Fast Casual Nation

Chipotle COO Jason Kidd joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to break down how the 4,100-unit brand is winning and retaining the next-generation diner. From the full value equation and menu innovation to AI-powered hiring, digital order accuracy, gamification and a major back-of-house equipment overhaul rolling out to nearly half the chain, Kidd pulls back the curtain on the operational strategies keeping Chipotle at the top of the fast casual game — and shares what real hospitality actually looks like at scale. Customization and delivery are driving significant changes in restaurant operations, making advanced labeling technology essential for efficient back-of-house workflow, according to hospitality tech industry experts. The rise of hyper-personalization Segment 2 of the podcast features Bill Shuff, product manager at Star Micronics, discussing how the rise of "hyper-personalization" is creating major operational challenges, including itchen bottlenecks and costly order mistakes if not managed properly. "Personalization gives restaurants an opportunity to upcharge and optimize revenue," Shuff said. "But you have to get the order right, and you have to get that dish to the right customer." To mitigate these issues, Shuff highlighted the adoption of liner-free label printers, which provide clear order tracking, reduce food waste, and increase label capacity per roll by up to 40%. The technology seamlessly integrates with POS and kitchen display systems to streamline takeout and delivery assembly. Addressing growing environmental concerns, Shuff emphasized that modern labeling solutions must also adapt to sustainable packaging trends. Star Micronics has updated its media to be free of bisphenols, using certified compostable receipt paper and materials approved by the Forest Stewardship Council to help brands lower their overall environmental footprint. #fastcasual #Chipotle #RestaurantIndustry Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights.Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory

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.<br /><br />#RestaurantTrends #FastCasual #FoodIndustry<br /><br /><br />Become a supporter of this podcast: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss">https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support</a>.<br /><br />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 <a href="https://www.savor.fm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/</a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 <a href="https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory</a>

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.<br /><br />#FastCasualNation #HopdoddyBurgerBar #RestaurantIndustry<br /><br /><br />Become a supporter of this podcast: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss">https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support</a>.<br /><br />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 <a href="https://www.savor.fm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/</a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 <a href="https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory</a>

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.<br /><br />#DirtySoda #FranchiseGrowth #RestaurantBusiness<br /><br /><br />Become a supporter of this podcast: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss">https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support</a>.<br /><br />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 <a href="https://www.savor.fm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/</a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 <a href="https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory</a>

Join Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler as they sit down with Stephanie Perdue, VP of Brand Marketing at Chipotle Mexican Grill, to discuss how the fast casual leader is navigating industry challenges. Learn about Chipotle's accelerated menu innovation strategy, including fresh sauces made daily and the new Build Your Own meal for groups. Discover how they're winning back Gen Z through gamification, the Chipotle U rewards program, and transparent food storytelling. Stephanie shares insights on digital transformation with 38% of sales now digital, AI initiatives empowering crew members, and the strategic roadmap for 2026 amid industrywide headwinds.<br />#FastCasual #RestaurantIndustry #Chipotle<br />Episode Highlights<br />0:00 - Intro & fast casual overview<br />0:19 - Economic shifts & traffic decline<br />0:46 - Guest: Stephanie Perdue, VP of Brand at Chipotle<br />1:17 - Rise of “micro meals” & snacking trend<br />3:10 - How fast casual brands are adapting<br />4:20 - Gen Z habits & fewer restaurant visits<br />5:12 - Inside Chipotle’s marketing & menu innovation<br />7:46 - Gen Z’s love for bold flavor & customization<br />8:00 - New family meal concept & digital ordering<br />10:05 - Convenience for families & busy lifestyles<br />12:00 - Connecting with Gen Z through rewards & authenticity<br />13:49 - Balancing quality, value, and rising costs<br />14:38 - Using creators to highlight real ingredients<br />15:55 - Portion size debate & customer perception<br />17:34 - Rewards, nutrition goals & app experience<br />19:46 - Listening to customers & TikTok hacks<br />20:30 - New sauces & flavor innovation<br /><br /><br />Become a supporter of this podcast: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss">https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support</a>.<br /><br />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 <a href="https://www.savor.fm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/</a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 <a href="https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory</a>