In this conversation, Peter Newlin, Chief Vision Officer and Co-Founder of Gastamo Group, shares insights into the future of the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of technology, mentorship, and community engagement.

He discusses his personal journey into hospitality, the evolution of restaurant concepts, and the significance of experiential dining.

Newlin highlights the need for patience and focus in building successful restaurant brands and explores the impact of technology on enhancing guest experiences.

• There's a tremendous backlog of ideas for great tech in restaurants.
• Experiential dining is becoming a key focus in the industry.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth.
• Patience and focus are essential for long-term success.
• Community engagement is vital for restaurant success.
• Quality over quantity is a growing trend in dining.
• Technology will play a significant role in the future of restaurants.
• Understanding your home market is critical for growth.
• Listening to customer feedback is essential for improvement.
• The restaurant industry is evolving with new trends and technologies.

00:00 Discovered hospitality's joy, magic, and impact. 03:49 Fell in love with transforming guest experiences. 06:37 Philippe exemplified mentorship and inspired knowledge-sharing. 12:19 Patience, focus, and slow growth ensure success. 15:30 Perdida: personal journeys, community, destination, Baja ambiance. 18:04 Community-driven design enhances unique restaurant concepts. 21:29 Listen to customer feedback; crucial for growth. 23:31 Focus on regional growth and operational success. 28:17 Shift from quantity to quality in dining. 30:07 AI tools will enhance restaurant tech integrations. 32:52 Make people feel special; tech consolidates profitably.

In this episode, Angelo Esposito interviews Gregg Majewski, founder and CEO of Craveworthy Brands. They discuss the journey of scaling restaurants, the importance of culture and leadership, and the innovative approach of Craveworthy Brands in the restaurant industry, including the use of virtual brands and shared kitchens to maximize efficiency and profitability.

In this conversation, Gregg shares his insights on building a strong team culture, the importance of employee growth and retention, and his leadership philosophy that prioritizes the well-being of his team. He discusses the challenges faced by the restaurant industry, particularly in terms of operational hurdles and pricing strategies, while also emphasizing the need for embracing technology to enhance customer experience.

Looking ahead, he outlines ambitious goals for Craveworthy Brands and the importance of supporting franchisees in achieving their dreams.

• Craveworthy Brands aims to support emerging and legacy brands.
• Scaling from 30 to 300 locations requires a strong belief in the business plan.
• Culture and leadership are crucial for restaurant success.
• Systems and procedures must be in place for growth.
• Transitioning to Craveworthy Brands was a planned move for Gregg.
• Virtual brands can significantly increase revenue without additional overhead.
• Speed and efficiency are key components of restaurant operations.
• Franchisees' success leads to long-term success for the brand.
• Innovative concepts like shared kitchens can optimize resources.
• The restaurant industry is about adapting and evolving with market demands. Building a team culture is essential for success.
• Employee growth should be prioritized over personal gain.
• Great leaders support their team's aspirations.
• Paying employees well can reduce turnover.
• Technology should enhance, not replace, hospitality.
• Operational challenges are prevalent in the restaurant industry.
• Pricing strategies need to be flexible and responsive.
• Setting ambitious goals drives progress.
• Understanding the value of technology is crucial.
• Leadership involves getting hands-on and staying connected with the team.

00:00 Craveworthy Brands: Supports emerging brands, franchise-focused growth. 05:04 Passionate culture, commitment drove unique sandwich success. 09:00 Create duplicable systems; manage failures; retrain/improve. 10:45 Invested in restaurants after family-focused career. 15:32 Menu designed for existing kitchen equipment use. 18:55 Supporting personal growth, even if leaving company. 20:22 Overpay to increase employee retention and loyalty. 24:30 Leaders succeed by engaging and performing duties. 27:53 Focus on perfecting one tech item completely. 29:11 Prioritize needs; avoid feature distractions with checklists. 32:30 Set impossible goals, work towards achieving them.

In this engaging conversation, Vance Morris shares his unique journey from a childhood paper route to a successful career in customer service and entrepreneurship. He discusses his time at Disney, the lessons learned, and how he applied those principles to build a thriving carpet cleaning business.

Vance emphasizes the importance of customer experience, effective marketing strategies, and robust customer retention systems, providing valuable insights for business owners in various industries. In this conversation, Vance Morris elaborates the critical elements of customer service in the restaurant industry, furthered the importance of personal connections, staff training, and attention to detail. He shares insights from his experiences at Disney and his mission to improve service quality through his company, Deliver Service Now.

The discussion covers practical strategies for restaurants to stand out in a competitive market and the significance of creating memorable customer experiences.

• Vance's journey illustrates the importance of customer service from a young age.
• Disney's operational principles can be applied to any business.
• Creating a unique customer experience is key to standing out.
• Effective marketing should attract the right customers and repel the wrong ones.
• Customer retention is significantly cheaper than acquiring new customers.
• Using personal stories in marketing can create emotional connections.
• Simplicity in systems ensures they are followed by all employees.
• A robust loyalty program can enhance customer retention.
• Direct mail remains a powerful tool for customer engagement.
• Fun and personality in business can enhance customer relationships. Personal connections can significantly enhance customer loyalty.
• Clean restrooms are a basic yet vital aspect of restaurant marketing.
• Educating staff about the menu can improve customer interactions.
• Attention to detail is crucial in the restaurant business.
• Service quality is a key differentiator in the restaurant industry.
• Training staff properly can prevent service issues.
• Predictability in service builds customer trust and repeat business.
• A mission to eradicate poor service can drive business success.
• Utilizing resources like the right next thing finder can help prioritize improvements.
• Creating memorable experiences is essential for customer retention.

00:00 Introduction. 03:17 Disney food industry career and roles overview. 08:04 Reluctantly considered carpet cleaning opportunity for marketing. 11:44 Unique phone greeting distinguishes Dave's Insurance. 14:20 Restaurants can boost business with loyalty programs. 16:28 I use my children in marketing campaigns. 19:04 Ritz GM embraces hands-on leadership, cleanliness approach. 23:31 Miscommunication about "Tequila Old Fashioned" button options. 27:51 Mission: Improve service quality with human element. 28:48 Consistent guests maintain steady restaurant income. 34:24 10 questions to find your next focus. 35:09 Mystery audits and Disney business boot camps. 38:41 Website offers courses on client retention strategies.

In this conversation, Jake Simon, co-founder and CEO of ConnectedFresh, discusses the company's mission to reduce food waste and improve operational efficiency in the food service industry through advanced sensor technology. He shares the origin story of ConnectedFresh, highlighting the challenges faced by restaurants and grocery stores, particularly in managing temperature and equipment failures.

The discussion delves into the predictive capabilities of their sensors, real-time monitoring, and various applications that can help businesses save money and reduce waste. Jake also emphasizes the importance of tailored solutions that address specific operational challenges rather than just providing more data.

Jake Simon discusses the innovative sensor technology used in food safety and operational efficiency within the restaurant and grocery sectors. He explains how these sensors can monitor various aspects such as temperature, inventory levels, and even customer traffic, enhancing the overall management of food service businesses.

The discussion also covers the streamlined setup process for businesses, emphasizing the ease of installation and the sustainability of the hardware used. Jake highlights the importance of ROI and customer engagement, encouraging businesses to explore the benefits of their technology. Finally, he shares resources for connecting with ConnectedFresh and the value of feedback in improving their services.

• ConnectedFresh focuses on reducing food waste in the food service industry.
• The company originated from a need to address inefficiencies in food storage.
• Real-time monitoring can prevent significant product loss.
• Predictive maintenance allows businesses to address issues before they escalate.
• Temperature monitoring is a critical component of food safety.
• ConnectedFresh uses LoRaWAN technology for long-range, low-power sensors.
• The system can integrate with existing management platforms for seamless operation.
• Automating cooldown logs can save time and reduce food waste.
• Door sensors can help monitor energy consumption and operational efficiency.
• Tailored solutions are more effective than generic data collection. Innovative sensor technology can enhance food safety and operational efficiency.
• Sensors can monitor temperature, inventory levels, and customer traffic.
• The setup process for businesses is streamlined and cost-effective.
• Sustainability is a key focus in hardware solutions.
• ROI is crucial; solutions should pay for themselves multiple times over.
• ConnectedFresh offers a flexible pricing model based on scalability.
• Customer engagement is prioritized; feedback is welcomed.
• The technology is designed to be user-friendly and easy to install.
• Businesses can schedule calls to learn more about the technology.
• ConnectedFresh aims to provide valuable insights and support to clients.

00:00 Monitoring inefficiencies in food service using sensors. 06:07 Cooler failures cost $70,000 in grocery products. 09:25 Pre-configured, long-range, low-power sensors with LoRaWAN. 11:19 Core focus: hazard systems, not sensor platforms. 14:06 Automation simplifies corrective action integration process. 17:27 Start with solutions to specific challenges. 20:39 Door sensor detects and prevents unauthorized access. 25:31 Wine bottles exploded due to temperature changes. 28:57 Identifying challenges for tailored, ROI-driven solutions. 32:38 Refrigerated delivery vans with GPS and sensors. 35:56 Pricing determined by location or sensors used. 38:11 Schedule a call to learn and share feedback. 41:06 Excited to feature and shout you out.

In this conversation, Christin Marvin shares her journey from a 20-year career in the hospitality industry to becoming a consultant and leadership coach. She discusses the challenges faced by independent restaurant owners, the importance of self-awareness, and the need for effective leadership development.

Christin emphasizes the significance of creating sustainable business practices and shares success stories of her clients who have transformed their leadership styles. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of the restaurant industry and the resources available for operators to thrive.

In this conversation, Christin Marvin and Angelo Esposito discuss the challenges and strategies in the hospitality industry, focusing on leadership, setting boundaries, and the importance of community. Christin shares insights from her book, 'The Hospitality Leaders Roadmap,' and her podcast, 'No Hesitations,' emphasizing the need for mental fitness and positive intelligence in leadership.

They explore current trends in the restaurant industry, the shift towards neighborhood dining, and the future of hospitality amidst changing consumer behaviors.

• Christin started in hospitality at 15 as a line cook.
• She opened 13 different restaurants throughout her career.
• Burnout led her to seek coaching and support.
• Self-awareness is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Independent restaurant owners often lack leadership resources.
• Effective communication is key to managing teams.
• Setting boundaries is essential for work-life balance.
• Leadership development can transform restaurant operations.
• Success stories illustrate the impact of coaching.
• Creating a sustainable business model is vital for success. Operators often feel they must be everything to everyone.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for sustainability in leadership.
• Identifying and developing talent within the team is essential.
• Communication platforms can help maintain team connection.
• The hospitality industry is evolving with new leadership paths.
• Service quality is becoming more important than food quality.
• Neighborhood restaurants are thriving post-COVID.
• Financial caution is influencing dining habits.
• Mental fitness is key to managing stress in leadership.
• Building strong relationships is vital for business growth.

00:00 Hospitality: Passionate, stimulating, challenging entrepreneurial space. 03:21 Neglected self-investment, turned to alcohol, sought coaching. 07:42 WISK helps restaurateurs focus on their passion. 10:21 Businesses seeking sustainability, leadership training, systems development. 14:15 Influential coach for restaurant owners, leadership resources. 16:05 New leadership needs structure, training, and support. 21:18 Entrepreneurial growth: Efficiency over busyness, maturity realized. 22:09 Focus on impactful actions, explore the Hospitality Leaders Roadmap. 25:12 Hospitality careers evolving beyond limited roles. 29:25 Restaurants finally get deserved attention for growth. 32:44 Success requires comprehensive service, strong community focus. 35:35 Remote work's impact on downtown businesses uncertain. 40:54 Monthly expert webinars on diverse business topics. 41:53 Leverage resources to improve restaurant leadership skills.

In this conversation, Jason Berkowitz, founder of Arrow Up Training, shares his extensive journey in the hospitality industry, detailing his passion for the field and the lessons learned from opening nearly 100 restaurants. He emphasizes the importance of training, feedback, and maintaining clear processes to ensure operational efficiency.

Jason discusses the critical path to opening a restaurant and how effective documentation and playbooks can significantly impact success. He also highlights the need for clear communication about roles and expectations to foster a positive work culture. In this conversation, Jason Berkowitz discusses the importance of streamlining restaurant operations, the significance of developing leadership within the industry, and the inception of Arrow Up Training.

Moreover, he emphasizes the need for systems to reduce micromanagement and improve efficiency, especially when expanding restaurant locations. The discussion also touches on the challenges of compliance and the necessity of training supervisors to enhance employee retention.

Finally, Berkowitz shares insights from his book, 'Please Don't Sleep With The Host,' and outlines future plans for Arrow Up Training, focusing on providing accessible training resources for the restaurant industry.

• Jason's journey into hospitality began at a young age, inspired by his mother's clothing business and a local Burger King.
• The vibe and atmosphere of restaurants play a crucial role in attracting individuals to the industry.
• Training programs are essential for employee success and should be prioritized from the start.
• Feedback is vital for employee development and should be a continuous process.
• Documenting processes is key to maintaining consistency and efficiency in operations.
• A critical path to opening a restaurant helps manage timelines and responsibilities effectively.
• Rent can often be the least expensive aspect of opening a restaurant compared to lost labor costs due to delays.
• Clear definitions of roles and expectations help prevent misunderstandings and improve team dynamics.
• Creating a culture of constant training and feedback can enhance employee engagement and performance.
• Cost savings can have a more significant impact on profitability than increased sales. Streamlining operations can save money and reduce headaches.
• Establishing systems limits the need for micromanagement.
• Developing supervisors into leaders is crucial for growth.
• Compliance training is essential for restaurant culture.
• Empowering employees leads to better retention rates.
• Training should speak the language of the industry.
• Supervisors are key to bridging expectations and execution.
• Creating a community of leaders enhances learning.
• Offering free training can benefit the entire industry.
• Future plans include expanding training resources and partnerships.

00:00 Teen improved coffee shop sales, began career. 05:57 Focused on creating a training program first. 08:23 Start with personal journey; strong onboarding reduces turnover. 12:24 Foster culture of consistent training and collaboration. 14:37 Defining done avoided arguments and clarified expectations. 17:14 Checklists build or destroy culture through accountability. 19:59 Reducing inventory costs increases profit efficiency. 25:33 Responsibility, timelines, completion, opening date consequences. 27:20 Implement systems for effective management and delegation. 29:57 Developing leaders through soft skills and growth. 33:30 Navigating social boundaries reduces risk for insurers. 35:40 Building community of young empowered leaders. 39:23 Transition from old-school to new-school management. 43:11 Helping people through free content and resources. 46:53 Future plans: insurance discounts, sponsored free courses. 48:29 Jason Berkowitz discussed on WISKing it All.

In this conversation, Sam Fonseca takes us through his fascinating journey, beginning with his first encounter with Raising Cane's in California, and the impactful career choices that followed. From record-breaking sales at Raising Cane’s to leading the busiest location of Dave’s Hot Chicken, Sam's story is a testament to the power of innovative practices and strategic career moves.

We also explore Sam's role as a restaurant coach, helping founders scale their businesses with his 'ops method'—a strategic approach to observation, planning, and implementation. Listen in as Sam shares his thoughts on "founder's fatigue," the importance of mentoring, and how a coach can uncover business blind spots. Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just setting out, Sam's insights and experiences offer invaluable lessons on leadership and growth in the restaurant industry. So, grab your headphones and get ready for an episode packed with wisdom and practical tips for success!

• Sam Fonseca helps founders scale their restaurant businesses.
• Leadership plays a crucial role in the restaurant industry.
• Founders fatigue can lead to a loss of passion for the business.
• Young, fun brands are exciting opportunities in the market.
• Operational improvements can lead to significant sales increases.
• A tailored coaching approach is essential for restaurant success.
• Common mistakes include lack of passion in hiring and operations.
• Having a coach can provide valuable insights and accountability.
• Understanding your people is key to improving operations.
• Success stories demonstrate the impact of effective leadership and systems.

00:00 Started working at In-N-Out for family. 03:43 The handshake matters more than the roast. 07:10 Seeking energetic, young, fun brands constantly excites. 12:22 Opening earlier increased sales by $2 million. 15:15 Successful career built on a proven formula. 18:41 Coaching tailored to various client needs. 20:07 Quick improvements for restaurants to improve operations. 25:02 Coaches provide valuable guidance and accountability. 27:28 What does working with Sam entail? 31:24 Online courses for restaurant management career growth.

In this conversation, Matt Plapp, CEO of America's Best Restaurants and Dryver, shares his extensive experience in restaurant marketing, discussing the evolution from traditional to digital marketing strategies.

He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, customer engagement, and building a strong customer database. Matt also highlights the challenges faced by restaurant owners, particularly in adopting new technologies and marketing strategies, and offers practical advice for improving restaurant sales and customer loyalty.

• Matt Plapp started his journey in traditional media before focusing on restaurant marketing.
• America's Best Restaurants aims to highlight unique stories of local restaurants.
• Digital marketing has transformed how restaurants engage with customers.
• Restaurant owners often struggle with time management, impacting their marketing efforts.
• Creating irresistible offers can significantly increase customer engagement.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for restaurants to connect with their audience.
• Many restaurants are still behind in adopting technology for operations and marketing.
• Building a customer database is crucial for long-term success in the restaurant industry.
• Consistency in marketing efforts leads to better customer retention and engagement.
• Matt emphasizes the importance of using customer data to drive marketing strategies.

00:00 Engage and capture walk-in restaurant customers' data. 04:41 Friends' efforts led to business skill shift. 07:55 Nike's wealth contrasts local restaurants' immigrant stories. 09:38 Create media on restaurants, sharing owners' stories. 13:10 Visionary branding strategy for independent restaurant marketing. 17:54 Guess the jar amount, enter competition, collect data. 21:45 Improve marketing; avoid repetitive digital content. 25:20 Be genuine; share stories, not just selling. 26:56 Focus on consistent output over view counts. 31:03 Seeking tools for engagement-driven data and sales. 33:13 Spoke at conference about restaurant marketing books. 35:33 Fragmented restaurant data systems lack integration. 41:02 People choose cheap, unreliable solutions due to time constraints. 42:40 Cook caught stealing steaks from restaurant dumpster. 45:36 Engage restaurant visitors with personalized offers. 49:52 Gym partner later sold companies for millions. 51:19 Effective data use boosts customer business engagement.