Fast Casual Nation

Savor.fm
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Join the #1 Restaurant Business Podcast Shaping the Future of The Restaurant Industry! Hosted by Paul Barron—industry pioneer, investor, and author of The Chipotle Effect—alongside Cherryh Cansler, the editorial force behind Fastcasual.com, this is where restaurant operators get the competitive edge. Every week, this power duo decodes the trends, strategies, and innovations transforming the restaurant business, driven by the Fast Casual mindset, redefining what's possible across all restaurant segments. With over two decades of combined expertise, Paul and Cherryh don't just report on the industry; they've helped build it. This isn't just a podcast. It's your playbook for what's next. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support.

  1. 5d ago

    Real Estate Decisions That Can Make or Break a Restaurant

    On this episode of Fast Casual Nation, Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler talk with Claudia Lezcano, CEO of Fuku, about how the David Chang chicken brand is growing through stadiums, airports and college campuses before it franchises. Lezcano covers the economics of "quick culinary," the lessons from Fuku's corporate restaurants in West Palm Beach and Coral Gables, and how she negotiates with landlords, sports teams and airport operators. She also shares how she was paid $400,000 to exit a lease and lays out the plan for 15 to 20 franchise locations by the back half of 2028. The hosts also discuss why restaurant resales fell in 2026 and preview the Fast Casual Executive Summit, October 4 to 6. #FastCasualNation #Fuku #RestaurantRealEstate 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

  2. Sep 22

    The $10 Cocktail: Will It Work In Fast Casual?

    Bartender and James Beard nominee Ivy Leyenda joins Fast Casual Nation to break down whether cocktails belong on the fast casual menu. She talks batching for consistency, realistic price points ($12–$15), why she's skeptical of automated pour systems and pricey mocktails, and which accessible spirit brands can add a "craft" signal without wrecking your pour cost. Plus: a first look at this year's Perfect Pitch competitors ahead of the Fast Casual Executive Summit. #FastCasualNation #BeverageProgram #CocktailMenu #RestaurantIndustry #Mixology #FastCasual #RestaurantOperators #HospitalityBiz 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

  3. Sep 15

    How to Get More Guests With Service & Hospitality Using AI

    Nékter Juice Bar CTO Jon Asher joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to break down how AI is reshaping guest personalization, loyalty, and data strategy at the 200+ unit juice bar chain — plus why clean first-party data matters more than any single AI tool. #FastCasual #RestaurantTech #AIinRestaurants #NekterJuiceBar #LoyaltyMarketing #RestaurantIndustry #GuestExperience 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

  4. Sep 10

    The Culture Wars: Gen Z Takes Over

    Penn Station President Lance Vaught and Curion's Thomas Gilbert join Fast Casual Nation to break down how the 40-year-old sandwich brand is winning over Gen Z customers and employees through local authenticity, digital training, AI-driven personalization, and a rejection of old-school discount marketing. SPONSOR: Curion - We connect brands to people. Visit https://curioninsights.com #FastCasualNation #PennStation #GenZ #RestaurantIndustry #Franchising #FastCasual #RestaurantMarketing #QSR 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

  5. Sep 1

    Why Restaurant Real Estate Is Being Rewritten — And What Operators Need to Know

    On this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Daniel Ceniceros, Founder & CEO of Connect Media, to unpack how commercial real estate is reshaping the restaurant industry. Daniel breaks down why "treasure hunting" retailers like Ross and TJ Maxx are becoming smart anchor tenants, how secondary markets are opening new opportunities for fast casual growth, why shrinking restaurant footprints are the new normal, and why operators no longer need to sign themselves into decade-long leases. The conversation also dives into what's really happening with distressed office and retail properties, the future of vacant malls and big-box space, and what it takes to win a coveted location against bigger national brands. #FastCasualNation #CommercialRealEstate #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

  6. Aug 25

    Dave's Hot Chicken Does Marketing in an AI Age

    Dave's Hot Chicken CMO Brandon Rhoten joins Fast Casual Nation to break down how the fast-growing chicken chain uses AI on the back end for customer data and financial analysis while deliberately keeping it out of creative and content production. Rhoten, who previously helped shape Wendy's irreverent social media era, discusses why Gen Z brand loyalty is disappearing, how Dave's uses its seven spice levels to create personalization within a small menu, and why he believes brands that let AI make decisions instead of humans will struggle as the crowded chicken category faces a shakeout. This episode is sponsored by Mountaire® It’s time to get cooking with premium chicken from Mountaire® Black Label. Popular primal cuts with real profit potential, like the new hand-selected premium chicken tenderloins and convenient flat pack party wings. Learn more at: www.mountaireblacklabel.com #FastCasualNation #DavesHotChicken #RestaurantMarketing 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

  7. Aug 18

    AI Winners in 2026 in Restaurant & Hospitality

    Bonchon CEO Suzie Tsai joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to talk candidly about the Korean fried chicken brand's AI journey, from admitting its tech stack needed work to building smarter supply chain forecasting, localized marketing, kiosk ordering, and data-privacy safeguards. Tsai shares her wishlist for AI's next frontier in guest connection and third-party delivery, plus a peek at Bonchon's global growth. The episode wraps with the announcement of Fast Casual Nation's 2026 Restaurant AI Awards, now open for nominations. #FastCasualNation #RestaurantAI #Bonchon 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

  8. Aug 11

    The Secret Strategy Behind L&L Hawaiian Barbecue’s Massive Expansion

    What does it take to scale a beloved regional icon into a fast-casual powerhouse with over 240 locations? In this episode, hosts Paul and Cherryh sit down with Elisia Flores, CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, to unpack the strategy, culture, and operational savvy behind one of fast casual's biggest success stories. Elisia shares how the rich, multicultural history of Hawaii’s iconic "plate lunch" translates into new markets across Texas, the West Coast, and now Canada. The conversation dives deep into the delicate dance between maintaining core brand identity and giving franchisees the freedom to express their own entrepreneurial spirit. Elisia breaks down how L&L tackles real-world economic challenges, leverages restaurant technology and loyalty programs to drive customer retention, and uses hyper-local marketing to build lasting community trust. ======================= 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

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About

Join the #1 Restaurant Business Podcast Shaping the Future of The Restaurant Industry! Hosted by Paul Barron—industry pioneer, investor, and author of The Chipotle Effect—alongside Cherryh Cansler, the editorial force behind Fastcasual.com, this is where restaurant operators get the competitive edge. Every week, this power duo decodes the trends, strategies, and innovations transforming the restaurant business, driven by the Fast Casual mindset, redefining what's possible across all restaurant segments. With over two decades of combined expertise, Paul and Cherryh don't just report on the industry; they've helped build it. This isn't just a podcast. It's your playbook for what's next. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Savor.fm
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    218
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Savor.fm
  • Show Website
    Fast Casual Nation