QSR Uncut artwork

QSR Uncut

297 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 27 ratings

QSR Uncut is a podcast from the editors of QSR magazine—the leading publication for foodservice owners and operators—that discusses the current state and future of the fast-food restaurant industry as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Made for restaurant executives, entrepreneurs, consumers, and leaders, each episode candidly shares expert advice from some of the industry's most insightful leaders.

Entrepreneurship Business Management restaurant food business leadership insights fast casual fast food entrepreneurship innovation
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Episodes

Winning in a $146 Billion Industry, with Sip Fresh Founder Sharon Arthofer

March 21, 2024 14:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MB

The inspiration for Sip Fresh began, as the company likes to say, on a balmy evening at a local bar. Could a juice chain mirror the mixology trend that had taken over the beverage scene? Sharon Arthofer, CEO and founder, and 27-year franchise industry veteran, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to talk about how the brand’s fresh and interactive experience has set it apart in what’s become a $146 billion industry, and why growth is just now starting to kick into gear.

The State of Digital in Fast Food and Fast Casual: Revisited

March 14, 2024 15:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MB

Last year, restaurant operators shared their key priorities and initiatives in Qu’s fourth-annual State of Digital report. Now, CMO Jen Kern joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the findings of the fifth edition, which went even bigger, highlighting the rise of kiosks, “Loyalty 3.0,” and way more as we break down findings from 179 Brands across 62,000 locations. This is a look into the future of foodservice you won’t want to miss. Here's a link to the full report: https://www....

Shark Tank’s Matt Higgins Goes Unfiltered

March 07, 2024 13:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MB

RSE Ventures founder and “Shark Tank” guest Matt Higgins has created a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio of leading fine-dining and fast-casual concepts, including iconic eateries like NYC’s Magnolia Bakery, David Chang’s Momofuku, Milk Bar, &pizza, and Bluestone Lane. He joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss all of that, plus sharing his philosophy on leadership and achieving your potential, as well as stories from his NFL days, and a whole lot more. This might just be...

A Conversation with Ronald McDonald Himself

February 23, 2024 13:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MB

Dustin Portillo joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss a journey unlike any other we’ve had here on QSR Uncut. From becoming the third-youngest person in Ringling's 147-year history to being promoted to “Boss Clown” to portraying Ronald McDonald at The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to leading community relations at one of the top McDonald’s franchises in America, Portillo has traveled one of the most unique roads in the industry. And he’s now sharing with the world why it’s mor...

The Future of Restaurant Innovation, with Wow Bao’s Geoff Alexander

February 15, 2024 14:00 - 38 minutes - 26.1 MB

Few restaurant brands, if any, have stayed at the forefront of innovation like Wow Bao, a concept that began as a small Chicago storefront and has now spread to more than 700 “dark kitchens” across the country. Also, Wow Bao recently rolled into thousands of CPG outlets and is plotting a future in web3 that could change the game as we know it. CEO Geoff Alexander joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss it all, what’s next, and how you lead from the cutting edge during one of the ...

Sandwiches, Stories, and a Vision of Growth, with Penn Station’s Craig Dunaway

February 08, 2024 16:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

Penn Station East Coast Subs chief operating officer Craig Dunaway joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein for a wide-ranging chat on the challenger brand's history and why it's poised for growth. How do you guard a brand's differentiators as you franchise? Where is the sandwich sector headed next? We get into that and a whole lot more.

The U.S. Bubble Tea Boom, with Gong cha President Geoff Henry

February 01, 2024 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MB

Gong cha president Geoff Henry, who assumed the international bubble tea brand's top U.S. role last March, has 20 years of experience as a leader in the quick service and CPG beverage industries. He joins the podcast to discuss the factors driving the growth of the bubble tea industry and how it's capturing the Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha market and helping turn new generations into tea consumers.

Cicis and the Life of Leading a Legacy Pizza Brand

January 18, 2024 18:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MB

Jeff Hetsel, president of Cicis Pizza, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to share insight into what all restaurants search for in this business—brand longevity. For the famed pizza buffet chain, it all starts within (Hetsel began with Cicis as a GM 30 years ago), and a culture that promotes franchise development through generations. Hetsel talks about what’s ahead for the brand, as well as the industry, as value kicks into gear in 2024.

Lessons and Predictions from a Category Pioneer

January 11, 2024 15:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

Nekter Juice Bar CEO Steve Schulze joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the story and journey of one of the category’s true icons. Plus, we’ll get into the state of franchising and the future of the segment from the frontlines of one of the hottest arenas in fast casual.

Meet a Fast Casual to Watch in 2024

December 21, 2023 15:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MB

CEO Greg Willman has Naf Naf Grill poised and ready to hit the growth lever this coming year. He joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to discuss how his background as a franchisee has provided real-life insight into how the Middle Eastern concept should expand, where it goes next, and why it continues to resonate in new and legacy markets alike.

The Evolution of Honey Baked Ham, from the Holidays to the Every Day

December 15, 2023 13:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MB

Honey Baked Ham CMO Tripp McLaughlin joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to talk about the evolution of the legacy brand. For generations, Honey Baked has played a role in family holiday traditions, and now, it’s taking those core equities, differentiated food, and bringing them to fresh audiences through a reenergized marketing campaign and plan to get in front of guests across multiple occasions, no matter the time of year.

Jersey Mike’s and the Secret to Operational Excellence

December 07, 2023 12:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MB

Three Jersey Mike’s leaders—Kevin Loughran, Field Training and Development Specialist, Amanda Vrabel, Manager of Business Management Systems, and Brian Deeth, Area Director for New England—join QSR editorial director Danny Klein for a wide-ranging chat on how one of the hottest brands in America is staying ahead of the competition by using tech solutions to drive operational excellence. The IT, Operations, and Training leaders will share best practices and discuss the impact these solutions ...

Nate Hybl’s Unique Entrepreneurial Journey

November 30, 2023 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MB

Nate Hybl is an ex-NFL quarterback-turned CEO of Atlanta-born gusto!, a fresh bowls and wraps brand with 12 restaurants and counting. It’s been one wild journey from funding his dream to growing a fast casual, with no shortage of lessons and revelations along the way. And it’s a story that’s only getting started, with a focus on company culture and running a brand built to last.

What Really ‘Sustainable’ These Days?

November 16, 2023 20:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MB

Brad Laport, the CEO of WinCup, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the topic of greenwashing and the challenges it creates for restaurant operators. With so many options, from those hotly debated paper straws to more, how can restaurants know they’re making product decisions that are not only good for the planet, but decisions customers will appreciate.

What's Really ‘Sustainable’ These Days?

November 16, 2023 20:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MB

Brad Laport, the CEO of WinCup, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the topic of greenwashing and the challenges it creates for restaurant operators. With so many options, from those hotly debated paper straws to more, how can restaurants know they’re making product decisions that are not only good for the planet, but decisions customers will appreciate.

Dynamic Pricing: Myth or Magic Bullet?

November 09, 2023 15:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MB

Sherri Kimes, Emeritus Professor at Hotel School at Cornell, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to break down one of the hottest and most-debated topics in the restaurant industry today. Should we even call it dynamic pricing? How do you master pricing and revenue management for your restaurant? We get into all those topics, and a lot more thanks to one of the category's leading minds.

A Multi-Brand Franchise’s Unique Strategy for Growth

October 27, 2023 13:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MB

Austin Capoferi, the president of Next Brands, the family-owned strategic manager and growth accelerator of Beef-a-Roo and Blenderz, is charging forward with an innovative modular container location concept. The approach is designed to spearhead rapid franchise expansion by using low-cost shipping containers to help quickly open complete, fully operating restaurant locations, and cut development time by half. All for a price of $200,000.

The Heiress of Miller Coors is Growing Multiple Fast Casuals

October 20, 2023 14:00 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MB

Darden Coors, heiress of the Miller Coors company, also known as the CEO of Salad Collective, has decided to enter the world of franchising. Recently, she started Salad Collective where she acquired multiple brands, one being MAD Greens. And now, expansion is on the table in a wellness food market projected to reach $1 trillion by 2026.

The Reinvention of Veggie Grill

October 12, 2023 12:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

One of the plant-based category's true pioneers recently had to shut down 12 locations. Cofounder and CEO, T.K. Pillan, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the difficult decision, why it was necessary, and how it allows Veggie Grill to be laser-focused on its founding mission. Also, where the category is headed, and what Veggie Grill's menu-driven plan to separate from the pack will look like.

Restaurant Marketing in a Changing World, with Brandon Rhoten

September 28, 2023 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

GroundTruth CMO Brandon Rhoten joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein for a wide-ranging chat on how the job of today’s restaurant marketer has changed. What data matters? Can you turn engagement into visits? And where does it all go from here? Rhoten is a digital marketing veteran who’s led campaigns for some of the industry’s most recognizable brands including CMO positions at Papa Johns and Potbelly. As VP of Marketing, he was also instrumental in developing Wendy's award-winning snarky...

The Female Culinary Powerhouses Out to Revolutionize Plant-Based Cuisine

September 22, 2023 13:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MB

Sisters and mompreneurs, Heather Golden Ray and Jenny Engel, are the authors of two cookbooks (Zooey Deschanel is a fan), and chefs and owners of Spork Foods, a renowned Los Angeles-based vegan food company and cooking school, where they taught vegan cooking classes for more than 15 years. Now, they’re running a fast casual, Hey, Sunshine Kitchen, which just opened in Culver City, California, and has big plans to shake up the food scene. Learn how they got started, what it took to staff the ...

Drew Brees Scores Again with Smalls Sliders

September 14, 2023 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MB

NFL legend Drew Brees, along with founder Brandon Landry, join QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to discuss the sizzling growth of Smalls Sliders, a rising fast casual that’s building an all-star team ready to scale. We’ll also get into Brees’ history in restaurant franchising, where it all started and where it goes from here, and why Smalls has the potential to hit it big.

The Breakout Journey of Bango Bowls

August 31, 2023 19:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MB

Ryan Thorman, founder and CEO of Bango Bowls, joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to talk about how the brand is satisfying demand for healthy food options and building a growth-ready franchise primed for sustained expansion. Founded in 2017 in Long Island, New York, Bango Bowls offers a diverse menu that includes salads, warm grain bowls, poke bowl, acai bowls, flaninis, and avocado toasts.

The Evolution of Digital Marketing, with El Pollo Loco’s Gabe Alonso

August 24, 2023 14:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MB

How do you build cultural relevance for your brand in the current restaurant landscape? Authentically honor heritage while fostering a genuine connection with today and tomorrow’s target audience? Gabe Alonso, the VP of Digital Marketing at El Pollo Loco, joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to dive into the evolving world of restaurant marketing, from revamping a rewards program to reaching diners where they are.

Restaurant Investments, Opportunity, and the Future of Growth, with Jim Balis

August 17, 2023 16:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MB

CapitalSpring's Managing Director of Strategic Operations, Jim Balis, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to take stock of the restaurant industry as the second half of the year winds down. Where are the opportunities for growth? How do you position yourself for an investment? CapitalSpring is a private equity firm that has invested more than $2.7 billion in 70-plus foodservice and restaurant concepts, and is constantly keeping tabs on industry trends. Balis will offer his take on a hos...

Mighty Quinn’s and the Making of a BBQ Empire

August 03, 2023 13:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

Micha Magid, co-CEO of rising barbecue fast casual Mighty Quinn’s, joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to discuss the brand’s growth plans, how to scale in one of the category’s most challenging arenas, and why barbecue is a cuisine with endless potential.

Salad Station's Journey from Farm to Franchise

July 27, 2023 20:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MB

In 2012, Scott Henderson founded Salad Station, a Louisiana-based, family-focused restaurant concept, providing its guests with fresh produce—straight from the farm to the salad bar. Now, the brand is a thriving franchise with big growth plans. Henderson joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the (literal) roots of a growing fast casual and how to separate from the field in one of the category’s hottest battlegrounds.

Is Catering Making a Comeback?

July 21, 2023 12:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MB

One of the pandemic’s hardest-hit fields is back in force, and we’ve got the data to prove it. Mike O’Hanlon, ezCater’s chief partnership officer, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss a recent report that uncovers how restaurants can win in the new business catering landscape and why there might just be more opportunity than ever.

The Purpose-Driven Mission of Tacos 4 Life

July 13, 2023 14:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MB

Cofounder Austin Samuelson joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the background and ambitions of Tacos 4 Life, a brand ranked among the hottest fast casuals in America this year. The chain isn’t just a growth vehicle—it’s helped raise over 28 million meals for children in need worldwide. Samuelson shares how Tacos 4 Life operates its mission-based business model, what changes it has implemented over the years, and what exciting new innovations to expect as the brand continues t...

The State of Insurance for Restaurants

July 07, 2023 13:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MB

This has been a wild time for restaurants, from continued pandemic recovery to cyber-attacks to a changing labor force. How do you prepare and protect your business from all of it? John Cassetta, head of restaurant insurance solutions at CoverWallet, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss how digital growth has changed the industry, what you should do to prepare, and how to figure out what coverage your business needs—and doesn’t need—as it looks to grow.

Why Crisp & Green is Ready to Explode

June 29, 2023 13:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

Steele Smiley returns to QSR Uncut to update what’s becoming one of the most compelling growth stories in the business. Crisp & Green is on track to open 50 locations this year and just signed its largest multi-unit deal in company history. Smiley joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the milestone and how the brand plans to further disrupt its category.

Why Crisp & Green is Ready to Explore

June 29, 2023 13:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

Steele Smiley returns to QSR Uncut to update what’s becoming one of the most compelling growth stories in the business. Crisp & Green is on track to open 50 locations this year and just signed its largest multi-unit deal in company history. Smiley joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the milestone and how the brand plans to further disrupt its category.

Jon Taffer Returns with a $20,000 Offer

June 22, 2023 15:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MB

The outspoken star of “Bar Rescue” is teaming with Shift4 on a $20,000 business grant program open to restaurant owners. We’ll talk about how to apply, what it entails (a one-on-one personalized consulting video call with Taffer, among many other things), and get into a whole bunch of other topics, from the state of the industry to sports betting to what Taffer’s go-to karaoke song is. Like always, Taffer doesn’t hold back on any of it. Link to apply for grant: https://lp.skytab.com/rescuem...

Pizza Hut President David Graves on a Transformation for the Ages

June 15, 2023 14:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MB

In 2020, one of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands began a journey to find its brand DNA. The result: Become the “Pizza Lover’s Pizza.” From creating distinctive, modern brand communications to becoming the unofficial pizza of pop culture to leading on tech, Pizza Hut president David Graves joins QSR editor Danny Klein to discuss the game-changing evolution, and why the best is still to come.

The Sweet Legacy of Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, with CEO Rich Matherne

June 08, 2023 16:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MB

Once named the best ice cream on the planet by National Geographic, Handel's has been in the business of making and selling fresh ice cream since 1945. Now, it's on the doorstep of 100 locations, with plans for a whole lot more. CEO Rich Matherne joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to discuss the path forward, how to win in an increasingly crowded sector, and why ice cream won't ever lose appeal.

The Enduring and Evolving Story of Donatos, with CEO Tom Krouse

June 01, 2023 17:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MB

Tom Krouse, CEO of Donatos, the fast-casual pizza franchise famous for its “Edge to Edge” toppings, joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to discuss 60 years of history, the brand’s game-changing partnership with Red Robin, growth prospects, and a whole lot more. He’ll even get into his musical talent, advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and where the pizza industry goes from here.

Smoothie King Has Big News, with CMO Marianne Radley

May 25, 2023 13:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MB

The 1,400-unit brand is diving into a whole-new category. Spearheading the charge is marketing chief Marianne Radley, who arrived in September and hit the ground running. Formerly chief brand officer of Yum! Brands and a Monster Beverage Company and Anheuser-Busch InBev exec, Radley plans to take the Smoothie King brand to the next level by developing an impactful look-and-feel and brand message that cultivates a deep connection between the chain and its diverse mix of franchisees as well as...

Olo CEO Noah Glass Reveals the Restaurant of the Future

May 18, 2023 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

Noah Glass, chief executive and founder of Olo, an open SaaS platform that empowers a network of over 600 brands across 87,000 locations, shares his vision for the restaurant of the future. From personalized service when you sit down to QR codes to drive-thrus that can read license plates, it’s a bold and inventive universe, and one that might just already be here. YouTube video mentioned in podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBQ50PUMg1g 

From Surfer to Superfruit Empire: How Abby Taylor Grew Playa Bowls

May 11, 2023 13:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MB

Self-described Jersey Shore girl Abby Taylor was surfing her way around the globe when the idea to open an acai shop struck. Now, Playa Bowls has 170-plus locations and kicked off 2023 stronger than ever, announcing a 40 percent increase in AUV well as an aggressive plan to open 250 stores in the next five years. What began as a blender and a cart on the Jersey Shore in 2014 has turned into a rapidly growing franchise.

Where is the Restaurant Consumer Really Going?

May 04, 2023 16:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MB

Rachel Buss, director of client services at Curion, takes us inside the mind of today’s restaurant guest. What are the trends to watch? How can you tell if a product launch will hit it big? Buss, an experienced end-to-end qualitative and quantitative consumer researcher, covers all of it, and shares best practices to truly gauge the pulse of the foodservice consumer.

The Future of the Soda Fountain Takes Shape

April 27, 2023 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MB

What's coming to a soda fountain near you in 2023? Kevin Sherman, CEO of Tractor Beverage Co., predicts innovation will shake up the conventional fountain machine that has remained stagnant for decades. Sherman joins QSR editor Danny Klein to talk about how consumer demand for better-for-you choices (particularly from Gen Z), fast casual powerhouses like Chipotle, Burger King, and newcomer Hart House have made organic, sustainable, and plant-based food options affordable and accessible to al...

Jon Taffer on Changing the Restaurant Game as We Know It

April 20, 2023 13:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MB

The always-outspoken star of “Bar Rescue" joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to introduce the first concept with his name on it, and one Taffer believes represents the future of the casual-dining world. Also, we’ll talk his new bourbon, thoughts about the state of the industry, what operators are getting right and wrong in today’s inflationary climate, and where it all goes from here. This is a can't-miss conversation with one of foodservice's boldest personalities. Watch on YouTub...

Pizza Factory Finds its Stride

April 13, 2023 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MB

CEO MJ Riva rejoins the QSR team to share an exciting update from one of the category’s fastest-rising brands. The franchise is leading with a culture-first mindset as it prepares to hit the accelerator like never before.

How The Melt Made Guests ‘Love it Here’ Again

April 04, 2023 20:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MB

The Melt CEO Ralph Bower joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to share the inside story behind one of the industry’s most impressive turnaround stories. Thanks to enhanced menu items and a new company vision inspired by a Yelp review, the fast casual's average-unit volumes has grown from $700,000 to $3.5 million. And that’s just the start.

Finding Real Solutions for Delivery

March 28, 2023 15:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MB

Benjamin Kool, CEO of Solutions 4 Delivery, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to tackle one of the sector’s most-pressing (and not going away) challenges. Can an omnichannel solution fix what’s ailing the delivery sector? One thing is certain: the food delivery sector is in need of a major transformation.

Damon Dunn’s Remarkable Journey from Poverty to NFL to Dunkin’ Franchisee

March 22, 2023 14:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MB

Former NFL athlete and current Dunkin’ operator Damon Dunn has come a long way since growing up in dire straits. He joins QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to share one of QSR Uncut’s most remarkable stories yet, from tips to inspire to how to run a thriving franchise operation and win the labor battle. This is one you won’t want to miss.

What Awaits Restaurants in 2023

March 17, 2023 12:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

Kellie Zimmerman, the president and CRO of customer data platform Brightloom, joins QSR editorial director Danny Klein to discuss the state of the industry and what data is really telling us about the consumer mindset as we near a potential recession. How is data science transforming restaurant menus? What are some of the top restaurant leaders in the space highlighting as their biggest concerns? We get into that and much, much more in this week’s wide-ranging discussion.

The Improbable Story of Dillas Quesadillas

March 15, 2023 14:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MB

Kyle and Maggie Gordon put all their chips into a dream, and a fast-food category unlike any other. After some rocky and eventful early days, Dillas Quesadillas did more than hit its stride—it found a niche that’s brimming with growth potential. The Gordons join QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley to share a true entrepreneurial, American dream tale, complete with “Napoleon Dynamite” references, and a look into what’s next for one of the category’s most exciting concepts.

Norman Wu Builds the Next Great Poké Brand

March 10, 2023 14:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MB

Norman Wu, who launched Conscious Hospitality Group in his 20s, has already seen impressive growth in less than 10 years. With a motto of “people over profits,” Just Poké scaled to 19 restaurants and projects 31 by year’s end. Wu shares his history, winning philosophy, and plans for the future with QSR editors Danny Klein and Ben Coley in this wide-ranging look at what it takes to create a fast-casual brand, grow it, and position for sustained success.

One of TIME’s Best Inventions Disrupts the Restaurant Industry

March 08, 2023 19:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

Christine Schindler, CEO and cofounder of PathSpot, joins QSR Editorial Director Danny Klein to chat about a technology featured as one of TIME’s Best Inventions, and called a “World Changing Idea" by Fast Company. Pathspot has scanned millions of hands around the country at major restaurant chains, airports, schools, manufacturing facilities, and more. Learn how Christine co-founded the company in August 2017, what she's learned about entrepreneurship since, and how a biomedical engineer so...

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