QSR June 2023

June

TABLE OF CONT ENT S J UNE

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QSR / LIMITED-SERVICE, UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

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16 FRANCHISE FORWARD So You Want to Be a Franchisor? Some franchisees are learning what it’s like to run a brand from the top. BY SATYNE DONER 61 INNOVATE

25 YL YOUNG LEADERS TO WATCH

Chipotle Goes Ghost The restaurant leader taps into one of the industry’s biggest trends. BY SATYNE DONER

I N S I G H T

11 FRESH IDEAS Smoothie Success Doesn't Rest

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The segment is filling with competitors ready to grow. BY SAM DANLEY 14 ONES TO WATCH Cupbop The emerging fast casual wants to put Korean cuisine on a national stage. BY SAM DANLEY 64 START TO FINISH Shawn Lalehzarian The Red Chickz founder tells his journey from Iranian immigrant to rising restaurateur.

THE INDUSTRY’S FUTURE IS IN GOOD HANDS WITH SEVERAL YOUNG STARS, INCLUDING DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT'S SIMONE SMITH (BOTTOM RIGHT), PLAYA BOWLS’ ABBY TAYLOR (TOP RIGHT), AND VIRTUAL DINING CONCEPTS’ ROBBIE EARL.

VIRTUAL DINING CONCEPTS / RICH POLK, PLAYA BOWLS, DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT

18 25 Young Leaders to Watch BY QSR STAFF The food and beverage sector is filled with youthful bright minds eager to make a significant impact.

34 Concessions of The Future BY SAM DANLEY Accelerated by COVID, multiple tech upgrades are boosting the fan experience.

42 Loud and Krystal Clear BY BEN COLEY After decades of operations, the legacy restaurant is finding a new voice.

ON THE COVER Virtual Dining Concepts co-founder Robbie Earl is always on the cusp of finding innovation. PHOTOGRAPHY: VIRTUAL DINING CONCEPTS / RICH POLK

2 BRANDED CONTENT

4 EDITOR’S LETTER

7 SHORT ORDER

63 ADVERTISER INDEX

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www.qsrmagazine.com | QSR | JUNE 2023

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