Take-Away with Sam Oches

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• Dog Haus CEO on how unique new franchise model will accelerate growth 30.06.2026 58min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Michael Montagano, CEO of Dog Haus, a California-based concept serving high-quality burgers, brats, and hot dogs at 60 locations around the country. While Dog Haus has been around now for 16 years and has been franchising for most of that time, the company just launched a unique new Area Director program that will bring in 15 ADs who will help Dog Haus accelerate growth in their designated territories. Those ADs — who are bringing franchise experience from much larger, established brands like Jersey Mike’s and Tropical Smoothie Café — will get equity in the brand as well as a presence on the board as Dog Haus looks to establish a relationship with franchisees that is much deeper than the typical franchise arrangement. Sam sat down with Michael in Dog Haus’s original location in Pasadena, Calif., to learn more about how this new AD program could help Dog Haus grow to 300 locations and beyond, and they even talk about Dog Haus’s unique new beverage relationship with Dr Pepper. In this conversation, you’ll find out why:Franchisees should be experts in their trade areasYou should treat your franchisees as the brand partners that they areArea directors are like player coaches who can level up the brand There’s no deadline for ramping up growthAn experiential concept in a streamlined footprint equals future restaurant success Register for CREATE here: https://informaconnect.com/create/ Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• Piada’s co-CEO on why now is the time to grow — 16 years after launch 23.06.2026 1t 12min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Lance Juhas, co-CEO of Piada Italian Street Food, a Columbus-based Italian fast casual that has grown to 62 locations in 16 years. Piada was founded by Bravo Brio cofounder Chris Doody and it’s earned a reputation over the years as a great operator with a one-of-a-kind menu — one that’s helped it enjoy 29 straight quarters of same-store sales growth. But to this point Piada’s growth has been slow and deliberate as the company pieces together the right playbook for growth. That playbook is ready, and Lance — whose career included 16 years with Bravo Brio after stops with J. Alexander’s and Hillstone Restaurant Group — is steering the brand into its next growth phase. He joined the podcast to talk about all the little details that go into a great restaurant experience, and about the right way to evolve a restaurant business.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:Your customers will tell you what your star menu item is Hospitality is the ingredient that brings customers back You should never take the crab out of the crab cakes Customization is not for everybody You’ve got to earn the right to growA guest’s endorsement is gold — and harder and harder to getRegister for CREATE here: https://informaconnect.com/create/ Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• Everytable’s founder on the keys to keeping prices low 16.06.2026 54min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Sam Polk, founder and CEO of Everytable, a health-forward concept that launched a decade ago with the mission of making nutritious meals more affordable, particularly for neighborhoods that lacked access to healthier foods. Everytable made a huge splash when it launched, partly because of its unique pricing model: The brand boasts cheaper prices in lower-income neighborhoods while charging more in higher-income neighborhoods. Key to that strategy is its commissary kitchen model, through which it sources local ingredients to produce healthy grab-and-go dishes that are shipped directly to its 40-plus locations. Sam joined the podcast to talk about how Everytable’s mission has evolved over the last 10 years and about how it’s perfectly positioned to bring healthier foods to lower-income neighborhoods far beyond its California base. In this conversation, you’ll find out why:The healthy food movement has a business model problem A streamlined kitchen opens new growth opportunities The value equation is a sliding scale that varies customer by customer and city by cityMission-driven businesses must have clear alignment with the bottom lineCommunity-driven franchisees can be leveraged for more dependable, consistent businessRegister for CREATE here: https://informaconnect.com/create/ Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• Mellow Mushroom’s EVP on transforming the pizza experience 10.06.2026 1t 2min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Ahsan Jiva, executive vice president of strategy and transformation at Mellow Mushroom, a brand that’s grown to about 170 locations in 17 states in its 50-plus years in business. Mellow Mushroom has long been a full-service concept with bar service and countercultural vibes, but as part of a three-year transformation that Ahsan is spearheading, it’s rolling out a “fast fine” model that offers some counter service while protecting the core menu and branding that Mellow Mushroom has become known for. Ahsan joined the podcast to talk about the ingredients to that transformation and how the flexible model they’ve designed is empowering franchisees and GMs to take the business to the next level.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:Barbell pricing strategies can extend to beverageConsider the fringes of your menu for innovationThe pizza category may have a use case problemPizza also has an experience problemChains should consider the jam band approach where no two experiences are alikeNo matter how varied your experience is, the brand must be consistentThe best use for new tech tools is to supercharge your GMRegister for CREATE here: https://informaconnect.com/create/Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• Firebirds CEO Steve Kislow on the tools beyond price that create value 02.06.2026 58min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Steve Kislow, CEO of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a polished casual chain based in North Carolina that now has nearly 70 locations in 21 states. Steve started as a GM with Firebirds more than 20 years ago before working his way up to the chief executive position, and he has overseen an evolution of the brand that has always protected the quality of its menu and hospitality first and foremost. Firebirds sits on the upscale side of the casual-dining spectrum, but it’s still committed to providing value to all manners of guests, from kids and families to couples on dates to business lunches. Steve joined the podcast to talk about how Firebirds is uniquely connecting with all of these guests and providing a value-driven experience.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:You should embrace evolution, not revolutionYour branding opportunity begins with your storefrontKids are just as ready to engage with your brand as their parentsYour beverage program demands as much creativity as your foodTechnology can help you ratchet up your hospitality as a differentiatorRegister for CREATE here: https://informaconnect.com/create/Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.Mentioned in this episode:Create 2026https://informaconnect.com/create/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=create26
• Mendocino Farms CEO and CMO on building the future of fast casual 26.05.2026 1t 11min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with CEO Kevin Miles and CMO Alicia Mowder of Mendocino Farms, a Los Angeles-based sandwich and salad fast casual with about 100 locations in six states. Mendocino Farms — affectionately known to fans as Mendo — has been around now for over 20 years, and in the course of its history has helped to redefine what is possible in a fast-casual setting. Mendo serves high-quality sandwiches and salads in a counter-service setting, but with an emphasis on dine-in occasions driven by high-touch, friendly service. That experience sits somewhere between traditional fast casual and full service, and while it leads to a higher ticket average, it’s clearly resonating with guests; according to the most recent Technomic Top 500, Mendocino Farms grew sales by about 20% last year to around $300 million, with AUVs coming in at $3.76 million. Sam first sat down with Alicia live at the Restaurant Leadership Conference, and later virtually with Kevin, to talk about Mendo’s unique guest experience, how they’re building guest loyalty in markets new and old, and why they’re both optimistic for the future of fast casual.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:You should take the quality of your experience seriously — but not much elseThere is an opportunity in the market for full service quality with fast casual service and priceBrands don’t have to change, but they do have to evolveLifestyle brands are alive and well and capturing guest loyalty with key differentiatorsEven when your sales are positive, question how you can get betterVisually appealing food invites customers to do the marketing for youHave feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.Mentioned in this episode:Create 2026https://informaconnect.com/create/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=create26
• Whataburger CEO Debbie Stroud on the benefits of leading like a family 19.05.2026 57min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Debbie Stroud, CEO of Whataburger, a 76-year-old company that now has more than 1,000 locations across 17 states. Debbie spent more than 30 years as an executive at McDonald’s and Starbucks before joining Whataburger in 2023 as COO. She was named CEO in 2025, and she’s earned a reputation as a warm and personable leader who is often found in restaurants listening to team members about how the company can improve. That’s a great fit for Whataburger, which is still partially owned by its founding family and which calls its 50,000-plus team members “family members.” Sam recently sat down with Debbie in a brand-new location outside Raleigh, NC, for an episode of the Signature Series, powered by The Coca-Cola Company, and talked about how she’s setting the tone for a family-like company culture — and about how Whataburger is tapping into its rabid fan base to expand its footprint.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:An aligned team empowered to do the work can accomplish great thingsLeaders create the conditions for successData tells a story — and it should guide your decision makingBrands should embrace the authentic relationship their guests have with themCuriosity plus diversified experience makes for a strong future leaderHave feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• 84 Hospitality founder Rachel Cope on 5 elements that go into a great restaurant experience 13.05.2026 1t

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Rachel Cope, founder and CEO of 84 Hospitality, which has four concepts in its portfolio, including the eight-unit Empire Slice House. Rachel — who NRN recently named to the Power List of restaurant founders, and who was also named a 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur — opened the first Empire in 2013, and every restaurant that she’s opened since has been imbued with the five things she’s passionate about: people, art, music, booze, and of course food. In fact, 84 Hospitality is so committed to the atmosphere of their restaurants that they don’t even call them restaurants; they call them “hangouts,” because their main goal is for customers to enjoy themselves on site and plug into their community. Rachel joined the podcast to talk about the details that go into a great restaurant atmosphere — from a curated music playlist to free prosecco pours — and about how she’s positioning Empire Slice House and its counter service offshoot, Empire Slice Shop, to be a major growth opportunity.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:The best leaders figure out how to adapt to their situationA carefully tailored restaurant atmosphere can be the difference between a good time and a great timeCreativity must be balanced with practicalityQuirky real estate is a great characteristic — until you need to scaleThe restaurant industry must resist becoming too transactionalHave feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• Future restaurant trends to watch, according to this global expert 05.05.2026 34min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Rafael LaRue, the chief creative officer for global foodservice consultant Livit and its sister company, Fast Fine Restaurant Group. Rafael and his partners have a fascinating perspective because they study the industry at the global level, and not only do they consult on everything from guest experience and architecture to interior design, culinary, and operations, but they also put their advice into practice through their portfolio of restaurants. Sam and Rafael talked in person at the Restaurant Leadership Conference last month in Scottsdale about growing trends from around the world that are soon to influence the U.S. restaurant industry. In this conversation, you’ll find out why:There is no one-size-fits-all approach to developing conceptsAI lets GMs and employees focus solely on guestsAI can create one-of-a-kind restaurant experiences Gen Alpha is the algorithm generation — and could totally disrupt restaurants Authenticity will continue to win the day Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• Honeygrow’s founder on the brand reset that sparked consistent growth 28.04.2026 21min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Justin Rosenberg, founder of Honeygrow, a Philadelphia based stir-fry brand. The first Honeygrow opened back in the fast-casual boom of 2012, and much like his fast-casual peers at that time, Justin quickly scaled the business into major urban markets like New York, Boston, and Chicago. But the brand found itself mired in some bad leases, and Justin realized he needed to close some locations and double down on brand excellence in order for Honeygrow to meet its full potential. Today, Honeygrow has 76 locations, and Justin and his team have created a model that ensures continuous growth in cities both big and small. Justin and Sam sat down in person at last week’s Restaurant Leadership Conference in Scottsdale to recap a session they did on the mainstage, in which they covered Honeygrow’s early brand reset and how it’s developing loyal fans in cities that aren’t always on restaurants’ radars.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:Potentially strong AUVs should not fool you into bad leasesYou shouldn’t reinvent the wheel if the wheel keeps spinningThere are no bad teams; only bad leadersFast casual has a copy-cat problemHave feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• Layne’s Chicken Fingers CEO on the incredible runway for chicken chains 21.04.2026 50min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Garrett Reed, CEO of Layne’s Chicken Fingers, a Texas-based fast casual that had 40 units at the beginning of this year but plans to double that count by the end of the year — with projections showing it could have more than 500 locations open by 2029. Garrett and his partners acquired Layne’s from founder Mike Layne in 2017 and took three years to develop the model, building out a support team at headquarters and the right infrastructure that would ensure franchisee profitability. With all that work done, Layne’s is now stepping on the accelerator and finding success even as countless other chicken chains race across the country. Garrett joined the podcast to talk about how he thinks the chicken category will shake out in the coming years — and why he thinks there’s room for 4,000 Layne’s units in the U.S. alone.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:When introducing franchising, take your time and stress test the modelBy ensuring franchisee profitability, you can ensure future growthA dose of humility can rev up your business’s growthThere’s plenty of runway left for chicken — but quality and culture will determine the winners and losersHave feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• FB Society CEO Jack Gibbons on the recipe for developing a successful new restaurant 14.04.2026 37min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Jack Gibbons, CEO of FB Society, a Dallas-based hospitality group known for founding chains like Twin Peaks and Velvet Taco — both of which it has since sold — as well as current portfolio concepts Sixty Vines, Whiskey Cake, and Mexican Sugar, among others. As a sort of restaurant incubator, FB Society has spent the past couple of decades developing something of a recipe for successful new concepts, and as a cofounder of those concepts, Jack has discovered how founders serve as a secret ingredient to restaurant success. NRN named Jack to the just released Power List, which this year recognizes 34 restaurant founders who are improving the industry through their creative power, and Jack joined the podcast to talk about why founders can help differentiate a growing concept and why it’s important to him to pass lessons down to future restaurant leaders.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:New brand development isn’t formulaic, but it can be standardizedYour customers will tell you what your secret sauce is“Founder mode” offers an extra lever for some brands to navigate growth challengesRestaurant leaders risk sewing confusion when they don’t filter their ideasYou can’t change the world without taking some risksHave feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• Chili’s CEO, pt 2: Kevin Hochman on the key ingredients to brand transformation 07.04.2026 1t 12min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks once again with Kevin Hochman, president and CEO of Brinker International, parent company to Chili’s Grill & Bar. Today’s episode is part two of a conversation Sam recently had with Kevin in a Dallas area Chili’s as part of the Signature Series, powered by The Coca-Cola Company. (Check out part one of the conversation here.) This week, Sam and Kevin get in the weeds on how Chili’s has transformed into the hottest thing going in foodservice, with Kevin laying out very plainly what it took to jumpstart the brand and go from roughly $3 million AUVs to nearly $5 million in the span of three years.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:Quick wins help give brand turnarounds some momentumYou should prove your employees wrong by taking their feedback seriouslyThere are no quick fixes in the restaurant industryBehaviors trump metrics when measuring successIt’s OK to make mistakes, but not OK not to learn from themPrepare today for the opportunity waiting for you tomorrowGreat operations plus great marketing equals unstoppable successHave feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.Check out more information on this years Menu Masters: https://menumastersevent.com/?utm_source=skot&utm_medium=radio&utm_campaign=mm26&utm_content=podcast
• Chili’s CEO, pt 1: Kevin Hochman on the leadership traits necessary for business success 31.03.2026 44min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Kevin Hochman, president and CEO of Brinker International, parent company to Chili’s Grill & Bar. Chili’s has been the buzziest restaurant chain of the past two or three years, having recorded 19 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth with help from value deals like its $10.99 3 for Me and viral videos like its mozzarella stick cheese pull. That success took off when Kevin joined Brinker in 2022 and implemented a turnaround plan that focused first on operational improvements and then on effective marketing to drive customers into the newly improved stores. Sam recently sat down with Kevin in a Dallas area Chili’s for an episode of the Signature Series, powered by The Coca-Cola Company; this is part one of that interview, where they cover Kevin’s career in the lead-up to Chili’s and in particular the lessons that he picked up working for two iconic American institutions: Procter & Gamble and Yum Brands. Next week we’ll share part two, where they get in the weeds on how Kevin and his team have transformed Chili’s into the hottest thing going in foodservice.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:You’re never a finished productClear communication is critical to executing with excellenceThe answers are in the room, you just have to listen and ask the right questionsBrands have a DNA and personality that you can’t lose sight ofIf you do the right thing for the business, no matter the ROI, you’ll win in the long termHave feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• Freddy’s CEO on the best way to know how to optimize your restaurants 24.03.2026 41min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Chris Dull, CEO at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, a Wichita, Kansas-based concept that has grown to 600 locations since it first opened its doors in 2002. Freddy’s has been consistently growing all around the U.S., partly because it serves a high-quality, uncomplicated menu of burgers, fries, and custard, and partly because of its commitment to human-driven experiences. Chris has gotten a chance to see what exactly makes the brand tick as he regularly works the line at Freddy’s restaurants, a practice that has helped him streamline kitchen workflows and redesign operations. Chris joined the podcast to talk about some of the lessons he’s picked up from the frontlines and about why the pendulum is swinging back from the off-premises boom of the pandemic.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:Human beings are a brand differentiatorYour innovation should be crafted around what your guest gives you credit forRestaurant executives must understand how their product moves through their operationManaging your labor down to squeeze margin out of the business is a losing propositionHave feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• Counter Service CEO on how he and Steve Ells plan to disrupt sandwich industry 17.03.2026 46min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Tom Cortese, CEO of Counter Service, an upscale sandwich concept with four New York City locations. In 2012 Tom cofounded Peloton, a brand that disrupted the fitness industry and has since become a mainstream sensation. His business partner in Counter Service is Chipotle founder Steve Ells, who in 2024 launched a robot-powered plant-based concept called Kernel before quickly pivoting to sandwiches when that automated model failed to catch on in a big way with consumers. Now Steve and Tom are using a more refined technology strategy — specifically a proprietary restaurant management system that helps them create efficiencies with labor and supply chain — to reimagine what is possible in a scalable sandwich concept. Tom joined the podcast to talk about why the restaurant industry is ripe for disruption today, the role that technology should play in that disruption, and why he thinks Counter Service could become a national sensation just like his previous company. In this conversation, you’ll find out why:When innovating, your first shot isn’t as important as consistent follow-throughIncredibly niche concepts aren’t built for scaleHospitality is a quintessential part of building a scalable business Technology unlocks the potential of high-quality ingredientsDisruptive restaurant concepts discover how to create a range of great dishes with a small number of repeatable, delicious recipes Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• P.F. Chang’s CEO on how to jumpstart a struggling chain 10.03.2026 40min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Jim Mazany, CEO of P.F. Chang’s, a pan-Asian bistro concept that has grown to about 200 locations in 30-plus years. P.F. Chang’s has experienced a lot of turnover in the C-Suite recently, and the business has clearly suffered for it; sales have been trending down the past couple of years. Jim was hired late last year to help lead a turnaround, and he brought a sterling resume with him: He’s spent three-plus decades in full service, including stops at SPB Hospitality, TGI Fridays, and Joe’s Crab Shack. Jim joined the podcast to talk about the early wins in his first few months on the job and about what his past experiences have taught him about jumpstarting restaurant companies.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:Talent walks in your door every single dayRestaurant turnarounds start with employeesYour own off-premises business may be getting in your wayHolidays offer the perfect spark to jumpstart a brandHave feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• Pineapple Hospitality Group’s founder and head chef on the power of treating guests like family 03.03.2026 43min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Jim Rehm, the founder of Pineapple Hospitality Group, alongside vice president of culinary Jessica Tomlinson. Pineapple owns five going on six restaurants in the Tampa area, and the restaurants flourish on homey atmosphere that Jim has been developing over the course of his nearly 50-year career in restaurants. In fact, Jim believes so much in restaurants treating guests like family that most of his actual family is involved in the business. Jessica, meanwhile, is a veteran of restaurant chains that was brought in last year to further fuel the culinary creativity across Pineapple’s five concepts. Sam recently sat down with Jim and Jessica inside their restaurant Craft Street Kitchen & Drinks to talk more about their commitment to hospitality and creativity and how it’s helped them through this challenging economy. In this conversation, you’ll find out why:People remember how you made them feel more than what you said The first 90 seconds that a guest is in your restaurant are among the most importantGreat hospitality starts at the job interviewWhen launching a new concept, you’re writing a new story to share with guestsA multi-concept portfolio will allow your team’s creativity to flourish Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• National Restaurant Association CEO on what restaurant leaders should expect from 2026 25.02.2026 40min

  In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, an organization that represents hundreds of thousands of restaurants at all levels of government. The association issues an annual State of the Industry report every year with in-depth research on how restaurants performed in the prior year, how things are expected to go in the year ahead, and how operators are feeling about the trends affecting their business. That report just came out a couple weeks ago and Michelle joined the podcast to dive into the data and talk specifically about the economy, workforce trends, and how technology is reshaping the restaurant operation. They also talked about the association’s three biggest legislative priorities today: immigration reform, the credit card competition act, and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:To succeed in 2026, you should pay close attention to your workforce and operational efficienciesThe industry will add a million jobs in the next decade, and we need young people and immigrants to help fill themTech can help make employees happier, which can improve your culture and lower turnoverThe boom in off-premises business seems to have stabilizedHave feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
• Sweetfin’s cofounder on why they gave the menu a huge facelift 18.02.2026 46min

  Are Focused Restaurant Menus Over? Why This Poke Chain Shook Things Up to Win New GuestsIn this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Seth Cohen, cofounder of Sweetfin, a Los Angeles based fast casual that launched a decade ago as one of the first players in the poke category. Sweetfin has grown to 15 locations in Southern California, but in order to unlock more growth, the leadership team decided that the core menu needed a facelift. Chef Daniel Patterson was recruited to develop new menu items for Sweetfin, and the result was a line of warm bowls featuring cooked proteins, as well as new salads and vegetable sides. The new menu, which leans into Sweetfin’s identity as a California-Asian inspired concept, debuted at one location earlier this year, and Seth joined the podcast to talk about why the brand felt it needed to expand beyond poke, and which metrics he’s watching to see if it’s a success.In this conversation, you’ll find out why:Your menu needs to evolve every once in a while — sometimes in a big way The era of extremely focused menus may be over Your menu must have a point of viewAll brand evolution must be filtered through your core valuesTo be successful, you have to make bold decisionsHave feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.