Podcasts

Oct152021

Episode #266 Increase Sales & Profits with Online Restaurant Solutions

This 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, an All-In-1 platform that delivers Online Ordering, Gift Cards, Event Tickets, Retail Merchandise sales, Restaurant Websites and more!

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Oct82021

Episode #265 Restaurant Marketing that really WORKS!

Most 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. 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”!

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Oct12021

Episode #264 Pride, Passion & Purpose Grows this Pizza Chain – Mountain Mike’s

Big or small; chain or indie, we can all learn from true success. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Co-Owner Chris Britt and Jim Metevier, President and C.O.O. of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. Their success following this formula has exceeded 200+ units and continues to grow with new franchise opportunities.

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Sep242021

Episode #263 Order Smart, Save Labor, Get Money Back – Warner Siebert of Cut+Dry

I don’t need to tell you that in most restaurants, the typical order and receiving process is inefficient. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Warner Siebert of Cut+Dry. He’s going to show us a simpler way to place & check-in your orders as well as track rebates and earn rewards. Listen on and see if this saves your operation time and money!

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Sep172021

Episode #262 Chef Joshua Karther – Experience, Cool Under Pressure, Inspired Leader

Nothing in this business is more important than laying a sold staff foundation, as your team represent both your brand and ultimate guest experiences. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Chef Joshua Karther of Water’s Edge at Hyatt Lodge in Chicago. Join us as we learn what hospitality truly means and how to be a highly effective leader.

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Sep102021

Episode #261 Increase Sales with a Virtual Kitchen – it’s Genius!

I’m a huge believer in new profit centers and revenue streams. Listen on and see if this may be your restaurant’s next Big Opportunity. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast I’m speaking with Alex Canter; a serial entrepreneur, the heir to the iconic Los Angeles eatery “Canter’s Deli” and the creator of NextBite. NextBite turns your existing operation into a virtual restaurant or ghost kitchen.

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Sep32021

Episode #260 How to Build a Powerful Restaurant Brand

I believe that operators should relentlessly build their brand and run a strong business, not a restaurant. This approach led me to dominate my competition for over two decades. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with a strategic marketing and restaurant branding expert, Amanda Guerassio of Studio Guerassio. Don’t miss it!

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Aug272021

Episode #259 Celebrity Chef beats Addiction and Rises to New Heights

It’s no secret this business is ripe for misuse. Chefs selling steaks out the back door to feed cocaine habits, bartenders dealing drugs, alcoholic beverages at arms reach, etc.. It’s nearly impossible to run a clean business and keep it clean. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I speak with Michael Chernow, a former abuser turned restaurateur, celebrity chef, author, fitness guru and business impresario.

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Aug202021

Episode #258 How to Turn First Time Guests into Regulars

If you’re still standing, now is the time to stoke that fire, get re-inspired and rock your restaurant. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Brendan Sweeney, Co-Founder and CEO of Popmenu. In this episode we discuss what technology is most important to serve your guest and re-build a stronger restaurant business.

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Aug132021

Episode #257 Hot Pie Concept Serves Up Happiness, One Slice at a Time!

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Sean Brennan, the Founder of The Pie Hole. He’s worked just about every job in hospitality before coming up with this idea. The Pie Hole serves up a classic combination of delicious gourmet pie and organic coffee. I love speaking with founders and Sean’s passion for his people shines through. Take a slice of pie from Sean’s book and then go Rock YOUR Restaurant!

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Aug62021

Episode #256 5 Ways to TACKLE the Restaurant Labor Shortage!

The biggest restaurant challenge continues to be labor. How do you find, motivate, keep and get the best performance from your team? In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with fellow industry pro and friend Jaime Oikle of Running Restaurants. We’ll be dishing up “5 Ways to Incentivize your team to not only get you through this shortage, but we will give you a new approach to managing your operation through your staff.

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Jul302021

Episode #255 Outdoor Dining Spaces are the New Opportunity!

When Covid hit and our restaurants were forced to cut capacity, or shut inside dining down altogether, many of us immediately improvised with an outdoor solution. Parking lots, roof decks, sidewalks and even streets outside our restaurant became our new dining rooms. I’m speaking with three guests, all offering unique solutions to this new opportunity of outdoor dining.

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