The Benefits of Fast Casual Expansion in 2026

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

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

You need equity sponsors who think in the vision and the team. Another lesson: you require to open four to 6 shops in a brand-new market within 2 to 3 years. That's costly, however it creates emergency, constructs awareness, and validates above-store leadership. Without it, you stay sluggish and unprofitable.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

At Chop Shop, we deliberately built strong bases in Phoenix and Dallas. That offered us the profitability to stand up to slow starts in Houston and Atlanta. And we were fortunate that Dallasour second marketwas also where our group lived. Having the entire team in-market to support shops, hire, and ensure culture was big.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Hospitality Sector Trends Redefining 2026

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