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All Episodes

Take-Away with Sam Oches — 167 episodes · page 1 of 2

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1

Playa Bowls’ CMO on developing great LTOs

2

Zaxbys CEO on how growth will help it win in the chicken category

3

Concrete Hospitality Group’s founder on lessons from hotel F&B

4

Hawaiian Bros CEO on driving growth within the four walls

5

California Pizza Kitchen’s cofounder on how to build an iconic chain

6

Culver’s CEO on how the beloved chain pulled off 14% sales growth

7

Crown Restaurant Group’s founders on scaling your business to a new city

8

Sbarro’s CEO on how he’s completely reinvigorated the brand

9

Minnie Bird’s cofounder on following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Dave Thomas

10

Smalls Sliders, Walk-Ons founder Brandon Landry shares the playbook to a scalable restaurant

11

Neon Greens' founder on hydroponics and the need for a better supply chain

12

Jollibee's president on the strategies that have helped it to a massive AUV

13

FUSIAN’s cofounder on why, 16 years in, it’s time for a brand refresh

14

How Panda Express leaders created an Asian cuisine juggernaut

15

Black Rock Coffee Bar CEO’s tips on winning in the booming beverage category

16

A leading economist on consumer trends, labor, and reasons to be optimistic

17

Dog Haus CEO on how unique new franchise model will accelerate growth

18

Piada’s co-CEO on why now is the time to grow — 16 years after launch

19

Everytable’s founder on the keys to keeping prices low

20

Mellow Mushroom’s EVP on transforming the pizza experience

21

Firebirds CEO Steve Kislow on the tools beyond price that create value

22

Mendocino Farms CEO and CMO on building the future of fast casual

23

Whataburger CEO Debbie Stroud on the benefits of leading like a family

24

84 Hospitality founder Rachel Cope on 5 elements that go into a great restaurant experience

25

Future restaurant trends to watch, according to this global expert

26

Honeygrow’s founder on the brand reset that sparked consistent growth

27

Layne’s Chicken Fingers CEO on the incredible runway for chicken chains

28

FB Society CEO Jack Gibbons on the recipe for developing a successful new restaurant

29

Chili’s CEO, pt 2: Kevin Hochman on the key ingredients to brand transformation

30

Chili’s CEO, pt 1: Kevin Hochman on the leadership traits necessary for business success

31

Freddy’s CEO on the best way to know how to optimize your restaurants

32

Counter Service CEO on how he and Steve Ells plan to disrupt sandwich industry

33

P.F. Chang’s CEO on how to jumpstart a struggling chain

34

Pineapple Hospitality Group’s founder and head chef on the power of treating guests like family

35

National Restaurant Association CEO on what restaurant leaders should expect from 2026

36

Sweetfin’s cofounder on why they gave the menu a huge facelift

37

The h.wood Group founders on using exclusive experiences to drive business

38

BONUS: How to work with social media influencers in 2026

39

Ruby Slipper’s cofounder on how it becomes cornerstone for its communities

40

Cameron Mitchell on how great hospitality leads to industry-leading AUVs

41

First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso on inspiring culture and leadership among your team

42

Nothing Bundt Cakes CEO on how it topped America’s Favorite Chains list two years running

43

Sunny Street Cafe president on nailing the fundamentals of menu, service

44

2026 marketing trends, from food influencers to AI

45

Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright on his career, leadership, and goals for the chain

46

Roots Natural Kitchen CEO on defying the narrative of the slop bowl

47

Flynn Group founder Greg Flynn on why he’s finally betting on an emerging chain

48

Big Dave’s founder on launching a successful cheesesteak chain out of a gas station

49

Habit Burger CEO Shannon Hennessy on the need to be quick and nimble in a fast-changing industry

50

Philz Coffee CEO on the artisanal niche its carving in the category

51

&pizza CEO Mike Burns on cutting prices and playing the long game

52

CAVA CEO Brett Schulman shares the blueprint for the chain’s early growth

53

Domino's CEO Russell Weiner on how the company became the No. 1 pizza chain in the world

54

Domino’s CMO Kate Trumbull on the right way to change a brand

55

A chef and social media expert explain the power of chef-generated content

56

Wild Wing Café CEO on how to navigate through bankruptcy

57

Barry Bagel’s president on scaling a business as a second-generation owner

58

Onigilly’s founder on knowing when it’s time for a brand reset

59

Hawkers’ cofounder on averting disaster and scoring a new chance at growth

60

Mooyah’s new president shares tips on how operational excellence drives restaurant success

61

FiiZ Drinks president Scott Ball on sustaining dirty soda’s momentum

62

Darden CEO Rick Cardenas on how he went from bus boy to the board room of the same company

63

Luna Grill’s cofounder and CEO on steps to take ahead of scaling a brand

64

The restaurant operator who is also a social media influencer

65

Everbowl founder Jeff Fenster on disrupting the standard growth model

66

Felipe’s Taqueria co-owner on prioritizing internal growth over unit growth

67

Dutch Bros CEO Christine Barone on leading one of the fastest growing chains in America

68

Chili’s, Wendy’s chefs share tips for making menu items pop on social media

69

Jim ’N Nick’s CEO Larry Ryback on making the switch from full service to fast casual

70

Savory CEO Shauna Smith on the importance of unity, consistency, and optimism in tough times

71

Chef from “The Bear” restaurant on creating memorable experiences

72

Insomnia Cookies’ founder on winning in the booming indulgence category

73

2 KPOT execs share how experiential dining is key to torrid growth pace

74

Mountain Mike’s CEO on thriving in an off year for pizza

75

(Pt. 2) Denny's CEO Kelli Valade on making the brand "America's diner for today's America"

76

Denny’s CEO Kelli Valade on building a successful career by "coloring outside the lines"

77

Pluckers Wing Bar cofounder on how a $12 lunch deal and paid loyalty program drive value

78

Clutch Coffee CEO Darren Spicer on how to stand out in a crowded category

79

Taco John’s CEO Heather Neary on recapturing nostalgic customers

80

Grown founder Shannon Allen on the franchise model that could scale healthy food

81

Philly Pretzel Factory and the power of bulk orders

82

Jamba’s chief brand officer on the art and science of a new store prototype

83

Talkin’ Tacos’ cofounder on the keys to this South Florida chain’s rapid growth

84

How restaurants can take advantage of all this technology, with guest host Jonathan Maze

85

Houston TX Hot Chicken’s Edmond Barseghian on building a restaurant for the social media generation

86

Tony Roma’s CEO Mina Haque on how her law background is helping the chain’s turnaround

87

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner on leadership lessons, vision for chain’s growth

88

Sucré CEO James Vitrano on the challenges of scaling an emerging brand

89

Currito cofounders Joe and John Lanni on adapting a brand around consumer demand

90

Wahlburgers CEO Randy Sharpe on building a brand alongside Mark Wahlberg

91

Sip Fresh founder Sharon Arthofer on building a simple yet innovative franchise

92

Donatos CEO Kevin King on the intersection of innovation and consistency

93

Fogo de Chão CEO Barry McGowan on building one of America’s favorite chains

94

The Granola Bar cofounders on falling forward into growth

95

Twin Peaks CEO Joe Hummel on taking your brand seriously

96

Handel’s CEO and CMO on being good stewards of a heritage brand

97

Tom’s Watch Bar co-CEO Brooks Schaden on elevating the sports bar

98

Vitality Bowls cofounder Tara Gilad on building a superfood franchise

99

Texas Roadhouse CEO Jerry Morgan on what makes the brand so iconic

100

Gastamo Group’s Peter Newlin on building great casual concepts