Épisodes

  • 2026 Beverage Trends

    2026 Beverage Trends
    Jan 20 2026
    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
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    41 min
  • Winning Strategies for 2026 in Fast Casual

    Winning Strategies for 2026 in Fast Casual
    Jan 14 2026
    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
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    40 min
  • 2026 Restaurant Trends Round Table | Special Series

    2026 Restaurant Trends Round Table | Special Series
    Dec 31 2025
    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
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    34 min
  • 2026 AI & Tech Trends | Special Series

    2026 AI & Tech Trends | Special Series
    Dec 24 2025
    Join Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler on Fast Casual Nation as they dive deep into AI's transformation of the restaurant industry with Kerry Leo, VP of Technology at Shipley Donuts, and restaurant tech consultant Paul Molinari. Discover how Shipley achieved 24% higher average order values through AI-powered ordering, learn why traditional Google search is becoming obsolete, and understand how data unification is creating the "single pane of glass" operators need. From voice ordering in mobile apps to agentic AI solving integration challenges, this episode reveals practical strategies for implementing AI in your restaurant operations. Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to accelerate adoption, this conversation provides actionable insights on everything from choosing the right tech partners to measuring real ROI.

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

    #RestaurantTech #AIinRestaurants #FastCasual


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

    The Hopdoddy Effect: Leading the Charge in the Modern Burger Evolution
    Dec 17 2025
    Join Paul Barron on Fast Casual Nation as he sits down with Jeff Chandler, CEO of Hopdoddy Burger Bar, to discuss how the Austin-based brand is winning in the crowded burger category with 50 locations and 2% traffic growth. Discover their hybrid fast casual-casual dining model, premium protein strategy including bison burgers, the accidental success of burger bowls, and why they're betting on hospitality over discounting in 2026.

    #FastCasualNation #HopdoddyBurgerBar #RestaurantIndustry


    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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    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


    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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    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


    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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    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



    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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    28 min