Join hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler as they kick off 2026 with CAVA Co-Founder and CEO Brett Schulman for an in-depth conversation about navigating today's challenging restaurant landscape. Schulman reveals why CAVA eliminated digital tipping while paying workers top wages, how the brand has achieved 20% traffic growth while competitors struggle, and their strategy of keeping menu prices 50% lower than industry averages. Learn about CAVA's ambitious expansion plans for 2026, their human-centered approach to AI and automation, and why Mediterranean cuisine is perfectly positioned at the intersection of health, wellness, and bold flavors. This episode is packed with actionable insights for restaurant operators looking to thrive in an uncertain economy.<br /><br />#FastCasualNation #RestaurantIndustry #CAVARestaurant<br /><br />Become a supporter of this podcast: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss">https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fast-casual-nation--3598490/support</a>.<br /><br />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 <a href="https://www.savor.fm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/</a><br /><br />Capital &amp; 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 &amp; 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.<br /><br />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 <a href="https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.savor.fm/capital-advisory</a>