Mark Waldo- Founder/Owner- Waldo's Chicken and Beer

In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Mark Waldo, the founder of Waldo’s Chicken & Beer — one of the fastest-growing chicken concepts in the Southeast.

Mark shares the story behind Waldo’s: from opening the first location in Germantown, to now expanding into multiple states with a clear mission — great chicken, cold beer, and genuine hospitality. We talk about what makes Waldo’s different in a crowded fast-casual space, how Mark approaches culture and growth, and the power of keeping things simple.

Highlights from the conversation include:

• The origin story of Waldo’s and how Mark identified a gap in the market

How their beer program supports the brand's laid-back personality

• Scaling with purpose: the challenges of growing while protecting company culture

• Advice for operators looking to expand while staying true to their core

Mark’s insight into operations, leadership, and hospitality is full of wisdom for anyone in the industry — whether you’re running a neighborhood spot or dreaming up the next big concept.

You’ll also hear some great stories from the early days and learn what’s next for the Waldo’s team.