Operators from 85-plus brands representing over 35,000 locations share their key priorities and initiatives for the next two years in Qu’s fourth-annual State of Digital report. CMO Jen Kern joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the findings and break down the top eight technology trends to watch in 2023. This is one deep dive you won’t want to miss.

Full report here: https://www.qubeyond.com/2023-state-of-digital-for-fast-casual-qsr-restaurants/

Gabe Corchiani opened Fat Boy's Pizza with wife, Karen, in 2019. Inspired to create massive 30-inch pies and bring them to New Orleans, the brand is now in take-off mode. Corchiani joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to talk about the backstory behind the New York style concept, and why it’s ready to go big in more ways than one.

Originally founded by Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto and their five sons, Buona started with the goal of using family recipes and fresh ingredients to feed the masses. Today, Buona remains family-owned and operated with the third generation of Buonavolontos now working alongside the five original founding brothers. Buona has grown significantly over the last four years with 26 restaurant locations across Illinois and Northwest Indiana. Joe Buonavolanto III joins QSR editor Danny Klein to chat about the journey and what’s still ahead.

There's nothing quite like Huckleberry’s in today's breakfast and lunch game. The NextGen Casual's “Southern Cookin’ With a California Twist" has earned a fervent following. Now, it's time to take the surging franchise to 100 locations and beyond. CEO Greg Graber joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to recap the journey thus far, why Huckleberry’s unique nature is resonating with guests, and why the best is still to come.

Paytronix CEO Andrew Robbins joins QSR Editorial Director Danny Klein to discuss the changing face of loyalty and engagement as the restaurant industry continues to emerge from the pandemic. How should brands think differently about how they keep guests happy and engaged? Let’s ask the company that pioneered restaurant loyalty more than 20 years ago.

Amir Mostafavi was a D.C. pioneer when it came to cold-pressed juice, smoothies, and acai bowls. But now, regional cult-favorite fast casual South Block has its sights set on big-time growth. The brand’s 15th location will open in summer 2023 at the East Coast Amazon HQ2 in Arlington. The unit will mark South Block’s fourth opening within a 12-month period. Yet this mission-driven journey is just getting started.

The category icon isn't letting off the throttle, from a growth or innovation angle, as the froyo segment evolves into its next act. From development best practices to rules to run a company by, brand president Sam Yoon joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to discuss entrepreneurship, the chain's future, and what it takes to thrive amid constantly changing restaurant conditions.

Sprinkles, creators of the famed Cupcake ATM, just opened its first U.S. franchise. Is this the start of a major growth push? CEO Dan Mesches joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to discuss what promises to be a category-shaking stretch for the brand, and why its menu innovation and approach to marketing continue to drive results.

Sam Caucci, founder and CEO of 1Huddle, joins QSR editor Danny Klein to address what’s really causing the labor shortage for restaurants, and where the path to a better solution begins. Is mobile gamification the answer? Does the retention problem go deeper? We get into that and much more. Happy holidays from the QSR Uncut team!

Bankrupt to bankrolling: One of America’s oldest fast-food chains is back on the offensive with a new marketing direction, double-digit sales growth, and plans to hit 500 locations by 2027. And it all starts with the message. CMO Casey Terrell and Jon Greenlee, SVP of sales and marketing at Sparkfly, join QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley for a wide-ranging and freewheeling talk about how Krystal is leveraging new technology to innovate and improve its customer experience, from 2 Chainz to beyond.