In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Andrew Pudalov, founder and CEO of Rush Bowls, a Boulder, Colorado based concept that has grown to about 50 locations across the country, leaning into Andrew’s knowledge of national distribution channels and his tight control of supply relationships to streamline the growth process. He joined the podcast to talk about how a retail partnership with Whole Foods gave him a crash course in national distribution and how he pivoted to franchising after his copacker closed up shop.

In this conversation, you’ll find out why:

• Dayparts are shifting, and some brands are better suited to meet the moment
• Texture is as important as flavor when exploring innovation 
• True customization isn’t possible if you’re not making foods from scratch 
• Tight control of your supply relationships will ease expansion
• You need to strictly police and enforce your brand standards with franchisees 
• You should consider developing a store prototype for employees with disabilities

Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.