We Feed Them

a food industry podcast

EP 9: Deep Toasted Buns: A Conversation with Jason Kuspa

This episode is supported by Snibbs Footwear and Dubby Energy. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and mentions of promotional partners. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. (Paid Links below).


SNIBBS Footwear $20 off: snibbs.co/wefeedthem
DUBBY Energy 10% off: https://www.dubby.gg/?ref=yvdqzuec

 

In this episode of We Feed Them, Sean and Steve sit down with a close friend and “competitor,” Jason Kuspa, the mastermind behind Smashed Burgers and Fries. Recording from the basement of the legendary Jeanie’s Tavern in South Bend Indiana’s west side, the guys discuss the unique “incubator” environment of the Dainty Maid food hall and why Jason started his business in a garage during the COVID-19 lockdown.

 

Jason shares his uncompromising philosophy on food—from his obsession with “deep toasted” buns to the tiny details that make his BLT burger a local favorite. We also dig into his history in the hospitality industry, including his first bartending gig at Jeanie’s, his past as an artist and musician, and a legendary act of late-night burger hospitality that sparked a friendship.

 

In this episode, we cover:

  • The Food Hall Dynamic: How QR code ordering and multi-concept kitchens actually work.
  • Hiring Hurdles: The struggle of finding employees who care as much as you do.
  • Passion vs. Systems: The debate between scaling up and maintaining artisan quality.
  • Busking for Insurance: A look back at Jason’s early days as a high schooler playing guitar for car insurance money.

    🎥 watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@wefeedthem?si=ip-Oi1CuUigIAFyq

 

🎧 LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO PODCAST:

 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0RKgIORu43VHm5fcdipFT7

 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-feed-them/id1859129229

 

 

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a4866f0b-d6b5-4d18-a9bc-29b2fc4f8443/we-feed-them

 

📲 CONNECT WITH US:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wefeedthempod/

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584447723299