The Return

We measure the wrong things in this business and then act shocked when the math quits on us. Covers. Average check. Labor as a percentage. Every one of them looks backward, and every one of them can be juiced for a quarter while the real problem keeps growing underneath. The number I'd trade all of it for is whether the guest comes back. That's the whole show. That's why it's called The Return. Fi...

In this episode, JJ Perino of TwoTen Strategy discusses the evolving approach to site selection, emphasizing the importance of understanding what locations communicate about a brand beyond traditional metrics. He explores how data, customer behavior, and brand strategy intersect to make smarter real estate decisions.

This episode explores the challenges of hiring and talent retention in the hospitality and restaurant industry with Rikin Lakhani, a seasoned operator and recruiter. It emphasizes the importance of trust, understanding the candidate's holistic profile, and adapting recruitment strategies to modern expectations.

Jim Taylor challenges traditional labor cost metrics in restaurants, emphasizing the importance of understanding labor as an output rather than an input. This conversation explores innovative approaches to managing labor, improving employee satisfaction, and enhancing operational efficiency.

In this insightful interview, Brandon Coleman shares his expertise on leading organizations through turnaround, the importance of culture, managing ego, and maintaining work-life balance. Discover practical strategies for leadership, board dynamics, and building lasting relationships.

This episode explores the importance of curiosity in leadership, addressing how blind spots, overconfidence, and decision-making processes impact organizational growth. Landon Lynch shares insights on developing self-awareness, fostering influence, and asking the right questions to unlock leadership potential.

Zach Oates, CEO of Ovation, discusses the importance of genuine guest feedback, the pitfalls of relying solely on metrics, and how AI can enhance guest recovery without losing the human touch. Learn how to turn feedback into actionable insights and build true loyalty in hospitality.

Anthony Valletta and Curt Goldman discuss the evolving landscape of the beverage industry, emphasizing the emotional connection consumers now have with their choices. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior, the importance of authenticity in branding, and the necessity of building meaningful partnerships. The conversation highlights the shift from transactional relationships to ge...

Anthony Valletta and Peter Newlin explore the evolving landscape of hospitality, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful experiences that go beyond mere transactions. They discuss the concept of the 'fourth place' a restaurant that feels like home, and the critical role of human connection in fostering a sense of belonging. The discussion also highlights the significance of sound design...

In a saturated hospitality market, where technological solutions and loyalty programs dominate the conversation, one factor remains the key differentiator: the guest experience. In this podcast episode, Scott Lawdon, the co-founder of bartaco, shared invaluable insights on how to cultivate a memorable guest experience that goes beyond mere transactions.

In this episode of Check, Please, host Anthony Valletta engages with Rachel Nemeth, CEO of Opus Training, to discuss the critical disconnect in leadership training within the hospitality industry. They explore how traditional training methods often fail to reflect the realities of on-the-ground work, emphasizing the need for real-time learning and continuous development. Rachel argues that many le...