On this special edition of Fast Casual Insider, Jerry heads to the floor of the 100th annual National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago to talk with Geoff Alexander and Paul Damico. Geoff is the president of Wow Bao, a Chicago chain specializing in steamed bao. Paul is the CEO of Naf Naf Grill, another Chicago-based chain specializing in Middle Eastern food.

Geoff, Paul and Jerry discuss the rise of third-party delivery and how this has affected their restaurants. They further discuss how delivery is changing their growth strategy and leading them to try innovative new restaurant concepts as their concepts expand.

• [02:14] - Geoff Alexander, president of Wow Bao
• [02:24]  - Paul Damico, CEO of Naf Naf Grill
• [02:45] - Incorporating third-party delivery in the fast casual marketplace
• [05:11] - Planning the footprint of future locations
• [06:50] - Maintaining a relationship with digital guests
• [10:28] - Delivery survival of the fittest?
• [13:02] - Overestimating generational interests
• [15:26] - Is third-party delivery a different daypart for marketing?
• [16:30] - Is Gen Z driving the growth in delivery?
• [17:57] - Why Paul was attracted to Naf Naf Grill
• [19:16] - Introducing centuries-old cuisine to broad new audiences
• [20:49] - Has in-store marketing remained unchanged?
• [21:26] - What's next for Wow Bao?
• [23:35] - Opportunities at on-site locations
• [23:02] - Changes on the horizon

Geoff Alexander is the president of Wow Bao and has been a partner at Lettuce Entertain You for more than 26 years. Geoff is the chairman of the National Restaurant Association’s Fast Casual Industry Council, an executive board member for Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Association, and an advisory board member for Social Media Week Chicago.

Paul Damico is the CEO of Naf Naf Grill and has helped the chain grow to 38 locations in seven states. Paul has also helmed several other brands under the Focus Brands umbrella, including Cinnabon, McAlister’s Deli, and Moe’s.

Our host, Jerry White, has worked in operations, in foodservice distribution, and then in media sales, holding top sales and management positions with several leading food media companies during the past 35+ years. Jerry joined the team at Plate magazine in early 2010 as associate publisher, and continues in that role providing solutions and opportunities for manufacturers and organizations as they anticipate tomorrow’s industry challenges. 

This episode was sponsored by Sage Intacct, a leading provider of restaurant accounting and financial solutions. Sage Intacct helps their restaurant customers reduce time, cost and resources on tedious financial processes so they can focus on servicing customers and growing their businesses. Learn more about how Sage Intacct restaurant customers make smarter decisions with critical visibility into business performance by visiting www.sageintacct.com/hospitality.

If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Fast Casual Insider in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider...

This week on Fast Casual Insider, Jerry sits down with Carl Segal, CEO of Roti Modern Mediterranean Grill. Carl has spent his entire working life in the restaurant industry and is a veteran of several restaurants with meteoric growth. He shares with us the challenge of getting customers to try new, unfamiliar flavors, the importance of transparency when it comes to food sourcing and how Roti is embracing technological change by giving customers more ordering options.

• [01:22] – Introducing Carl Segal, CEO of Roti Modern Mediterranean Grill
• [06:30] – The restaurant itch
• [09:31] – How time at Potbelly really helped Carl hone his leadership skills
• [111:11] –  Vision for Roti
• [15:02] – Maintaining transparency with customers about food sourcing
• [20:27] – Getting the word out about uncommon cuisine
• [28:09] – The importance of focusing on your people
• [33:13] – How Roti is employing creative solutions to grow the business
• [36:06] – Is the restaurant as we know it in jeopardy of extinction?
• [41:57] – How Roti is changing in the digital space
• [45:47] – What keeps Carl up at night

Carl Segal is the CEO of Roti Modern Mediterranean Grill. Prior to joining Roti’s executive team, he worked at Potbelly Sandwich Works for almost 16 years and oversaw the brand’s expansion.

Our host, Jerry White, has worked in operations, in foodservice distribution, and then in media sales, holding top sales and management positions with several leading food media companies during the past 35+ years. Jerry joined the team at Plate magazine in early 2010 as associate publisher, and continues in that role providing solutions and opportunities for manufacturers and organizations as they anticipate tomorrow’s industry challenges. 

This episode was sponsored by Sage Intacct, a leading provider of restaurant accounting and financial solutions. Sage Intacct helps their restaurant customers reduce time, cost and resources on tedious financial processes so they can focus on servicing customers and growing their businesses. Learn more about how Sage Intacct restaurant customers make smarter decisions with critical visibility into business performance by visiting www.sageintacct.com/hospitality.

If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Fast Casual Insider in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.

This podcast episode was produced by Dante32.

This week on Fast Casual Insider we’re diving into the real estate side of the restaurant industry. Helen Jane Hearn sits in for host Jerry White to speak with Nick Vojnovic, president of Little Greek Fresh Grill. Nick has been in the business of expanding restaurant franchises for more than 20 years. He talks about trends with landlords, how to figure out what rent will fit your budget, and common mistakes that new franchises make when trying to expand. Tune in to learn how to secure real estate deals that are future focused so that your restaurant can grow with the neighborhood.

• [01:39] - Nick Vojnovic's restaurant background
• [03:18] - Mistakes made trying to expand
• [06:16] - The founding vision also needs to apply to real estate choices
• [07:29] - Changing trends with landlords
• [10:33] - Are you looking at any less traditional sites?
• [13:32] - Today's new challenges in recruiting and training
• [17:41] - The Founder's Trap
• [19:40] - Diversify the personalities and strengths on your team
• [21:35] - Know your strengths; embrace your weaknesses
• [25:10] - How has earning your MBA affected your approach?
• [30:30] - What are you hoping to get out of the National Restaurant Association Show?

Nick Vojnovic is the president of Little Greek Fresh Grill, a franchise with 40 locations spanning six states. Prior to Little Greek, Nick helped grow franchises such as Famous Dave’s and Beef O’Bradys. Nick is passionate about development and helping brands grow.

Helen Jane Hearn, filling in for Fast Casual Insider host Jerry White, is the senior content director for the National Restaurant Association. Helen helped create the podcast and produces all of the association’s content for social media and web.

This episode was sponsored by Sage Intacct, a leading provider of restaurant accounting and financial solutions. Sage Intacct helps their restaurant customers reduce time, cost and resources on tedious financial processes so they can focus on servicing customers and growing their businesses. Learn more about how Sage Intacct restaurant customers make smarter decisions with critical visibility into business performance by visiting www.sageintacct.com/hospitality.

If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Fast Casual Insider in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.

This podcast episode was produced by Dante32.

On today’s episode of Fast Casual Insider, Jerry sits down with Carin Stutz, the former EVP of Red Robin. Carin has more than 40 years’ experience in the restaurant industry. She’s held leadership roles for major brands such as Applebee’s, Wendy’s, and McAlister’s Deli. She’s seen a lot of change in her tenure and talks to Jerry about how the lessons from the past can inform the changing technological landscape of fast-casual dining.

• [02:13] - The Volstead Act
• [03:28] - What are some of the biggest lessons you learned in your career?
• [07:54] - Changes to the fast casual marketplace over time
• [09:57] - How did you emerge from Wendy's as an entrepreneur?
• [11:44] - Peter Drucker
• [12:13] - The importance of culture over strategy
• [13:51] - Can emphasis on results interfere with growth?
• [15:41] - Is innovation coming from disruption?
• [17:59] - Are you concerned about third-party delivery changing the industry?
• [21:55] - Should third-party delivery be considered a separate P&L item?
• [23:38] - How did your mentoring skills grow?
• [25:06] - What's new vs. what's next?
• [32:30] - Adapting to new technologies
• [33:57] - How do make sure you don't lose connection with the guest?
• [36:15] - The next big thing

With more than four decades experience in the restaurant industry, Carin Stutz is one of the most high-profile women heading the fast casual space. She has served as EVP of Red Robin and has also worked in global business development. 

Our host, Jerry White, has worked in operations, in foodservice distribution, and then in media sales, holding top sales and management positions with several leading food media companies during the past 35+ years. Jerry joined the team at Plate magazine in early 2010 as associate publisher, and continues in that role providing solutions and opportunities for manufacturers and organizations as they anticipate tomorrow’s industry challenges. 

This episode was sponsored by Sage Intacct, a leading provider of restaurant accounting and financial solutions. Sage Intacct helps their restaurant customers reduce time, cost and resources on tedious financial processes so they can focus on servicing customers and growing their businesses. Learn more about how Sage Intacct restaurant customers make smarter decisions with critical visibility into business performance by visiting www.sageintacct.com/hospitality.

If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Fast Casual Insider in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.

This podcast episode was produced by Dante32.

Host Jerry White talks with Don Fox about how changing consumer habits affect the fast-casual industry and how to use new technology to keep up and keep growing. 

Our guest Don Fox is Chief Executive Officer of Firehouse of America, LLC, in which he leads the strategic growth of Firehouse Subs, one of America’s leading fast casual restaurant brands. Under his leadership, the brand has grown to more than 1,170 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, and is recognized as one of the best franchises in the country.

• [01:52] - Adjusting to fewer dine-In visits 
• [04:31] - Paying attention to the off-premises experience
• [07:14] - Coca-Cola Freestyle and brand partnerships
• [10:45] - How to track a customer base 
• [15:09] - How the disruption in traditional retail affects the restaurant industry
• [17:48] - Is third-party delivery additive to the restaurant industry?
• [23:55] - Designing restaurants for the new consumer 
• [35:58] - The challenges of delivery-only concepts
• [39:44] - Franchise arrangements and defining trade areas
• [45:10] - Non-traditional locations
• [46:40] - Tips for success in a competitive business

To find about more about Don Fox and Firehouse Subs, check out the links below:

• Don Fox on Linkedin 
• Firehouse Subs

Our host, Jerry White, has worked in operations, in foodservice distribution, and then in media sales, holding top sales and management positions with several leading food media companies during the past 35+ years. Jerry joined the team at Plate magazine in early 2010 as associate publisher, and continues in that role providing solutions and opportunities for manufacturers and organizations as they anticipate tomorrow’s industry challenges. 

This episode was sponsored by Sage Intacct, a leading provider of restaurant accounting and financial solutions. Sage Intacct helps their restaurant customers reduce time, cost and resources on tedious financial processes so they can focus on servicing customers and growing their businesses. Learn more about how Sage Intacct restaurant customers make smarter decisions with critical visibility into business performance by visiting www.sageintacct.com/hospitality.

If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Fast Casual Insider in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.

This podcast episode was produced by Dante32.

Joining Jerry on the podcast today is Meg Rose, an executive with Firehouse Subs, based out of Florida. Meg has been with Firehouse Subs for more than a decade and has had a front row seat to its explosive growth. Jerry and Meg discuss the evolution of the fast casual industry and how the current marketplace demands innovation including changes in marketing, delivery and location maintenance.

• [00:45] - Introducing Meg Rose
• [01:24] - Why Meg kept coming back to the restaurant industry 
• [02:34] - How she got to where she is today
• [03:12] - Mentors and learning leadership
• [04:14] - Meg’s start and evolving role with Firehouse Subs
• [07:35] - Marketplace change and adaptation
• [12:05] - Changes to the physical space within Firehouse restaurants
• [14:16] - The impact of third-party delivery
• [15:00] - Retrofitting older locations
• [16:04] - Off-premise marketing and sales tactics
• [17:26] - Choosing a third-party delivery partner
• [18:08] - How the altruistic origins of Firehouse are still present today
• [19:36] - Role of social media internally and externally
• [20:49] - Non-negotiables of being a leader

Meg Rose is the VP of Field Operations at Firehouse Subs. She’s been with the company since 2007. Prior to her role at Firehouse Subs, she was the Regional Director of Operations for Applebees from 1991 to 2004. 

Our host, Jerry White, has worked in operations, in foodservice distribution, and then in media sales, holding top sales and management positions with several leading food media companies during the past 35+ years. Jerry joined the team at Plate magazine in early 2010 as associate publisher and continues in that role providing solutions and opportunities for manufacturers and organizations as they anticipate tomorrow’s industry challenges. 

This episode was sponsored by Sage Intacct, a leading provider of restaurant accounting and financial solutions. Sage Intacct helps their restaurant customers reduce time, cost and resources on tedious financial processes so they can focus on servicing customers and growing their businesses. Learn more about how Sage Intacct restaurant customers make smarter decisions with critical visibility into business performance by visiting www.sageintacct.com/hospitality.

If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Fast Casual Insider in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show. 

This podcast episode was produced by Dante32.

This week, Jerry sits down with Paul Damico, CEO of the Chicago, IL based Naf Naf Grill. A long time restaurant industry veteran, Paul was tapped to lead Naf Naf Grill in 2017 with the goal of scaling the brand nationally. Prior to Naf Naf Grill, Paul was President of FOCUS Brands and President of Moe’s Southwest Grill.

Paul walks Jerry through what it’s like to scale a middle eastern concept nationally, his relationship with Naf Naf founder Sahar Sander and the rise of ghost restaurants. Paul puts a large focus on the customer experience and the importance of maintaining touch with them. Don’t miss this enlightening and information packed episode of the Fast Casual Insider, covering a wide range of topics.

• [02:14] - What interested Paul in the concept at Naf Naf?
• [06:05] - Paul’s interactions with Naf Naf's founder, Sahar Sander
• [07:26] - How did the interest by younger generations in different cuisines contribute to the concept taking off?
• [11:16] - What innovations is Paul considering to spur growth?
• [15:04] - Is the rise of delivery causing restaurants to rethink their footprint?
• [17:26] - Is is worth interviewing third-party delivery companies to see which is a best fit?
• [19:46] - What would have to happen to make cross-platform integration possible?
• [20:49] - Does Paul foresee a day when a customer can purchase from multiple restaurants on one third-party delivery order?
• [22:52] - Will concepts like ghost restaurants impact Naf Naf’s plans for franchise locations?
• [24:49] - As these concepts continue to grow are we going to lose touch with the customer?
• [29:30] - Does high-tech mean low-touch?
• [33:20] - Do Naf Naf employees require special training for this cuisine?
• [35:59] - How does Naf Naf make sure it’s product will appeal to future generations?
• [37:38] - Has the marketplace changed how restaurant concepts are defined?
• [39:20] - What’s the correlation between service style and experience?

To find out more about Paul and Naf Naf Grill, check out the links below:

• Paul Damico on LinkedIn
• Naf Naf Grill
• FOCUS Brands

Our host, Jerry White, has worked in operations, in foodservice distribution, and then in media sales, holding top sales and management positions with several leading food media companies during the past 35+ years. Jerry joined the team at Plate magazine in early 2010 as associate publisher, and continues in that role providing solutions and opportunities for manufacturers and organizations as they anticipate tomorrow’s industry challenges.

This episode was sponsored by Sage Intacct, a leading provider of restaurant accounting and financial solutions. Sage Intacct helps their restaurant customers reduce time, cost and resources on tedious financial processes so they can focus on servicing customers and growing their businesses. Learn more about how Sage Intacct restaurant customers make smarter decisions with critical visibility into business performance by visiting www.sageintacct.com/hospitality.

If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Fast Casual Insider in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts,

Joining Jerry White on the Fast Casual Insider podcast this week is Kathleen Richardson. Kathleen is the founder of urban Farmhouse market & cafe, a fast-casual concept featuring a simple menu of fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Prior to founding urban Farmhouse, Kathleen held senior leadership roles at a wide variety of food service companies, ranging from technology solutions to Panera to Starbucks.

Jerry & Kathleen cover a wide range of topics from her success at hiring and staffing her locations to embracing and harnessing technology for effective marketing. Kathleen brings over 20 years of experience to the conversation and it shows. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with one of the most innovative Fast Casual operators in the field.

• [05:13] - Deciding to go her own way
• [07:15] - What makes the urban Farmhouse concept unique
• [11:37] - Experiences with local sourcing
• [14:47] - Who is the urban Farmhouse customer?
• [17:56] - It’s all about the food
• [20:02] - Becoming an expert in hiring
• [24:10] - Choosing higher wages
• [25:05] - How employees help educate customers
• [25:41] - The impact of delivery apps
• [31:06] - How technology can be a competitive advantage
• [32:52] - Managing social media marketing
• [34:28] - Making your tech work harder
• [35:51] - AI in the restaurant industry

To find out more about Kathleen and the urban Farmhouse, check out the links below:

• urban Farmhouse Website
• Kathleen Richardson on LinkedIn

Our host, Jerry White, has worked in operations, in foodservice distribution, and then in media sales, holding top sales and management positions with several leading food media companies during the past 35+ years. Jerry joined the team at Plate magazine in early 2010 as associate publisher and continues in that role providing solutions and opportunities for manufacturers and organizations as they anticipate tomorrow’s industry challenges.

This episode was sponsored by Sage Intacct, a leading provider of restaurant accounting and financial solutions. Sage Intacct helps their restaurant customers reduce time, cost and resources on tedious financial processes so they can focus on servicing customers and growing their businesses. Learn more about how Sage Intacct restaurant customers make smarter decisions with critical visibility into business performance by visiting www.sageintacct.com/hospitality.

If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Fast Casual Insider in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts. It really helps others find the show.

This podcast episode was produced by Dante32.