocktail innovation, the sober-curious movement, customization trends, and why beverages have evolved from add-ons to destination experiences driving traffic and revenue in today's competitive restaurant landscape.
#RestaurantInnovation #BeverageTrends #FastCasualNation
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Winning Strategies for 2026 in Fast Casual
Join hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler as they kick off 2026 with CAVA Co-Founder and CEO Brett Schulman for an in-depth conversation about navigating today's challenging restaurant landscape. Schulman reveals why CAVA eliminated digital tipping while paying workers top wages, how the brand has achieved 20% traffic growth while competitors struggle, and their strategy of keeping menu prices 50% lower than industry averages. Learn about CAVA's ambitious expansion plans for 2026, their human-centered approach to AI and automation, and why Mediterranean cuisine is perfectly positioned at the intersection of health, wellness, and bold flavors. This episode is packed with actionable insights for restaurant...
2026 Restaurant Trends Round Table | Special Series
Join Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler as they sit down with industry expert Suzy Badaracco from Culinary Tides to forecast the biggest restaurant trends for 2026. This year-end episode explores how Gen Z is reshaping dining expectations, the AI versus hospitality debate, why comfort food isn't making a comeback despite economic pressures, and the rise of mood-based menus and subscription dining services. Discover insights on anti-viral marketing, the importance of "vibe" over speed, and why off-premise dining is becoming more experiential than ever.
#RestaurantTrends #FastCasual #FoodIndustry
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2026 AI & Tech Trends | Special Series
Join Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler on Fast Casual Nation as they dive deep into AI's transformation of the restaurant industry with Kerry Leo, VP of Technology at Shipley Donuts, and restaurant tech consultant Paul Molinari. Discover how Shipley achieved 24% higher average order values through AI-powered ordering, learn why traditional Google search is becoming obsolete, and understand how data unification is creating the "single pane of glass" operators need. From voice ordering in mobile apps to agentic AI solving integration challenges, this episode reveals practical strategies for implementing AI in your restaurant operations. Whether you're just starting your AI journey...
The Hopdoddy Effect: Leading the Charge in the Modern Burger Evolution
Join Paul Barron on Fast Casual Nation as he sits down with Jeff Chandler, CEO of Hopdoddy Burger Bar, to discuss how the Austin-based brand is winning in the crowded burger category with 50 locations and 2% traffic growth. Discover their hybrid fast casual-casual dining model, premium protein strategy including bison burgers, the accidental success of burger bowls, and why they're betting on hospitality over discounting in 2026.
#FastCasualNation #HopdoddyBurgerBar #RestaurantIndustry
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Smashburger's Strategic Comeback: A Conversation with Tom Ryan and Jim Sullivan
Smashburger founder Tom Ryan and CEO Jim Sullivan join Fast Casual Nation to reveal their bold strategy to reclaim the brand's position in the better burger category. Discover how their new "Belief is in the bite" philosophy, innovative $4.99 value platform, and surprise Big Dog success are driving a comeback story. Plus, learn about their aggressive five-year plan to grow from 200 to over 1,000 locations through strategic franchising and non-traditional venues. This conversation explores menu innovation, operational excellence, and why they believe the QSR guys can't compete on quality and fast casual brands can't compete on their price.
~This...
FiiZ: Beverage Empire Blueprint
Scott Ball, President of FiiZ Drinks, joins Fast Casual Nation to break down how the fastest-growing specialty soda franchise went from 50 to 70+ locations and sold over 200 units in just one year. The former Dunkin' franchisee reveals the secrets behind FiiZ's low-cost buildout model (half the price of competitors), why 80-85% of sales come through drive-thru, and how customers are visiting 5 times per week for customized dirty sodas. From 700 sq ft prototypes to Walmart partnerships, Ball shares the blueprint for beverage franchise success and why legacy brands like McDonald's and White Castle are jumping into the dirty soda category. If you're...
Macro Trends and Expert Insights on the Future of Fast Casual Dining with Brian Choi
Join host Cherryh Cansler as she sits down with Brian Choi, CEO of The Food Institute, to tackle the biggest challenges facing restaurants in 2026. With consumer sentiment at 50-year lows and economic uncertainty looming, Brian shares his Wall Street expertise and food industry insights on how fast casual brands can thrive. Discover why going back to basics, leveraging social media, and embracing global flavors are key to success. Learn about emerging trends from West African cuisine to GLP-1-friendly menus, plus practical strategies for managing rising costs while keeping customers excited about your brand.
#FastCasualNation #RestaurantIndustry #FoodTrends
<...
Chipotle's Gen Z Recovery and Fast Casual URGENT Market Update
Join Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler as they sit down with Stephanie Perdue, VP of Brand Marketing at Chipotle Mexican Grill, to discuss how the fast casual leader is navigating industry challenges. Learn about Chipotle's accelerated menu innovation strategy, including fresh sauces made daily and the new Build Your Own meal for groups. Discover how they're winning back Gen Z through gamification, the Chipotle U rewards program, and transparent food storytelling. Stephanie shares insights on digital transformation with 38% of sales now digital, AI initiatives empowering crew members, and the strategic roadmap for 2026 amid industrywide headwinds.
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Shake Shack's Bold Expansion: Formats, Tech, and Global Growth
Andrew McCaughan, Chief Development Officer at Shake Shack, joins Fast Casual Nation to discuss the iconic burger brand's ambitious journey from 3 locations to a goal of 1,500 U.S. restaurants. McCaughan shares insights on Shake Shack's evolution from urban high-profile locations to suburban expansion with multiple formats including drive-throughs, experiential flagships with full bars, and innovative digital ordering systems. Learn about their technology strategy, international growth across 20 countries, real estate challenges, culinary innovation including the viral Dubai Shake, and how they're maintaining Danny Meyer's hospitality values while scaling globally. Plus, hear about their new Atlanta innovation center and plans for Oklahoma...
Building a Burger Brand from Scratch
Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler interview Billal Jaber, founder of SMASHED, a chef-driven burger concept navigating the challenges of startup life in the crowded fast casual burger space. Jaber shares his journey from trademark troubles to strategic market selection, explaining why he's targeting tier-two cities, building a prototype in a micro-market, and prioritizing intentional growth over rapid expansion. Learn about his philosophy of radical simplicity, the art of the perfect smash burger, cross-training strategies, and why he's betting on quality and "cravability" to compete against burger giants like Shake Shack and Five Guys.
#FastCasualNation...
Building a Fast Casual Empire: How Dillas Quesadillas Grew from College Dream to 11-Unit Concept
Kyle and Maggie Gordon share how they grew Dillas Quesadillas from a college road trip idea to an 11-unit concept generating $2M+ in average unit volumes. In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, the husband-and-wife team discusses their journey from bootstrapping a second-generation location to implementing AI-powered prep systems, optimizing drive-thru operations, and preparing for franchise expansion with industry veteran Michael Maby. Learn about their flow-cook methodology, the strategy behind menu simplification, navigating the challenges of working with your spouse, and how technology like PreciTaste is revolutionizing operations. A must-watch for restaurant operators looking to scale efficiently in today's competitive...
Winning Gen Z and Millennials In Economic Uncertainty
Join hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler at the Fast Casual Executive Summit 2025 as they interview marketing experts Kayla Dillon (Fractional CMO, Common Table Services) and Shoshannah DiDomenico (Senior Marketing Manager, Scooter's Coffee) about winning Gen Z and millennials during economic uncertainty. Discover why retention beats acquisition, how community partnerships can deliver 34% sales lifts at zero cost, and why authenticity matters more than ever. Learn which social platforms actually work, how Scooter's loyalty program drives 60% of transactions, and strategic planning tips for surviving slow seasons in the restaurant industry.
#FastCasualNation #RestaurantMarketing #GenZMarketing
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Blaze Pizza's HR Strategy: Building Culture in a Competitive Fast-Casual Landscape
Stacey Gelber, VP of Human Resources at Blaze Pizza, joins hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler live from the Fast Casual Executive Summit to discuss the evolving challenges of building teams in today's restaurant industry. With 270 locations across three countries, Blaze is navigating the complexities of a multigenerational workforce dominated by Gen Z employees who demand work-life balance, mental health support, and authentic culture. Gelber shares how Blaze is revolutionizing training with microlearning modules, leveraging TikTok for recruitment, and opening "Ignite by Blaze"—an innovation incubator restaurant. From managing vocal Gen Z staff to scaling culture across hundreds of franchises, th...
BRIX Holdings CEO Shares Vision for Multi-Brand Growth and Digital Transformation
BRIX Holdings CEO Sherif Mityas joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to discuss managing eight restaurant brands including Friendly's, Red Mango, and Orange Leaf. Learn how BRIX is using AI for personalized marketing and operations, why nostalgia marketing is driving double-digit growth, and what trends will shape the restaurant industry through 2030. Mityas shares insights on multi-brand strategy, technology adoption, regional brand growth, and the power of strategic collaborations.
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#FastCasualNation #RestaurantIndustry #BRIXHoldings
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Multi-Brand Mastery Meets AI Innovation
Norman Wu of Conscious Hospitality Group reveals how he manages nine fast-casual brands across the Pacific Northwest, from Just Poke's 40 franchise locations to community-focused concepts like Haps burgers. Wu discusses his regional growth strategy, sustainability commitments from day one, and why operations must come first in multi-brand management. Plus, Won Jeong from Smart Trainer demonstrates how AI is transforming restaurant operations—from three-second schedule generation to sales predictions that factor in weather, events, and traffic patterns. Learn why going deep in your home market beats wide expansion, and how AI can enhance (not replace) your team's capabilities.
FastCasualNation #Re...
