Fast Casual Nation

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 #SmashBurgers #RestaurantStartup


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support.

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 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

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 landscape.

#FastCasualNation #RestaurantIndustry #QSRTech

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support.

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 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

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


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support.

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 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

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, this conversation reveals the HR strategies that are shaping the future of fast-casual dining.

#FastCasualNation #BlazePizza #RestaurantHR



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support.

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 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

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.

This episode is brought to you by KRAFT Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Visit https://bit.ly/Kraft-FCN

#FastCasualNation #RestaurantIndustry #BRIXHoldings

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support.

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 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

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 #RestaurantTech #RestaurantAI

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support.

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 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

Tony Lamb, CEO and founder of Kona Ice, reveals how he built the world's largest mobile food empire with 2,200 franchise trucks across three brands: Kona Ice, Traveling Tom's, and Beverly Ann's. In this Fast Casual Nation episode, Lamb breaks down his unconventional flat-fee royalty model ($3,000/year vs. percentage-based), vertical integration strategy that includes in-house truck manufacturing, proprietary technology platform, and event-based business model that has generated over $200 million in community giveback. Learn how this mobile concept achieves $250,000 average unit volumes with 6-8% food costs through complete operational control, from supply chain to insurance, and why Lamb believes the future lies in platform-based multi-brand expansion.

#FastCasualNation #FoodTruckFranchise #MobileRestaurants


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support.

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 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 how Chicken Salad Chick CEO Scott Deviney transformed a 32-location startup into a 309-unit fast-casual empire in under a decade. In this Fast Casual Nation episode, Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler dive deep into the brand's franchise growth strategies, operational advantages, and expansion secrets. Learn about their "category of one" positioning, market adaptability across demographics, and future growth plans targeting 1,000+ locations.

#FastCasual #FranchiseGrowth #RestaurantIndustry



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support.

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 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

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill CEO Patrick Fore joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to discuss the brand's dramatic transformation, including a 30% menu overhaul, innovative partnerships with artisanal brands like Tabanero hot sauce, and ambitious franchise expansion plans targeting 50 units over two years. Fore reveals how the 21-year-old concept is winning Gen Z customers through strategic scarcity, reintroduced hospitality roles, and their successful Florida Panthers partnership that's driving major growth in non-traditional venues.

#FastCasualNation #LimeFresh #RestaurantFranchise


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support.

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 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

Kansas City's Longboards Wraps and Bowls joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to share their incredible growth story from startup to 8 locations and 130 employees. Founder Gilbert Macapagal discusses his Filipino-inspired menu, innovative Shaka Pop beverage line, and authentic brand approach that's resonating with suburban markets. The team reveals their franchise expansion plans, digital strategy generating 45-55% of sales, and commitment to promoting from within while maintaining their laid-back surf culture identity.

#FastCasualNation #LongboardsWraps #KansasCityEats


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support.

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 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