Fast Casual

Behind Cava Group’s conversion of Zoe’s Kitchen restaurants

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 11, 2023

A Deeper Dive: Brett Schulman, CEO of Cava Group, joins the podcast to talk about a wide range of topics, including its rapid expansion thanks to its acquisition of Zoe’s Kitchen.

Financing

Chicago brand Portillo’s gets a warm welcome in the South

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 11, 2023

The hot dog and Italian beef chain is opening most of its new locations in Southern states like Florida, Arizona and Texas, where its restaurants have performed well.

Operations

Diversifying formats pays off for Shake Shack

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 10, 2023

Drive-thru and smaller-box restaurants will be a critical part of growth strategy.

Operations

Potbelly to expand digital makeline initiative

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 09, 2023

CEO Bob Wright is not quite ready to say "national rollout," but the test has improved order accuracy, speed and food quality while cutting labor costs.

Food

Panera Bread launches a line of Toasted Baguette sandwiches

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 06, 2023

A classic in Europe, the fast-casual chain says it hopes to fill a perceived market void in the U.S.

Premium

Emerging Brands

Dave’s Hot Chicken is the ultimate parking lot success story

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 05, 2023

The former late-night hot chicken pop-up has become one of the fastest growing chains in the country, thanks to a simple, popular menu and a lot of social media.

Operations

Portillo’s to go cashless in drive-thrus

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 05, 2023

Speed and safety are the goals. Cash is still welcomed inside the chain’s restaurants.

Financing

How Dave’s Hot Chicken became the next big thing

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 05, 2023

A Deeper Dive: CEO Bill Phelps and cofounder Arman Oganesyan joined the podcast to tell the story behind the fast casual brand, the country’s quickest-growing restaurant chain.

Leadership