START TO FINISH: WHAT INSPIRES EXECS

An affinity for health, fitness, and Mexican food inspired Sharky’s leader to bring the premium fast casual to life.

What inspired Burger 21 CEO Mark Johnston to get into the fast-casual burger business when he had a good thing going with The Melting Pot.

"The Slider Queen" shares how growing up in the business affected her leadership style.

Asian Box delivers where many other restaurant concepts fail: healthy food that is authentic, too.

The CEO and president of the Women’s Foodservice Forum has spent 30 years in the leadership-development space focused around women and business.

Chris Doody, the founder of Piada Italian Street Food, believes the 34-unit fast casual is well positioned for the future.

Chopt Creative Salad Company's CEO learned the restaurant business the hard way, but it's benefiting him years later.

Michael Rypka, who began his career as a fry cook at Popeyes, believes passion is the key to running a successful business.