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Fast Casual Nation

Fast Casual Nation

Auteur(s): Savor.fm
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 Join the longest-running and most influential podcast in the fast-casual restaurant industry. Hosted by Paul Barron, the founder of fastcasual.com, the Top 100, and the Fast Casual Executive Summit. Joining him as Co-Host is Cherryh Cansler, Sr. Editor of Fastcasual.com. This team has reunited after over a decade to deliver unparalleled insights into the trends and future direction of the fast-casual sector.

Each week, they will share their deep knowledge gained from over two decades as a leading voices in this dynamic segment of the restaurant business. Paul literally wrote the book on fast casual, "The Chipotle Effect" " along with the documentary Fast Casual Nation, and Cherryh has been a driving force for the growth of Fastcasual.com over the past decade.Savor.fm Développement commercial et entrepreneuriat Entrepreneurship Gestion et leadership Économie
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  • 2026 AI & Tech Trends | Special Series

    2026 AI & Tech Trends | Special Series
    Dec 24 2025
    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 or looking to accelerate adoption, this conversation provides actionable insights on everything from choosing the right tech partners to measuring real ROI.

    00:00 - Why AI in restaurants is hitting a turning point
    01:44 - Shipley Donuts launches AI powered ordering
    02:39 - AI boosts average order value through smart upselling
    04:59 - The exact moment Shipley committed to AI
    07:01 - How AI mimics top performing cashiers
    11:42 - Voice ordering and mobile app AI roadmap
    16:42 - OpenAI vs Google Gemini and the AI platform battle
    25:45 - Domino’s AI case study and massive efficiency gains

    #RestaurantTech #AIinRestaurants #FastCasual


    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
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    43 min
  • The Hopdoddy Effect: Leading the Charge in the Modern Burger Evolution

    The Hopdoddy Effect: Leading the Charge in the Modern Burger Evolution
    Dec 17 2025
    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


    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
    Voir plus Voir moins
    23 min
  • Smashburger's Strategic Comeback: A Conversation with Tom Ryan and Jim Sullivan

    Smashburger's Strategic Comeback: A Conversation with Tom Ryan and Jim Sullivan
    Dec 10 2025
    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 episode is brought to you by KRAFT Philadelphia Cream Cheese~
    Visit https://bit.ly/Kraft-FCN

    Smashburger #FastCasual #RestaurantIndustry
    00:00 – Intro and guests
    01:20 – Smashburger’s new flavor-focused rebrand
    04:20 – CEO Jim Sullivan and Tom Ryan join
    06:10 – Smashburger history and product philosophy
    07:05 – Rebuilding brand identity and premium position
    08:10 – Fast innovation: LTOs and Big Dogs
    09:20 – Value platform at $4.99
    10:15 – Premium lineup and loaded sides
    12:00 – “Belief is in the bite” brand strategy
    13:20 – New logo, colors and store identity
    17:15 – Growth goals and expansion plans


    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
    Voir plus Voir moins
    40 min
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