Fast Casual Executive Summit
Speaker Spotlight: Claudia Lezcano, Fuku CEO
Claudia Lezcano, CEO of Fuku, shares a look at her career, her achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at Fast Casual Executive Summit 2025.
August 22, 2025 by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group
In anticipation of the upcoming Fast Casual Executive Summit, FastCasual.com is spotlighting panelists participating in the annual industry event.
Fuku CEO Claudia Lezcano will share insight during the "Happy Hour with Fast Casual CEOs" session aimed at tackling some of the most important issues facing restaurant operators today.
Going on 20 years, the Fast Casual Executive Summit has been the premier gathering for top-level restaurant executives looking to innovate, connect and elevate their brands. This year's event is taking place October 5-7 in Austin Texas.
The summit is run by Networld Media Group, publishers of Fastcasual.com, QSRweb and Pizza Marketplace. It is one of several leading industry conferences throughout the year. Click here to register for the Fast Casual Executive Summit. The next Networld Media Group event is the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit taking place March 16-18, 2026 in San Diego, California. Top restaurant leaders will spend two and a half days of networking, inspiring stories and proven strategies.
Describe your current role.
I am CEO of Fuku. Fuku is a spicy fried chicken concept from David Chang that's on a mission to change the way people think about fast casual and chicken!
What was your first-ever career role and what is one important lesson you learned from it?
I had the opportunity to begin my career at an early age, high school years, working at my father's U.S. Hispanic Advertising Agency. As an entry level marketer, my father didn't just "hand me the keys" he ensured I learned the business from the ground up. My first assignments included handing out Pillsbury x Green Giant coupons at festivals, assisting with food demos and sampling events at supermarkets, clearing out the office waste baskets, going to Office Depot for supplies, filling out Fed Ex labels, sending out faxes (yup, faxes were a thing) and taking checks to the bank to be deposited. This taught me a few important lessons early on, no matter how "small" the task seems there is something to learn from it. Handing out coupons allowed me to interact with and understand the customer or target market — as a marketer, everything starts with knowing who your target is plus how to effectively reach them. Another lesson was to always stay humble. No task or assignment is "too small." Do it well.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
As a first time CEO, I have truly enjoyed being able to assemble a team of talented professionals who bring diversity of thought and experiences. On the team we have a former butcher, several talented chefs and others who bring years of corporate QSR experience. Uniting a group that of true restaurateurs with more traditionally trained QSR executives has been special and will be our "special sauce" for achieving Fuku's ambitious growth plans.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?
The restaurant space is dynamic, fast paced, challenging, thrilling, exhausting and so much more. There will be highs and lows, but the destination is worthwhile. If you've chosen this industry because you are passionate about it, stick to it. Don't let the tough days discourage you. Also, it is OK to not know the answer or how to do everything right when you start; ask questions, ask others for their help or point of view. It's ok to not know everything on day one!
If you weren't working in your current field, what would you be doing instead?
Love this question! Growing up I wanted to be an archeologist. So, I'd be doing that!
What do you do to have fun outside of work?
I enjoy traveling, boating and reading. I am a foodie and love watching football.
Are you involved in any charitable organizations that you would like to tell people about?
Big Brothers, Big Sisters is an organization that is near and dear to my heart. My "little" sister, Elmina, and I are still in regular contact — we met 15 years ago!
Where did you grow up and how did your upbringing impact the person you are today?
I was born in Miami, Florida. My father was Cuban and my mom is Mexican. Growing up in such a diverse home and community I believe has helped me always approach diversity of thoughts or backgrounds with openness and curiosity.
What's one interesting thing about you that even the people you work with every day probably don't know?
I had the opportunity to meet a now Saint — Mother Theresa.
About Mandy Wolf Detwiler
Mandy Wolf Detwiler is the managing editor at Networld Media Group and the site editor for PizzaMarketplace.com and QSRweb.com. She has more than 20 years’ experience covering food, people and places.
An award-winning print journalist, Mandy brings more than 20 years’ experience to Networld Media Group. She has spent nearly two decades covering the pizza industry, from independent pizzerias to multi-unit chains and every size business in between. Mandy has been featured on the Food Network and has won numerous awards for her coverage of the restaurant industry. She has an insatiable appetite for learning, and can tell you where to find the best slices in the country after spending 15 years traveling and eating pizza for a living.
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