Franchising and Branding in the Fast Food Industry with David Grossman, CEO and President of Epic Burger

The Chief's Table, An Ice Miller Podcast

In the first episode of Ice Miller’s new podcast series, “The Chief’s Table,” host Kim Stapleton interviews Epic Burger CEO and President David Grossman. David walks listeners through his path to success, from his high school job at a local pizzeria, to his experience franchising Subway branches, to his current role at Epic Burger.

Kim and David discuss some of the lessons David has learned throughout his career, as well as how he has successfully led Epic Burger through recent industry changes. Further, David explains the concept behind the brand’s “a more mindful burger” tagline and shares how the restaurant chain manages to keep its french-fries hot and crispy, whether customers are ordering dine-in or delivery.

As President and CEO of Epic Burger, David directly oversees the chain’s operations, marketing and finances. David also develops growth strategies to promote the brand’s expansion in the Chicago area.

David graduated from the University of Kansas in 1989, and afterward he held developmental roles with national brands, including Subway and General Growth Properties.

A Chicago native, David worked for many years as the Chicagoland area developer for the emerging healthy casual brand Freshii. In this role, David not only opened the brand’s first franchise location in the U.S., but he also developed Freshii’s largest territory in the country, which constituted 39 locations in multiple states.

While David Grossman began his role at Epic Burger in early 2021, the brand’s seven Chicagoland locations have been serving hamburgers, fries, and milkshakes since 2008. Epic Burger believes that non-processed, all-natural food at a reasonable price is the foundation for a better burger, and its fresh beef and grilled chicken are humanely raised and halal certified. For more information about the Epic Burger menu or brand, visit epicburger.com.

Kim Stapleton is the host of The Chief’s Table and a sales manager in Ice Miller's Chicago office, where she matches attorney skillsets with the needs of existing and prospective clients.

Prior to transitioning her role in client services, Kim was a firm consultant for five years. In that role, she helped attorneys develop their networks and expand their business development capabilities. Kim has previously worked with several other law and accounting firms to identify key targets, perform business intelligence and prioritize business development.