Restaurant Operator Podcast

From the boardroom to the prep line: How Stonefire Grill's CEO is fueling legacy growth

Stonefire Grill CEO David Youngberg joins the Restaurant Operator Podcast to share how his hands-on leadership, people-first culture and strategic use of guest feedback are driving sustainable growth for the fast-casual brand.

August 25, 2026

When David Youngberg stepped into the CEO role at Stonefire Grill in 2023, his first 90 days weren't spent analyzing spreadsheets in a boardroom — they were spent baking the brand's signature carrot cake and prepping food alongside front-line workers.

In an industry increasingly pivoting toward automation and individualized grab-and-go efficiency, the leader of the 12-unit Southern California fast-casual concept is proving that a relentless focus on human connection and from-scratch operations still drives sustainable growth.

In the latest episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, Youngberg unpacks how evolving his leadership style for a new generation of workers, leveraging real-time guest feedback technology and balancing a massive catering-and-dine-in trifecta are fueling the legacy brand's future. Mandy Wolf Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace and QSRweb, hosts the podcast.

Click the link to listen to learn more about Youngberg's leadership style, how the brand maintains hospitality and emotional connections in an increasingly tech-driven industry and putting people first.

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