Restaurant Influencers

Jehad Affoneh, Chief Design Officer at Toast, is one of the creative minds behind Toast IQ, the company’s new conversational AI assistant that helps restaurants turn data into action. From identifying top-performing menu items to providing insights across sales and labor, Toast IQ helps give operators the clarity to run smarter, more efficient businesses.  Listen now to learn about turning data in...

Darren Spicer, co-founder and CEO of Clutch Coffee Bar, built his company on the belief that great branding wins loyalty. Every part of the Clutch experience, from the drive-thru to the community events, is designed to make people feel connected. Listen now to learn about scaling without franchising, creating unforgettable brand experiences, and the mindset that turned risk into reward. Sponsored...

Yara Herrera, chef and partner at Hellbender in Queens in NYC, has earned acclaim from The New York Times, Esquire, and StarChefs. Drawing from her Mexican-American roots and years in some of the country’s toughest kitchens, she’s created a restaurant that celebrates confidence and creativity.  Listen now to learn about surviving opening night disasters, finding identity through food, and turning...

Ellis Winstanley, co-owner of Austin’s El Arroyo and CEO of Axial Shift, turned a quirky restaurant sign into a cultural phenomenon while also building software to solve operators’ biggest headaches.  Listen now to learn about turning a restaurant sign into a media brand, pulling off a statewide April Fool’s prank, and building tech that helps operators stay focused on hospitality. Sponsored by: •...

Elliot Nelson, founder and CEO of McNellie’s Group, expanded a single Tulsa pub into 27 restaurants in Oklahoma and Arkansas. As a restaurateur and developer, he built spaces that anchor neighborhoods and showcase the spirit of Oklahoma hospitality.  Listen now to learn about surviving a St. Patrick’s Day disaster, the challenge of building a neighborhood around a pub, and how Oklahoma hospitality...

Joe Fontana, founder of Fry the Coop, turned a love for Nashville hot chicken into one of Chicago’s fastest-growing restaurant brands. Known for bold risks, storytelling, and a $300,000-a-year commitment to frying in beef tallow. Listen now to learn about the leap from cubicle to hot chicken, the marketing stunt with a full chicken costume, and the rise of Fry the Coop across Chicago. Sponsored by...

Bill Oakley, former Simpsons writer/producer turned “professional food enthusiast,” spotlights the hidden gems of American food. From rabbit in Arkansas to “Secret” hot sauce in Portland, he uses humor and storytelling to connect beloved regional brands with a wider audience. Listen now to learn about his hunt for regional flavors, the stories behind unexpected finds, and why he keeps shining a sp...

David Meltzer, entrepreneur, mentor, and chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute, teaches that empty seats don’t mean empty impact. Through his stage theory, he shows how content captured anywhere can be amplified everywhere. Listen now to learn why he calls losing $100 million an investment, how stage theory multiplies impact, and what he’s building in public. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Res...

Chris Brown turned food trucks into rolling broadcast studios. Outfitted with 4K cameras, Ring cameras, and livestream setups, his fleet fuels a growing restaurant empire while keeping fans entertained with interactive broadcasts and the Championship Egg Roll Food Truck Tour.   Listen now to learn about building an empire from egg rolls, turning food trucks into studios, and creating experiences f...

André Moraes, Global Digital Marketing lead at PepsiCo, is helping restaurants grow with digital tools and local marketing support. From menu optimization to community programs, Pepsi has become more than a beverage brand. It is a growth partner for restaurants. Listen now to learn how Pepsi supports restaurants with free tools, invests in local businesses, and helps strengthen communities. Sponso...

Lawrence Longo, CEO of Off the Menu and partner in Prince St. Pizza, is leading the charge to grow the iconic SoHo pizza shop into a big brand. From the original NYC location to spots in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Longo is committed to protecting what makes it special. Listen now to learn about his vision for a great American pizza brand, building a loyal following, and the strategy behind g...

Andrew K. Smith, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Savory Fund, left the tech world behind and started his restaurant career in the dish pit of his wife’s bakery. Since then, he and his team have grown over 320 restaurants, generated more than $2.5 billion in sales, and raised over $750 million across three funds. Listen now to learn how storytelling drives scale, how founders lead, and how famil...

Paul Ryu, founder of JPMforce and the mind behind hundreds of viral food videos, is the go-to content strategist for Las Vegas restaurants. From sushi burgers to steakhouse reels, his work has transformed how hospitality brands show up online. Listen now to learn how one off-menu item sparked 50 million views, why he only hires active creators, and what it takes to scale influence without selling...

Von Miller, Super Bowl MVP, is also co-founder of Greener Pastures Chicken, a Texas-based company redefining organic, ethical farming. What started in college became a full-fledged mission: raise better birds, build a better system, and bring NFL discipline to agriculture. Listen to hear how falling asleep in class led to a purpose-driven business, why Patrick Mahomes got on board, and how farming...

Mehdi Zarhloul chased the American Dream — and caught it. As the founder of Crazy Pita, he grew his restaurant brand into a Las Vegas favorite, expanded with new concepts like Salad Madness and Chicken Genius, and even opened inside a Walmart. Listen now for the story of how Mehdi Zarhloul built a thriving Las Vegas restaurant group, created his own holidays, and proved you don’t have to wait for...

Chef Barry Dakake, Marco Cicione, and Yassine Lyoubi are co-owners of Barry’s Downtown Prime in Las Vegas. As founders of Make It Happen Hospitality, they’ve built a steakhouse known for standout food, consistency, and local pride. This trio has made the restaurant a Downtown destination. Listen now to learn how friendship became a business, how they built media buzz without a budget, and how they...

Alexandra Lourdes and Steve Jerome are co-founders of Refined Hospitality Group. With viral videos, smart storytelling, and operational excellence, they’ve built one of Las Vegas’ most successful restaurant groups. Community and content drive every concept. Listen now to learn how a happy hour turned into business, why content became a secret weapon, and how two friends built one of Vegas’ most su...

These leaders are reshaping how restaurants grow. Brendan Sweeney and Tony Roy co-founded Popmenu to give operators smarter tools, connect with guests, and scale. Tunji Junard, now Chief Marketing Officer of Steam Boys, saw the impact firsthand and brought Popmenu into the brand, helping grow it to nine locations. Listen now to learn about restaurant growth, the power of partnership, and replacing...

Jon Taffer, host of Bar Rescue and Taffer’s Tavern founder, has joined forces with Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands. They’re combining media influence with restaurant know-how to grow something big. Their partnership is built on trust, culture, and a belief that authenticity is what truly sets great brands apart. Listen now to learn how authenticity, leadership, and mentorship are fueling...

Diane Hund (Chief Marketing Officer at US Foods) reveals how the company’s marketing strategies, including truck branding and authentic human touch points, help build trust and loyalty across more than 100,000 restaurant partners nationwide. Listen now to learn why brand consistency matters, how the US Foods’ team brings itself to life, and the ways AI is transforming menu design and marketing for...

Adam Brotman and Andy Sack of Forum3 wrote AI First: The Playbook for a Future-Proof Business and Brand to share insights on how AI is transforming industries like restaurants. They’re helping operators adapt to a new tech-driven reality. Listen now to learn about their research on AI, its future in our world, and the technology’s impact on hospitality. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant...

Nick Rodriguez, owner of Famous Creations, uses his bold baked creations and candid social media posts to spotlight the highs and lows of small business ownership. He’s built a brand rooted in creativity, community, and staying unapologetically real.  Listen now to learn about building a successful cupcake brand, staying calm under pressure, and turning viral chaos into community support. Sponsore...

Giada De Laurentiis is a celebrity chef and founder of Giadzy, which blends Italian tradition with entrepreneurial vision. With an Amazon deal and curated product line, she’s creating a platform to celebrate food and community. Listen to hear how Giada turned a demo into a long career, why she’s focused on content and commerce, and what she’s building with Amazon. Watch GIADI In My Kitchen on Amaz...

Nicolas Jammet is co-founder of Sweetgreen, which grew from college startup into a public company. From recipe rewrites to festival stages, Jammet helped shape Sweetgreen into a brand defined by thoughtful food, and tech-driven innovation. Listen to learn how three college friends built the brand, why tech is the heart of hospitality, and how a salad company ended up on stage with The Weeknd. Spon...

Mike Burns took over the &pizza chain just as the brand was losing its edge. He quickly revived its cult following, bringing back the tattoo promotion that drew 2,700 fans and the Pi Day weddings where couples tie the knot — literally, with dough. Listen now to learn about turning customers into superfans, empowering staff, and building a brand that breaks the rules. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In...