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

Real-life business journeys

Expert guests who don’t hold back

Honest accounts of failure and success

Tips, tricks, and strategies for your dream business

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Top 50 Podcast - Restaurant Rockstars
300+ Episodes

Latest Episodes

Episode #418 Mastering Restaurant Management & Elevating Customer Service

Episode #418 Mastering Restaurant Management & Elevating Customer Service

To achieve restaurant management success, create a brand and run a strong profitable business you need to know your restaurant inside out. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars podcast, I speak with Daniel Frazier, Director of Operations and GM of a 3-location place called Pharmacy Burger. Daniel started his career as a host, then moved up and around just about every position.

Episode #417 Effective Restaurant Marketing Tips

Episode #417 Effective Restaurant Marketing Tips

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast I speak with Mr. Sebastian Stahl, a marketing expert and author of ‘Restaurant Marketing Insider.’ We discuss common marketing mistakes made by restaurants, the importance of effective staff training as brand ambassadors, and the need for trackable marketing. We also cover the significance of running a restaurant as a business with foundational systems such as cost controls, maximizing profit, and delivering a consistent brand experience.

Episode #415 Restaurant Success, Systems, Finances & Marketing Ideas

Episode #415 Restaurant Success, Systems, Finances & Marketing Ideas

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars podcast we are talking about the sytems and structure it takes to achieve restaurant success! I’m speaking with John Issa a 29 year hospitality veteran, co-owner and partner in the highly diversified INVIC2S Hospitality Group in DC. INVIC2S operates a bakery, beer garden, sports bar, niteclub and craft cocktail bar. He has a ton of great advice for operators!

Episode #414 Restaurant Company Culture & Recruiting That Works

Episode #414 Restaurant Company Culture & Recruiting That Works

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Michel Falcon, a restaurateur and entrepreneur. Michel has a very different and fresh take on company culture and restaurant teamwork. In these times of staffing shortages and challenges, Michel’s approach just may be the way forward!

Episode #413 Designing a Restaurant Menu that Sells

Episode #413 Designing a Restaurant Menu that Sells

Your restaurant menu is your most important marketing tool! It showcases your restaurant cuisine, defines your brand and determines your profit. Make no mistake, there is a strategy behind designing a great restaurant menu. Whether your current menu needs refreshing or your soon to open your first place, this is your episode.

Episode #412 Leadership & Innovation in the Restaurant Kitchen

Episode #412 Leadership & Innovation in the Restaurant Kitchen

Jamie Kenyon, Executive Chef and Partner in Bottino NYC emphasizes the importance of hard work, continuous learning, and the pivotal role of his dedicated restaurant kitchen team. Additionally, he touches on his leadership and hiring philosophy, focusing on attitude over experience. Jamie also shares insights on maintaining a restaurant’s popularity through social media, the significance of menu changes, and the intriguing operation of pop-up restaurants.

Episode #411 Restaurant Growth, Quality & Cost, Margins, Loyalty, Hooks and Restaurant Marketing that Works.

Episode #411 Restaurant Growth, Quality & Cost, Margins, Loyalty, Hooks and Restaurant Marketing that Works.

I’m speaking with Rich Clark, a dynamic Co-Founder and Partner in C & S Restaurant Group of Atlanta. He discusses the importance of mentors, strong work ethic, and the challenges of the current labor market. Rich emphasizes the significance of hospitality, maintaining quality offerings, growth plans for his restaurant and he also shares insights on his daily routine and future aspirations.

Episode #410 Navigating Restaurant Challenges: Resilience and Innovation

Episode #410 Navigating Restaurant Challenges: Resilience and Innovation

I’m speaking with Dan & Conor Sullivan, , the brothers behind Bumpa’s. Hear their story of leaving corporate jobs to pursue a family-inspired vision in the restaurant business, the challenges they faced (including opening during the COVID-19 pandemic), and the key factors that have made Bumpa’s a success and beloved local establishment.

Episode #409 From Chef to Restaurant Entrepreneur

Episode #409 From Chef to Restaurant Entrepreneur

I welcome Chef Julian Medina. We discuss his restaurant portfolio, his leadership style and team culture as well as: how he monitors critical restaurant numbers, how he maintains and grows margins, some of his best practices and even his appearance on “Iron Chef America”.

Episode #405 How to Master your Restaurant Kitchen

Episode #405 How to Master your Restaurant Kitchen

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Chef Hunter Evans. This Chef’s passion for learning and improvement led him to nurture, lead and inspire his team and restaurant kitchen to rise and overcome their own challenges.

Episode #402 Restaurant Training for Team Excellence

Episode #402 Restaurant Training for Team Excellence

In this week’s episode on the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with David McClaskey, a 50-year trainer who shares that effective restaurant training cultivates excellence in both employees and entire organizations.

Episode #401 Hospitality Mavericks: The Rise of Renwick

Episode #401 Hospitality Mavericks: The Rise of Renwick

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Carsten Johannsen and Gary Wallach, restaurateur Co-Founding Partners of Renwick Hospitality Group who are blazing their own unique path in the Big Apple.

Episode #400 The Secrets to Restaurant Longevity: A 44-Year Family Legacy

Episode #400 The Secrets to Restaurant Longevity: A 44-Year Family Legacy

This week’s episode is all about a family business that’s found the magic formula. Today on the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Kacie Dancy, daughter of the Founder and V.P. of Operations at Pop’s Beef, a 17-location company that’s loved by its guests, employees and communities that it serves.

Episode #394 Emerging Trends in Hospitality

Episode #394 Emerging Trends in Hospitality

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Mathew Focht, founder of Emerging. From hot concepts to supply chain to technology, Mathew is a visionary with his finger on the pulse of hospitality.

Episode #393 The Power of Restaurant Marketing & Loyalty Programs

Episode #393 The Power of Restaurant Marketing & Loyalty Programs

Restaurant marketing and loyalty can be challenging. Long gone are coupons and get the 5th one free, but how do you make your restaurant stand out today? In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Court Allam, Founder of GoExploreLocal. Court has a unique restaurant loyalty model based on membership and exclusivity.

Episode #392 How to Save 30-40% on Your Restaurant Costs

Episode #392 How to Save 30-40% on Your Restaurant Costs

Restaurant Costs keep rising and margins keep shrinking, what can you do? Take charge of your restaurant expenses! Like I always say, “If the money’s not in your pocket, it’s in theirs”! In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Larry Levine of P3 Cost Analysts. Larry’s an expert at reducing your non-payroll restaurant costs.

#389 Building a Powerful + Nostalgic Restaurant Brand

#389 Building a Powerful + Nostalgic Restaurant Brand

Are you running a restaurant, or a business? Are you building a powerful restaurant brand? In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast I speak with Steve Shlemon, the President of Ford’s Garage. This episode is all about running a business based on one of the world’s most powerful brands.

Episode #388 The Future of Restaurant Pricing Strategies and Tipping

Episode #388 The Future of Restaurant Pricing Strategies and Tipping

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast I speak with Juan Manuel Izaret of Boston Consulting Group all about the future of restaurant pricing strategies and tipping. It’s getting harder and harder to provide true value to our guests with labor challenges, inflation, and high labor costs. This makes your restaurant pricing model critically important.

Episode #387 Shifting to a Leadership Mindset in Hospitality

Episode #387 Shifting to a Leadership Mindset in Hospitality

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.

Episode #384 Fun Restaurant Concept Will Bowl You Over!

Episode #384 Fun Restaurant Concept Will Bowl You Over!

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!

Episode #382 Chef Shares Great Restaurant Kitchen Success

Episode #382 Chef Shares Great Restaurant Kitchen Success

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!

#380 Great Restaurant Marketing Advice from The Trenches

#380 Great Restaurant Marketing Advice from The Trenches

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!

Episode #379 Excellent Tips on Getting Your Restaurant Taxes In Order

Episode #379 Excellent Tips on Getting Your Restaurant Taxes In Order

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!

Episode #375 Using Restaurant Technology to 10X your Business

Episode #375 Using Restaurant Technology to 10X your Business

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.

Episode #372 What Makes a Successful Restaurant?

Episode #372 What Makes a Successful Restaurant?

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.

Episode #371 Restaurant Finances that are VITAL to your Success

Episode #371 Restaurant Finances that are VITAL to your Success

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.

Episode #370 How They Scaled Their Restaurant Brand

Episode #370 How They Scaled Their Restaurant Brand

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.

Episode #369 Juggling Multiple Restaurants And Concepts

Episode #369 Juggling Multiple Restaurants And Concepts

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!

Episode #368 Extreme Hardship to Restaurant Success

Episode #368 Extreme Hardship to Restaurant Success

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.

Episode #367 Tax Tips and Tricks for Restaurants

Episode #367 Tax Tips and Tricks for Restaurants

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!

Episode #364 How to Lead a Great Restaurant Kitchen

Episode #364 How to Lead a Great Restaurant Kitchen

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.

Episode #363 How to Lead and Grow a Great Restaurant Company

Episode #363 How to Lead and Grow a Great Restaurant Company

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,

Episode #362 A Restaurant Dining Experience to Remember

Episode #362 A Restaurant Dining Experience to Remember

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”.

Episode #360 How to Dominate Your Hospitality Competition

Episode #360 How to Dominate Your Hospitality Competition

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.

Episode #359 How To Get Powerful Restaurant PR

Episode #359 How To Get Powerful Restaurant PR

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.

Episode #358 Delivering Hospitality at the Highest Level

Episode #358 Delivering Hospitality at the Highest Level

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.

Episode #356 How to Deliver Epic Hospitality with Epic Leadership

Episode #356 How to Deliver Epic Hospitality with Epic Leadership

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!

Episode #355 This Growing Pizza Chain Has All the “Hooks”!

Episode #355 This Growing Pizza Chain Has All the “Hooks”!

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.

Episode #353 Expert Tips on Restaurant Finances From a CFO

Episode #353 Expert Tips on Restaurant Finances From a CFO

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.

Episode #352 Restaurant Insurance Tips

Episode #352 Restaurant Insurance Tips

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.

Episode #350 Killer Advice on Restaurant Finances!

Episode #350 Killer Advice on Restaurant Finances!

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”.

Episode #349 A Super Fresh Restaurant Startup Success Story

Episode #349 A Super Fresh Restaurant Startup Success Story

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.

Episode #348 31 Amazing Years of Hospitality Excellence

Episode #348 31 Amazing Years of Hospitality Excellence

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.

#347 How Stellar Leadership Builds Epic Company Culture

#347 How Stellar Leadership Builds Epic Company Culture

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,...

#346 Powerful Restaurant Marketing & Brand Building

#346 Powerful Restaurant Marketing & Brand Building

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.

Episode #345 Designer Turns Operator, A Restaurant Startup Story

Episode #345 Designer Turns Operator, A Restaurant Startup Story

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.

Episode #344 Want to Sell Your Restaurant?!

Episode #344 Want to Sell Your Restaurant?!

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.

#343 Amazing Leadership As The Key To Restaurant Success

#343 Amazing Leadership As The Key To Restaurant Success

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!

Episode #342 How To Exceed Expectations with Restaurant Hospitality

Episode #342 How To Exceed Expectations with Restaurant Hospitality

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.

Episode #341 This Intriguing Restaurant Concept is Out of The Box

Episode #341 This Intriguing Restaurant Concept is Out of The Box

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!

Episode #337 Restaurant Strategy Shifts in The Digital Era

Episode #337 Restaurant Strategy Shifts in The Digital Era

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.

Episode #335 How to Run Great Restaurants

Episode #335 How to Run Great Restaurants

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.

Episode #332 Lessons Learned from Secret Shopping Breweries

Episode #332 Lessons Learned from Secret Shopping Breweries

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.

Episode #331 How to Elevate Your Bar Business

Episode #331 How to Elevate Your Bar Business

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.

Episode #327 The Keys to Total Restaurant Success

Episode #327 The Keys to Total Restaurant Success

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.

Episode #325 How to Deliver True Restaurant Hospitality

Episode #325 How to Deliver True Restaurant Hospitality

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.

Episode #324 How Build a Restaurant Empire

Episode #324 How Build a Restaurant Empire

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.

Episode #323 How to Run a Strong Restaurant Kitchen

Episode #323 How to Run a Strong Restaurant Kitchen

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.

Episode #321 Get BIG Money Back from your Payroll Taxes via ERTC

Episode #321 Get BIG Money Back from your Payroll Taxes via ERTC

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.

Episode #320 Restaurant Profit – How to Move the Needle

Episode #320 Restaurant Profit – How to Move the Needle

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.