Fast Casual Nation Restaurant Podcast

When you think about the evolution of the fast-casual restaurant industry, digital innovation might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But for those of us tuned into the latest episode of Fast Casual Nation, digital marketing's role in revolutionizing the customer experience became crystal clear.We had the pleasure of sitting down with Gabe Alonso, Vice President of Digital Marketing at El Pollo Loco. Gabe's 15+ years of experience across music, entertainment, apparel, and food and beverage gives him a unique perspective. Having led digital strategies for giants like PepsiCo, Activision, and Nike, Gabe’s dynamic career journey has now brought him to El Pollo Loco.The allure of the food sector for Gabe? A chance to intimately connect with the Hispanic culture. Though El Pollo Loco finds its roots in Mexican heritage and Gabe is of Cuban descent, the essence of food and familial bonds remains a shared thread. Gabe keenly observes the rising influence of Latino culture in mainstream media, echoing the successes of artists like Bad Bunny and Karol G. His ambition: position El Pollo Loco to ride this cultural wave.But the episode didn’t stop there. A major focal point was the transformation of El Pollo Loco’s loyalty program. Gabe unveiled a shift from a simple point-based system to a tiered, gamified structure. Every dollar spent earns the customer 100 points, with the flexibility to redeem rewards across varying tiers. The introduction of multipliers as you climb the ranks? Simply genius. It’s an engaging method to keep customers coming back, making them feel a part of the El Pollo Loco "Familia."One intriguing takeaway was Gabe’s approach to influencer partnerships. It isn't just about roping in food bloggers. El Pollo Loco's collaborations span artists, dancers, and family influencers, ensuring the brand's core values of flavor, family, culture, and craft resonate across a wider audience.Drawing from his time at Nike, Gabe stressed the necessity of centering the consumer in marketing strategies. The future, as he sees it, is in tech-driven restaurants with a strong emphasis on labor efficiencies. With machine learning to predict customer preferences and AI tailoring offers, El Pollo Loco is well on its path to shaping the future of fast-casual dining.In essence, if you’re in the restaurant and foodservice industry don’t miss this episode, filled with a treasure trove of insights. We've seen the future of fast-casual dining, and with forward-thinkers like Gabe Alonso at the helm, the future of fast-casual dining promises to be vibrant, tech-savvy, and innovative. Dive into the conversation, and while you're at it, maybe grab a Tostada from El Pollo Loco – Gabe's recommendation!Are you as intrigued by the innovations in the fast-casual industry as we are? Keep it locked on Fast Casual Nation for more insights and industry trends.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

In this podcast, we sit down with two leaders who are breaking the mold of how to grow brands - Wow Bao exploding in virtual brands and Fat Brands growing in multi-concept. We pick the brains of Geoff Alexander and Andrew Wiederhorn.Wow Bao is a fast-casual brand that specializes in steamed buns. The company was founded in 2003 and has grown to over 500 locations in the United States and continues to grow the new model of virtual brand development with unused capacity of various restaurant concepts.Wow Bao has implemented several initiatives to drive digital and virtual brand growth. These initiatives include:Expanding the brand's digital presence: Wow Bao has invested in its website and mobile app, making it easy for customers to order and pay for food online. The company has also expanded its presence on social media and third-party delivery platforms.Launching virtual brands: Wow Bao has launched a number of virtual brands, such as Wow Bao Kids and Wow Bao Express. This allows the company to offer customers a wider variety of options and to reach new markets.The digital and virtual brand growth of Wow Bao has been impressive. In 2022, the company's digital sales increased by over 100%. Wow Bao is now one of the top virtual restaurant brands in the United States.Fat Brands Inc. is a leading global restaurant franchise company with a portfolio of over 3,200 restaurants in more than 30 countries. The company owns and franchises a variety of restaurant brands, including Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Hurricane Grill & Wings, and Ponderosa Steakhouse.Fat Brands has been able to reach a number of demographics by offering a variety of food options at a variety of price points. The company's brands appeal to a wide range of customers, from families to young adults to seniors.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

In this podcast, we talk with two successful brand leaders at Wildflower and Dave's Hot Chicken are two of the fastest-growing fast-casual brands in the United States. Wildflower was founded in Phoenix in 2017 and has over 20 locations nationwide. Dave's Hot Chicken was founded in Nashville in 2017 and now has over 100 locations nationwide and internationally.Both brands have experienced rapid growth due to their unique offerings and strong appeal to millennials. Wildflower is the first plant-based fast-casual restaurant chain in the United States, and Dave's Hot Chicken is known for its spicy chicken and laid-back atmosphere.Wildflower's growth has been fueled by its focus on sustainability and community. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and donates some of its proceeds to local charities. Wildflower also offers a variety of cultural events, such as live music and art shows.Dave's Hot Chicken's growth has been fueled by its authenticity and sense of fun. The restaurant has a strong following among millennials, who appreciate its Nashville roots and spicy chicken.Wildflower and Dave's Hot Chicken are well-positioned for continued growth in the fast-casual industry. These brands offer unique and authentic experiences that resonate with millennials and are committed to sustainability and social responsibility.What does the growth of Wildflower and Dave's Hot Chicken say about the future of fast-casual?The growth of Wildflower and Dave's Hot Chicken suggests that fast-casual future is bright for brands that can offer unique and authentic experiences that resonate with millennials. These brands are also showing that millennials are interested in sustainability and social responsibility regarding their food choices.Fast-casual brands that want to succeed in the future need to focus on creating a unique and authentic experience for their customers. They also need to be committed to sustainability and social responsibility. By doing so, they can appeal to millennials and other consumers who are looking for more than just a quick and convenient meal.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

Craveworthy Brands is a relatively new restaurant group, but it has quickly become one of the most successful in the fast casual sector. Founded in 2022 by Gregg Majewski, Craveworthy Brands is a multi-concept restaurant group that owns and operates a portfolio of emerging and legacy brands.Craveworthy Brands' brands include:Wing It On!Budlong Hot ChickenKrafted Burger Bar + TapLucky Cat Poke CompanyGenghis GrillBD's Mongolian GrillFlat Top GrillCraveworthy Brands has experienced rapid growth in recent years. In 2023, the company acquired Mongolian Concepts, the parent of Genghis Grill, BD's Mongolian Grill, and Flat Top Grill. This acquisition made Craveworthy Brands one of the largest restaurant groups in the Mongolian grill segment.In this podcast, Greg reveals the roadmap of many new bran acquisitions coming in the fast casual sector and to be on the lookout for the remainder of 2023.Craveworthy Brands' success is due to a number of factors, including:Innovative concepts: Craveworthy Brands' brands offer unique and innovative dining experiences. For example, Wing It On! is a fast casual wing restaurant that allows customers to customize their wings with a variety of sauces and toppings. Budlong Hot Chicken is a fast casual hot chicken restaurant that offers a variety of different heat levels to suit all tastes.Targeted market segments: Craveworthy Brands' brands target specific market segments. For example, Wing It On! targets millennials and families, while Budlong Hot Chicken targets foodies and millennials.Experienced leadership team: Craveworthy Brands is led by a team of experienced restaurant executives. Gregg Majewski, the company's founder and CEO, has over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry.Craveworthy Brands is well-positioned for continued growth in the years to come. The company has a strong portfolio of brands, a talented leadership team, and a focus on innovation. Craveworthy Brands also targets specific market segments, giving it a competitive advantage.In 2023, Craveworthy Brands acquired Mongolian Concepts, the parent of Genghis Grill, BD's Mongolian Grill, and Flat Top Grill. This acquisition made Craveworthy Brands one of the largest restaurant groups in the Mongolian grill segment.Craveworthy Brands is also expanding its existing brands. For example, in 2023, Wing It On! opened its 50th location. Budlong Hot Chicken also plans to open additional locations in the coming months.Crave-worthy Brands is also investing in new concepts. In 2023, the company launched Krafted Burger Bar + Tap, a fast casual burger restaurant. Craveworthy Brands also plans to launch additional new concepts in the coming months.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

Fast Casual Nation is the industry's longest-running podcast celebrated for its innovative and insightful discussions that are helping to shape the future of food and dining. Our latest guest, Greg Wold, Vice President of Marketing at Toppers Pizza, Inc., brings his 20-year experience in the food service industry, including stints at QSR heavyweights such as Jimmy John's, Jersey Mike's Subs, and Buffalo Wild Wings, to our conversation.Our dialogue traverses Wold's professional journey from agency to client-side roles, and delves into Toppers Pizza's distinctive position in the QSR pizza sector, driven by its mantra, "QSR's most crave-worthy pizza." Discover how the company's innovative approach to pizza has kept it ahead of its time, offering unique toppings and recipes usually not found in the QSR category.We delve into the effects of the rising trend of upscale fast casual dining on the QSR pizza market and how this shift is influencing consumer expectations. Learn how Toppers views this shift as an opportunity to merge speedy delivery with a diverse menu that meets the needs of an evolving marketplace.From the influence of delivery aggregators to the trend from delivery orders to pickups, hear about how Toppers is adapting to the dynamic landscape of QSR and fast casual dining. Wold also shares the company's journey towards menu innovation, underscored by the recent appointment of a director of Menu Innovation and Culinary to incorporate a more formal, food science approach to future offerings.Tune in to discover how Toppers is shaking up the QSR scene, appealing to the refined tastes of the younger generation, and redefining what we should expect from QSR pizza. We also discuss the importance of consumer trends, menu innovation, and marketing strategies, using Toppers Pizza as an illustration.Hear about the company's strategic menu innovation process that has kept them ahead of industry trends. Learn about their consumer-centric approach, which takes into account consumer preferences to introduce successful offerings like the walking taco pizza, which quickly became their fourth highest-selling pizza.Wold sheds light on how Toppers is focusing on customer loyalty, creating a loyalty program for direct communication with consumers, offering personalized incentives and rewards. We wrap up the discussion focusing on the role of technology in the fast-casual dining competition, with Toppers heavily investing in proprietary software and an extensive IT department to maintain quick service while offering high-quality food options. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!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

Fast Casual Nation, the trailblazing podcast that's been leading conversations and setting trends in the restaurant industry for years delves into the meat of what makes a food business thrive in a market that's hungry for change. Today, we're honored to have André Vener, Co-founder and Partner of Dog Haus, joining us for an insightful discussion. André, along with his team, took Dog Haus from a single location to a nationwide phenomenon by reimagining comfort food classics and cleverly navigating the industry's shifting landscape. We're going to explore Dog Haus' recipe for success, including innovative partnerships, harnessing ghost kitchen networks, and the launch of The Absolute Brands - a virtual food revolution. We discuss growing with new demographics and reaching new consumers in this ever-evolving fast-casual space. Buckle up and prepare for a hearty serving of industry insights that could change the way you look at your menu, your business, and the future of fast casual dining.Founded in Pasadena, California in 2010, Dog Haus is a renowned franchise chain specializing in hot dogs, sausages, chicken, and burgers. From its humble beginnings, it has now grown into a national franchise, boasting over 50 traditional locations and 75 points of sale across 13 states, with new outlets every month.A pivotal element of Dog Haus's strategy is leveraging consumer data analysis. The company works closely with third-party delivery platforms to understand trending products and subsequently refine their menu offerings. Central to Dog Haus's brand ethos is inclusivity, which has led to their commitment to ensuring menu accessibility for all, regardless of dietary restrictions or beliefs. This focus has resulted in a selection of hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and nitrate-free offerings, along with a range of plant-based protein alternatives.When it comes to introducing a new item on their menu, Dog Haus adopts a detailed process. This involves recognizing a consumer need, ensuring its alignment with their brand identity, considering logistics and distribution, and maintaining stringent standards of taste and quality. They also consider an item's suitability for delivery and create a strategic marketing plan to generate interest before the launch.Dog Haus's innovative use of technology is commendable. They have adopted 1Huddle, a gamification app, for employee learning and training — a tool used by respected entities such as the U.S. Air Force and major sports teams like the Golden State Warriors and the L.A. Rams. Furthermore, the use of the Ovation Reservations platform has played a crucial role in managing their significant delivery sales and obtaining real-time customer feedback, enabling the rapid resolution of issues and prevention of repeated problems.Dog Haus's early adoption of plant-based options through a partnership with Impossible Foods has garnered recognition. The comprehensive menu caters to vegans, vegetarians, and those preferring regular meals, demonstrating respect for all dietary preferences. This early adoption not only positions Dog Haus as a choice for various dietary needs but also enhances its reputation as a trusted source for plant-based meals.In 2019, Dog Haus ventured into the realm of ghost kitchens and has since launched five virtual brands, with BAD-ASS Breakfast Burritos leading the pack. These brands are transparently labeled as powered by Dog Haus, reinforcing their commitment to authenticity and transparency.Dog Haus adheres to its core value of authenticity, especially in terms of expansion and maintaining cultural relevance. This dedication resonates especially with Gen Z customers, who appreciate transparency in food contents and brand identities.Looking towards the future, Vener says they would like to have more people try their food and have the Dog Haus experience. The expansion plans for Dog Haus could include licensing, more stadiums, college campuses, and airports. With a relentless focus on growth and innovation, Dog Haus continues to adapt and excel in the fast-casual dining landscape.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

Fast Casual Nation's latest episode features a candid conversation with Paris Baguette America's CEO, Darren Tipton. Stepping into his role in January 2020, Tipton navigated the uncharted terrain of the pandemic while redefining the brand's identity.Faced with operational hurdles due to COVID-19, Tipton focused on reframing the organization's vision. The mission was to re-establish the neighborhood bakery, building on the foundation of expertly crafted, brewed and baked goods. The blueprint, according to Tipton, was centered on values like heart, joy, community nourishment, and rising to the occasion.With 68 units when he took over, Tipton spearheaded a strategic growth plan, transforming Paris Baguette into an innovative bakery café brand. With its ambitious goal of launching a thousand bakeries by 2030, Paris Baguette is gearing up for rapid expansion, opening 26 last year and on track to open upwards of 70 this year.To ensure successful expansion, Tipton emphasized the importance of a solid infrastructure, training, and culture. His leadership philosophy focuses on getting the right people on the team and aligning them around a common vision. A major part of this involves a comprehensive training curriculum, equipping bakers, caterers, baristas, and retailers to support the brand's mission.Paris Baguette has also formed significant partnerships, such as the one with New York City and the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea. The partnership will facilitate food donations and internships, demonstrating Paris Baguette's commitment to community engagement.Tipton shares insights on franchising, stating the importance of financial capability and passion for the brand in franchise partners. These partners undergo a rigorous training program, ensuring the brand's quality standards are maintained.As a bakery, Paris Baguette continually tests and introduces new products, keeping innovation at the forefront of its operations. Guests can expect an engaging, magical experience when visiting the bakery, thanks to the brand's focus on ambiance, service, and high-quality offerings.For a full exploration of Paris Baguette's growth strategy, Tipton's leadership, and their community initiatives, listen to the latest episode of Fast Casual Nation.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

Our guest on Fast Casual Nation is Prakash Karamchandani, known as PK. He is a self-proclaimed foodie and technology junkie, as well as the co-founder of Balance Pan-Asian Grille, a nationally acclaimed fast-casual Asian fusion multi-unit concept based in Ohio. Prakash earned a finance degree from the University of Toledo, where he met his future wife Navdeep and business partner HoChan Jang. PK currently oversees development, finance, marketing, and technological innovation for Balance Grille, and has been recognized for his influential role as a disruptor in the fast-casual industry. He has also developed proprietary technologies and an employee-centric operational model that contribute to Balance's industry-leading tenure. Since entering the restaurant industry in 2010, Prakash has become a thought leader in fast casual and restaurant technology, speaking at various industry events and conferences.Balance Grille, offers a fresh approach to Asian cuisine. What sets them apart in the Asian food category is their diverse menu that eliminates the need for customers to select a specific cuisine type, making it a unique concept in the fragmented Asian fast-casual space. Their goal is to redefine Asian fast-casual by providing fast, fresh, and customizable bowls, tacos, snacks, and bubble teas.One of the key aspects of Balance Grille's mission is to prioritize customer experience and ensure that everything is fresh. Their menu features unique flavor profiles and food pairings made with farm-fresh ingredients, with a focus on achieving overall balance and wellness, similar to the Asian diet. The menu is clean eating in its purest form, with sauces served on the side to allow customers to customize their meals according to their palate.In addition to focusing on customer needs, Balance Grille is also committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Their kitchen operations are transparent, with glass-enclosed kitchens that allow customers to see how their food is prepared and what goes into it. They also use sustainable packaging and focus on water conservation and minimal waste in their operations. Balance Grille also emphasizes employee satisfaction, offering well-paying work, well-rounded training, and a peer management system that eliminates the traditional manager hierarchy and allows for horizontal and vertical advancement.Technology plays a crucial role in the brand's operations, with app-integrated systems for online ordering, training, and performance tracking. This allows for data-driven decisions and transparent reporting for both franchises and employees. As Balance Grille expands into franchising, they have built their system to optimize tech management at the headquarters, enabling operators to focus on what matters most.Balance Grille values inclusivity and encourages employees to be their authentic selves, embracing diversity in appearances and styles. Their team is passionate about the brand and considers each other family, resulting in an industry-leading tenure of 2.46 years.With their unique approach to Asian fast-casual, commitment to sustainability, employee-centric policies, and innovative use of technology, Balance Grille aims to take their model across America and continue their success as a leader in the fast-casual restaurant industry.To learn more about how Balance Grille is growing through Innovation, saying no to the manager model, and changing the outlook on how a restaurant should run check out this episode of Fast Casual Nation. Plus PK shares his top 3 tips for building a successful franchise brand.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

The Fast Casual Nation Podcast offers exclusive interviews with experts ranging from top chefs and brand makers to executives and restaurants who work in one of the fastest-growing segments of the restaurant industry. In this episode, I talk with Katy Velazquez, Corporate Executive Chef at QDOBA about how the fast-casual Mexican restaurant is able to stay current on trends and be true to its identity. QDOBA with over 730+ restaurants located in the U.S. and Canada is the second largest brand in the Mexican fast-casual industry but is the largest brand in the industry that franchises. QDOBA’s menu offers a combination of made-to-order, a la carte, and chef-driven, curated cuisine with freshly-prepared ingredients, with many items made in-house. Velazquez and I talk about getting into the restaurant industry, she says, “I fell in love with food. I started working in restaurants when I was 19 as a host at a brewery and I just fell in love with it. I grew up doing theater, and I think there's really this connection to me between theater and restaurants.” After finishing culinary school, Velazquez worked for James Beard Award-winning chef Rick Bayless. She attributes her time with Bayless to completely changing the trajectory of her career. Valezquez says, “I just fell in love with Mexican food and the culture and the way they feed people.”QDOBA with a history of twenty-seven years prides itself on true flavors for its customers. Velazquez shares that the brand is always looking for flavor differentiators which are things that other restaurants in the market do not offer. She says “we are creating burritos, bowls, and nachos, but we want to have these extra special sauces and toppings that are the things that you're really going to remember.”Hear Velazquez talk about her advice for restaurant executives when it comes to keeping menu items fresh and appealing to customers, plus her top 3 tips for developing a menu check out this episode of Fast Casual Nation or tune in on Apple Podcasts. If you want to get insights from a restauranteur, watch this episode of Chef AF with chef and restaurateur, Ebony Austin of Nouveau Bar and Grill.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

he Fast Casual Nation Podcast offers exclusive interviews with experts ranging from top chefs and brand makers to executives and restaurants who work in one of the fastest-growing segments of the restaurant industry. In this episode I talk with Josh Luger, co-founder of Capital Tacos about key strategies for successfully expanding your restaurant. Capital Tacos founded in 2013 is a fast-casual Tex-Mex chain of restaurants Based in Tampa, Florida, known for their scratch-made kitchen and a menu crafted by chefs. Luger talks about the first location that opened in Land O’ Lakes Florida and says, “there was no money to put up a sign, so there was no sign for a few years there and the focus was just delivering the best Tex-Mex we could out there, flavorful and inventive, trying a new take on what a fast-casual Tex-Mex concept could be.” Luger shares that Capital Tacos recently expanded, opening their first store in Orlando and 2023 expansion plans include new markets South Florida, Atlanta, Charlotte and Colorado. As the Capital Tacos team is planning for growth, Luger offers several strategic expansion strategies to ensure success and profitability. He talks about product offering saying, “I think to even start one restaurant, let alone think about scaling it across a market or multiple markets, you really have to look inward and think, what is truly different and differentiated about our product offering, what do we have to say? And so, for us, there's a few core things that really start offering that we think make us distinct and unique in the Tex-Mex landscape and we're confident as we expand across Tampa and across new markets that folks will find us interesting and want to give us a try and hopefully come back.”The Capital Tacos co-founder takes a deep dive into several layers of the business that are key to successful expansion in regards to their roadmap for success. Luger’s insights include:Truly Differentiated Product OfferingA Brand That Stands For Something Beyond The FoodA Capital Efficient And Flexible Development StrategyDiversified Revenue StreamsKeep On InnovatingA Focus On Truly Great OperatorsReward loyalty, provide value, and have fun!To hear detailed steps to a successful expansion roadmap, Luger’s top 3 tips for creating a new menu special check out this episode of Fast Casual Nation or tune in on Apple Podcasts. Need to simplify your operations or increase productivity? You can hear the strategies CEO of Newk’s Eatery implemented here.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