Wisking it all

About the Episode This “Best Of 2025” episode of the WISKing It All podcast, hosted by Angelo Esposito, is a handpicked collection of the year’s most compelling conversations from across the restaurant and hospitality industry. The episode opens with Salem Najjar sharing his journey from accounting into multi-unit hospitality franchising, breaking down the key criteria he used to build his busines...

About the Episode In this episode, Angelo Esposito interviews David LaFleur, Senior Vice President at Cluster POS, discussing his journey in the hospitality and technology sectors. They explore the evolution of POS systems, the importance of choosing the right technology for restaurants, and common pitfalls to avoid. David shares insights on the future of POS technology, emphasizing the need for u...

About the Episode In this episode, Angelo Esposito interviews Elvis Medina, the Media Director at SmartTab, who shares his extensive background in broadcast media and his transition into the hospitality industry. Elvis discusses the unique offerings of SmartTab, a POS system designed for high-volume venues, emphasizing the importance of customer support and tailored solutions for clients.  The con...

About the Episode In this episode, Joe Wylezik, Head of Partnerships at RevMo AI, discusses the innovative use of voice AI technology in the restaurant industry. He explains how RevMo AI started as a B2B solution and pivoted to focus on the hospitality sector, addressing common pain points such as missed calls and labor shortages. Joe highlights the importance of customer experience and how AI can...

About the Episode In this episode of WISKing It All, host Angelo Esposito speaks with Niko Papadimitriou, co-founder of Qu POS, about his journey from finance to hospitality technology. They discuss the evolution of POS systems, the growth of Qu POS, and the importance of maintaining company culture during rapid expansion. Niko shares insights on building a customer-focused sales team and the curr...

About the Episode In this episode of WISKing It All, Edelmira Delgado, F&B Director at the Perry Hotel, shares her journey in the hospitality industry, discussing her experiences from working in major hotel brands to boutique resorts. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, navigating cultural differences, and the dynamic nature of food and beverage operations. Edelmira also highlights cu...

About the Episode In this engaging conversation, Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and marketing expert, shares his journey from nightlife to fine dining, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and the art of storytelling in marketing. He discusses the five levers of restaurant success, the power of social media, and how to create memorable customer experiences through surprise and de...

About the Episode In this episode of WISKing It All, host Angelo Esposito interviews Jeffrey Summers, founder of Summers Hospitality Group, who shares his extensive experience in the restaurant industry. They discuss Jeffrey's journey from aspiring lawyer to hospitality expert, the importance of creating unique systems in business, and the distinction between service and hospitality. Jeffrey empha...

About the Episode In this episode of WISKing It All, we have a special treat as Angelo Esposito sits down with Roger Beaudoin, the dynamic president of Restaurant Rockstars. Roger shares his incredible 30+ year journey through the hospitality world, starting from humble beginnings as a high school dishwasher to building and selling multiple successful restaurants. You’ll hear firsthand how Roger n...

About the Episode In this episode, Crystal Hamilton, CEO of Knowbie, discusses her journey in the hospitality industry and the inspiration behind creating Knowbie, an educational platform designed to train restaurant and liquor retail staff. She emphasizes the importance of empowering staff through education to enhance their confidence and sales capabilities. The conversation explores the challeng...

About the Episode In this episode of Wisking It All, Alistair Levine, CEO of Vine Hospitality, shares his journey into the hospitality industry, the challenges of scaling restaurants, and the importance of understanding key performance indicators (KPIs). He emphasizes the need for new restaurant owners to watch their numbers closely, empower their teams, and embrace technology to enhance hospitali...

In this episode, Brock Weeks, founder and CEO of Savi, discusses the innovative technology behind Savi, a cloud-based video intelligence platform designed for multi-unit restaurants and retailers. He shares his journey into the restaurant industry, the challenges faced during the early development of Savi, and the importance of understanding customer experiences through video data. Brock emphasize...

About the Episode In this episode of Whisking It All, Angelo Esposito interviews Anthony Presley, the Chief Technology Officer at CBS NorthStar and managing partner at TimeForge Labor. They discuss Anthony's journey into the restaurant tech world, the importance of labor management, and the evolution of POS systems. Anthony shares insights on how to start a tech venture without a background, the s...

About the Episode In this episode, Christopher McFadden, founder and career coach at the McFadden Group, shares his journey through the hospitality industry, his experiences as a sommelier, and the importance of emotional intelligence in career development. He discusses the challenges faced by hospitality professionals, the significance of creating memorable guest experiences, and the impact of CO...

About the Episode In this conversation, Christian Fischer, the founder of Fischer Research Group, shares his journey from being a cook to a culinary leader. He discusses the importance of networking, the challenges faced in the hospitality industry, and the lessons learned throughout his career. The podcast serves as a platform to provide actionable advice to restaurant owners and chefs, emphasizi...

About the Episode In this engaging conversation, Adam Lamb shares his extensive journey in the culinary industry, highlighting the importance of leadership and communication in the kitchen. He discusses the evolution of his podcast, Chef Life Radio, and the significance of Chef Life Coaching in empowering chefs. Adam reflects on personal struggles, the need for self-awareness, and the sensitivity...

About the Episode In this conversation, Mark Mittleman, founder of Entangled Particles, shares his extensive journey in the hospitality industry, from his early days working in restaurants to becoming a successful consultant. He discusses the interconnectedness of the restaurant business, the challenges of ownership, and the importance of teamwork and relationships in creating successful dining ex...

About the Episode In this episode, Jeremy Julian, the CRO of Custom Business Solutions, shares his extensive experience in the restaurant technology sector. He discusses the evolution of CBS, the importance of understanding unique restaurant needs, and the critical lessons learned throughout his career. Jeremy emphasizes the significance of choosing the right POS system, the necessity of proper pr...

About the Episode In this episode, Salem Najjar, founder and CEO of SERVE Hospitality Group, shares his journey from accounting to becoming a successful multi-unit franchisee in the hospitality industry. He discusses the importance of understanding financials, choosing the right franchise partner, and the challenges of scaling a restaurant business. Salem emphasizes the significance of key perform...

About the Episode Welcome to the WISKing It All Podcast, where host Angelo Esposito explores the world of hospitality with special guest Steve Fortunato, founder and CEO of Roomforty and The Fig House. Steve recounts his inspiring journey from a 15-year-old busboy in a hosting family to becoming a pivotal figure in the industry. In this episode, Steve shares his innovative approach to hospitality,...

About the Episode In this episode of WISKing It All, host Angelo Esposito speaks with Matt Wampler, CEO and co-founder of ClearCOGS, about the intersection of restaurant operations and technology. Matt shares his journey from being a restaurant operator to founding a tech company that leverages AI to help restaurants make data-driven decisions. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by...

About the Episode In this episode, Angelo Esposito interviews Eitan Koter, Co-CEO of Vimmi, discussing the evolution of video commerce and its impact on marketing strategies. Eitan shares insights on the importance of authenticity in video content, the rise of live shopping, and how businesses, especially in the restaurant industry, can leverage video to engage customers and drive sales. The conve...

About the Episode In this episode, Simon Zatyrka, founder and CEO of Culinary Mechanic, shares his journey through the culinary world, discussing the evolution of his brand, the importance of mentorship, and the shift from cooking to managing and consulting in the restaurant industry.  He reflects on his diverse background, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned from various culinary exp...

About the Episode In this conversation, Stephanie Jaeger, the president of Les Dames d'Escoffier International (LDEI), shares her journey into the hospitality industry, her experiences running a restaurant for 25 years, and the lessons learned along the way. She discusses the importance of mentorship and communication in both personal and professional relationships, especially in the challenging r...

About the Episode In this episode, Yaro Tsyhanenko, founder and CEO of PickPad, shares his journey from Ukraine to Chicago and the inspiration behind creating PickPad, a modular system designed to enhance restaurant operations through smart sensors and machine learning. He discusses the challenges faced by restaurants in managing pickup and delivery orders and how PickPad aims to streamline these...