PODCAST · business
Take-Away with Sam Oches
by Nation's Restaurant News
Hosted by Nation’s Restaurant News’ editor in chief, Take-Away with Sam Oches features interviews with CEOs and founders of restaurant companies big and small, sharing their stories and ideas for the future but also real, tangible insights for how to innovate in our foodservice future.Each episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches provides key take-aways from Oches’ interviews, with on-the-go observations about how each leader’s strategy fits within the broader foodservice context and what actionable insights you should be applying to your own business.
Episodes
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Zaxbys CEO on how growth will help it win in the chicken category
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Bernard Acoca, the CEO of Zaxbys, the Georgia based chicken-finger chain that has grown to more than 1,000 U.S. locations bringing in nearly $3 billion in sales. Bernard was in New York City last week to help open Zaxbys newest location...
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Concrete Hospitality Group’s founder on lessons from hotel F&B
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Jonathan Knudsen, founder and CEO of Concrete Hospitality Group, a New York City based hospitality management group that develops and operates restaurants for hotel brands like Marriott, Hyatt, and more. Jonathan got his start at…
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Hawaiian Bros CEO on driving growth within the four walls
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Scott Ford, the president and CEO of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, a Kansas City based fast casual franchise serving the signature plate lunch of the Hawaiian islands at more than 80 locations. Scott was a veteran of chains like Applebee’s...
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California Pizza Kitchen’s cofounder on how to build an iconic chain
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Rick Rosenfield, cofounder of California Pizza Kitchen, the casual pizza chain that’s been redefining the pizza experience since 1985. You may know CPK as the premium frozen pizza option in your grocery aisle, but the company helped to...
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Culver’s CEO on how the beloved chain pulled off 14% sales growth
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Julie Fussner, CEO of Culver’s, the beloved Wisconsin-based burger chain that has grown to more than 1,000 locations since Craig Culver opened the first location with his wife and parents in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 1984. Despite a...
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Crown Restaurant Group’s founders on scaling your business to a new city
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Anthony and Haley Sitek, the cofounders and co-owners of Crown Restaurant Group, a Cincinnati based group with seven restaurants that earlier this year expanded into a new city: Columbus, Sam's neck of the woods. Anthony and Haley met in...
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Sbarro’s CEO on how he’s completely reinvigorated the brand
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with David Karam, CEO of Sbarro, the New York style pizzeria that is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. While many think of Sbarro as that mall-based pizza chain from the 80s and 90s, the company has quietly roared back to life over...
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Minnie Bird’s cofounder on following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Dave Thomas
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Sean Thomas, cofounder of Minnie Bird, a three-unit fast-casual chicken concept that launched in Chicago two years ago and serves a range of premium chicken items alongside a lineup of dirty sodas, plus free soft serve with every order....
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Smalls Sliders, Walk-Ons founder Brandon Landry shares the playbook to a scalable restaurant
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Brandon Landry, the founder of both Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux and Smalls Sliders, two restaurant franchises that have each grown to dozens of locations across the country. Walk-Ons, which is a full-service sports bar, was Brandon’s first...
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Neon Greens' founder on hydroponics and the need for a better supply chain
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Josh Smith, the founder and owner of Neon Greens, a St. Louis business that opened in 2024 as both a fast-casual salad restaurant and a working farm. The restaurant is attached to a hydroponics operation where Neon Greens grows its…
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Jollibee's president on the strategies that have helped it to a massive AUV
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Maribeth Dela Cruz, president of Jollibee North America, the domestic arm of the Philippines-based brand that has more than 1,700 locations globally and around 100 here in North America. Jollibee is at once familiar and unique for…
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FUSIAN’s cofounder on why, 16 years in, it’s time for a brand refresh
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Stephan Harman, cofounder and CEO of FUSIAN, a sushi concept based in Columbus, Ohio, that has grown to seven locations over 16 years. FUSIAN is on the cusp of its biggest change yet: A brand refresh in which it’s evolving its entire…
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How Panda Express leaders created an Asian cuisine juggernaut
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Andrea Cherng, chief brand officer at Panda Restaurant Group, parent company of Panda Express, which has more than 2,600 locations in the U.S. that pull in more than $6 billion in sales annually. Andrea has been a part of Panda for…
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Black Rock Coffee Bar CEO’s tips on winning in the booming beverage category
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Mark Davis, CEO of Black Rock Coffee Bar, a beverage brand that has grown to around 200 locations in seven states in its 18 years. The team at Black Rock believes they have a differentiated model that will help the brand compete…
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A leading economist on consumer trends, labor, and reasons to be optimistic
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Chad Moutray, Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Economist for the National Restaurant Association, the largest trade organization representing restaurants in the U.S. Chad joined Sam at the National Restaurant Association Show…
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Dog Haus CEO on how unique new franchise model will accelerate growth
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…
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Piada’s co-CEO on why now is the time to grow — 16 years after launch
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…
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Everytable’s founder on the keys to keeping prices low
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…
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Mellow Mushroom’s EVP on transforming the pizza experience
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...
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Firebirds CEO Steve Kislow on the tools beyond price that create value
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...
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Mendocino Farms CEO and CMO on building the future of fast casual
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…
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Whataburger CEO Debbie Stroud on the benefits of leading like a family
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...
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84 Hospitality founder Rachel Cope on 5 elements that go into a great restaurant experience
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…
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Future restaurant trends to watch, according to this global expert
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...
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Honeygrow’s founder on the brand reset that sparked consistent growth
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...
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Layne’s Chicken Fingers CEO on the incredible runway for chicken chains
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…
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FB Society CEO Jack Gibbons on the recipe for developing a successful new restaurant
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...
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Chili’s CEO, pt 2: Kevin Hochman on the key ingredients to brand transformation
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...
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Chili’s CEO, pt 1: Kevin Hochman on the leadership traits necessary for business success
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...
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Freddy’s CEO on the best way to know how to optimize your restaurants
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…
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Counter Service CEO on how he and Steve Ells plan to disrupt sandwich industry
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...
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P.F. Chang’s CEO on how to jumpstart a struggling chain
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…
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Pineapple Hospitality Group’s founder and head chef on the power of treating guests like family
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...
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National Restaurant Association CEO on what restaurant leaders should expect from 2026
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...
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Sweetfin’s cofounder on why they gave the menu a huge facelift
Are Focused Restaurant Menus Over? Why This Poke Chain Shook Things Up to Win New Guests In 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....
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The h.wood Group founders on using exclusive experiences to drive business
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with John Terzian and Brian Toll, cofounders of The h.wood Group, an LA-based hospitality group that owns restaurants like Delilah and Nice Guy as well as nightclubs like Keys and Poppy. John and Brian first got into the nightclub business…
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BONUS: How to work with social media influencers in 2026
In today’s bonus episode, Sam talks with a social media influencer and a marketing expert about the latest trends in restaurant influencer marketing — and what restaurant operators should and shouldn’t do when working with influencers. Kate Finley is the founder and CEO of Belle Communication, a...
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Ruby Slipper’s cofounder on how it becomes cornerstone for its communities
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Jennifer Weishaupt, founder of Ruby Slipper, a breakfast, brunch, and lunch joint that first opened in New Orleans in 2008 and has since grown to 26 locations across the South. Jennifer was inspired to open Ruby Slipper after Hurricane...
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Cameron Mitchell on how great hospitality leads to industry-leading AUVs
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Cameron Mitchell, founder and CEO of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, a Columbus, Ohio based group that has 68 restaurants across 20-plus concepts from coast to coast. When Cameron set out to be a restaurateur over three decades ago, before...
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First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso on inspiring culture and leadership among your team
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Chris Tomasso, CEO of First Watch, a daytime café concept with more than 600 locations doing over a billion dollars in sales annually. Chris is coming up on his 20-year anniversary with the brand, having started as CMO back in 2006 and...
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Nothing Bundt Cakes CEO on how it topped America’s Favorite Chains list two years running
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Dolf Berle, CEO of Nothing Bundt Cakes, the Dallas-based chain of nearly 800 bakeries that was just named America’s Favorite Chain by Technomic. It wasn’t just the overall winner; it was also best among the top 10 chains in service and...
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Sunny Street Cafe president on nailing the fundamentals of menu, service
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Mike Stasko Jr., president of Sunny Street Café, a 22-unit franchise based in Columbus, Ohio, that has experienced positive traffic and sales comps even while many of its competitors are struggling. It’s not crazy menu innovation or tech...
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2026 marketing trends, from food influencers to AI
In this special bonus episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Kate Finley, founder and CEO of Belle Communication, a foodservice PR agency with expertise in earned media, influencer relations, creative strategy, and consumer insights. NRN has partnered all year with Belle on their...
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Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright on his career, leadership, and goals for the chain
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Scott Boatwright, the CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill. Chipotle, of course, needs no introduction, but to some degree Scott did last year when he was suddenly thrust into the CEO role after his former boss Brian Niccol left for the chief...
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Roots Natural Kitchen CEO on defying the narrative of the slop bowl
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Henry Borgeson, CEO of Roots Natural Kitchen, an 18-unit salad and grain bowl concept that was started by some University of Virginia graduates in Charlottesville a decade ago. The premise was straightforward: make natural food radically...
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Flynn Group founder Greg Flynn on why he’s finally betting on an emerging chain
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Greg Flynn, founder and CEO of Flynn Group, which is the largest franchise operator in the world with eight brands in its portfolio doing about $5 billion in annual sales. Flynn Group has spent the past 25 years partnering with some of…
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Big Dave’s founder on launching a successful cheesesteak chain out of a gas station
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Derrick Hayes, the founder and CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, a nine-unit franchise that has plans to become the next big thing in cheesesteaks. A native of West Philadelphia, Derrick opened the first location 11 years ago inside a...
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Habit Burger CEO Shannon Hennessy on the need to be quick and nimble in a fast-changing industry
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Shannon Hennessy, the CEO of Habit Burger & Grill. The California-based better-burger chain has grown to nearly 400 locations over its 56 years and now, with help from parent company Yum Brands, is plotting coast to coast growth. Shannon...
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Philz Coffee CEO on the artisanal niche its carving in the category
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Mahesh Sadarangani, the CEO of Philz Coffee, an artisanal coffee brand that, for more than 20 years, has committed itself to serving hand-crafted coffee using sustainably sourced beans from around the world. Mahesh arrived at Philz from...
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&pizza CEO Mike Burns on cutting prices and playing the long game
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Mike Burns, CEO of &pizza, a fast-casual pizza joint based in Washington D.C. that has grown to 45 locations. &pizza made headlines earlier this year when it announced it would buck the trend and cut its menu prices, offering unlimited...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hosted by Nation’s Restaurant News’ editor in chief, Take-Away with Sam Oches features interviews with CEOs and founders of restaurant companies big and small, sharing their stories and ideas for the future but also real, tangible insights for how to innovate in our foodservice future.Each episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches provides key take-aways from Oches’ interviews, with on-the-go observations about how each leader’s strategy fits within the broader foodservice context and what actionable insights you should be applying to your own business.
HOSTED BY
Nation's Restaurant News
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Take-Away with Sam Oches have?
Take-Away with Sam Oches currently has 167 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Take-Away with Sam Oches about?
Hosted by Nation’s Restaurant News’ editor in chief, Take-Away with Sam Oches features interviews with CEOs and founders of restaurant companies big and small, sharing their stories and ideas for the future but also real, tangible insights for how to innovate in our foodservice future.Each episode...
How often does Take-Away with Sam Oches release new episodes?
Take-Away with Sam Oches publishes regularly with 167 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Take-Away with Sam Oches?
You can listen to Take-Away with Sam Oches on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Take-Away with Sam Oches?
Take-Away with Sam Oches is created and hosted by Nation's Restaurant News.
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