The restaurant podcast for aspiring and established restaurateurs who want to rock their dreams AND profits

In this episode Jason Brooks and I discuss the importance of hospitality, leadership, and company culture in the restaurant industry. We discuss the significance of training, accountability, and soft skills in delivering exceptional guest experiences as well as overcoming challenges post-pandemic. We also discuss Jason’s book launch and charitable initiative to support food service workers in crisis.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Anne Beiler, the founder of international restaurant success story “Auntie Anne’s Pretzels”. Despite all odds and immense personal tragedy, Anne rose above her challenges to create a global empire.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Jim Collins, the owner of Town Kitchen and Grill in California. Listen as Jim shares his story, failures, wins and his philosophy on achieving restaurant success!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Dale Schwartz, CEO & Co-Founder of Pinstripes, which is a restaurant concept that boasts giant spaces for bowling, bocce, delicious bistro dining, events, and fun. Listen as Dale shares golden nuggets of wisdom about finances, marketing, team building, expansion and company culture!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Howard Task and John Ebarhart of Restaurant Equippers, a family-owned company specializing in restaurant equipment going on 60 years.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Chef Jarad McConnell who rose from culinary school, cooking competitions and numerous restaurant kitchens to nurture, lead and inspire his team to greatness!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Marc Haine, a true operator’s operator, about leading and inspiring a restaurant team.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Kelly Hoyman who brings 30 years of proven restaurant marketing expertise to this episode. Now the Vice President of Marketing for an 85-unit concept called Wings and Rings, Kelly has such great advice to share!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Mirissa Harrison, a seasoned Certified Public Accountant with expertise in restaurant taxes and a passion to help you achieve your business goals. It’s not too late to clean things up for 2023, make some moves that will preserve your bottom line and put you in the best possible tax position!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Victoria Mosley and John Nanny, from Sculpture Hospitality, a tech platform that systemizes both your food and beverage restaurant inventory.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Matt Tucker, who heads up the hospitality tech platform Tock which optimizes restaurant sales, throughput and guest satisfaction.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Scott Greenberg, a leadership and performance expert about restaurant employees, what they REALLY want and how to build your dream team.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Brendan Sweeney and Tony Roy who run Popmenu, arguably one of the leading and fastest growing restaurant technology companies. We discuss how adopting technologies can significantly increase restaurant profitability and improve operations, amid labor shortages and other challenges faced in the industry.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Francesco Zimone. Francesco grew up in Naples, Italy where pizza and pizza making are a time-honored tradition. Francesco is an ex-finance person turned movie maker, turned pizzeria impresario who has brought authentic Naples’ pizza to America with four restaurant locations.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Abraham Merchant, veteran restaurateur, President & CEO of Merchant’s Hospitality. He shares his journey in the hospitality industry, from his beginnings to the launch of his restaurant empire!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Doug Stritzel – the Founder of Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafes.
Listen as Doug shares all about what makes a successful restaurant including; experience and key-learnings gained from other leading brands that built his restaurants. Doug’s also shares his advice if you wish to grow your restaurant brand to multiple locations.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Tom Rutledge, Founder and Managing Member of RDMS Group, restaurant finances guru and game-changer with expertise in payroll, food costing, labor analysis, budgeting, COGS trending, and financial viability.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Josh Luger co-founder of Capital Tacos, a restaurant that started small, built a brand for itself and is now taking the country by storm. Listen as Josh shares how they scaled their restaurant brand.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Ty & Karen Raju, co-owners, and founders of Bene Hospitality Group. They are juggling multiple restaurants and concepts including Italian, Spanish and even New York style pizza!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Chef Ahu. Only through the strength of character, perseverance and support of family did she finally achieve her dream of opening her restaurant.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with JT Pells, CPA. JT is known as the “Tax Quarterback”. He specializes in tax tips and tricks (totally legal) to save, make, and keep more money!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Blas Escarcega of Pollo Campero. This Guatemalan chicken restaurant concept first found huge success in Central America and other countries, and now continues to grow raving fans in the U.S.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Chad and Lauren Coulter, both former pharmacists turned restaurateurs. They discuss how they have found success in the restaurant business despite starting with no experience!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Chef Anthony Bucco about how to run a great restaurant kitchen. Anthony is the Senior VP of Culinary Operations for a dynamic family run restaurant group known for elevated dining experiences in historic properties.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Tom Krouse, the CEO of Donatos Pizza, a dynamic restaurant concept with 460 stores. It’s not the number of locations that counts, but the relationships they foster and the value proposition they offer their guests through great people. It all starts from the top,

Restaurants are all about people coming together, celebrating good times & life events. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Collin Benyo, Franchise Growth Strategist for a dynamic restaurant concept called “The Melting Pot”.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Kelly Meyer about business failure. Kelly is a former brewery founder/ operator, now author of the book “How Not to Start a Damn Brewery”.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Keith Benjamin of Uptown Hospitality Group and Eat, Drink & Be Merry, a dynamic restaurant, bar and nightlife company. Keith started his career in college creating big hospitality events, then did a stint in sports marketing only to find his true passion working his way to the top in the hospitality space.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Mickie Kennedy of eReleases. Mickie is a PR expert, press release ninja and media relations networker with an effective crash course in using restaurant PR to get your place on the map.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast we are focused on hospitality and I’m speaking with Sofia Crokos. Sofia is the founder of Sofia Crokos Events and Lifestyle, as well as the co-founder of Elaia Estiatorio, a restaurant she operates with her husband and partner.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Dan DeLeon of Grumpy’s Restaurant Company, a full-service breakfast, lunch & brunch concept.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Jeff Caldwell, V.P. of Operations for the Encore Boston Harbor Hotel. Jeff is a hospitality veteran who cut his teeth at Wynn Resorts; the company known for transforming the rebirth of Las Vegas into the world-class destination it is today. This episode is all about the “right stuff” and best practices that lead to greatness in the hospitality biz!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Casey Biehl, VP of Ops for Fat Boys. This growing pizza chain is company owned with many locations. Besides their unique hooks, much of Fat Boys success is due to company culture and leadership. They share all the details in this episode.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with chef and restaurateur Gregoire Jacquet. He is the founder of Gregoire, a passion project & “gourmet fast-casual” concept in the Bay area of San Francisco.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Jonathan Rosa of Moura CFO. Jonathan grew up in a restaurant family, studied finance in business school and then went on to hone his knowledge and craft at Burger King Corporate HQ. His deep restaurant finance experience now helps operators like you dial in your restaurant finances, plan for the future, and find greater success.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with John Cassetta, Head of Restaurant Insurance Solutions for CoverWallet, a leading provider to the restaurant industry. John cut his teeth in restaurants and his sons are now following in his footsteps, so he understands your business.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Jon Taffer, television personality behind the hit show “Bar Rescue”, industry leader, consultant, and multi-dimensional entrepreneur.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Russ Spencer, a true industry professional, a guru of restaurant finances and an old friend whose Senior Director of Restaurant Success for “Craftable”.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Dan Londono and Dan Sobsey, co-founders of “Alfalfa”. Alfalfa’s restaurant startup success began at a local farmer’s market and now they’ve grown bi-coastal.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Tina Hewett-Gordon, a 31-year leader at the Nonantum Resort on the coast of Maine. Tina’s style of recognizing talent, empowering her team, and dazzling guests is an inspiration to our industry demonstrating true hospitality excellence.

Restaurant Rockstars Episode 347How Stellar Leadership Builds Epic Company CultureLISTEN HERE OR ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLAYERPrefer to watch the interview?Click the video below.Many details create a successful growing business,...

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast I’m speaking with Restaurant Marketing expert Carolyn Walker, the CEO of The Response Agency. Carolyn has 20 years of experience working for some of the largest restaurant companies, as well as on the brands of billion-dollar corporations.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Kevin Cimini, the owner and designer of Gair, a new restaurant startup in the Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn. Kevin masterfully applied his architecture and design background to create a dynamic space using historic building elements, accentuated with modern touches.

This week on the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Robin Gagnon, the Co-Founder & CEO of “We Sell Restaurants”. With tremendous industry knowledge and an amazing track record of successful sales, Robin shares with us what you need to know and do before you sell your restaurant.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Antonio McBroom, the CEO of Primo Partners. Primo is a leading franchisor of two of the hottest “best of brands” in their categories (Ben & Jerry’s & Starbucks). There are powerful leadership lessons here for your own restaurant success!

We all define hospitality in our own way, and it’s a foundational element in your business. In this week’s episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Alfio Celia, VP of Food & Beverage for Crescent Restaurant Group. He shares his definition of hospitality and how to exceed guest’s expectations.

This week on the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Austin Capoferi, the President of Franchising and Development for “Beef-A-Roo”, a 56-year-old brand known for its wild west restaurant concept and homestyle family values. They are here to share some real out of the “box” thinking!

This episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast is all about what it takes to maximize restaurant profit, to build your “dream team” staff, and to create a powerful brand and a legacy business.

I’m speaking with Adam Evans long-time bar owner, entertainment promoter and restaurant GM about problem customers, trends & managing staff.

In today’s episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Chef Grace Goudie of Scratchboard Kitchen. This episode is all about what it takes to run a great restaurant kitchen and great restaurant concept.

You can either have a restaurant strategy or keep putting out daily fires. Having a strategy is pro-active and moves your business forward.
In this week’s episode of the podcast, I am speaking with restaurant strategy experts Carl Orsbourn and Meredith Sandland.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Leif Magnussen of TipHaus, a platform that automates the entire restaurant tip reporting process.

in this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast. I’m speaking with Michelle Corry who has a true passion for great restaurants. She cut her teeth under a master at “The French Laundry”, one of the world’s most illustrious. Michelle along with her husband, chef & partner has taken that critical foundation, her own talents and inspiration to create truly great restaurants in one of the country’s biggest and most competitive “foodie” towns.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with restaurateur Mani Bhushan of Taco Ocho in Dallas. A 40 year restaurant veteran, at 70+ he is still running circles around the competition!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Travis Talbot, a global restaurant concept developer, hospitality impresario, cookbook author & restaurant coach.

In this week’s episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Andrew Coplon, the founder of secret shopping for breweries. Whether you love and serve beer or not, it’s important to put yourself in your guest’s shoes to find out what they experience in your operation.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Andy Rodriguez who has a true passion for sharing his knowledge of all thing’s spirits, bar business and the fine points of mixology.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Andrew Pudalov, the CEO of Rush Bowls. Andrew successfully pivoted from a high-flying finance career to the restaurant business.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Chef Brandon Buck of a new restaurant concept called “Crush Yard”.

Childhood friends had an idea to start a restaurant with the goal of “just staying open”! Now they have grown to 19 restaurants and are opening more. Jonathan shares his best advice!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Scott SirLouis about achieving true restaurant success. He is a veteran operator, franchise team builder and all-around restaurant guy.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Brady Lee, the President of Graze Craze. Brady is building a restaurant concept based on grazing and the food board trend.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars podcast, I am speaking with Steve Turk, Founder and CEO of Turk Hospitality Ventures which specializes in executing stand-out food & beverage programs in restaurants and hotels.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with John Meadow, Founder and President of LDV Hospitality who is truly building a global restaurant empire one concept at a time.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast I’m speaking with Chef Mike Harvey about building a strong restaurant kitchen. These determine our guest satisfaction, online reviews, a ringing cash register and repeat business.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with John Palumbo, Sr. Director of Restaurant Franchise Development for the famous A & W chain.

In case you haven’t heard, your restaurant can claim lots of money without paying it back. This is money you’ve already paid in payroll taxes, and the IRS will pay it back to you. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Mike Schaeffer of Whirks, an accounting firm specializing in payroll taxes and the ERTC.

When I owned multiple concepts, I was obsessed with my Restaurant Profit. Now I work with other operators….and I am obsessed with their restaurant profit! With rising costs beyond your control, there is nothing as important as having a feel for your restaurant’s critical numbers, your restaurant profit or where you might be losing money.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Chuck Kline of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. In order to grow to 71 concepts and locations, this group had to solve their own restaurant labor crisis and effect a different approach to leading and growing their team. Their approach is now their advantage.

One of the biggest needle movers to increased sales and profit is restaurant catering. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Michael Attias, the CEO of Caterzen.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Clay Ogden of Strategic Risk Alternatives, a risk management expert who helps us understand restaurant insurance and potential pitfalls to your coverage.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Jack Rasmussen an inspired guy with a solution to the restaurant food waste crisis.

Everyone in hospitality has been hit hard by the labor crisis. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars podcast, I am speaking with Chef and Partner Jamie Lynch of The 5th Street Group who has some very innovative solutions to this Labor Crisis.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Barrett Boston, the CEO of Plate IQ who shows us how to simplify your restaurant’s accounts payable. This accounts payable system is like a fully automated, paperless filing cabinet!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Bob Andersen of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, a fast-growing franchise focused on building a restaurant brand that delivers a guest experience authentic to Greek lifestyle and culture.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking all about the power of culture and growing a restaurant chain with Michael Mabry, President of Famous Toastery.

Hospitality drives our business and is the foundation that great guest service is built upon. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Greg Provance of GP Hospitality Partners, a true kindred restaurant spirit and expert on the fine points of hospitality.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast I’m speaking with Dyson Barnett of FanCONNECT & The Birthday Club. Dyson is a former restaurant owner/ operator and knows a thing or two about reaching your customers and getting new ones in the door using birthday marketing.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Stratis Morfogen, a restaurateur’s restaurateur and a restaurant industry disruptor. He tells about playing by his own rules, having a driving vision, creating luck, and achieving destiny.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Dale Willerton an expert in restaurant leases, aka “The Lease Coach”. 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 speak with Martha Lucius, who specializes in restaurant strategy. She is a kindred hospitality spirit who was inspired by experiencing great food & drink around the globe.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Austin Samuelson of Tacos 4 Life. They are using mission based restaurant marketing to give back in a big way!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast. I’m speaking with family operators of the Blue Collar Restaurant Group. Hitting all the marks is a continual challenge, but my guests today aren’t missing a beat! Well-earned restaurant success, they have 9 concepts and growing!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Anthony Ackil about investing in restaurants. He co-founded and grew a 70+ unit restaurant chain, then exited to become the Founder of Streetlight Ventures.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Sam Zeitz, CEO of Grubbrr who offers a labor solution with their self-ordering technology and digital restaurant kiosks.

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 restaurant brands. He knows the importance of an amazing company culture.

Restaurant Rockstars Episode 301The Magic Restaurant Formula with Eric ShefferLISTEN HERE OR ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLAYERPrefer to watch the interview?Click the video below.A 20+ year run in this business holds hard-won...

With the restaurant labor challenge, it’s more important than ever to keep your good people happy and create a culture that attracts new team-players. I had great success by incentivizing my entire team to strive for maximum performance and guest service. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Andrew Duffy, the CEO and Co-Founder of SparkPlug, the world’s first Incentive Management Platform for restaurants.

These 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. 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.

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 globe.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Matt Plapp, the founder of Americas Best Restaurants and author of the new book “Restaurant Marketing That Works; Before, During and After the Pandemic”!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Michael Chernow, a former addict turned restaurateur, celebrity chef, author, fitness guru and business impresario.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Brendan Sweeney, Co-Founder and CEO of Popmenu. We discuss what restaurant technology is most important to serve your guest and turn customers into restaurant regulars.