The Unbridled Growth Story of CookUnity, with Morley Ivers

Morley Ivers, Head of Global Strategic Partnerships, joins QSR Uncut to discuss the rise of America’s first chef-to-you meal delivery platform. CookUnity delivered more than 43 millions meals in 2025 (80 percent year-over-year growth), served north of 200,000 eaters, and surpassed $750 million in annual recurring revenue, its strongest year yet. We discuss that journey, what's still to come after a $250 million growth infusion, and how CookUnity has struck a chord by redefining an online model for culinary leaders and consumers alike. This episode is brought to you in partnership with CookUnity. Learn more here.

Queenie Lo, president, Spatial Design at global agency FutureBrand, joins QSR Uncut this week to talk about the next generation of store models and the growing importance of physical experiences as prices continue to rise. For over 15 years, Queenie has worked to design immersive and commercially successful experiences for brands, including McDonald’s for the past decade. The company also works with a number of global names, including HMSHost, SSP, Selfridge’s, Bloomingdale’s, and IKEA. We get into how to scale without losing your identity, and what the real future of QSR design looks like.

Seth Cohen, cofounder of Sweetfin and one of QSR Uncut’s original guests, returns to chat about the fast casual’s evolution as it celebrates 10 years. But this is far more than just a party. The brand kicked off 2026 with a bold new culinary chapter developed in collaboration with two-Michelin-starred chef Daniel Patterson. Known for redefining California cuisine through pioneering restaurants including Coi, Alta, and Locol, Patterson is bringing world-class technique to Sweetfin’s fresh, approachable style. What does this mean? Warm bowls. Elevated standards. And much more. We get into all of that, plus look back on the poke category’s growth over the past decade and what’s still to come.

FiiZ Drinks president Scott Ball joins the podcast to break down life operating in arguably QSR’s craziest market there is today—beverages. From dirty sodas to energy drinks to more, FiiZ has expanded to more than 70 locations since its 2014 founding. And the goal now is to open 500-plus units over the next 10 years in the U.S., with another 100 being launched in Canada. In just 2024, the brand served more than 200 million ounces of soda. We get into the growth ahead, what the brand is looking for in partners, and what it’s going to take to grapple with the biggest beverage leaders as consumers drive the category to new heights.

Paris Baguette Chief Development Officer Nick Scaccio joins QSR Uncut this week to unpack the global brand's mission to reestablish the neighborhood bakery café in markets nationwide. Targeting 1,000 stores in North America by 2030, the chain is refining site selection, asset strategy, and continuing to establish itself in a category that's seen its share of competitors rise over the years. 

In this episode of CEO to CEO: Behind the Counter, we hand the mics over to A&W Restaurants’ CEO Betsy Schmandt and Kilwins’ CEO Brian Britton. They discuss life overseeing two of the country’s most-iconic foodservice brands, what it’s taking to win over customers with experience and service, and how restaurant leaders can inspire growth and performance from the top down.As always, CEO to CEO provides a candid dive into life directing a quick-service chain. There’s no editor. No filter. Just real and actionable insight to take to your operation and career.For more episodes of QSR's CEO to CEO series, visit here.

Tomás Gilbert, Director, Strategic Market Insights at Curion, joins QSR Uncut to break down his adventures as a qualitative researcher in the restaurant space. We get into what’s driving traffic, what food trends are landing on menus, why beverages are hot, why menu optimization is becoming widespread, and much more. There’s a reason in-market research is a growing methodology in QSR.This episode was brought to you by our partners at Curion. 

Fuku CEO Claudia Lezcano has held jobs from chief marketing officer of the Miami Dolphins, Marlins, executive roles at Burger King, Church’s Chicken, and more. But she knew she walked into something special when the opportunity to lead Fuku—the East Village brand that began as an off-menu item by chefs at David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar—arrived. Now, Fuku and its famed “Original Sando” are gearing up for growth and looking to bring an elevated product and service model to new and loyal customers alike.The episode is brought to you by our partners at Campbell’s Foodservice—where giving operators more is at the heart of everything they do.

John Ramsay, industry vet and director of franchise sales and development for the brand, joins QSR Uncut to discuss Taco Cabana’s recent success and how it’s positioning to take its legacy concept to fresh markets and beyond. The Texas institution has big plans, revamped ownership, and goals to break through in a category that’s stuffed with competitors.The episode was brought to you by our partners at Vitamix. 

Peter Wright, Jollibee's vice president of franchise development, joins QSR Uncut to discuss the global chicken giant's plans to ramp up domestic development through franchising. Voted the No. 1 Fried Chicken in America, Wright, a former Starbucks and Panera exec, breaks down how Jollibee expects to carve out share in a red-hot category and expand in the months to come.