Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Josh Spiegelman, co-founder of Roam Artisan Burgers, to explore the evolution of the better burger category.
May 15, 2025
Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Josh Spiegelman, co-founder of Roam Artisan Burgers, to explore the evolution of the better burger category. Operating six locations across the Bay Area, Roam has mastered the balance between premium ingredients — like 100% grass-fed beef and free-range turkey — and accessible pricing.
Spiegelman shares how the brand leans into Web3-powered loyalty, immersive store design, and sustainability to appeal to modern consumers, especially Gen Z.
In the second half of the show, the conversation shifts to the future of food delivery with Vishwa Chandra, Head of merchant strategy and operations at DoorDash. Chandra dives into delivery trends reshaping fast casual, including how data-driven insights are helping brands like Roam optimize menu performance, reach new customer segments, and experiment with virtual concepts.
He also highlights the growing role of DoorDash in supporting local operators with tech-enabled marketing, fulfillment logistics, and on-demand retail strategies. The episode closes with a look at the convergence of digital convenience and in-store brand storytelling — illustrated by Roam's creative partnerships like its upcoming champagne and chicken slider experience — offering a playbook for how small brands can thrive in a platform-driven dining economy.