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Artwork for QSR Uncut

QSR Uncut

QSR magazine
Franchising
Restaurant Industry
Covid-19
Starbucks
Fast Casual Dining
Customer Service
Customer Experience
Loyalty Programs
QSR Industry
Marketing Strategies
Potbelly
AI In Restaurants
Fast Food Industry
Franchise Development
Fast-Casual Dining
Golden Krust
Food Delivery
Fast Casual
Chick-Fil-a
Restaurant Sector

QSR Uncut is a podcast from the editors of QSR magazine—the leading publication for foodservice owners and operators—that discusses the current state and future of the fast-food restaurant industry. Made for restaurant executives, entrepreneurs, consumers, and leaders, each episode candidly shares expert advice from some of the industry's most insightful leaders.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes386Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EntrepreneurshipBusinessManagement

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Artwork for QSR Uncut

Latest Episodes

DoorDash leader Jeff Frost joins QSR Uncut this week to talk through an increasingly complex digital ecosystem and where operators should begin. How can you manage growth? What channels are top of mind? How do you take control? We chat through custom... more

Brandon Landry joins QSR Uncut this week to discuss what’s ahead for Smalls Sliders, a brand that leapt onto the scene and appears ready to hit its growth stride. We discuss what’s next, what’s driving consumer interest these days, and also take a di... more

All of sudden, bagels are one of the hottest categories in QSR. Let’s meet Tiki Bagel, a St. Pete-based brand that endured early craziness (what else is new in foodservice?) to emerge stronger on the other side. Now, it’s targeting growth via franchi... more

Few restaurant brands have generated as much buzz in recent months as Mike's Red Tacos, a San Diego-founded concept that has hundreds of units lined up through franchising agreements. CDO Patrick Cunningham joins QSR Uncut this week to discuss the ea... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Brandon Landry
CEO of Walk-Ons, founder of Smalls Sliders
Smalls Sliders / Walk-Ons
Episode: Smalls Sliders Plans a Big Leap, with Founder Brandon Landry
PJ Powell
Founder of Tiki Bagel
Tiki Bagel
Episode: Tiki Bagel Joins the Bagel Surge, with Founder PJ Powell
Patrick Cunningham
Chief Development Officer of Mike's Red Tacos
Mike's Red Tacos
Episode: Why Mike's Red Tacos Could Be the Next Big Thing, with CDO Patrick Cunningham
Brian Herr
VP of Braddock at Crunchtime
Crunchtime
Episode: Solving Restaurant Tech Fatigue: Turning Friction Into Flow
Tim Busa
Senior Director of Product Marketing at Crunchtime
Crunchtime
Episode: Solving Restaurant Tech Fatigue: Turning Friction Into Flow
Matt Salts
Co-founder of OLIO Development Group
OLIO Development Group
Episode: Restaurant Development Trends, from Two Ex-Raising Cane’s Operators
Eric Ongaro
Former Raising Cane's Ohio franchisee and development leader
OLIO Development Group (partner at time of discussion)
Episode: Restaurant Development Trends, from Two Ex-Raising Cane’s Operators
Steele Smiley
Co-founder and executive chairman of Crisp & Green
Crisp & Green
Episode: Talking GLP-1s, Wellness, and Crisp & Green’s Next Growth Chapter, with Steele Smiley
Michael Sien
Hospitality-technology veteran turned consultant focused on conference strategy and ROI
Show, consults on conference strategy
Episode: The ROI of Restaurant Conferences: There Has to Be a Better Way, with Michael Sien

Host

Danny Klein
Host and editorial director at QSR magazine; leads discussions with industry leaders on growth, franchising, and technology.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 57 ratings
  • One of the best interviewers in the industry

    Danny is a standout interviewer. He asks thoughtful questions and creates conversations that feel insightful rather than scripted. QSR Uncut is consistently interesting because he lets the conversation breathe with a relaxed and knowledgeable pov. A must-listen for anyone in the restaurant space.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AttorneyDanCallahan
    United States10 months ago
  • Go-to Industry Source

    This show has become my go-to source for restaurant industry insights. Danny has a real talent for asking unique questions that go beyond surface level conversations you may hear everywhere else. His recent episode with ARB CEO Alex Macedo was extremely insightful re: M&A. Essential listening for operators who want to stay at the pulse of what’s happening in the industry. 5/5.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SamDevito
    United Statesa year ago
  • EVP North America, Redgrave

    Danny is an excellent interviewer who knows the QSR world better than anyone and has the ability to really put the subject at ease. A first class podcast and a pleasure to be involved! 👏

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dan Rymer
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Take a Listen & Learn!

    QSR Uncut gives in-depth look inside restaurant industry executives and what’s to come within our space. It’s interesting to hear what people have to say as they continue to grow their brands and learn from previous roles.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PRDivaRachT83
    United Statesa year ago
  • Oddly amateurish

    Is this a professional podcast or something produced out of a guy’s basement? The host sounds like a guy doing his homework on the bus. Very strange to have a podcast produced by a B2B website yet the podcast feels so amateurish.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    shaqfool
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

A first-class podcast with excellent guest experiences and deep industry context.
In-depth look inside restaurant executives and growth stories.
Content quality sometimes challenged by production/editing issues in early episodes.
Danny is a standout interviewer who asks thoughtful questions and guides insightful conversations.
This show is a go-to source for restaurant industry insights with unique questions and practical takeaways.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why Mike's Red Tacos Could Be the Next Big Thing, with CDO Patrick Cunningham
Q: How is the prototype and footprint being designed to support rapid expansion?
A 2,400 square foot prototype with 40-60 seats, emphasis on inline end caps and usable patios, scalable design, and a clear path from design to permitting to opening.
Why Mike's Red Tacos Could Be the Next Big Thing, with CDO Patrick Cunningham
Q: What type of franchise partners is Mike's Red Tacos seeking?
Multi-unit operators, possibly multi-brand groups, with experience in QSR or fast casual, strong real estate networks, and the capability to manage complex operations across markets.
Why Mike's Red Tacos Could Be the Next Big Thing, with CDO Patrick Cunningham
Q: What does your job look like directing development at this inflection point for the brand?
Patrick explains his focus on selecting absolute best partners, building a scalable real estate and design process, and ensuring the franchise program can support rapid growth with strong infrastructure.
Talking GLP-1s, Wellness, and Crisp & Green’s Next Growth Chapter, with Steele Smiley
Q: What is your take on GLP-1 and its potential impact on the restaurant industry?
GLP-1 is likely the start of a broader wellness evolution rather than a single game-changer; its long-term effects will depend on data and subsequent developments, with the macro trend of healthier living persisting beyond any one drug or fad.
Huey Magoo’s and the Rise of a Chicken Powerhouse, with CEO Andy Howard
Q: Can you share how the new drive-through prototype affects costs and ROI for franchisees?
The compact drive-through prototype reduces construction costs while maintaining throughput, aiming for a four-year ROI. It aligns with the shift toward off-premise demand and supports added third-party delivery by enabling smaller, efficient units.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
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Frequently Asked Questions About QSR Uncut

What is QSR Uncut about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A fast-moving interview series focusing on growth, franchising, and technology in the quick-service and fast-casual sector. Expect candid conversations with brand founders, multi-unit operators, marketers, and PR professionals about scaling concepts, unit economics, and the role of AI and data in improving guest experience, labor productivity, and marketing performance. Episodes frequently cover franchising strategies, capital access, brand differentiation, and how leaders navigate mergers, acquisitions, and rapid expansion while maintaining culture and hospitality. A distinctive angle is the mix of operator-focused insights with communications and tech perspectives, making it helpful for operators, franchisees, marketers, and investors see... more

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Which podcasts are similar to QSR Uncut?

These podcasts share a similar audience with QSR Uncut:

1. How I Built This with Guy Raz
2. Founders
3. How Leaders Lead with David Novak
4. The Tim Ferriss Show
5. David Senra

How many episodes of QSR Uncut are there?

QSR Uncut launched 8 years ago and published 386 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact QSR Uncut?

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What guests have appeared on QSR Uncut?

Recent guests on QSR Uncut include:

1. Brandon Landry
2. PJ Powell
3. Patrick Cunningham
4. Brian Herr
5. Tim Busa
6. Matt Salts
7. Eric Ongaro
8. Steele Smiley

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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