FAST CASUAL - A podcast series by LANDED

Hosted by LANDED

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Sep 2025

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About the show

Every restaurant has a story. Learn the playbooks that built the world’s greatest restaurants — and how you can apply them as a founder, owner, operator, or investor.

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60 recent

September 23, 202524 min

Operationalizing Security in Hiring Tech

In this special episode of the LANDED podcast, CEO Vivian speaks with Vladik Rikhter, cofounder of Watchpoint Labs, about the critical importance of security in hiring processes. They discuss common blind spots in data security, the significance of identity management, and how to operationalize security in hiring tech. Listen in to an engaging discussion on how restaurant and hospitality brands must balance candidate experience with robust security measures to build trust and protect sensitive data.

April 23, 202532 min

Reinventing a Legacy: Employer Branding, Innovation, and People-Driven Tech

In this episode, LANDED CEO Vivian Wang sits down with Amanda Hyde, SVP of Operations at Krystal, to talk all things people, leadership, and culture. Amanda shares lessons from her journey in restaurant ops—from honoring legacy brands to driving innovation—and reveals why great guest experiences start with empowered teams. They dive into what it really takes to build a standout culture, attract top talent, and lead with heart in a competitive market. If you're in the business of people (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), this one’s for you.

April 10, 202539 min

Empowering Women in Franchising: Leadership, Resilience, and Innovation with Kelly Gray of Hot Head Burritos

In this episode of Fast Casual, host Miranda Copjec speaks with Kelly Gray, VP and Co-Owner of Hot Head Burritos, about her journey from commercial real estate to restaurant leadership. They discuss the importance of empowering women in hospitality, the unique appeal of Hot Head Burritos, and the significance of understanding customer needs. Kelly shares her insights on the transition between industries, the value of diversity in leadership, and how technology is shaping the future of hospitality. She emphasizes the importance of customer-centric operations and offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders in the hospitality space.Follow Kelly on LinkedInFollow Miranda on LinkedIn

January 15, 202544 min

Legal Insights on AI in Restaurant Hiring with Sarah Kaehler and Alexei Leonard

In this episode, Miranda Copjec chats with Sarah Kaehler and Alexei Leonard, Partners at Golenblock, to discuss the intersection of AI technology and recruitment law in the hospitality industry. They explore how AI can serve as an extension of the workforce, its evolution in employment practices, and the future of AI in the hospitality industry.

December 11, 202442 min

Building Luxury Hospitality Success While Preserving a Family-Centered Culture with Grey Raines

In this conversation, LANDED's Miranda Copjec interviews Gray Raines, managing partner of Raines Hospitality, discussing the growth of the family business, the importance of maintaining a strong company culture, and the challenges of work-life balance in the hospitality industry. Gray shares insights on the role of technology in their growth and how they navigate the evolving landscape of hospitality management. In this conversation, Grey Raines discusses the critical role of human interaction in the hospitality industry, emphasizing how technology should enhance rather than replace personal connections. He shares insights on balancing technology with the personal touch, the importance of leadership shaped by ground-level experience, and offers advice for those looking to scale in the hospitality sector. Raines highlights the significance of building a loyal team and maintaining a people-first culture to ensure success in both luxury and boutique hotel operations. Learn more: LANDED Raines Company

December 4, 202445 min

Building Biscuit Belly with Visionary Lauren Coulter

In this episode of Fast Casual, LANDED's Miranda Copjec interviews Lauren Coulter, owner of Biscuit Belly, discussing her unique journey from pharmacy to the restaurant industry. Lauren shares insights on the growth of Biscuit Belly, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of customer feedback and technology in scaling the business. The conversation highlights the significance of building a strong team and the complexities of the hospitality industry, emphasizing the need for simplicity in operations. In this conversation, Lauren Coulter discusses the intersection of technology and hospitality, emphasizing the importance of embracing new tools for growth. She shares her experiences transitioning from pharmacy to hospitality, highlighting cultural shifts and the significance of customer experience. The discussion also covers the challenges and strategies of franchising, future aspirations for Biscuit Belly, and the critical role of mentorship and team dynamics in achieving success.

November 22, 202437 min

Innovative Recruitment Strategies & Leadership with Jamie Starner

In this episode of Fast Casual, host Miranda Copjec speaks with Jamie Starner, a seasoned leader in talent acquisition. They discuss Jamie's transition from the hospitality industry to the beverage sector, emphasizing the importance of investing in HR teams to enhance employee experience and retention. Jamie shares effective recruitment strategies, the evolution of talent acquisition, and the role of technology, particularly AI, in streamlining HR processes. They also explore creative methods for passive sourcing, the significance of social media in recruitment, and practical steps for building diversity and inclusion within teams.

November 6, 202442 min

Operational Excellence: Innovative Strategies from a Regional Leader

In this episode of Fast Casual, host Miranda Copjec interviews Mark Hauder, Regional Director of Operations at Hoogland Restaurant Group. Mark shares his extensive experience in the pizza industry, discussing his journey from working in restaurants as a child to leading operations for one of the largest franchisees of Marco's Pizza. The conversation covers various themes including the evolution of pizza dining and delivery, the importance of balancing daily operations with long-term strategy, embracing technology, and the significance of mentorship in the restaurant industry. Mark emphasizes the need to keep operations simple and the impact of pricing strategies on customer behavior, providing valuable insights for anyone in the hospitality sector.

October 30, 202445 min

Transformational Strategies for Scaling Efficient QSR Operations

In this episode of Fast Casual, Miranda Copjec interviews Mark Lohmann, CEO of Birdcall, discussing the innovative strategies and leadership lessons that have driven the rapid growth of the fast-casual restaurant brand. Mark shares insights from his extensive experience in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining company culture during expansion, the significance of hiring for values, and the role of technology in enhancing the guest experience. The conversation also touches on the origins of Birdcall as a technology company and the balance between operational processes and adaptability in a growing brand.

October 23, 202440 min

Scaling Success: Building the Crazy Pita Brand with Mehdi Zarhloul

In this episode of Fast Casual, LANDED's Miranda Copjec speaks with Mehdi Zarhloul, CEO and Founder of Crazy Pita. They discuss Crazy Pita's journey from a single location to a growing franchise, emphasizing the importance of hands-on leadership, adapting to change, and maintaining a customer-centric approach. Mehdi shares insights on innovative growth strategies, the role of technology in the restaurant industry, and the significance of building a positive company culture. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring restaurant entrepreneurs looking to scale their operations while staying true to their core values.