Join Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler as they sit down with Stephanie Perdue, VP of Brand Marketing at Chipotle Mexican Grill, to discuss how the fast casual leader is navigating industry challenges. Learn about Chipotle's accelerated menu innovation strategy, including fresh sauces made daily and the new Build Your Own meal for groups. Discover how they're winning back Gen Z through gamification, the Chipotle U rewards program, and transparent food storytelling. Stephanie shares insights on digital transformation with 38% of sales now digital, AI initiatives empowering crew members, and the strategic roadmap for 2026 amid industrywide headwinds. #FastCasual #RestaurantIndustry #Chipotle Episode Highlights 0:00 - Intro & fast casual overview 0:19 - Economic shifts & traffic decline 0:46 - Guest: Stephanie Perdue, VP of Brand at Chipotle 1:17 - Rise of “micro meals” & snacking trend 3:10 - How fast casual brands are adapting 4:20 - Gen Z habits & fewer restaurant visits 5:12 - Inside Chipotle’s marketing & menu innovation 7:46 - Gen Z’s love for bold flavor & customization 8:00 - New family meal concept & digital ordering 10:05 - Convenience for families & busy lifestyles 12:00 - Connecting with Gen Z through rewards & authenticity 13:49 - Balancing quality, value, and rising costs 14:38 - Using creators to highlight real ingredients 15:55 - Portion size debate & customer perception 17:34 - Rewards, nutrition goals & app experience 19:46 - Listening to customers & TikTok hacks 20:30 - New sauces & flavor innovation Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit https://www.savor.fm/ Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights. Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory
