Expansion News: New Developments for 2026

We talked a little bit before we began about LinkedIn, and I have actually got a post teed as much as follow this next week about what the playbook is likepoint by pointfor growing a company. To me, among the key things, and I feel really lucky, is that both brands I've been involved with are unique.

And there's nothing exactly like Chop Store in regards to what we're finishing with a big, varied menu. The majority of brands today are extremely singularly focused in regards to what they're providing from a foodstuff. I feel like we began at an advantage with both brands by having something distinct that filled a specific niche nobody else was doing.

A lot of it begins with the brand name. Does your brand have something distinct that no one else is doing?

The 2nd thingI came from a financing background, so a lot of my learnings are more finance and data-driven versus a lot of early start-up restaurateurs who are innovative types. They enjoy the food, they constructed the menu, they built the brand.

They don't understand their breakeven sales. They don't comprehend how margin improves as sales increase. I have actually seen so numerous business where the numbers simply don't work.

Significant Market Milestones Shaping 2026 Growth

If you do not have those two things, you shouldn't be building stores. Since as I hear your description, you have actually highlighted three things: execution, brand differentiation, and financial viability.

Second, you require a compelling brand or special concept that resonates with clients. And another key lesson is about getting in brand-new markets.

However when we broadened to Dallas, I expected brand-new stores to do 5070% of Phoenix sales in the first year. Too many operators presume new markets will open at full volume the first day. That practically never occurs. And when the stores open slow, but you've signed leases and constructed a financial design based upon higher volumes, you get overextended.

Otherwise, they get rose-colored glasses about success in the home market and assume it will equate rapidly. You pointed out expecting 5070% volumes. I have actually even seen cases where it's simply 2530% at launch.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Fast Casual Industry Trends

You require equity sponsors who think in the vision and the group. That's costly, but it develops important mass, develops awareness, and validates above-store management.

And we were fortunate that Dallasour 2nd marketwas likewise where our group lived. Having the whole team in-market to support shops, hire, and ensure culture was huge.

People frequently underestimate how vital group is to scaling. Our team took all the things we hated from previous jobsfeeling underappreciated, underpaid, growth-stifledand built the opposite culture here.

Key Regional Milestones Shaping 2026 Expansion

Otherwise, they get rose-colored glasses about success in the home market and assume it will translate quickly. You discussed expecting 5070% volumes. I have actually even seen cases where it's simply 2530% at launch.

You need equity sponsors who think in the vision and the group. That's expensive, however it develops important mass, builds awareness, and validates above-store leadership.

And we were lucky that Dallasour second marketwas likewise where our group lived. Having the whole group in-market to support shops, hire, and make sure culture was huge.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

People typically ignore how vital team is to scaling. How have you approached structure and scaling your team? This is something I'm truly pleased with. Our group took all the things we hated from previous jobsfeeling underappreciated, underpaid, growth-stifledand built the opposite culture here. We highlight growth state of mind and career pathing.

Otherwise, they get rose-colored glasses about success in the home market and presume it will translate quickly. You mentioned expecting 5070% volumes. That's sobering. I have actually even seen cases where it's just 2530% at launch. It highlights how critical capital structure is. Yes. The majority of little growth ideas like ours rely on equity, not debt.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

The Benefits of Fast Casual Expansion in 2026

You need equity sponsors who believe in the vision and the group. That's costly, but it creates vital mass, builds awareness, and justifies above-store leadership.

And we were fortunate that Dallasour 2nd marketwas likewise where our group lived. Having the entire team in-market to support stores, hire, and make sure culture was big.

Individuals often underestimate how crucial team is to scaling. How have you approached structure and scaling your group? This is something I'm actually pleased with. Our group took all the things we disliked from previous jobsfeeling underappreciated, underpaid, growth-stifledand constructed the opposite culture here. We highlight growth mindset and profession pathing.