Podcast
The Pineapple Perspective
Hosted by Troy Hooper · EN
What would you say if we told you that every business is in the hospitality business?
Join Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America, as he explores what hospitality means in every business with industry leaders. Troy and his guests will tackle how they came to deploy hospitality in their businesses, how it impacts their results, and how they came to understand, adopt, and deploy this mindset and framework. Leveraging Troy's experience, insight, and straight talk - listeners will walk away with a plan of action that's right for them.
If you feel you have deployed a unique hospitality tactic to your business, reach out to be a guest.
For more information on Troy Hooper and Pepper Lunch, visit:
https://www.krpusa.com/ and https://www.pepperlunchrestaurants.com/
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
081: Franchise Expansion Lessons from a Global Fast Casual Brand with Troy Hooper
Jan 2900:28:45Tap to summarizeIn this week's episode, Troy Hooper appears as a guest on The Local Marketing Lab to discuss brand growth, franchise expansion, and modern marketing strategies through the lens of hospitality. Hooper shares how staying visible through podcasts, social platforms, and industry conversations allows him to give back while staying closely connected to emerging operators and multi-unit franchise groups. He outlines the rapid global expansion of Pepper Lunch, highlighting its proof-of-concept success in the U.S., low-labor operating model, simplified equipment needs, and strong appeal to younger demographics seeking experiential dining. The conversation explores how Pepper Lunch approaches both B2B and consumer marketing, emphasizing diversified storytelling across email, LinkedIn, trade publications, and search. Hooper explains why direct email and LinkedIn currently drive the most qualified franchise interest, while organic media and user-generated content fuel awareness. He also discusses the growing importance of platforms like TikTok and Snapchat as discovery engines, particularly for under-35 consumers, and why brands must optimize for search and social simultaneously. The episode closes with personal insights into Hooper's unconventional background and a reminder that authentic, shareable experiences remain one of the most powerful drivers of brand growth. Topics Discussed in the Episode Building brand visibility through podcasts and industry engagement Pepper Lunch global growth and U.S. franchise expansion strategy Low-labor operating models and experiential fast casual dining B2B versus consumer marketing channel performance User-generated content and social platforms as discovery engines Connect with Justin Ulrich at Evocalize: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justinculrich/ Website: www.evocalize.com Evocalize Social Handle: @evocalize on all platforms https://www.linkedin.com/company/evocalize https://www.facebook.com/evocalize https://www.instagram.com/evocalize/ https://x.com/evocalize https://www.youtube.com/@evocalize https://www.tiktok.com/@evocalize Podcast: evocalize.com/resource-center/local-marketing-lab-podcast/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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080: Hospitality That's Felt: Carin Stutz on Culture, Leadership and Retention in Restaurant Operations
Jan 2200:45:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Carin Stutz, a longtime restaurant executive whose leadership spans quick service, casual dining, fast casual, and global operations. Stutz defines hospitality as genuine connection, something felt immediately through first impressions, authentic greetings, and the way guests are welcomed and thanked. From her current vantage point in board work, consulting, and leadership development, she emphasizes a renewed focus on culture, leadership training, and restoring pride in restaurant careers. Stutz also reflects on what she would do differently, particularly holding marketing more accountable to traffic and same-store sales outcomes—and encourages operators to broaden their business fluency, including cash flow and balance sheet fundamentals. Hooper connects these ideas to modern operating realities like third-party delivery and rising guest expectations, sharing how Pepper Lunch redesigned front-of-house staffing to increase hospitality while adopting technology through kiosks and a dedicated "hospitality host" role. The conversation closes with optimism about emerging leaders, a shifting dynamic that elevates franchisee partnership, and Stutz's work with Gleam Network to mentor, develop, and promote career pathways for restaurant professionals. Topics Discussed in the Episode Defining hospitality through genuine connection and first impressions Leadership training, retention challenges, and culture in restaurant teams High tech and high touch service strategies in fast casual and QSR Franchisee–franchisor dynamics and the role of franchisees in brand growth Financial literacy for operators, cash flow thinking, and lessons from industry bankruptcies Connect with Carin Stutz: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carin-stutz-832b766/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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079: Why Restaurant Franchisors Need a Franchise Specialist Attorney with Leslie Curran of Plave Koch PLC
Jan 1500:29:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with franchise attorney Leslie Curran of Plave Koch PLC (Falls Church, Virginia) for a practical conversation on how strong legal guidance supports long-term brand health especially in restaurant franchising. Curran explains what "hospitality" looks like in a legal-services context: listening closely, understanding a client's business goals, and meeting operators where they are. From there, the discussion moves into common franchising mistakes, starting with emerging brands that franchise without a clear growth plan, accept geographically distant franchisees without operational support systems, or bring on early franchisees who aren't qualified or culturally aligned simply to grow faster. Curran also highlights founder-led blind spots—where lack of self-awareness or resistance to outside expertise creates avoidable problems—and urges brands to be selective with vendors and contracts, not just sales pitches. For larger, established franchisors, the conversation centers on what fuels franchisee conflict: "take it or leave it" attitudes, weak transparency, and leadership that ignores patterns of franchisee complaints until issues escalate into litigation or independent associations. Curran points to mature brands that do this well by keeping open communication channels (committees, councils, roadshows, conferences) and addressing unit economics and operational pressures directly. Curran also touches on how other franchise sectors often adopt and test technology faster than restaurants particularly by involving franchisees earlier in pilots. Curran closes with her client-first approach to regulatory and transactional work (including annual FDD updates) and a reminder for us to use true franchise specialists, plus a note on franchise-law exemptions that can reduce compliance costs and speed up deal timelines when used correctly. Topics Discussed in the Episode Hospitality as empathy in legal services Building a franchise growth strategy before selling franchises Franchisee qualification and long-term fit decisions Founder blind spots and when to bring in third-party help Transparency and franchisee communication in mature franchise systems Connect with Leslie Curran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-curran-28b877b https://plavekoch.com/attorney/curran-leslie-d/ https://plavekoch.com/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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078: Breakfast Is Booming: Affordability, Speed, and Full-Service Experience with Ricky Richardson
Jan 800:26:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper talks with Ricky Richardson, CEO of Eggs Up Grill, about what hospitality looks like in practice and what it takes to scale a franchise brand without losing the culture that made it successful. Richardson shares lessons from a 35+ year career spanning Black-Eyed Pea and TGI Fridays, then explains why he chose a smaller, high-growth environment at Eggs Up Grill. He breaks down what's fueling momentum in the breakfast/brunch category, how Eggs Up Grill positions itself with everyday affordability, speed, and a "uniquely friendly" experience, and why those pillars are resonating in a cautious consumer environment. The conversation continues on operational discipline in franchising, brand clarity, franchisee profitability, and consistent execution, plus a practical approach to technology adoption that favors simple, scalable solutions (including POS standardization and tools that support operators without adding complexity). Topics Discussed in the Episode Defining hospitality as creating positive guest experiences Career lessons from legacy brands and applying them in a growth concept Why breakfast and brunch concepts are expanding and winning demand Protecting brand DNA and culture while scaling a franchise system Practical technology strategy for franchise operations and speed of service Connect with Ricky Richardson: https://eggsupgrill.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-richardson-971b0012 https://www.linkedin.com/company/eggs-up-grill https://www.facebook.com/eggsupgrill/ https://www.instagram.com/eggs_up_grill/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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077: Scaling Pepper Lunch: Global Growth, Consistency, and Consumer Insight with Troy Hooper on Grounded
Dec 1800:58:13Tap to summarize077: Scaling Pepper Lunch: Global Growth, Consistency, and Consumer Insight with Troy Hooper on Grounded In this week's episode, Troy is a guest on Grounded. He shares an inside look at the rapid growth and operational strategy behind Pepper Lunch as the brand expands across North America and beyond. He discusses the differentiators that drew him to Pepper Lunch, including its experiential fast-casual model, simplified operations, strict ingredient sourcing, and global brand consistency. Troy explains how the company approaches supply chain management, from building its own procurement arm to optimizing redundancy and quality control across 17+ countries. He also gets into the challenges of scaling like real estate constraints, global tariffs, and maintaining operational standards, and describes how Pepper Lunch's kiosk model, hospitality host strategy, and data-driven consumer insights are transforming customer experience and sales performance. Troy closes with broader industry trends around AI, labor, menu development, and cultural leadership, offering a direct look at what he believes is shaping the next generation of restaurant operations. Topics Discussed in the Episode Pepper Lunch's global expansion strategy and brand differentiators Supply chain structure, procurement approach, and vendor redundancy Operational decisions around ingredient sourcing and product consistency Experiential dining model, kiosk adoption, and hospitality host integration Real estate challenges, regulatory risk, and long-term scaling considerations Connect with Lauren Mitchell of Grounded: https://www.instagram.com/producealliance/?hl=en Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/ Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267 Stitcher: https://www.pandora.com/browse/podcasts?source=stitcher-sunset. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast https://x.com/ProduceAlliance https://www.linkedin.com/company/produce-alliance-llc./ https://www.instagram.com/producealliance/?hl=en " This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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076: Building Global Restaurant Brands with Authenticity and Scale with Troy Hooper on Zaller Talk
Dec 1100:51:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper joins as the guest on Zaller Talk to share an in-depth look at his career path, the evolution of his consulting practice, and his executive role leading global expansion for Pepper Lunch. He discusses how his early exposure to hospitality, construction, and entrepreneurship shaped his operating philosophy, as well as how experiences in culinary arts, maritime work, and corporate leadership at Procter & Gamble influenced his approach to business. Troy walks through the rapid growth of Pepper Lunch worldwide, the strategic model behind Kiwi Restaurant Partners, and current market conditions impacting operators—particularly in California. He also offers grounded advice for new hospitality entrepreneurs on capital, mentorship, industry engagement, and building authentic, scalable brands. Topics Discussed in the Episode From consulting to becoming CEO of Pepper Lunch North America and Co-CEO globally The global footprint and growth strategy of Pepper Lunch Troy's early background in hospitality and entrepreneurship The evolution of Kiwi Restaurant Partners Expansion challenges and regulatory pressures affecting California restaurant operators Strategic considerations for hospitality entrepreneurs Connect with Anthony Zaller of Zaller Talk: Website: www.zallerlaw.com Blog – California Employment Law Report: www.californiaemploymentlawreport.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyzaller/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6zpZovQKMeZ5l2DYL0nh3q?si=0df7a5bc45f44743 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-legal-lineup-with-anthony-zaller/id1405859405 Prosper Forum Website: https://www.prosperforum.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prosper-forum/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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075: How Dave's Hot Chicken Builds Culture, Consistency, and Growth with CEO, Jim Bitticks
Dec 401:02:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Jim Bitticks, President and COO of Dave's Hot Chicken, for a deep conversation on leadership, hospitality, team building, and the operational foundations behind some of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the industry. Jim shares how his early experiences from Jack in the Box to Rally's to Carl's Jr., shaped a service philosophy rooted in humility, empathy, and getting to "yes." He discusses the long-standing team relationships that have followed him across multiple brands, the disciplined but human-centered training systems that enabled rapid scale, and the cultural principles that make growth sustainable. Jim also offers insight into Dave's Hot Chicken's trajectory following its billion-dollar investment, the brand's global expansion efforts, and why strong teams, clear brand ethos, and pride in the work continue to be the drivers of long-term success. Topics Discussed in the Episode Jim's definition of hospitality and early service influences Career path from Jack in the Box to leading major fast-casual brands Building cohesive teams and retaining talent across multiple companies Key operational principles that enable rapid restaurant growth Dave's Hot Chicken's expansion strategy and post-acquisition outlook Connect with Jim Bitticks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bitticks-cfe-0bb37515 https://daveshotchicken.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/daveshotchicken https://www.instagram.com/daveshotchicken/ https://www.tiktok.com/@daveshotchicken https://www.facebook.com/ToLiveandFryInLA https://www.youtube.com/@DavesHotChickenOfficial This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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074: Troy Hooper with Charlie Eblen of Single Tree Wood Fire BBQ on Single Tree Nation
Nov 2000:50:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper appears as a guest on the Single Tree Nation podcast, hosted by Charlie Eblen of Single Tree Wood Fire Barbecue. Troy shares his journey from bussing tables at Bennigan's to becoming CEO of Kiwi Restaurant Partners and the North American CEO of Pepper Lunch, a major international franchise. The conversation dives into his hospitality philosophy, his thoughts on leadership and technology in foodservice, and the importance of maintaining genuine human connection in a fast-evolving restaurant landscape. Troy also discusses the rise of imported franchise brands, the balance between hospitality and automation, and how restaurateurs can build community digitally and in person. The episode wraps with reflections on legacy, mentorship, and the enduring influence of Anthony Bourdain. Topics Discussed in the Episode Troy's early days in hospitality and career growth through the industry The role of Kiwi Restaurant Partners in scaling restaurant brands Launching and developing the Pepper Lunch franchise in North America Balancing restaurant technology adoption with authentic hospitality The importance of community-building in digital and physical spaces Connect with Charlie Eblen & Single Tree Nation: www.singletreebbq.com https://www.singletreebbq.com/podcast https://www.singletreebbq.com/store https://www.facebook.com/SingleTreeBBQ https://www.instagram.com/singletreebbq https://twitter.com/EblenCharlie https://www.tiktok.com/@stbbq https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcdltRbqsUtVD_7gABvZ5lA?app=desktop https://www.linkedin.com/company/single-tree-bbq This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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073: Killer Burger's Fast Casual Edge with CEO Adam Sanders
Nov 1300:25:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper interviews Adam Sanders, CEO of Killer Burger, to explore how a finance executive transitioned into leading a fast-casual burger brand through strategic franchising and customer experience innovation. Adam shares his path from valuation consulting to beverage partnerships at Anheuser-Busch before joining Killer Burger as CFO and eventually stepping into the CEO role. The conversation touches on how Killer Burger maintains its rebellious, community-focused ethos while scaling responsibly, the importance of supporting franchisees, and how evolving customer expectations influence menu and service design. Adam also discusses the challenges of balancing growth with infrastructure, offering insights for emerging brand leaders navigating expansion. Topics Discussed in the Episode: Adam's career shift from finance to foodservice leadership How Killer Burger defines and delivers hospitality Strategic franchising and brand evolution Balancing culture and systems in multi-unit growth Forecasting responsible growth in emerging markets Connect with Adam Sanders: www.killerburger.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamcharlessanders https://www.instagram.com/killerburger/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/19094917/admin/dashboard/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv22AUfJpNGgUiqipQgZ7iQ https://twitter.com/KillerBurger https://www.facebook.com/EatKillerBurger/ This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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072: Hospitality, Innovation, and Staying Customer-Driven with Beyond Juicery + Eatery's Mijo Alanis
Nov 600:24:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Mijo Alanis, founder and franchisor of Beyond Juicery + Eatery. Mijo shares his journey from dishwasher to successful brand builder, offering candid insight into the realities of starting, scaling, and franchising a health-focused restaurant concept. He reflects on lessons learned from decades in the restaurant business, the mindset shift required to become a franchisor, and how hospitality has evolved into something deeper than just good service. Mijo also highlights the challenges of growth, including maintaining quality, embracing new technology like HPP, and building a team that can carry the brand forward. With 50 locations and more on the way, Beyond Juicery + Eatery stands as a testament to purpose-driven entrepreneurship and the power of listening to your customers. Topics Discussed in the Episode: Mijo's early years in the restaurant industry and path to entrepreneurship The founding and evolution of Beyond Juicery + Eatery Transitioning from operator to franchisor with a service mindset The role of innovation, from HPP tech to scalable systems How hospitality and customer connection drive long-term success Connect with Mijo Alanis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mijo-alanis-942990141/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-juicery-eatery https://beyondjuiceryeatery.com/ http://instagram.com/beyondjuiceryeatery https://www.facebook.com/pg/Beyondjuiceryeatery https://www.tiktok.com/discover/beyond-juicery-eatery This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you! Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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