The state of fast casual, according to one of its OGs

In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Louis Basile, founder of the Arizona-based fast-casual Wildflower. Wildflower is one of the OGs in the fast-casual industry, as Louis founded the concept in 1995 when most people didn’t even know the term “fast casual” and brands like Chipotle and Panera Bread were years from becoming household names. Since then, he’s expanded it to 16 locations, all in Arizona, and he’s refined the model to emphasize high-quality menu items and a strong focus on hospitality. Louis joined the podcast to talk about how the fast-casual industry has evolved in the past three decades and what keeps him up at night as he continues to drive the business forward. In this conversation, you’ll find out why:Even small innovations can grow into game-changing revolutions Fast casual is like fine dining but giving the guest their time backFast casual is a cross section of American consumers who still expect hospitalityRestaurant operators should be more worried about the future of supply Everyday affordability is the first thing you should worry about when growing your brandYour building costs have to be in line with your value propositionBy teaching your people to communicate and receive feedback, you can unlock their potential  <br/>Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.