The Advantages of Fast Casual Franchising in 2026

We talked a bit before we started about LinkedIn, and I have actually got a post teed up to follow this next week about what the playbook is likepoint by pointfor growing an organization. To me, one of the key things, and I feel very lucky, is that both brands I've been involved with are distinct.

And there's absolutely nothing exactly like Chop Store in terms of what we're making with a big, varied menu. Most brands today are really singularly focused in regards to what they're using from a food. I seem like we started at an advantage with both brands by having something distinct that filled a specific niche no one else was doing.

A lot of it starts with the brand. Does your brand have something unique that no one else is doing?

The second thingI came from a finance background, so a great deal of my learnings are more financing and data-driven versus a lot of early start-up restaurateurs who are creative types. They like the food, they built the menu, they built the brand name. I most likely couldn't do that from scratch. If you offered me something that has all those parts in location, I can take it from there and put the playbook in location.

They don't understand their breakeven sales. They do not understand how margin enhances as sales boost. They don't comprehend cash-on-cash returns. I've seen a lot of business where the numbers just do not work. And yet individuals say: let's open 10 more. And I'll say: why? It does not generate income. Stop. You require to discover an idea that is distinct.

National Success in Corporate Scaling

If you don't have those two things, you shouldn't be developing shops. Because as I hear your description, you've highlighted 3 things: execution, brand differentiation, and financial practicality.

Second, you need an engaging brand name or unique idea that resonates with clients. And another key lesson is about entering new markets.

When we broadened to Dallas, I expected new stores to do 5070% of Phoenix sales in the very first year. Too many operators presume brand-new markets will open at full volume day one.

Otherwise, they get rose-colored glasses about success in the home market and presume it will equate quickly. You pointed out anticipating 5070% volumes. I've even seen cases where it's simply 2530% at launch.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Significant Market Shifts for 2026 Expansion

You need equity sponsors who think in the vision and the team. That's costly, but it produces critical mass, develops awareness, and validates above-store leadership.

And we were lucky that Dallasour 2nd marketwas likewise where our team lived. Having the entire team in-market to support stores, hire, and guarantee culture was huge.

People often ignore how critical group is to scaling. How have you approached structure and scaling your group? This is something I'm truly happy with. Our team took all the things we disliked from previous jobsfeeling underappreciated, underpaid, growth-stifledand developed the opposite culture here. We highlight growth mindset and career pathing.

Fast Casual Industry Growth

Otherwise, they get rose-colored glasses about success in the home market and assume it will translate quickly. You mentioned anticipating 5070% volumes. I've even seen cases where it's just 2530% at launch.

You need equity sponsors who believe in the vision and the team. That's expensive, but it produces vital mass, develops awareness, and justifies above-store management.

At Chop Shop, we deliberately developed strong bases in Phoenix and Dallas. That offered us the success to stand up to sluggish starts in Houston and Atlanta. And we were fortunate that Dallasour second marketwas also where our team lived. Having the entire team in-market to support stores, hire, and make sure culture was substantial.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Individuals often undervalue how vital team is to scaling. How have you approached structure and scaling your group? This is something I'm truly happy with. Our team took all the things we hated from past jobsfeeling underappreciated, underpaid, growth-stifledand built the opposite culture here. We stress growth mindset and profession pathing.

Otherwise, they get rose-colored glasses about success in the home market and assume it will equate rapidly. You pointed out anticipating 5070% volumes. I've even seen cases where it's just 2530% at launch.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Quick Service Industry Growth

You require equity sponsors who think in the vision and the team. That's pricey, but it creates crucial mass, builds awareness, and justifies above-store leadership.

And we were fortunate that Dallasour second marketwas likewise where our group lived. Having the whole team in-market to support shops, hire, and guarantee culture was big.

Individuals typically ignore how vital team is to scaling. How have you approached building and scaling your team? This is something I'm truly happy with. Our team took all the important things we disliked from past jobsfeeling underappreciated, underpaid, growth-stifledand developed the opposite culture here. We stress growth state of mind and career pathing.