Sunday Sauce

If your 2023 goals include: promoting your brand or restaurant on TV, securing a radio interview or landing press features in your local newspaper, this episode is for you.  I'm joined by Vice President of Broadcasting at Subject Matter, Sandra Torres (aka the PR QUEEN), who shares the behind the scenes process she uses when organizing media tours for clients like Google and the Ad Council. We tal...

Welcome to my first personal, yet professionally relevant podcast episode featuring what I learned this year. In 12 minutes, I take you through 5 lessons to bring into 2023, while encouraging you to reflect on your current experiences and plan for the year ahead. From a little piece of my heart to yours -- I hope you enjoy it. Links I mention along the way: - Will Guidara's Book, Unreasonable Hosp...

Whether you love them or love to hate them, social media influencers are here to stay. This podcast episode features social media strategist, content creator and Tampa Bay influencer, Kiera Andrews, who chats with me about how, where and when to use influencers in your restaurant marketing strategy. And more controversially, when to say "no" to influencers who slide into your DMs. Our conversation...

Seasonal menus are something every restaurant guest lives for, myself included. On today's episode, Executive Chef of Tampa's Epicurean Hotel, Jon Atanacio, takes us behind the scenes of his recent "Fall Test Kitchen" tasting event. If you've ever wondered about the intimate details and creative prowess behind the menu development process, hit the play button immediately. You're going to love our...

Have you ever wondered how a single idea evolves into a living, breathing brand? On today's episode of Sunday Sauce, I'm joined by 25-year restaurateur and mega entrepreneur, Jeff Gigante, to chat about how to build remarkable brands that make an impact. We discuss everything from where to find inspiration for concept development to how to assemble the right team of people that set your brand up f...

People are the heartbeat of every hospitality business. On today's episode, I'm joined by James Beard semi-finalist and owner of Proper House Restaurant Group, Ferrell Alvarez, to talk about how building a strong culture is essential for a successful restaurant brand. We chat through the ins-and-outs of hiring, how to keep your employees inspired, "quiet quitting" and more that you don't want to m...

Are you using email marketing for yourself or your business? More importantly, are your emails making you money? In today's episode, I'm joined by copywriter + Story Brand Guide certified expert, Karsen Murray, to talk about how restaurants and food brands can use email marketing to build a loyal community of repeat guests. Tune in for detailed ideas, how-to's and tips for what to say when you hav...

If there's one thing we've learned as adults, it's that the road to success isn't always a linear one. On today's episode, Chef Jason Saldutti talks about his journey from working on the line to cooking for celebrities like Halsey and Alanis Morissette on tour.  Hungry for more? Follow along with Chef Jason's cooking adventures on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/i_am_jasonsaldutti/ Thanks for tu...

Every time I push through the doors of a new restaurant, I fully expect an adventure to await me on the other side. I envision aromas of familiar foods swirling through the air and gentle smiles from strangers that feel oddly inviting. Tables with perfectly folded napkins waiting to be unraveled. Menus drenched in golden hour sun rays that politely peek through nearby windows. But what often steal...

From culinary school and staging at a 2-star Michelin restaurant in NYC, to living in Italy and becoming partner + Executive Chef at Tampa's beloved Rocca, Bryce Bonsack's story is truly inspiring. Today's episode takes you behind the scenes of his journey through the culinary space - espressos, tips for aspiring chefs, chats around Michelin guide's entrance to Tampa Bay and the importance of il d...

Did you know that GenZ and Millennials are 99% more likely to choose a restaurant based on social media and online reviews? It's true. On today's episode, I interview Dara Pollak, a food influencer and NYC-based social media consultant, about everything restaurant owners and food brands need to know when it comes to having a strong presence on IG, TikTok and Facebook. Tune in to learn about easy-t...

Press coverage is gold, especially when you're a growing restaurant. Learn from food and drink editor, Jenna Rimensnyder, about how to write the perfect pitch, key assets an editor looks for when selecting stories to publish, ideas for pitching newsworthy content, and more! Oh, and we have a lot of fun in the process. Don't miss that either. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com...

Say hello to my very first guest, Jeremy Jacobowitz! Also known as New York City's OG, Insta-famous Brunch Boy. If you've ever wondered what it's like to work alongside Bobby Flay on Food Network, or how to build a social media fan base of hundreds of thousands of followers, you're going to love this episode. Bonus points if you live for a good bodega and BEC order rant -- because we get into that...

If you're reading this and we've never met, allow me to formally introduce myself. My name is Melissa Santell and I'm the host of culinary-themed podcast, Sunday Sauce. In episode one, you'll learn a little about me, why I felt called to start this podcast and what to expect if you choose to pull up a weekly seat at this glorious dinner table -- all in six beautiful minutes. Which, by the way, fel...