Épisodes

  • 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
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    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
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    40 min
  • FiiZ: Beverage Empire Blueprint

    FiiZ: Beverage Empire Blueprint
    Nov 26 2025
    Scott Ball, President of FiiZ Drinks, joins Fast Casual Nation to break down how the fastest-growing specialty soda franchise went from 50 to 70+ locations and sold over 200 units in just one year. The former Dunkin' franchisee reveals the secrets behind FiiZ's low-cost buildout model (half the price of competitors), why 80-85% of sales come through drive-thru, and how customers are visiting 5 times per week for customized dirty sodas. From 700 sq ft prototypes to Walmart partnerships, Ball shares the blueprint for beverage franchise success and why legacy brands like McDonald's and White Castle are jumping into the dirty soda category. If you're in the restaurant business, this is the beverage trend you can't afford to ignore.

    #DirtySoda #FranchiseGrowth #RestaurantBusiness


    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
  • Macro Trends and Expert Insights on the Future of Fast Casual Dining with Brian Choi

    Macro Trends and Expert Insights on the Future of Fast Casual Dining with Brian Choi
    Nov 19 2025
    Join host Cherryh Cansler as she sits down with Brian Choi, CEO of The Food Institute, to tackle the biggest challenges facing restaurants in 2026. With consumer sentiment at 50-year lows and economic uncertainty looming, Brian shares his Wall Street expertise and food industry insights on how fast casual brands can thrive. Discover why going back to basics, leveraging social media, and embracing global flavors are key to success. Learn about emerging trends from West African cuisine to GLP-1-friendly menus, plus practical strategies for managing rising costs while keeping customers excited about your brand.

    #FastCasualNation #RestaurantIndustry #FoodTrends



    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
    28 min
  • Chipotle's Gen Z Recovery and Fast Casual URGENT Market Update

    Chipotle's Gen Z Recovery and Fast Casual URGENT Market Update
    Nov 12 2025
    Join Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler as they sit down with Stephanie Perdue, VP of Brand Marketing at Chipotle Mexican Grill, to discuss how the fast casual leader is navigating industry challenges. Learn about Chipotle's accelerated menu innovation strategy, including fresh sauces made daily and the new Build Your Own meal for groups. Discover how they're winning back Gen Z through gamification, the Chipotle U rewards program, and transparent food storytelling. Stephanie shares insights on digital transformation with 38% of sales now digital, AI initiatives empowering crew members, and the strategic roadmap for 2026 amid industrywide headwinds.
    #FastCasual #RestaurantIndustry #Chipotle
    Episode Highlights
    0:00 - Intro & fast casual overview
    0:19 - Economic shifts & traffic decline
    0:46 - Guest: Stephanie Perdue, VP of Brand at Chipotle
    1:17 - Rise of “micro meals” & snacking trend
    3:10 - How fast casual brands are adapting
    4:20 - Gen Z habits & fewer restaurant visits
    5:12 - Inside Chipotle’s marketing & menu innovation
    7:46 - Gen Z’s love for bold flavor & customization
    8:00 - New family meal concept & digital ordering
    10:05 - Convenience for families & busy lifestyles
    12:00 - Connecting with Gen Z through rewards & authenticity
    13:49 - Balancing quality, value, and rising costs
    14:38 - Using creators to highlight real ingredients
    15:55 - Portion size debate & customer perception
    17:34 - Rewards, nutrition goals & app experience
    19:46 - Listening to customers & TikTok hacks
    20:30 - New sauces & flavor innovation


    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
    43 min
  • Shake Shack's Bold Expansion: Formats, Tech, and Global Growth

    Shake Shack's Bold Expansion: Formats, Tech, and Global Growth
    Nov 5 2025
    Andrew McCaughan, Chief Development Officer at Shake Shack, joins Fast Casual Nation to discuss the iconic burger brand's ambitious journey from 3 locations to a goal of 1,500 U.S. restaurants. McCaughan shares insights on Shake Shack's evolution from urban high-profile locations to suburban expansion with multiple formats including drive-throughs, experiential flagships with full bars, and innovative digital ordering systems. Learn about their technology strategy, international growth across 20 countries, real estate challenges, culinary innovation including the viral Dubai Shake, and how they're maintaining Danny Meyer's hospitality values while scaling globally. Plus, hear about their new Atlanta innovation center and plans for Oklahoma City expansion.

    ShakeShack #FastCasualNation #RestaurantIndustry
    0:00 - Intro
    0:14 - Rising food costs & staffing challenges
    3:24 - Guest intro: Shake Shack’s Chief Development Officer
    5:05 - Growth from 3 to 600+ global locations
    7:51 - Expanding into suburbs, drive-thrus & bar concepts
    11:35 - Tech & AI roadmap: kiosks, app, personalization
    14:35 - Scaling while preserving brand values & culture
    16:11 - Global expansion: 20+ countries & local menus
    21:14 - Maintaining warmth & New York credibility
    22:04 - Balancing digital orders with in-store hospitality
    24:23 - Atlanta innovation center & kitchen tech
    27:11 - Real estate shifts & development challenges
    28:52 - Next experiential store: Atlanta & Las Vegas
    31:00 - Reaching Gen Z & next-gen burger fans
    33:02 - Rapid fire: new markets, metrics, trends
    35:09 - Closing remarks & episode wrap

    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
    37 min
  • Building a Burger Brand from Scratch

    Building a Burger Brand from Scratch
    Oct 29 2025
    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


    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
    37 min
  • Building a Fast Casual Empire: How Dillas Quesadillas Grew from College Dream to 11-Unit Concept

    Building a Fast Casual Empire: How Dillas Quesadillas Grew from College Dream to 11-Unit Concept
    Oct 22 2025
    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

    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
    39 min