Closed Monday

In this episode, we dive into the critical role of data quality in AI-driven decisions. Discover how flawed, outdated, or biased data can undermine your growth plans and why it's essential to ask the right questions about your data sources. Learn from real-world examples and gain insights into how AI can be a powerful tool when fed with accurate and relevant data. Join us as we explore the nua...

Your broker isn’t ghosting you because they’re lazy, they’re ghosting you because your deal is soft. In this straight-shooting solo episode, Kyle breaks down the real reason you’re not getting callbacks, tours, or deals done and spoiler: it’s probably you. From missing financials and vague site criteria to relying on flashy branding instead of real preparation, this episode is your wake-up call. I...

Here’s the dirty secret about franchising: most brands never make it past 10 units, not because they can’t find franchisees, but because they’re not built to scale. In this no-holds-barred solo episode, Kyle breaks down exactly why growth stalls, what separates breakouts from burnouts, and what franchisors need to fix if they ever want to go from 10 to 50, or 50 to 100. Whether you're a founde...

Ever feel like you’re sprinting toward your next location only to realize you picked the wrong site? Or maybe you’re overanalyzing every option and missing out altogether? In this no-notes, off-the-cuff episode, Kyle opens up about a last-minute guest cancellation that turned into something even better: a raw, honest breakdown of the tension between moving fast and moving smart when growing a fran...

Think you need years of restaurant experience to run a successful franchise? Think again. Today, Kyle sits down with Carl Comeaux, the CEO of Crust Pizza Co., one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the Southeast. Carl’s journeyfrom personal trainer to smoothie entrepreneur is anything but conventional. Packed with actionable insights on strategy, culturebuilding, franchising, and leadership, C...

Still relying on gut feelings and scattered notes when selecting your restaurant’s next location? In this practical, hands-on episode, Kyle walks you through his "Location Viability Calculator and Site Tracker," tools he personally uses to guide restaurant brands to profitable, data-driven real estate decisions. Learn how to systematically assess site viability, track important details,...

Think restaurant financing has to mean crippling debt or invasive investors? Think again. In this weeks conversation, Kyle sits down with Johann Moonesinghe, founder and CEO of InKind , a revolutionary financing model reshaping how restaurants grow and succeed. Johann shares his unique journey from tech entrepreneur to restaurant owner, and reveals how InKind has infused nearly $392 million into t...

Is it time to rethink how restaurants are built—literally from the ground up? On this episode Kyle sits down with Nipun Sharma , CEO and co-founder of Appetronix , to talk about how robotics, AI, and first-principles thinking are completely transforming what a “restaurant” can be. With nearly two decades of global food experience and a sharp eye for operational pain points, Nipun is leading the ch...

From a challenging upbringing to becoming the CEO and founder of Aspire 2B Hospitality Group, Chris Olexa shares his entrepreneurial journey. Chris dives deep into his franchising experiences, with Quiznos and Buffalo Wild Wings, offering practical insights and hard-earned lessons. He emphasizes resilience, the significant influence of sports on his business mindset, and strategic methods for eval...

From courtroom to kitchen: in this episode, Kyle sits down with Denise Tran, the visionary founder and CEO who traded her law career for the high-stakes world of restaurant entrepreneurship. Hear the raw, unfiltered story behind Bun Mee's journey from passionate concept to scalable franchise powerhouse. Denise pulls back the curtain on how her Vietnamese heritage shapes every aspect of her busines...

Is your personal brand helping or hurting your restaurant's growth? In this candid conversation, Kyle sits down with Josh Halpern, the driving force behind Big Chicken , to explore the powerful intersection of personal branding and franchise success. From navigating the influence of celebrity partner Shaquille O'Neal to making tough decisions about franchisee selection, Josh shares unfilte...

Think finding the perfect restaurant location is just about foot traffic and rent? Think again. In this revealing Deal Diaries episode, Kyle pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes world of commercial real estate for franchisees, taking you behind the scenes of a challenging Long Island City deal. From soaring rents to new development complexities, this real-world case study showcases the unexpe...

Ever had that perfect space slip through your fingers? In this raw and revealing episode, Kyle takes us behind the scenes of a deal that went from "sure thing" to "sh*t canned" in a blink of an eye. It's a nail-biting journey through the trenches that'll definitely have you shouting advice at your speakers – complete with unexpected plot twists, funding f*ck ups, and a landlord who wasn't exactly...

Still think AI is just for tech bros and Silicon Valley startups? In this episode Kyle breaks down how artificial intelligence is quietly revolutionizing restaurants right now - from mom-and-pops to major chains. Forget the hype; this is more than just messing with ChatGPT, we're talking practical, profit-boosting processes that are changing how the smartest operators run their kitchens, manag...

What happens when a family recipe becomes a cultural icon? In this episode, we dive into the 100+ year journey of Walter's Hot Dogs , where tradition meets innovation in the most delicious way possible. From their secret blend to food trucks and beyond, Gene-Christian Baca shares how they've kept the family legacy intact while being flexible and creative in evolving their business model. I...

Ever wonder why some franchise locations crush it while others struggle from day one? In this no-nonsense episode, real estate veteran Kyle pulls back the curtain on the questions potential franchisees NEED to ask but often don't. Kyle shares the real talk on what makes or breaks franchise real estate support. Whether you're eyeing your first franchise or adding to your portfolio, this epi...

Ever wonder why some restaurants handle mobile orders like a well-oiled machine while others feel like organized chaos? In this eye-opening episode, Kyle breaks down why your pickup area might be the hidden trouble spot you never knew you had. From delivery drivers blacklisting your restaurant to customers doing the awkward hover-dance by your counter, Kyle shares the real talk on fixing these com...

A lot of independent restaurant families look at franchising like it's the dark side. But what happens when a father-son team with 50 years of Italian restaurant experience decides to make the switch? James and Mike Simone had a beloved Brooklyn spot for 20 years. Good sauce, cold drinks, and most importantly - great neighborhood vibes. Then COVID hit. After losing everything, they had a choic...

Just when we think we understand how to scale a franchise, someone comes along and completely flips the playbook on its head. Enter Jeff Fenster, Founder & CEO of everbowl who looked at the traditional franchise model and said... checks notes... "Nah, I'm just going to build everything myself"? Excuse me? A franchise founder who manufactures their own equipment, runs their own construction com...

In this episode, Kyle discusses essential strategies for evaluating shopping centers before signing a lease. He shares real-life experiences and emphasizes the importance of due diligence to avoid costly mistakes. Get your pen and paper or your Ipad - this conversation will equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and protect your investment. Connect with Closed Monday Instag...

In this episode, Kyle discusses the importance of evaluating past performance and setting new goals for growth as we enter 2025. He introduces the 3M framework, which focuses on Money, Management , and Market , to help operators assess their business effectively, and plan for growth. Connect with Closed Monday Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: Closed Monday Email...

In this episode, Kyle sits down with and Michael Ball discuss the challenges and experiences in the restaurant industry, the importance of technology integration, and the balance between hospitality and technology. Michael shares his journey from pizza delivery to leadership roles, emphasizing the significance of creating a positive customer experience and adapting to changing circumstances in the...

In this weeks episode Kyle sits down with Sebastian Stahl - the visionary CEO and founder of Breadth , a strategic restaurant marketing agency. With over 17 years of unwavering dedication to the hospitality industry,Sebastian's journey has been characterized by a fervent passion for helping transform restaurants with a focus on long-term success. His extensive experience includes owning and operat...

In this weeks episode, Kyle sits down with D.J. Costantino to discuss insights from the 7Shifts 2025 Restaurant Workforce Report . D.J. Costantino is a writer, marketer, and podcast host based in Atlanta, Georgia. D.J. is currently a content marketer for 7shifts, a restaurant software company, where he writes for the company blog and hosts the in-house Pre-Shift Podcast. The Pre-Shift features gue...

In this episode, Kyle discusses three critical financial formulas essential for restaurant success: the Sales to Investment Ratio, Payback Period, and Rent Factor. The importance of these metrics in making informed decisions, attracting investors, and ensuring sustainable growth - can not be overstate The conversation provides practical insights into calculating these formulas and highlights commo...