Operations

Why most fast casual Italian concepts fail —And how Piada is beating the odds

Is fast casual Italian finally having its breakthrough moment? In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Matt Harding, Chief Culinary Officer of The Piada Group, to discuss how the brand has defied the odds in a category that has swallowed competitors whole

May 6, 2026

Is fast casual Italian finally having its breakthrough moment? In this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler sit down with Matt Harding, chief culinary officer of The Piada Group, to discuss how the brand has defied the odds in a category that has swallowed competitors whole.

They cover national expansion plans, value-driven operations chef-forward food culture and what it takes to build a fast casual brand that actually lasts.