In this episode of Women in Restaurant Leadership, I sit down with Cassie Pinckney, Vice President of Marketing at Gastamo Restaurant Group, to explore her dynamic career journey from national brands like Velvet Taco and Pei Wei to leading innovative marketing strategies for a growing portfolio of fast-casual concepts. Cassie shares the key lessons she’s carried across roles, her process for immersing herself in new brand cultures, and the art of balancing creativity with calculated risk.

We dig into how she navigates brand transitions, stays ahead of consumer trends, and drives relevancy in an increasingly digital world. Cassie also opens up about the bold marketing moves that paid off—and the ones that didn’t—offering a refreshing look at resilience, leadership, and the power of pushing boundaries. Plus, she shares advice for fellow women in marketing, how she fosters a fearless team culture, and what’s next in her career and for the future of fast casual. #WiRLPower