073: Killer Burger's Fast Casual Edge with CEO Adam Sanders

In 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.