The Pineapple Perspective

In this week's episode, Troy Hooper appears as a guest on The Local Marketing Lab to discuss brand growth, franchise expansion, and modern marketing strategies through the lens of hospitality. Hooper shares how staying visible through podcasts, social platforms, and industry conversations allows him to give back while staying closely connected to emerging operators and multi-unit franchise groups. He outlines the rapid global expansion of Pepper Lunch, highlighting its proof-of-concept success in the U.S., low-labor operating model, simplified equipment needs, and strong appeal to younger demographics seeking experiential dining. The conversation explores how Pepper Lunch approaches both B2B and consumer marketing, emphasizing diversified storytelling across email, LinkedIn, trade publications, and search. Hooper explains why direct email and LinkedIn currently drive the most qualified franchise interest, while organic media and user-generated content fuel awareness. He also discusses the growing importance of platforms like TikTok and Snapchat as discovery engines, particularly for under-35 consumers, and why brands must optimize for search and social simultaneously. The episode closes with personal insights into Hooper's unconventional background and a reminder that authentic, shareable experiences remain one of the most powerful drivers of brand growth. Topics Discussed in the Episode Building brand visibility through podcasts and industry engagement Pepper Lunch global growth and U.S. franchise expansion strategy Low-labor operating models and experiential fast casual dining B2B versus consumer marketing channel performance User-generated content and social platforms as discovery engines Connect with Justin Ulrich at Evocalize: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justinculrich/ Website: www.evocalize.com  Evocalize Social Handle: @evocalize on all platforms https://www.linkedin.com/company/evocalize  https://www.facebook.com/evocalize  https://www.instagram.com/evocalize/  https://x.com/evocalize https://www.youtube.com/@evocalize https://www.tiktok.com/@evocalize  Podcast: evocalize.com/resource-center/local-marketing-lab-podcast/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Carin Stutz, a longtime restaurant executive whose leadership spans quick service, casual dining, fast casual, and global operations. Stutz defines hospitality as genuine connection, something felt immediately through first impressions, authentic greetings, and the way guests are welcomed and thanked. From her current vantage point in board work, consulting, and leadership development, she emphasizes a renewed focus on culture, leadership training, and restoring pride in restaurant careers. Stutz also reflects on what she would do differently, particularly holding marketing more accountable to traffic and same-store sales outcomes—and encourages operators to broaden their business fluency, including cash flow and balance sheet fundamentals. Hooper connects these ideas to modern operating realities like third-party delivery and rising guest expectations, sharing how Pepper Lunch redesigned front-of-house staffing to increase hospitality while adopting technology through kiosks and a dedicated "hospitality host" role. The conversation closes with optimism about emerging leaders, a shifting dynamic that elevates franchisee partnership, and Stutz's work with Gleam Network to mentor, develop, and promote career pathways for restaurant professionals. Topics Discussed in the Episode Defining hospitality through genuine connection and first impressions Leadership training, retention challenges, and culture in restaurant teams High tech and high touch service strategies in fast casual and QSR Franchisee–franchisor dynamics and the role of franchisees in brand growth Financial literacy for operators, cash flow thinking, and lessons from industry bankruptcies Connect with Carin Stutz: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carin-stutz-832b766/  This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with franchise attorney Leslie Curran of Plave Koch PLC (Falls Church, Virginia) for a practical conversation on how strong legal guidance supports long-term brand health especially in restaurant franchising. Curran explains what "hospitality" looks like in a legal-services context: listening closely, understanding a client's business goals, and meeting operators where they are.  From there, the discussion moves into common franchising mistakes, starting with emerging brands that franchise without a clear growth plan, accept geographically distant franchisees without operational support systems, or bring on early franchisees who aren't qualified or culturally aligned simply to grow faster. Curran also highlights founder-led blind spots—where lack of self-awareness or resistance to outside expertise creates avoidable problems—and urges brands to be selective with vendors and contracts, not just sales pitches. For larger, established franchisors, the conversation centers on what fuels franchisee conflict: "take it or leave it" attitudes, weak transparency, and leadership that ignores patterns of franchisee complaints until issues escalate into litigation or independent associations. Curran points to mature brands that do this well by keeping open communication channels (committees, councils, roadshows, conferences) and addressing unit economics and operational pressures directly.  Curran also touches on how other franchise sectors often adopt and test technology faster than restaurants particularly by involving franchisees earlier in pilots.  Curran closes with her client-first approach to regulatory and transactional work (including annual FDD updates) and a reminder for us to use true franchise specialists, plus a note on franchise-law exemptions that can reduce compliance costs and speed up deal timelines when used correctly. Topics Discussed in the Episode Hospitality as empathy in legal services Building a franchise growth strategy before selling franchises Franchisee qualification and long-term fit decisions Founder blind spots and when to bring in third-party help Transparency and franchisee communication in mature franchise systems Connect with Leslie Curran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-curran-28b877b  https://plavekoch.com/attorney/curran-leslie-d/  https://plavekoch.com/    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper talks with Ricky Richardson, CEO of Eggs Up Grill, about what hospitality looks like in practice and what it takes to scale a franchise brand without losing the culture that made it successful.  Richardson shares lessons from a 35+ year career spanning Black-Eyed Pea and TGI Fridays, then explains why he chose a smaller, high-growth environment at Eggs Up Grill. He breaks down what's fueling momentum in the breakfast/brunch category, how Eggs Up Grill positions itself with everyday affordability, speed, and a "uniquely friendly" experience, and why those pillars are resonating in a cautious consumer environment.  The conversation continues on operational discipline in franchising, brand clarity, franchisee profitability, and consistent execution, plus a practical approach to technology adoption that favors simple, scalable solutions (including POS standardization and tools that support operators without adding complexity). Topics Discussed in the Episode Defining hospitality as creating positive guest experiences Career lessons from legacy brands and applying them in a growth concept Why breakfast and brunch concepts are expanding and winning demand Protecting brand DNA and culture while scaling a franchise system Practical technology strategy for franchise operations and speed of service Connect with Ricky Richardson: https://eggsupgrill.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-richardson-971b0012  https://www.linkedin.com/company/eggs-up-grill  https://www.facebook.com/eggsupgrill/ https://www.instagram.com/eggs_up_grill/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

077: Scaling Pepper Lunch: Global Growth, Consistency, and Consumer Insight with Troy Hooper on Grounded In this week's episode, Troy is a guest on Grounded. He shares an inside look at the rapid growth and operational strategy behind Pepper Lunch as the brand expands across North America and beyond. He discusses the differentiators that drew him to Pepper Lunch, including its experiential fast-casual model, simplified operations, strict ingredient sourcing, and global brand consistency. Troy explains how the company approaches supply chain management, from building its own procurement arm to optimizing redundancy and quality control across 17+ countries.  He also gets into the challenges of scaling like real estate constraints, global tariffs, and maintaining operational standards, and describes how Pepper Lunch's kiosk model, hospitality host strategy, and data-driven consumer insights are transforming customer experience and sales performance. Troy closes with broader industry trends around AI, labor, menu development, and cultural leadership, offering a direct look at what he believes is shaping the next generation of restaurant operations. Topics Discussed in the Episode Pepper Lunch's global expansion strategy and brand differentiators Supply chain structure, procurement approach, and vendor redundancy Operational decisions around ingredient sourcing and product consistency Experiential dining model, kiosk adoption, and hospitality host integration Real estate challenges, regulatory risk, and long-term scaling considerations Connect with Lauren Mitchell of Grounded: https://www.instagram.com/producealliance/?hl=en Transistor:  https://www.groundedonthepod.com/ Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033 Amazon Music:  https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460 iHeart Radio:  https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/ Podchaser:   https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267 Stitcher:  https://www.pandora.com/browse/podcasts?source=stitcher-sunset. YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast https://x.com/ProduceAlliance https://www.linkedin.com/company/produce-alliance-llc./ https://www.instagram.com/producealliance/?hl=en "   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.   

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper joins as the guest on Zaller Talk to share an in-depth look at his career path, the evolution of his consulting practice, and his executive role leading global expansion for Pepper Lunch. He discusses how his early exposure to hospitality, construction, and entrepreneurship shaped his operating philosophy, as well as how experiences in culinary arts, maritime work, and corporate leadership at Procter & Gamble influenced his approach to business.    Troy walks through the rapid growth of Pepper Lunch worldwide, the strategic model behind Kiwi Restaurant Partners, and current market conditions impacting operators—particularly in California. He also offers grounded advice for new hospitality entrepreneurs on capital, mentorship, industry engagement, and building authentic, scalable brands. Topics Discussed in the Episode From consulting to becoming CEO of Pepper Lunch North America and Co-CEO globally The global footprint and growth strategy of Pepper Lunch Troy's early background in hospitality and entrepreneurship The evolution of Kiwi Restaurant Partners  Expansion challenges and regulatory pressures affecting California restaurant operators Strategic considerations for hospitality entrepreneurs Connect with Anthony Zaller of Zaller Talk: Website: www.zallerlaw.com Blog – California Employment Law Report: www.californiaemploymentlawreport.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyzaller/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6zpZovQKMeZ5l2DYL0nh3q?si=0df7a5bc45f44743 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-legal-lineup-with-anthony-zaller/id1405859405 Prosper Forum Website: https://www.prosperforum.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prosper-forum/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.   

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Jim Bitticks, President and COO of Dave's Hot Chicken, for a deep conversation on leadership, hospitality, team building, and the operational foundations behind some of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the industry. Jim shares how his early experiences from Jack in the Box to Rally's to Carl's Jr., shaped a service philosophy rooted in humility, empathy, and getting to "yes."    He discusses the long-standing team relationships that have followed him across multiple brands, the disciplined but human-centered training systems that enabled rapid scale, and the cultural principles that make growth sustainable. Jim also offers insight into Dave's Hot Chicken's trajectory following its billion-dollar investment, the brand's global expansion efforts, and why strong teams, clear brand ethos, and pride in the work continue to be the drivers of long-term success. Topics Discussed in the Episode Jim's definition of hospitality and early service influences Career path from Jack in the Box to leading major fast-casual brands Building cohesive teams and retaining talent across multiple companies Key operational principles that enable rapid restaurant growth Dave's Hot Chicken's expansion strategy and post-acquisition outlook Connect with Jim Bitticks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bitticks-cfe-0bb37515  https://daveshotchicken.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/daveshotchicken  https://www.instagram.com/daveshotchicken/ https://www.tiktok.com/@daveshotchicken https://www.facebook.com/ToLiveandFryInLA https://www.youtube.com/@DavesHotChickenOfficial  This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.   

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper appears as a guest on the Single Tree Nation podcast, hosted by Charlie Eblen of Single Tree Wood Fire Barbecue. Troy shares his journey from bussing tables at Bennigan's to becoming CEO of Kiwi Restaurant Partners and the North American CEO of Pepper Lunch, a major international franchise.  The conversation dives into his hospitality philosophy, his thoughts on leadership and technology in foodservice, and the importance of maintaining genuine human connection in a fast-evolving restaurant landscape. Troy also discusses the rise of imported franchise brands, the balance between hospitality and automation, and how restaurateurs can build community digitally and in person. The episode wraps with reflections on legacy, mentorship, and the enduring influence of Anthony Bourdain. Topics Discussed in the Episode Troy's early days in hospitality and career growth through the industry The role of Kiwi Restaurant Partners in scaling restaurant brands Launching and developing the Pepper Lunch franchise in North America Balancing restaurant technology adoption with authentic hospitality The importance of community-building in digital and physical spaces Connect with Charlie Eblen & Single Tree Nation: www.singletreebbq.com https://www.singletreebbq.com/podcast https://www.singletreebbq.com/store https://www.facebook.com/SingleTreeBBQ https://www.instagram.com/singletreebbq https://twitter.com/EblenCharlie https://www.tiktok.com/@stbbq https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcdltRbqsUtVD_7gABvZ5lA?app=desktop https://www.linkedin.com/company/single-tree-bbq This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.   

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper interviews Adam Sanders, CEO of Killer Burger, to explore how a finance executive transitioned into leading a fast-casual burger brand through strategic franchising and customer experience innovation. Adam shares his path from valuation consulting to beverage partnerships at Anheuser-Busch before joining Killer Burger as CFO and eventually stepping into the CEO role.  The conversation touches on how Killer Burger maintains its rebellious, community-focused ethos while scaling responsibly, the importance of supporting franchisees, and how evolving customer expectations influence menu and service design. Adam also discusses the challenges of balancing growth with infrastructure, offering insights for emerging brand leaders navigating expansion. Topics Discussed in the Episode: Adam's career shift from finance to foodservice leadership How Killer Burger defines and delivers hospitality Strategic franchising and brand evolution Balancing culture and systems in multi-unit growth Forecasting responsible growth in emerging markets Connect with Adam Sanders: www.killerburger.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcharlessanders  https://www.instagram.com/killerburger/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/19094917/admin/dashboard/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv22AUfJpNGgUiqipQgZ7iQ https://twitter.com/KillerBurger https://www.facebook.com/EatKillerBurger/   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Mijo Alanis, founder and franchisor of Beyond Juicery + Eatery. Mijo shares his journey from dishwasher to successful brand builder, offering candid insight into the realities of starting, scaling, and franchising a health-focused restaurant concept. He reflects on lessons learned from decades in the restaurant business, the mindset shift required to become a franchisor, and how hospitality has evolved into something deeper than just good service. Mijo also highlights the challenges of growth, including maintaining quality, embracing new technology like HPP, and building a team that can carry the brand forward. With 50 locations and more on the way, Beyond Juicery + Eatery stands as a testament to purpose-driven entrepreneurship and the power of listening to your customers. Topics Discussed in the Episode: Mijo's early years in the restaurant industry and path to entrepreneurship The founding and evolution of Beyond Juicery + Eatery Transitioning from operator to franchisor with a service mindset The role of innovation, from HPP tech to scalable systems How hospitality and customer connection drive long-term success   Connect with Mijo Alanis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mijo-alanis-942990141/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-juicery-eatery  https://beyondjuiceryeatery.com/  http://instagram.com/beyondjuiceryeatery https://www.facebook.com/pg/Beyondjuiceryeatery https://www.tiktok.com/discover/beyond-juicery-eatery   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper speaks with David Youngberg, CEO of Stonefire Grill, about what it truly means to lead with hospitality. With decades of experience in restaurant operations—from his early days at McDonald's to senior leadership at BJ's and now Stonefire—David offers grounded insights on building a people-first culture. He shares how Stonefire is refining its guest experience through technology, team empowerment, and a clear vision for growth. From improving internal communication to acting on customer feedback, David breaks down the strategic choices that make Stonefire's service model both scalable and personal. Topics Discussed in the Episode David's leadership journey from BJ's Restaurants to Stonefire Grill The people-first philosophy behind Stonefire's operations Using stakeholder input to guide strategic initiatives Leveraging tech tools like Toast and Ovation to enhance service Creating a high-performance culture through servant leadership Connect with David Youngberg: www.stonefiregrill.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dyoungberg  www.instagram.com/tridavetri  https://www.linkedin.com/company/stonefire-grill-inc https://www.instagram.com/stonefiregrill/?hl=en https://twitter.com/stonefiregrill?lang=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWywdImCs66xn62mktbA5IA https://www.facebook.com/stonefiregrill/    This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy sits down with Rob Ertmann, CEO of Mo'Betta's Hawaiian-style restaurant chain. With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Rob shares the brand's growth journey from 22 to 68 stores in four years, its partnership with Savory Fund, and its recent acquisition by Blue Marlin and Tribe.  The conversation focuses on operational excellence, cultural authenticity, and the importance of simplicity in menu design. Rob outlines how Mo'Betta's has preserved its Hawaiian roots while scaling rapidly, discusses the pivotal role of the general manager, and highlights how defining team values such as humility, kindness, and hunger has contributed to the company's strong internal culture.  Topics Discussed in the Episode The growth and evolution of Mo'Betta's from 22 to 68 stores Maintaining cultural authenticity during rapid scale Why simplicity in menu design supports operations and margins Hiring for values over resumes and building internal leadership Learning from team feedback and staying humble in decision-making Connect with Rob Ertmann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ertmann-61b93927  http://www.mobettahs.com  https://mobettahs.com/about/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/mo-bettahs  https://www.instagram.com/mobettahs/?hl=en  https://www.facebook.com/Mobettahs/  https://www.tiktok.com/@mobettahs This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper sits down with Guy Weiss, tech entrepreneur and founder of ZenZap, to discuss how workplace communication is evolving—especially in the hospitality industry. Guy shares his journey from cybersecurity to launching a purpose-built messaging platform designed for frontline teams in fast-paced environments like restaurants and franchises. The conversation explores the high cost of chaotic communication, including burnout, security risks, and productivity loss, and outlines why existing tools like WhatsApp, Slack, and iMessage fall short. With ZenZap, Weiss aims to create a structured, mobile-first communication experience that reduces friction, supports onboarding and turnover, and enables operators to scale effectively. Topics Discussed in the Episode Why personal messaging tools create problems in hospitality operations The hidden costs of "always-on" work culture and notification fatigue Security and privacy risks from unregulated group chats The challenge of onboarding and offboarding in high-turnover environments How ZenZap creates structured, simple, and effective team communication Connect with Guy Weiss: https://zenzap.co  https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-weiss-77088589/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/zenzap https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDSHmeJ3X_nuqEVzLq9SAQ https://www.facebook.com/Zenzap.messaging https://www.instagram.com/zenzapapp/ https://www.g2.com/products/zenzap/reviews https://www.capterra.com/p/10018942/Zenzap/  https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbespr/2016/02/29/forbes-israel-announces-its-30-under-30-list/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper interviews Jim Balis, partner of Strategic Operations Group at Capitol Spring. They delve into how hospitality can be delivered effectively in the fast-casual and QSR space. Jim shares thoughts and insights on the future of loyalty programs, automation, and customization in the industry. Here are a few key topics discussed:   - Importance of hospitality in different segments of the restaurant industry   - Implementing technology to improve labor efficiency   - Enhancing the guest experience through automation and customization   - The future of loyalty programs in the industry Connect with Jim at the following links: www.capitalspring.com ​​https://www.linkedin.com/company/capitalspring www.sizzlingplatter.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/sizzling-platter-llc/ https://www.instagram.com/sizzlingplatterllc/  https://www.ilovelulus.com/  https://www.instagram.com/lulusfinepizza  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090559873514   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper speaks with Laura Wilber, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Dinova, about the business dining landscape and how restaurants can tap into the lucrative market of corporate dining.  Laura shares her journey from custom boot fitting and radio ad sales to becoming a trusted partner for over 600 global companies through Dinova's extensive restaurant network. She highlights the impact of corporate travelers on midweek traffic, growing trends in catering, and how experiential dining and entertainment options like pickleball and mini golf are shaping team-building events. The conversation also dives into the economic realities of restaurant operations today and the importance of providing a seamless, responsive experience for corporate clients. Topics Discussed in the Episode Laura's path from radio advertising to strategic partnerships at Dinova What hospitality means in both business and personal life Business dining trends and insights from Dinova's upcoming report How corporate clients are driving growth in catering and team events The role of responsiveness and communication in winning corporate dining business Connect with Laura Wilber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramwilber  www.dinova.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/dinova https://www.instagram.com/dinova_marketplace/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw1cY4n9zQtzr9NEyEROC-Q https://www.facebook.com/Dinovanetwork/   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper sits down with tech industry veteran Davi Dubinski, co-founder at Momos. They unpack the critical role of customer data and engagement tools in today's hospitality landscape. Davi shares his journey from international relations and ad tech to co-building a platform designed to streamline guest feedback and lifecycle marketing for restaurants. The conversation dives into the challenges of fragmented systems, the operational and financial benefits of centralized intelligence, and how brands like Pepper Lunch are using data to recover dissatisfied customers, drive repeat visits, and build community. With real examples and performance metrics, this episode offers actionable insights for hospitality leaders looking to understand their guests better and scale with intention. Topics Discussed in the Episode Davi's background in advertising tech and path to founding Momos The complexity of customer data across fragmented hospitality systems How Momos supports feedback, recovery, and loyalty from a single platform Leveraging surveys and review platforms to generate insights and engagement Real-world results from using integrated data for smarter operations Connect with Davi Dubinski: http://www.momos.com https://www.facebook.com/momos.restaurants https://www.instagram.com/momos.restaurants https://www.linkedin.com/company/momos-com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-dubinski-88471a54/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper welcomes Mehdi Zarhloul, founder of Crazy Pita, to discuss the evolution of hospitality, business resilience, and brand-building in the restaurant industry. From humble beginnings as a teenage immigrant to becoming a multi-concept restaurant operator and franchisee, Mehdi shares his journey, philosophy, and the values that guide his team. He emphasizes kindness, sincerity, and consistency in customer service while integrating technology to streamline operations.    The conversation covers overcoming COVID-19 challenges, expanding into Walmart locations with micro-concepts, and embracing social media as a personal and professional branding tool. With humor and candor, Mehdi illustrates how community engagement and strong systems can fuel sustainable growth in a tough market. Topics Discussed in the Episode The foundational role of sincerity and kindness in hospitality Mehdi's journey from Casablanca to launching Crazy Pita in Las Vegas Navigating operational challenges during COVID-19 and adapting through technology Expanding through Walmart micro-concepts and launching new virtual brands Leveraging social media and personal branding for business growth Connect with Mehdi Zarhloul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-zarhloul-39625916  https://www.instagram.com/mehdi.zarhloul/  www.crazypita.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/crazypita/ https://www.instagram.com/eatcrazypita/ https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.pita http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crazy-Pita/45151338236  www.thechickengenius.com  https://www.tiktok.com/@chicken.genius/  https://www.instagram.com/Chickengeniss/  www.thesaladmadness.com  https://www.instagram.com/salad.madness/ https://www.tiktok.com/@salad.madness/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper welcomes Kathleen Wood—industry veteran, consultant, and founder of Kathleen Wood Partners—for a dynamic conversation about hospitality, founder-led businesses, and the future of leadership in the restaurant space. Kathleen shares her journey from dishwasher to CEO, discusses the philosophy behind transforming transactions into human connections, and offers practical insights on building scalable, founder-led companies.  The two dive deep into the evolution of hospitality, the importance of blending digital and physical experiences ("phygital"), and why the next wave of growth in restaurants will be driven by leadership development, not just technology. Kathleen also highlights recurring challenges she helps brands solve—like operational absorption and leadership gaps—and why staying curious across industries is essential for innovation. Topics Discussed in the Episode Kathleen's early career and inspiration for entering the restaurant industry Founder-led growth and the Power of One framework Applying cross-industry best practices to hospitality The shift toward "phygital" guest experiences Addressing the leadership deficit in restaurant operations Connect with Kathleen Wood: Email: Kathleen@kwoodpartners.com  Website: kwoodpartners.com  Facebook: Facebook.com/KathleenWoodPartners  Instagram: Instagram.com/Kwpfounders  LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/KathleenWoodPartners   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper sits down with Andrew K. Smith, co-founder and managing partner of the Savory Fund. They explore the principles of servant leadership, authentic partnership in franchising, and how discipline, transparency, and an abundance mindset can shape the future of the hospitality industry. Andrew shares lessons from both tech and restaurant sectors, emphasizes the importance of operational excellence before scaling, and outlines how the Savory Fund supports emerging restaurant brands not just with capital, but with people and systems. Topics Discussed in the Episode The difference between lifestyle and legacy businesses How hospitality fosters a sense of belonging The importance of sharing failures and building trust Savory Fund's operating model and investment criteria Franchising philosophy and building true partnerships Connect with Andrew Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewksmithsavoryfund https://savoryfund.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/savoryfund https://www.instagram.com/andrewksmith/  https://www.instagram.com/savoryfund/ instagram.com/savoryrestaurantfund/  https://restaurantologysummit.com/  https://open.spotify.com/show/4BqfX79kiM9uy53yfcaxnA   This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. 

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper talks with Cameron McNie, co-founder and executive chairman of Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, about leading with values in the fast casual restaurant space. Cameron shares how he and his brother have scaled the brand from its roots in Kansas City to more than 60 locations while prioritizing employee well-being and embedding the Aloha spirit into every aspect of the business.  His approach includes fully covered healthcare for key employees, creating "winnable policies," and rethinking digital customer experience through intentional hospitality design. The conversation also touches on growth strategy, delivery challenges, and how staying grounded in values supports long-term scalability. Topics Discussed in the Episode: Building employee-first culture with full healthcare coverage Creating "winnable policies" that align employer and employee goals Adapting hospitality to digital and delivery-based service models Rapid franchise expansion and growth strategy Embedding the Aloha spirit into operations and customer experience Connect with Cameron McNie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-mcnie-8524a91a2/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawaiian-bros/  https://www.instagram.com/hawaiianbros/ https://www.facebook.com/HawaiianBros https://twitter.com/hawaiianbros https://www.tiktok.com/@hawaiianbros?lang=en This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.