In this episode, LANDED CEO Vivian Wang sits down with Amanda Hyde, SVP of Operations at Krystal, to talk all things people, leadership, and culture. Amanda shares lessons from her journey in restaurant ops—from honoring legacy brands to driving innovation—and reveals why great guest experiences start with empowered teams. They dive into what it really takes to build a standout culture, attract top talent, and lead with heart in a competitive market. If you're in the business of people (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), this one’s for you.

In this episode of Fast Casual, host Miranda Copjec speaks with Kelly Gray, VP and Co-Owner of Hot Head Burritos, about her journey from commercial real estate to restaurant leadership.

They discuss the importance of empowering women in hospitality, the unique appeal of Hot Head Burritos, and the significance of understanding customer needs.

Kelly shares her insights on the transition between industries, the value of diversity in leadership, and how technology is shaping the future of hospitality. She emphasizes the importance of customer-centric operations and offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders in the hospitality space.

Follow Kelly on LinkedIn

Follow Miranda on LinkedIn

In this episode, Miranda Copjec chats with Sarah Kaehler and Alexei Leonard, Partners at Golenblock, to discuss the intersection of AI technology and recruitment law in the hospitality industry. They explore how AI can serve as an extension of the workforce, its evolution in employment practices, and the future of AI in the hospitality industry.

In this conversation, LANDED's Miranda Copjec interviews Gray Raines, managing partner of Raines Hospitality, discussing the growth of the family business, the importance of maintaining a strong company culture, and the challenges of work-life balance in the hospitality industry. Gray shares insights on the role of technology in their growth and how they navigate the evolving landscape of hospitality management. In this conversation, Grey Raines discusses the critical role of human interaction in the hospitality industry, emphasizing how technology should enhance rather than replace personal connections. He shares insights on balancing technology with the personal touch, the importance of leadership shaped by ground-level experience, and offers advice for those looking to scale in the hospitality sector. Raines highlights the significance of building a loyal team and maintaining a people-first culture to ensure success in both luxury and boutique hotel operations.

In this episode of Fast Casual, LANDED's Miranda Copjec interviews Lauren Coulter, owner of Biscuit Belly, discussing her unique journey from pharmacy to the restaurant industry. Lauren shares insights on the growth of Biscuit Belly, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of customer feedback and technology in scaling the business. The conversation highlights the significance of building a strong team and the complexities of the hospitality industry, emphasizing the need for simplicity in operations. In this conversation, Lauren Coulter discusses the intersection of technology and hospitality, emphasizing the importance of embracing new tools for growth. She shares her experiences transitioning from pharmacy to hospitality, highlighting cultural shifts and the significance of customer experience. The discussion also covers the challenges and strategies of franchising, future aspirations for Biscuit Belly, and the critical role of mentorship and team dynamics in achieving success.

In this episode of Fast Casual, host Miranda Copjec speaks with Jamie Starner, a seasoned leader in talent acquisition. They discuss Jamie's transition from the hospitality industry to the beverage sector, emphasizing the importance of investing in HR teams to enhance employee experience and retention. Jamie shares effective recruitment strategies, the evolution of talent acquisition, and the role of technology, particularly AI, in streamlining HR processes. They also explore creative methods for passive sourcing, the significance of social media in recruitment, and practical steps for building diversity and inclusion within teams.

In this episode of Fast Casual, host Miranda Copjec interviews Mark Hauder, Regional Director of Operations at Hoogland Restaurant Group. Mark shares his extensive experience in the pizza industry, discussing his journey from working in restaurants as a child to leading operations for one of the largest franchisees of Marco's Pizza. The conversation covers various themes including the evolution of pizza dining and delivery, the importance of balancing daily operations with long-term strategy, embracing technology, and the significance of mentorship in the restaurant industry. Mark emphasizes the need to keep operations simple and the impact of pricing strategies on customer behavior, providing valuable insights for anyone in the hospitality sector.

In this episode of Fast Casual, Miranda Copjec interviews Mark Lohmann, CEO of Birdcall, discussing the innovative strategies and leadership lessons that have driven the rapid growth of the fast-casual restaurant brand. Mark shares insights from his extensive experience in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining company culture during expansion, the significance of hiring for values, and the role of technology in enhancing the guest experience. The conversation also touches on the origins of Birdcall as a technology company and the balance between operational processes and adaptability in a growing brand.

In this episode of Fast Casual, LANDED's Miranda Copjec speaks with Mehdi Zarhloul, CEO and Founder of Crazy Pita. They discuss Crazy Pita's journey from a single location to a growing franchise, emphasizing the importance of hands-on leadership, adapting to change, and maintaining a customer-centric approach. Mehdi shares insights on innovative growth strategies, the role of technology in the restaurant industry, and the significance of building a positive company culture. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring restaurant entrepreneurs looking to scale their operations while staying true to their core values.

In this episode, LANDED's Miranda Copjec sits down with Steve Weigel, Chief Operating Officer of Goodberry’s, to explore how the beloved family business has grown into a household name. Steve shares the pivotal strategic decisions behind their success, from prioritizing wholesome ingredients to crafting their own unique mix. They delve into the significance of fostering a strong company culture and the challenges of recruiting the right talent to drive the business forward. Steve also highlights how modern tools have streamlined operations and enhanced their hiring processes. The episode wraps up with an exciting look at Goodberry’s expansion plans and their ongoing commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience.