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As CEO of Hawkers Asian Street Food, my duties include corporate strategy, public…
Articles by Kaleb
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We can't go over it. We can't go under it. We've got to go through it.
We can't go over it. We can't go under it. We've got to go through it.
We’ve all heard the phrase “hindsight is 2020”, but now, we can finally – FINALLY – change that to “2020 is hindsight.”…
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Kaleb Harrell shared thisI'm so humbled to represent the Hawkers' story in the current issue of FSR Magazine. Mostly, because Hawkers has never been the story of one person. It started with four best friends, a collection of family recipes, and a belief that we could build something special together. Everything we’ve accomplished since then has been shaped by the people who chose to believe in this brand, fight for it, and keep showing up - even when the road ahead wasn’t easy. I’m so grateful to Callie Evergreenc and FSR magazine for recognizing Hawkers Asian Street Food as one of this year’s 10 NextGen brands and for giving us the opportunity to share our story. Thank you, Callie, for telling it with so much thought, care, and authenticity - and thank you to every person - past and present - who has poured a piece of themselves into Hawkers. This cover may have my picture on it, but the story belongs to all of us.Kaleb Harrell shared this“I want to build something lasting—a brand and legacy that people will look at and know we poured everything we had into it.” - Kaleb Harrell, CEO & Cofounder of Hawkers Asian Street Food. We are so proud of our fearless leader, Kaleb Harrell, for making the cover of FSR Magazine’s September 2026 issue! Representing Hawkers Asian Street Food as one of this year's NextGen brands is an honor for every single person on our team. The NextGen list highlights the 10 brands (and their leaders) designing the future of full-service, laying innovative groundwork that will impact the industry for years to come. This isn’t just a list for us - this is a reflection of everything that makes Hawkers so special. We are grateful that our founders foster an environment hyper-focused on integrity, perseverance, tenacity, teamwork, and optimism. A culture we’re proud to be part of, every single day. A big thank you to Callie Evergreen for putting so much heart into telling our story. It means the world to us! Grab the latest issue of FSR Magazine or get a sneak peek read here: https://lnkd.in/eReWbYT6
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Kaleb Harrell shared thisKaleb Harrell shared thisHey LinkedIn - we're hiring! I'm looking for a Community Engagement Manager to join our team here at Hawkers. The ideal candidate knows this isn't just about hosting events and coordinating sponsorships - this is about building real, meaningful brand love in each of our vibrant, bold, and exciting communities. In this role, you'll be the ultimate connector: part storyteller, part strategist, part local hype squad. You'll shape how Hawkers shows up in every market, from grassroots activations to local collabs to the "wait, Hawkers did WHAT?!" moments that take our community relationships to the next level. If you love adventure, community, food, and the magic that happens when they all blend - you'll feel right at home with us. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eP9je3-7
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Kaleb Harrell shared thisOne of the best parts of building Hawkers has always been the people. From our first crew folding dumplings in the dining room, to the 1000+ team members who keep this brand vibrant today, the right people at the right time have made all the difference. Now, we’re looking for the next key person to join that journey – a CFO. This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about helping guide a growing brand through its next chapter – thinking creatively, protecting what makes us special, and setting us up to scale the right way. If you’re energized by fast-paced growth, care about culture as much as EBITDA, and want to help shape the future of a brand with a ton of runway – then we should talk. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/egaw42dVHawkers Asian Street Food - Chief Financial OfficerHawkers Asian Street Food - Chief Financial Officer
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Kaleb Harrell shared thisI recently had the opportunity to sit down with the legendary Sam Oches of Nation's Restaurant News, and man did it give me a chance to pause and reflect on our journey thus far. Sam did a great job summarizing our chat with his post-interview takeaways, but I left that conversation with some important takeaways of my own. Most importantly, how grateful I am for those who choose to stand shoulder to shoulder with us through the inevitable ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship. Success is never a straight line, and the most impactful growth lives within the twists and turns and sharp lefts and speed bumps throughout the journey. I’d love for you to give the interview a watch or a listen. We even work in a Samwise Gamgee name drop – my favorite. Watch: https://lnkd.in/eSVtzFZj Listen: https://lnkd.in/eVzR7rnP
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Kaleb Harrell shared thisCongratulations to our very own Esther McIlvain on a more-than-deserved honor as a 40 Under 40 Rising Star with FSR! I can't think of anyone who puts more blood, sweat and tears into her work day in and day out. Esther has helped lead this organization through the most challenging times we will ever have AND back to prominence over the last 18 months. I'm so happy that the rest of the industry is starting to recognize what we all already knew about her - absolute rockstar! https://lnkd.in/eKrXeBdmFSR's Rising Stars: 40 Under 40 Are Shining Brighter Than Ever in 2025FSR's Rising Stars: 40 Under 40 Are Shining Brighter Than Ever in 2025
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Kaleb Harrell shared thisIt’s always a great time with Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley, and boy did they make this podcast a fun one for Andrew K. Smith and I. The entire FSR team also put on a great conference this week in Atlanta. Thanks to Danny Klein, Callie Evergreen, Sam Danley, Ben Coley, Satyne Doner and their whole crew for an insightful and inspiring week. Ready for NextGen 2026.Kaleb Harrell shared thisWant the secret sauce for creating raving fans and finding the perfect partner for your restaurant? You got it. Kaleb Harrell and Andrew K. Smith chatted with FSR's Callie Evergreen and Sam Danley on the latest episode of The Restaurant Innovator podcast, covering ALL the lessons learned over the last 15 years - with plenty of tips and tricks in between. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/e2zfnxUH
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Kaleb Harrell shared thisThanks so much to Callie Evergreen and FSR for an amazing interview together. Callie has a knack for asking thought-provoking questions, and this one was no exception - lots to unpack over the last year, but the future is bright and right in front of us!Kaleb Harrell shared thisKaleb Harrell recently sat down with Callie Evergreen of FSR to chat about how grit, perseverance, and friendship have been cornerstones of the Hawkers journey. They cover everything - how to overcome obstacles, how to scale without losing soul, and why our partnership with Savory Fund is a match made in heaven. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/es3_p3tv
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Kaleb Harrell shared thisHawkers Asian Street Food is proof that bold brand and strong culture can thrive in a space that’s constantly shifting. I’m excited to sit down with Barry McGowan, Jeff Chandler, and Christine Magrann at this year’s Restaurantology as we share all the ways our teams are navigating the ever changing landscape of casual dining and beyond. Pumped to learn, share, and connect with so many operators I admire. See you there? 📍 Salt Lake City, Sept. 10th – it’s FREE: https://lnkd.in/eTTkp9SK #Restaurantology #TheCasualComeback #HawkersAsianStreetFood #SavoryFund #Hospitality #Leadership #CasualDining
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Kaleb Harrell shared thisI’m so thankful and incredibly humbled to have an absolute dream team Board of Directors behind me as we push Hawkers to the next level. The story keeps getting better and better. 🙏Kaleb Harrell shared thisTalk about a dream team! We are so excited to announce a superstar lineup for our Board of Directors. Each powerhouse leader brings unique talents and valuable viewpoints to the table, while all are aligned in their commitment to excellence, innovation, and culture. We are so pumped to have them on board (pun definitely intended). Drumroll please … Chris Tomasso, President and CEO of First Watch Restaurants Barry McGowan, CEO of Fogo de Chão Andrew K. Smith, Managing Director and Co-founder of Savory Fund Kaleb Harrell, CEO and Co-founder of Hawkers Asian Street Food Taylor DeHart, Principal at Savory Fund The journey continues with this multi-talented group and we can’t wait to share many more adventures with everyone soon! Dive into the details here: https://lnkd.in/gk3a4fRs
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Kaleb Harrell reacted on thisKaleb Harrell reacted on thisHonored to be part of Restaurantology 2026 on September 24th in Salt Lake City — one of the most innovative gatherings in our industry. I'll be sharing my story in "From Dishwasher to CEO," a conversation with Tyler Nelson (President, Savory Fund) — 40 years in this business, starting at the dish pit. Proud to be on the agenda alongside leaders like Chris Tomasso (CEO, First Watch) and Christina Tosi (Founder, Milk Bar). See you in Salt Lake City🔥 #Restaurantology2026 #FogoDeChao #Leadership
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Kaleb Harrell liked thisKaleb Harrell liked thisWe have some amazing female leaders at First Watch. We support and celebrate them and invest in their development. They, in turn, serve as role models, mentors and coaches to so many others throughout our organization and help them advance in their careers and realize their full potential. I am proud of— and inspired by them. https://lnkd.in/efbfAJ7J
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Kaleb Harrell reacted on thisKaleb Harrell reacted on thisI'm honored to spotlight Kaleb Harrell on the September cover of FSR, whose journey at Hawkers Asian Street Food is truly a testament to the power of perseverance. 💥 The CEO co-founded the brand in 2011 with his three best friends: Allen Lo, Wayne Yung, and Kin Ho, who tragically died of leukemia in January 2024. Together, they pooled their savings of about $80,000, then crowdfunded from about 60 friends and family to open the first restaurant outside of Orlando in Winter Haven, Florida. Since then, Hawkers has gradually scaled to 15 company-owned locations across seven states. But it got stuck in survival mode the past year or so, and ended up withdrawing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing. Now, Harrell is ready to move past the speed bumps and get back onto the highway. With capital to start growing again thanks to attracting an investment from Savory Fund in June 2025, Hawkers is slated this fall to open its first new restaurant in over two years in Franklin, Tennessee—the second location for the brand in the area. “We’ve really pivoted back to an offensive mindset, and that has been quite honestly a bigger undertaking than I thought,” Harrell says. “We were just in defense, we were just in this ‘protect the business, save the business’ mode for over a year and a half. I don’t think I or anybody here realized how much it would take to pull out of that and transition back to an offensive growth mindset.” Add $4.6 million AUVs, a 4.8-star guest satisfaction score, and a fiercely loyal fanbase, and the sum becomes a rising brand you can’t ignore—which is why it leads the pack of FSR's NextGen 10 list of elevated restaurant brands on the rise. Read the rest of the feature here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eusNiWn9 If you're a restaurant operator, request your FREE print and digital subscription to FSR magazine here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ed7NP-n3
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Kaleb Harrell reacted on thisGo cover to cover with Hawkers Asian Street Food in the new FSR magazine! 🤩 Thank you, Callie Evergreen, for writing such an insightful article on Kaleb Harrell and the incredible Hawkers story. What a team. What a table. What a future. 🥟✨ Plus! Both Hawkers Asian Street Food and Via 313 Pizza were included on FSR's NextGen 10 list. 🥢 🍕 Proud to have both booming brands featured on their glossy pages.Kaleb Harrell reacted on thisI'm honored to spotlight Kaleb Harrell on the September cover of FSR, whose journey at Hawkers Asian Street Food is truly a testament to the power of perseverance. 💥 The CEO co-founded the brand in 2011 with his three best friends: Allen Lo, Wayne Yung, and Kin Ho, who tragically died of leukemia in January 2024. Together, they pooled their savings of about $80,000, then crowdfunded from about 60 friends and family to open the first restaurant outside of Orlando in Winter Haven, Florida. Since then, Hawkers has gradually scaled to 15 company-owned locations across seven states. But it got stuck in survival mode the past year or so, and ended up withdrawing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing. Now, Harrell is ready to move past the speed bumps and get back onto the highway. With capital to start growing again thanks to attracting an investment from Savory Fund in June 2025, Hawkers is slated this fall to open its first new restaurant in over two years in Franklin, Tennessee—the second location for the brand in the area. “We’ve really pivoted back to an offensive mindset, and that has been quite honestly a bigger undertaking than I thought,” Harrell says. “We were just in defense, we were just in this ‘protect the business, save the business’ mode for over a year and a half. I don’t think I or anybody here realized how much it would take to pull out of that and transition back to an offensive growth mindset.” Add $4.6 million AUVs, a 4.8-star guest satisfaction score, and a fiercely loyal fanbase, and the sum becomes a rising brand you can’t ignore—which is why it leads the pack of FSR's NextGen 10 list of elevated restaurant brands on the rise. Read the rest of the feature here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eusNiWn9 If you're a restaurant operator, request your FREE print and digital subscription to FSR magazine here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ed7NP-n3
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Kaleb Harrell liked thisKaleb Harrell liked thisGreat people. Great partners. And even great dogs! We loved welcoming our friends from Bush Brothers & Company – and especially Duke – to our Home Office. We’re proud to be a dog-friendly workplace, and what I love most is the culture behind it: a place built on connection, relationships and having fun together. (See for yourself!) Thanks to the Bush team for visiting – and to Duke for Making Days Brighter for our people.
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Kaleb Harrell liked thisKaleb Harrell liked thisRestaurantology® by Savory Fund 2026 is officially one month away and this is the strongest speaker lineup we’ve ever assembled ‼️ I’m especially looking forward to sitting down with my friend Chris Tomasso, CEO of First Watch Restaurants - one of the very few billion-dollar breakfast concepts in the country. I’ve heard Chris speak before, and what impresses me most is that despite the enormous scale of First Watch, he still thinks and speaks like an operator. He knows the details. He understands the customer. And his instincts for this industry are as sharp as anyone’s. That gives him a real edge as the leader of an absolute juggernaut. I’m excited for all of you to learn from Chris, just as I have. Restaurantology® is built for operators, founders and executives growing restaurant brands from 2 units to 20 - and well beyond. I've come to learn more about this industry from rubbing shoulders with other founders and operators than anything I read. If that’s you - or someone you know - register now. We have only about 50 seats remaining before we are completely SOLD OUT ‼️ REGISTER AT NOT COST HERE: https://lnkd.in/gsKvjE5g
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Kaleb Harrell reacted on thisKaleb Harrell reacted on thisWe released a new font and we named it Kankles, for obvious reasons. https://lnkd.in/e88x-WyH
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