Savor Podcast Network

•

Channel • 5 Shows

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

Updated Biweekly
Business

Business

Updated Daily
Technology

Technology

Weekly Series
Management

Management

Updated Daily
Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

Updated Daily

FEB 3

2026 Fast Casual Brands To Watch

Discover the rising stars of fast casual dining as hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler interview three breakout brands from FastCasual.com's 2026 list of 25 emerging brands to watch. Jeff Pereira of Jeff's Bagel Run shares how a home kitchen experiment turned into a 26-unit bagel empire with vertical integration and proprietary tech. Brian Simowitz reveals Houston TX Hot Chicken's blueprint for scaling to 300+ locations through racing-inspired energy and loyalty innovation. Matt Morrison discusses Agapé Mediterranean's growth strategy in the fast-expanding Mediterranean category, dubbed "the new Mexican." Learn how these founders are redefining hospitality, leveraging social media, navigating price pressures, and building the next generation of restaurant concepts in a sector projected to reach $148 billion. #FastCasual #RestaurantIndustry #EmergingBrands 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

Feb 3

•

39 min
JAN 30

Economic Outlook for Restaurants

The restaurant industry faces a critical "fork in the road" in 2026 as pricing power runs out and brands pivot to value-driven strategies. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Michael Halen joins Restaurant Mastermind hosts Paul Barron and Anna Tauzin to discuss the K-shaped recovery, casual dining's surprising renaissance led by Chili's viral marketing execution, and the intensifying QSR value wars between McDonald's, Taco Bell, and others. With economic tailwinds from lower gas prices and potential tax reforms, plus shifting consumer discovery patterns favoring TikTok over Google among Gen Z, the conversation reveals why success in 2026 will depend on mastering fundamentals: exceptional operations, smart marketing, and authentic value perception rather than technological silver bullets. #RestaurantIndustry #FoodService #HospitalityTrends 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

Jan 30

•

38 min
JAN 20

2026 Beverage Trends

Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler explore the beverage revolution transforming restaurants with SG Ellison, CEO of Diversified Restaurant Group, and Ryan Maybee, Co-Founder of J. Rieger & Co. Discover how Taco Bell's Live Más Café is reactivating dining rooms with Mexican-inspired drinks, why protein beverages are exploding across chains, and how craft cocktail expectations are reshaping every segment. Learn about draft cocktail innovation, the sober-curious movement, customization trends, and why beverages have evolved from add-ons to destination experiences driving traffic and revenue in today's competitive restaurant landscape. #RestaurantInnovation #BeverageTrends #FastCasualNation 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

Jan 20

•

41 min
04/04/2025

CapitalSpring's Jim Balis on Restaurant Investment Strategies

In this insightful episode of "Rock My Restaurant," host Paul Barron interviews Jim Balis of CapitalSpring about the evolving restaurant investment landscape. Balis shares CapitalSpring's approach to investing in restaurants, revealing they look for concepts with 15%+ store-level margins and 20%+ ROI. He discusses valuation multiples in today's "moderate" market, when founders should consider taking capital, exit strategies for brands, and his optimism about "fast casual 3.0" concepts that deliver elevated dining experiences without full service. ~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → https://gusto.pxf.io/PBN ~ #1 rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and more With Gusto’s easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto. RestaurantInvestment #FastCasual3 #RestaurantGrowth 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

04/04/2025

•

35 min
JAN 14

Winning Strategies for 2026 in Fast Casual

Join hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler as they kick off 2026 with CAVA Co-Founder and CEO Brett Schulman for an in-depth conversation about navigating today's challenging restaurant landscape. Schulman reveals why CAVA eliminated digital tipping while paying workers top wages, how the brand has achieved 20% traffic growth while competitors struggle, and their strategy of keeping menu prices 50% lower than industry averages. Learn about CAVA's ambitious expansion plans for 2026, their human-centered approach to AI and automation, and why Mediterranean cuisine is perfectly positioned at the intersection of health, wellness, and bold flavors. This episode is packed with actionable insights for restaurant operators looking to thrive in an uncertain economy. #FastCasualNation #RestaurantIndustry #CAVARestaurant 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

Jan 14

•

40 min
JAN 15

2026 Restaurant Trends to Watch

The Restaurant Masterminds team explores the biggest trends shaping 2026, from intimate 10-seat dining concepts and the solo dining economy surge to GLP-1 menu engineering and protein-packed offerings. Discover how low-fi authenticity is replacing polished content, why bagels and Hawaiian cuisine are poised for comebacks, and how operators can adapt to health-conscious consumers seeking meaningful experiences over convenience. Paul Barron, Paul Molinari, Stacey Kane, and Rudy Miick share actionable insights for restaurant professionals navigating the evolving hospitality landscape. #RestaurantTrends #HospitalityIndustry #MenuEngineering 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

Jan 15

•

46 min
12/24/2025

2026 AI & Tech Trends | Special Series

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 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

12/24/2025

•

43 min
11/26/2025

FiiZ: Beverage Empire Blueprint

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 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

11/26/2025

•

23 min
12/31/2025

2026 Restaurant Trends Round Table | Special Series

Join Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler as they sit down with industry expert Suzy Badaracco from Culinary Tides to forecast the biggest restaurant trends for 2026. This year-end episode explores how Gen Z is reshaping dining expectations, the AI versus hospitality debate, why comfort food isn't making a comeback despite economic pressures, and the rise of mood-based menus and subscription dining services. Discover insights on anti-viral marketing, the importance of "vibe" over speed, and why off-premise dining is becoming more experiential than ever. #RestaurantTrends #FastCasual #FoodIndustry 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

12/31/2025

•

34 min
12/10/2025

Smashburger's Strategic Comeback: A Conversation with Tom Ryan and Jim Sullivan

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 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

12/10/2025

•

40 min

Calling all restaurant professionals and hospitality business enthusiasts! Prepare to embark on a journey into the future of industry insights and knowledge with the Savor Podcast Network, the pioneering decentralized content platform tailored specifically for you. Reimagining Restaurant Content: At Savor, we've disrupted how restaurant professionals access essential content. Dive into a world where the finest podcasts, videos, and industry research converge to elevate your expertise.

Website

Savor Podcast Network

Top Shows

2026 Fast Casual Brands To Watch

Economic Outlook for Restaurants

2026 Beverage Trends

CapitalSpring's Jim Balis on Restaurant Investment Strategies

Winning Strategies for 2026 in Fast Casual

2026 Restaurant Trends to Watch

2026 AI & Tech Trends | Special Series

FiiZ: Beverage Empire Blueprint

2026 Restaurant Trends Round Table | Special Series

Smashburger's Strategic Comeback: A Conversation with Tom Ryan and Jim Sullivan

About

Savor Podcast Network

Top Shows

Top Episodes

About