Chicken Salad Chick: In a category of 1

Discover how Chicken Salad Chick CEO Scott Deviney transformed a 32-location startup into a 309-unit fast casual empire in under a decade.

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill CEO reveals revival strategy

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill CEO Patrick Fore joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to discuss the brand's transformation, including a 30…

Graze Craze's president discusses strategy behind 14 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth

Operating from small 500- to 1,000-square-foot locations, Oklahoma-based Graze Craze has scaled to nearly 100 units in under five years by focusing on…

How a pizzeria kid built a fast casual salad empire

How la Madeleine cracked the growth code

La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe CEO John Dillon joins Fast Casual Nation to discuss the 43-year-old brand's strategic renaissance

Taco boom: Velvet Taco VP breaks down the elevated taco experience

How Dig Inn maintains quality at scale: A CMO's Guide to brand, loyalty, AI

Dig Inn CMO Jessica Serrano reveals how the chef-driven fast casual chain rebuilt its brand identity, scaled from Manhattan to suburban markets and leveraged…

The $21B kiosk boom: How AI is transforming restaurant profits

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks founder: Breaking generational barriers in his father's name

Derrick Hayes, CEO of Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, shares his incredible journey from a postal worker to building a fast casual empire in this inspiring Fast…

Maria Empanada: How Lorena Cantarovici built a fast casual powerhouse

Join Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler as they interview Lorena Cantarovici, founder and CEO of Maria Empanada, who came to the U.S.

Cali Coffee grinds away at Starbucks, Dunkin'

Join Fast Casual Nation host Paul Barron as he interviews Craig Avera, founder and CEO of Cali Coffee, a Florida-based drive-thru coffee chain that's doubled…

From Boots to biscuits: How former Marine leading growth at Vicious Biscuit

The science behind Gen Z's obsession with Instagram-worthy drinks

Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler dive into the $243 billion functional beverage market with Noah Burgess, Research & Development…

Slim Chickens CEO: Gen Z, AI driving industry change

Slim Chickens CEO Tom Gordon reveals how Gen Z's snacking behavior is revolutionizing the fast casual industry and why his 300+ store chicken chain is betting…

Fast casual's global growth, innovation, labor shifts: A deep dive

Discover how beverage innovation —from craft mocktails to full bars — is reshaping the segment while fast casual continues to outperform both QSR and casual…

Fast casual tech trends: Roam, DoorDash leaders share predictions

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…

Newk's Frank Paci discusses adding digital ordering solutions, revamping catering

Newk's Eatery CEO Frank Paci joins Fast Casual Nation to discuss how the 98-location chain is adapting to major industry shifts.

How LOL Burger Bar is disrupting Atlanta's fast casual scene

Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler interview Cassidy Jones, founder of Atlanta's LOL Burger Bar, who reveals how she's disrupting the…

NAYA CEO on Fast Casual Nation: From NYC start-up to national expansion

Kfoury shares how the Lebanese-inspired brand has grown to 31 locations with plans for 200 by 2030

Tiki Taco CEO discusses tech-fueled growth plans

CEO Eric Knott shares how his Kansas City-based concept blends technology, creative Mexican-inspired cuisine and strategic growth.