Restaurant Rockstars Podcast
432 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★ - 44 ratingsTips, tools & resources to help restaurant owners and managers Rock Their Restaurant! Engaging conversations with industry leaders and fellow restaurateurs.
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Episodes
310. Fill Your Seats with Birthday Business - Dyson Barnett
September 08, 2022 19:33 - 1 hour - 49.1 MBI’m obsessed with Marketing, but few operators are great restaurant marketers or have the time. On top of that, few marketing ideas are fully trackable so you know where the business is coming from and the return on your investment. Well in this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, we have a solution. I’m speaking with Dyson Barnett of https://www.getfanconnect.com/BirthdayRockstar/ Dyson’s a former restaurant owner/ operator and knows a thing or two about reaching your customers an...
310. Fill Your Seats Using Birthday Marketing - Dyson Barnett
September 08, 2022 19:33 - 1 hour - 49.1 MBI’m obsessed with Marketing, but few operators are great restaurant marketers or have the time. On top of that, few marketing ideas are fully trackable so you know where the business is coming from and the return on your investment. Well in this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, we have a solution. I’m speaking with Dyson Barnett of https://www.getfanconnect.com/BirthdayRockstar/ Dyson’s a former restaurant owner/ operator and knows a thing or two about reaching your customers an...
309. Illustrious Restaurateur Disrupts NYC - Stratis Morfogen
September 03, 2022 15:22 - 58 minutes - 46.7 MBThis can be a crazy business and we all have crazy restaurant stories! In this episode, I’m speaking with Stratis Morfogen, a restaurateur’s restaurateur and industry disruptor. He tells about playing by his own rules, having a driving vision, creating luck, and achieving destiny. Listen as Stratis tells us about: 🌟 Turning the tables on the mafia 🌟 Finding success in one of the world’s most challenging and competitive restaurant cities 🌟 Seeing around corners and predicting the future 🌟 ...
309. Crazy Stories + Golden Nuggets - Illustrious Restaurateur Disrupts NYC - Stratis Morfogen
September 03, 2022 15:22 - 58 minutes - 46.7 MBThis can be a crazy business and we all have crazy restaurant stories! In this episode, I’m speaking with Stratis Morfogen, a restaurateur’s restaurateur and industry disruptor. He tells about playing by his own rules, having a driving vision, creating luck, and achieving destiny. Listen as Stratis tells us about: 🌟 Turning the tables on the mafia 🌟 Finding success in one of the world’s most challenging and competitive restaurant cities 🌟 Seeing around corners and predicting the future 🌟 ...
308. Advice from a Restaurant Lease Expert - Dale Willerton
August 26, 2022 14:23 - 1 hour - 51.7 MBMany of us lease space for our restaurants. Those looking to expand or open a new business need to evaluate many space options and then negotiate their best deal and terms. It has been said that “You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate”! To come out on top, takes experience and the right approach. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Dale Willerton aka “The Lease Coach”. Listen on as we get the inside scoop on: - How to select the ...
307. Does your Restaurant Have a Strategy? Martha Lucius
August 19, 2022 13:38 - 1 hour - 52.9 MBLots of restaurants have opened their doors and hoped for the best. Those that truly Rock their restaurants have a Strategy - a game plan that becomes their mission. If this is done well; the staff, restaurant, and guests become one! That’s the magic dust of a great restaurant. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Martha Lucius, a restaurant strategist and kindred hospitality spirit who was inspired by experiencing great food & drink around the globe. Listen a...
306. Restaurant Marketing with a Mission - Tacos 4 Life
August 12, 2022 16:22 - 59 minutes - 47.6 MBNot every first restaurant succeeds. Many of us have opened concepts with the best of ideas and intentions only to see the dream fade. But those who see a more powerful future vision and keep going may rise to extraordinary heights. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Austin Samuelson of Tacos 4 Life. Austin and his wife started their first concept by trying to make a healthier pizza. It wasn’t the success they hoped for, but that did not deter them from rea...
305. Restaurant Success by Service First - BCRG
August 05, 2022 20:17 - 1 hour - 52.1 MBYou know a really great restaurant the minute you walk in the door. It’s attention to detail, the way you’re greeted and made to feel comfortable, the ambiance, service provided and of course the food & drinks. Hitting all these marks is a continual challenge, but my guests today aren’t missing a beat! In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast. I’m speaking with family operators Joe, Nicole and Blane of the Blue Collar Restaurant Group http://www.bcrg.co/ They have 9 concepts and ...
304. An Investor’s Look at Great Restaurants - Anthony Ackil
July 29, 2022 19:58 - 40 minutes - 32.5 MBPride and passion run deep in the restaurant business no matter the size of the organization. Some may be fulfilled running a single independent restaurant while others aim to grow their concepts to multiple locations. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Anthony Ackil who co-founded and grew a 70+ unit restaurant chain, then exited to become the Founder of www.streetlightventures.com No matter your restaurant plan and strategy, stay tuned to learn how to: run...
303. One Solution to Today’s Restaurant Labor Challenges - Sam Zeitz
July 22, 2022 15:30 - 53 minutes - 42.6 MBEveryone is searching for solutions to today’s restaurant “big issues” ie: labor, prices, shortages… In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Sam Zeitz, CEO of www.grubbrr.com Grubbrr offers one such solution with their self-ordering technology and digital restaurant kiosks. Listen on as Sam tells us: - What the “restaurant of the future” looks like - How this technology combines order by phone with speed, convenience and ease of payment - The way Grubbrr offe...
302. How to Build an AMAZING Company Culture - Mark Setterington
July 15, 2022 18:34 - 51 minutes - 41.3 MBTo build a great business, it takes not only a clear vision but a relentless pursuit to stay ahead of your competition. As restaurateurs, we are competitive by nature, and to play our best game, we need to always strive to stay fresh, innovate and dazzle our guests. In this week’s episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Mark Setterington, the Co-Founder and CEO of Island Fin Poke Co. Mark is a 35-year industry veteran who has managed some of the world’s leading rest...
301. The Magic Restaurant Formula - Eric Scheffer
July 10, 2022 17:07 - 56 minutes - 45.3 MBA 20+ year run in this business holds hard-won experience and many stories! In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Eric Scheffer of www.thescheffergroup.com. Eric is a true industry leader, visionary, and builder of five dynamic concepts in Asheville, NC. Listen as Eric shares with us: - The “secret sauce” of a truly great restaurant and what it takes to get there - Where restaurants are falling short in running their business - The importance of “Culture”...
300. Incentives May Solve your Labor Challenge - Andrew Duffy
July 01, 2022 17:20 - 50 minutes - 40.4 MBI had great success by incentivizing my entire team to strive for maximum performance and guest service. You might say it was my “secret weapon” for over 20 years running restaurants. Now, it’s more important than ever to keep your good people happy and create a culture that attracts new team-players. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Andrew Duffy, the CEO and Co-Founder of http://www.sparkplug.app, the world’s first Incentive Management Platform for res...
299. How to Increase Sales & Dazzle Customers - Bob Ray
June 24, 2022 13:59 - 46 minutes - 37.6 MBThese are crazy times for all of us, and now more than ever it’s up to you to deliver dining experiences that WOW your guest, make them forget their daily routine and give them a memorable escape. This is the “key” to loyalty, repeat business and the pride that comes from making guests happy. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Bob Ray, the C.O.O. of Margaritas a 25 location Mexican concept that really knows how to dazzle its patrons. Imagine walking in th...
298. Advice after 1,500 Restaurants - Kevin King
June 17, 2022 13:21 - 46 minutes - 37.2 MBImagine the know-how and experience you would have after building 1,500 restaurants. Would you then have the Golden Touch? In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Kevin King, President of www.donatos.com, Kevin’s long career has taken him some of the most successful franchises in the business including Dominos, Papa Murphys, Smoothie King and others. Listen on as Kevin tells us: - The Fundamental Elements of Restaurant Success - How Donatos is dealing with labor, ...
297. A Front of House Perspective on Training & Leadership - Zaylan Jacobsen
June 11, 2022 20:01 - 1 hour - 49.7 MBAn “A-Player” is someone with great personality, stellar product knowledge, a true understanding of service and a strong desire to please the guest. Imagine if your entire team took this approach! In this week’s episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Zaylan Jacobsen. Zaylan is a veteran server, bartender and team leader who saw a gap in staff training and service. He not only found a way to up-level the guest experience in his own employer’s restaurants but is now ...
296. Chef, Host & Food Critic Dishes on Restaurants - Joe Ricchio
June 03, 2022 14:51 - 1 hour - 51.2 MBThis is a FUN episode. I’m speaking with a food writer, podcast/ television host and all-around colorful guy Chef Joe Ricchio. He is a big personality around the food scene in the state of Maine, as well as in the culinary world at large. Joe has written for Bon Appetit, The Food Network, The New York Times and has appeared on Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations”. He is all about food trends, new and favorite restaurants, critiques, up and coming chefs and more. Listen on as Joe Shares:...
295. Scale and Develop Your Restaurant Leadership
May 27, 2022 19:44 - 1 hour - 51.7 MBAs a restaurant leader, your employees need confidence in your post-pandemic plan and to know what their role is in it. During these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to be cognizant of the difference between managing and leading. It’s also critical that you empower your staff versus delegate to them. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast I’m speaking with Matt Rolfe. He is a noted industry speaker, coach, entrepreneur, and author of the new book “You Can’t D...
295. Scale and Develop Your Restaurant Leadership - Matt Rolfe
May 27, 2022 19:44 - 1 hour - 51.7 MBAs a restaurant leader, your employees need confidence in your post-pandemic plan and to know what their role is in it. During these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to be cognizant of the difference between managing and leading. It’s also critical that you empower your staff versus delegate to them. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast I’m speaking with Matt Rolfe. He is a noted industry speaker, coach, entrepreneur, and author of the new book “You Can’t D...
294. Success of An Inspired Chef - Chef Brandon Boudet
May 20, 2022 15:22 - 47 minutes - 38 MBChefs are the “Heart” of the Heart of the House. They run our kitchens, nurture, and develop the skills of prep and line cooks, and most important create and deliver the cuisines that bring guests to our restaurants. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Brandon Boudet, Co-owner and Executive Chef of Little Dom’s of Los Angeles and the new Little Dom’s Seafood in Carpenteria. Listen on as Brandon shares: - Bringing his New Orleans roots and cooking inspirat...
293. The Essence of Hospitality - Chris Adams
May 13, 2022 11:12 - 1 hour - 59.9 MBHospitality defines our business and delivering amazing guest experiences is the name of the game. It’s about leveraging a true competitive advantage. Why? Because you’re passionate and proud of your operation, your people and the products you serve. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Chris Adams, CEO and Founder of the Ellis Adams Group, an international hospitality consulting firm that works with some of the leading hospitality brands around the glob...
292. The James Beard Foundation Awards - Dawn Padmore & Tanya Holland
May 07, 2022 09:47 - 46 minutes - 37.6 MBChefs are the heart of our kitchens. They work with passion under the most challenging of conditions, heat, and pressure. They certainly deserve our thanks and our recognition. This episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast is all about the James Beard Foundation and most importantly, the famous awards each year. Our guests are Dawn Padmore and Tanya Holland who lead the awards committee. Listen on as Dawn & Tanya share: - The incredible legacy of James Andrew Beard, famous chef, a...
291. Lisa Dahl Triumphant Chef, Author, and Restaurateur
April 30, 2022 18:06 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBPride and passion run deep for all of us in this business. but rising from a deep personal tragedy to open multiple successful concepts takes something more. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Lisa Dahl, the CEO and Executive Chef of www.dahlrestaurantgroup.com Lisa found Sedona, Arizona to be an especially healing and inspiring place to build her concepts. She is a self-taught chef, multiple cookbook author, and company visionary doing great things for...
290. Trackable Marketing that Delivers ROI - Dave Fink
April 22, 2022 14:32 - 1 hour - 53 MBI’ll bet restaurants spend and lose billions of dollars on marketing that just doesn’t work. They try this campaign and try that, all on a hope and a prayer. Unless you can track where your business is coming from, you’re wasting your time and precious marketing dollars. Have you tried Direct Mail? I know what you might be thinking... “that’s so old school” or “I tried that once and I didn’t really get the results I was looking for”, I get it, but hang on. In this episode of the Restauran...
290. Trackable Marketing that Delivers ROI!
April 22, 2022 14:32 - 1 hour - 53 MBI’ll bet restaurants spend and lose billions of dollars on marketing that just doesn’t work. They try this campaign and try that, all on a hope and a prayer. Unless you can track where your business is coming from, you’re wasting your time and precious marketing dollars. Have you tried Direct Mail? I know what you might be thinking... “that’s so old school” or “I tried that once and I didn’t really get the results I was looking for”, I get it, but hang on. In this episode of the Restauran...
289. A Visionary Leader with Big Dreams for His Customers and The Planet - T.K. Pillan
April 15, 2022 13:38 - 43 minutes - 34.7 MBI’m always impressed by visionary leaders who innovate and transform our industry. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with T.K. Pillan Founder and Executive Chairman of the largest, most influential vegan/vegetarian restaurant company in the U.S. His restaurants include The Veggie Grill, Mas Veggies Vegan Taqueria, and Stand Up Burgers. T.K.’s mission is to stop animal cruelty, end world hunger, and improve both the health of the planet and his guests. I’ve...
288. Hands-On Leadership in World-Class Restaurants - Titan Hospitality
April 08, 2022 14:54 - 59 minutes - 47.4 MBSuccess in the Hospitality industry requires passion, drive, commitment, and innovation. To stay relevant, you must also have a forward-thinking strategy. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with James J. King, the Founder, and CEO of Titan Hospitality. He has built a world-class operation that includes multiple concepts. His success is likely attributed to his focus on restaurant leadership; James demonstrates acute attention to detail while also keeping t...
287. You Can Forget Your Restaurant Sales Tax - Davo
April 01, 2022 13:21 - 42 minutes - 33.7 MBThere are things you love about your restaurant, but I’ll bet Sales Tax is not one of them. It’s one of those things you must do each month, but if you forget, there are penalties. In these crazy times, your restaurant might not even have the cash to pay it when it's due. What’s a restaurant to do? Well in this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with David Joseph and Peter Murray from www.davosalestax.com Here’s a platform that automates the entire process of pa...
286. The Secret Sauce of a Dynamic Restaurant Brand - Daddy's Chicken Shack
March 25, 2022 21:39 - 58 minutes - 47.2 MBWhat do a classically trained chef, entertainer and Wall Street trader have in common? A fast-growing restaurant concept born from humble beginnings, and a consistent commitment to simple high-quality ingredients that taste like a warm hug feels… In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast I'm speaking with Pace Webb & Chris Georgalas the founders of “Daddy’s Chicken Shack”. This concept offers a twist on the classic fried chicken sandwich, chicken & waffles, salads, breakfast, ...
285. A Labor Solution Creating Careers Not Just Jobs - Chef D.
March 18, 2022 15:57 - 55 minutes - 44.4 MBThe industry continues its struggle with the labor crisis. Good people come and good people go, but maybe we’re looking in the wrong place. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Chef D. Brandon Walker (better known as Chef D) creator and owner of growing Los Angeles concepts. Before we get into that, let me tell you that Chef is uplifting the industry, his restaurants, and the underserved population by creating “Careers”, not just jobs. Chef D’s M.O. is to ...
284. This Pizza Concept is Stellar - Benson Tsai
March 11, 2022 16:33 - 50 minutes - 40.5 MBThis is perhaps the most revolutionary time in the restaurant world. With more available ready-to-go spaces and the food truck opportunity exploding, now may be the time to start your own business, to go boldly ahead with a dream, a strong vision, and people you may already know with talents to help make your vision a reality. This episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast is all about the entrepreneurial journey…. How to grasp it, how to go after it and how to get it! I’m speaking with ...
283. How To Add a Virtual Drive-Thru to Your Restaurant
March 04, 2022 11:28 - 49 minutes - 39.4 MBStaying ahead of the curve and your competition is critical. As an independent restaurant, you need every advantage! Today now more than ever, the focus is on guest convenience and safety. What if you could add a virtual Drive-Thru to your business without adding an actual drive-thru lane and window? You Can! In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Carl and Javier who are the leaders behind SWIPEBY. As an independent restaurant, you need every advantage!...
282. This Pizza Franchise Does Good by DOING GOOD - MJ Riva The Pizza Factory
February 25, 2022 16:10 - 1 hour - 51.2 MBI love talking shop with “in the trenches” operators. So much to learn, so much in common. We’ve covered quite a few fast-moving franchises lately, but this one stands out as my guest is not only a 20-year veteran operator of this concept, she’s also the C.E.O. Sit down with us in this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast as I speak with MJ Riva of www.pizzafactory.com She’s a down-to-earth, involved operator who will inspire you. Get ready for some powerful takeaways you can tak...
281. Why Most Restaurant Marketing Sucks w/ Erik Shellenberger
February 18, 2022 20:54 - 1 hour - 54.8 MBFew restaurant operators are marketing geniuses. We think we’ve got it covered, but, we sometimes make poor decisions when it comes to marketing. We try this and try that, throw money out the window, and hope for the best, but the results are rarely there. Why? Because the bottom line is unless you can rock-solid track every ad and campaign you run, you’ll never know if it’s bringing in the business. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak once again with Erik Shellen...
280. Short Labor? Ghost Kitchens w/Michael Liu of Just Kitchen
February 11, 2022 18:46 - 39 minutes - 31.4 MBWith the continuing labor crisis, chances are you’re still struggling to staff your place, serve guests and keep the lights on! Costs are rising, the supply chain has limited your products and competition is heating up. With all this going on you’ve probably had to pivot more than once. Well, here’s a new idea. What if you could expand your restaurant’s marketing reach, reduce staff and lower overhead? In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Ghost Kitchen vet...
279. Southern Comfort Food + Kraft Kocktails - Kevin Kelley of Kitchen + Kocktails
February 04, 2022 13:45 - 44 minutes - 35.4 MBI am constantly amazed at what I learn from my guests, and the insights and knowledge they share with our audience. As a veteran operator myself, I believe it’s critical to keep your eye out for hooks that catch the public’s attention, as well as competitive advantages to set your place apart from the rest. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Trial Attorney and Restaurateur Kevin Kelley of Kitchen + Kocktails. He is making a big splash in Dallas and Chicag...
278. From Dishwasher to Restaurant Franchise Founder - Shawn Lalehzarian of The Red Chickz
January 28, 2022 16:04 - 49 minutes - 39.3 MBI meet a lot of Rockstars on this podcast, but it’s rare to meet someone who rose from dishwasher to the founder of a fast-growing franchise. In this week’s episode of The Restaurant Rockstars Podcast my guest is Shawn Lalehzarian of The Red Chickz. He arrived in the US not speaking a word of English and rose through the ranks from dishwasher to server to cook to manager. He then hopped on a plane, immersed himself in Nashville culture, and came up with the magic formula for his chicken f...
277. Cracking the Restaurant Labor Crunch: Part 2
January 21, 2022 17:28 - 1 hour - 62.8 MBThe last two years have been a roller coaster ride and pushed us all to our limit but – better days are ahead and fear not, 2022 may be your best year yet! During this most challenging labor crisis, now is more important than ever that you watch or listen to this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast. Some of our industry’s leading experts and operators give their best advice and practices on how to overcome this dilemma we all face. It’s all about simplifying your menu, a new sou...
276. Short Staffed? Why Not a Restaurant Robot?
January 14, 2022 19:55 - 51 minutes - 41 MBWe’re all suffering from the Labor Shortage. Now that business is booming, your staff is exhausted and getting burnt out from picking up the slack. What’s the answer? Well, you might consider hiring a restaurant robot! In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast I’m speaking with Juan Higueros Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Bear Robotics, the creator of “Servi”, the restaurant robot. I recently came across this invention at the Performance Food Service Food Show in San...
275. Cracking the Restaurant Labor Crunch: Part 1
January 07, 2022 15:20 - 1 hour - 63.5 MBThe last two years have pushed us all to our limit, but know this – better days are ahead and fear not, 2022 may be your best year yet! Our biggest challenge as operators remains the labor crisis. Operating with restrictions, operating short-staffed, and keeping our operations OPEN has proven trying for even the best out there. Now it is more important than ever that you watch or listen to this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast. Some of our industry’s leading experts and operator...
274. This Fast Casual Restaurant Crushed It During Covid - WaBa Grill
December 18, 2021 11:37 - 58 minutes - 47.1 MBAny restaurant that increased sales 40% when the pandemic first hit, and then broke their all-time sales record for year-end 2020, deserves our attention! What are they doing? What can WE learn from them to be more successful in our own place? Give a listen to this week’s Restaurant Rockstar’s Podcast. I’m speaking with Mark Finnegan of WaBa Grill, a 200 unit fast casual restaurant in California and Nevada. This concept’s tagline is “Eat Smart, Be Healthy” and their salad and rice bowl...
273. Fryer Oil is Skyrocketing …. Here’s a Savings Solution - Jeremiah Chapman
December 10, 2021 13:27 - 33 minutes - 26.9 MBSupply chain shortages and rising costs are on everyone’s mind, and its critical to find solutions to maintain already slim margins. One of the biggest cost increases is for fryer oil, something most restaurants can’t operate without. Over the past few months, we’ve seen oil prices double and even triple! What to do? Well in this week’s episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Jeremiah Chapman, a chemical engineer by trade who invented a product that can save your re...
272. Restaurant Technology to Prosper Post Pandemic - Meredith Sandland and Carl Orsbourn
December 03, 2021 14:00 - 59 minutes - 47.4 MBThe pandemic has permanently changed the restaurant landscape and the way we must do business in the future. As restaurateurs, we must stay relevant to our consumer and consistently deliver convenience, value, quality and service. Countless businesses and successful companies that once dominated their industries and didn’t evolve, no longer exist. Don’t let this happen to your operation. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Meredith Sandland and Carl Or...
271. The Passion of a Legendary Restaurateur - Frank Guido
November 19, 2021 13:32 - 59 minutes - 47.3 MBThere are many legendary restaurateurs in our business, and we can learn from each and every one of their stories. Rarely do I find a man still working his restaurants 50 years on with the same energy, passion and creativity that led to 26 different locations. Imagine building these brands, developing the concepts, leading the teams and fostering the customer relationships. He’s even written a book about his journey titled “Been There, Done That”! This is the stuff of legend. I could only...
270. This Damn Good Taco Chain is On Fire - Torchy's Tacos
November 12, 2021 16:32 - 48 minutes - 39.2 MBWe can all learn from a true restaurant magician… In my book, anyone who can rise from fry cook to creator of a 95 location taco concept has industry magic. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast I speak with Mike Rypka, Founder of Torchy’s Tacos. He started with a single food trailer in Austin riding a red Vespa scooter passing out “Damn Good” Tacos. Torchy's is now in 11 states and growing. Brand-building is a huge component in this company’s success. Listen as Mike tell...
269. Buying or Selling a Restaurant - Jaime Oikle
November 05, 2021 15:12 - 50 minutes - 40.7 MBSooner or perhaps later you will think about selling your restaurant. Maybe you want to retire, start another business, spend more time with family or just get out from under your operation. On the flip side, the pandemic has created lots of opportunity for new and existing operators. There are lots of restaurant spaces for lease, many with fit-ups and equipment in place. There are also many restaurants for sale across the country. Now may be the time to explore these opportunities. In ...
268. This Juice Bar is Really “Shaking” Things Up - Juice It Up!
October 29, 2021 14:56 - 51 minutes - 39.1 MBThe menu, vibe, store design and service of this juice concept makes it a winning restaurant formula. Doing all of this in one location is hard…duplicating this into a fast-growing franchise, that's another ballgame! Furthermore…Chris & Ed take it a step further having more than one franchise concept! That really takes them into the big leagues of hospitality, and I can tell you, they have learned a thing or two! In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I introduce Susan Tayl...
267. This Sports Bistreaux Franchise is WINNING!
October 22, 2021 12:41 - 44 minutes - 35.8 MBTalk about a great sports story! Take 2 Walk-Ons for the Louisiana State University Basketball Squad, one bench, one napkin and a pen. What do you get? A Sports Bar/Bistreaux concept on its way to 150+ locations. The idea for this winning concept was brainstormed on the bench of the basketball court. Good thing the founders weren’t starters for the team or Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux wouldn’t be setting the restaurant space on fire! In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m...
266. Increase Sales & Profits with Online Restaurant Solutions - BentoBox
October 15, 2021 12:00 - 48 minutes - 38.7 MBThis pandemic has absolutely required your restaurant to adapt to the times and adopt new customer safe, friendly conveniences. This is more important now than ever as we emerge from the crisis. The good news is, these guest-friendly conveniences actually increase Sales and Profits. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Brian Cotlove, Chief Business Officer of Bentobox. A bentobox is a multi-compartment box containing different courses of a Japanese lunch...
265. Restaurant Marketing that really WORKS - Matt Plapp
October 08, 2021 20:30 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBMost restaurateurs are great at food, but Marketing is not their strong point. Is it any wonder, I constantly see restaurants throwing Tens of Thousands of Dollars $$$ away on everyday advertising costs. A radio sales guy calls you up and promises to deliver 200,000 impressions a week to your restaurant. Bingo, that just cost you $500. You think “My customers all read that newspaper – I’ll place an ad! Well, truth be told, that’s like lighting $100 bills on fire in your walk-in. Unless...