Host Jerry White talks with Don Fox about how changing consumer habits affect the fast-casual industry and how to use new technology to keep up and keep growing. 

Our guest Don Fox is Chief Executive Officer of Firehouse of America, LLC, in which he leads the strategic growth of Firehouse Subs, one of America’s leading fast casual restaurant brands. Under his leadership, the brand has grown to more than 1,170 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, and is recognized as one of the best franchises in the country.

• [01:52] - Adjusting to fewer dine-In visits 
• [04:31] - Paying attention to the off-premises experience
• [07:14] - Coca-Cola Freestyle and brand partnerships
• [10:45] - How to track a customer base 
• [15:09] - How the disruption in traditional retail affects the restaurant industry
• [17:48] - Is third-party delivery additive to the restaurant industry?
• [23:55] - Designing restaurants for the new consumer 
• [35:58] - The challenges of delivery-only concepts
• [39:44] - Franchise arrangements and defining trade areas
• [45:10] - Non-traditional locations
• [46:40] - Tips for success in a competitive business

To find about more about Don Fox and Firehouse Subs, check out the links below:

• Don Fox on Linkedin 
• Firehouse Subs

Our host, Jerry White, has worked in operations, in foodservice distribution, and then in media sales, holding top sales and management positions with several leading food media companies during the past 35+ years. Jerry joined the team at Plate magazine in early 2010 as associate publisher, and continues in that role providing solutions and opportunities for manufacturers and organizations as they anticipate tomorrow’s industry challenges. 

This episode was sponsored by Sage Intacct, a leading provider of restaurant accounting and financial solutions. Sage Intacct helps their restaurant customers reduce time, cost and resources on tedious financial processes so they can focus on servicing customers and growing their businesses. Learn more about how Sage Intacct restaurant customers make smarter decisions with critical visibility into business performance by visiting www.sageintacct.com/hospitality.

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This podcast episode was produced by Dante32.