Restaurant Influencers

Sebastien Silvestri's journey is a testament to the power of experience and effort. The Dinex Group CEO received formal education in finance and P&L management. Still, Silvestri attributes his most significant learning to his time in Las Vegas. Listen now to learn about development in the restaurant industry, diversification in business, and true hospitality. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Rest...

Kelly Esten, Chief Marketing Officer at Toast, has a customer-centric marketing approach. She believes in the importance of understanding and engaging with customers to ensure that marketing efforts are not only impactful, but also authentic. Listen now to learn about her marketing journey, the importance of mentors, and the launch of the popular Toast Now app. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Re...

Sulhee Jessica Woo — known as the Bento Box Queen — catapulted to viral fame by sharing her simple, yet beautifully crafted, DIY bento-style lunches on TikTok, capturing the hearts of millions with her loving and creative touch. Listen now to learn about creating content with her children, using TikTok, and building a community in the creator economy. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant P...

7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to improve performance for restaurants. Founded in the back office of a sandwich shop in 2014, 7shifts was born out of CEO Jordan Boesch's desire to create simple solutions for complex team management challenges. Listen now to learn about engaging employees, simplifying product development, and why now is the best time to be a r...

Chef Joe Flamm is the culinary director of Day Off Group, which runs popular Chicago restaurants Rose Mary and BLVD Steakhouse. He is also the winner of Top Chef. Early on, he learned the importance of telling stories whether on TV or social media. Listen now to learn about becoming a celebrity chef, perfecting Balkan cuisine, and keeping it real on social media. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1...

Mayim Bialik was an actor on classic shows like "Blossom" and "The Big Bang Theory," as well as a host of Jeopardy!. She has crafted a unique space with the podcast Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown and her popular YouTube channel — where she shares her authentic self. Listen now to learn about the mental health journey, starting a podcast, and the power of authenticity.  Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1...

Rosanna Scotto, known for her Emmy- winning presence on Good Day New York and her daughter, Jenna Ruggerio are co-owners of Fresco by Scott. Marion Scotto (affectionately known as “Mama Scotto”) sparked the duo’s ambition to carve out a culinary haven. Listen now to learn about their very first food review, leveraging social media, and philanthropic efforts. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Resta...

Anthony Mangieri is founder of legendary NYC pizzeria Una Pizza Napoletana. Now with a frozen pizza line (Genio Della Pizza) he’s bringing big ideas to the industry with relentless hard work, authenticity, and strategic growth.   Listen now to learn about an unorthodox approach to building a business, remaining true to goals, and building a scalable CPG brand. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Res...

Lee Brian Schrager is Chief Communications Officer for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and founder of the South Beach and New York Wine & Food Festivals powered by the Food Network. Listen now to learn about the origins of SOBEWFF and the new FoodieCon, running large events, and adapting to social media trends. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • OVATION - G...

Joy Stehney, co-founder of Joe's KC BBQ, exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurial grit and passion. The Stehney’s transformed a neighborhood gas station kitchen into a legendary barbecue destination known worldwide. Listen now to learn more about the restaurant journey, building a sustainable business, and offering to cater Taylor Swift’s wedding. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS:...

Dara Mirjahangiry is a hospitality veteran and founder of the popular New York City hotspot, Sei Less. Sei Less became an idea after a chance conversation between Mirjahangiry and then Brooklyn Nets player, Kevin Durant.  Listen now to learn about branding before and after social media, “white glove” service, and making waves in the media space. Sponsored by -  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: h...

Chef Michael Mina stands out for his exceptional food and commitment to guests. His philosophy centers on the belief that every detail matters. This is evident to any customer that attends a MINA Group establishment. Listen now to learn about the importance of the guest experience, building a management company, and embracing new technology for the future. Sponsored by -  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restau...

Aman Narang is CEO, co-founder, and a director of Toast. In this in-depth interview, he shares stories about the origin of the point-of-sale company and explains how they maintain a culture of scrappiness. Watch now to learn about how Toast was founded, building tools to fix problems, and a look into the future of the Boston-based technology company. SPONSORS:   • Toast All-In-1 Restaurant POS: ht...

Phyllis Williams-Strawder, affectionately known as the “Ghetto Country Brandmother,” is a visionary consultant with a mission to transform business branding practices. She shares her uncommon, yet caring approach, to brand building via books, social media, and the Brandma’s House Show. Listen now to learn about branding in the restaurant industry, empowering your business, and how to own your craz...

Chef Jennifer Sebasigari's culinary journey has been as unconventional as one could imagine.  From aspiring to be a celebrity chef to championing immigrant and refugee causes by founding the SEBAS Foundation, Sebasigari's story is one of transformation and empowerment. Listen now to learn more about pursuing celebrity chef dreams, leveraging social media, and the annual Live Fire Fest charity even...

William Connors, the Director of IT at Noble Restaurant Group, is helping lead a transformative journey in restaurant management by embracing and implementing cutting-edge technology solutions. Listen now to learn about how technology can improve business, revolutionizing the CRM, and implementing Toast into all tech stacks. Sponsored by - Toast All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Lear...

Adam Ochstein, CEO of Fishbowl, is an advocate for the enduring power of email marketing. Through his insights and initiatives, Ochstein is reshaping the way restaurants connect with their customers’ data and leverage technology to drive brand awareness, customer acquisition, and loyalty. Listen now to learn about the introduction of Delightable, using email, and how a hotel chain helped shape his...

Chef Joe Gatto isn't your ordinary culinary master. He's also a filmmaker and producer who seamlessly blends his passions to create a one-of-a-kind experience in his food series, From Scratch.  Listen now to learn about creating your own cooking show, deep connections made through food, and believing in yourself. Sponsored by - Toast All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc   Learn more abo...

At the heart of Philadelphia's culinary legacy stands Pat's King of Steaks, a landmark synonymous with the iconic Philly cheesesteak. Frank Olivieri, executive chef and owner, traces the origins of this beloved sandwich to a serendipitous moment when his Uncle Pat leaned into inspiration. Listen now to learn more about inventing the classic Philly Cheesesteak, making connections in business, and P...

Blake Sabatinelli is the CEO of Atmosphere, a leading streaming TV service for businesses. He wants to build the future of business television by creating an engaging out-of-home media experience tailored for brands of all types. Listen now to learn more about business television, creating the right atmosphere for your business, and how the company has grown and pivoted. Sponsored by - Toast All-I...

For Andy Husbands, the renowned Pitmaster, author, and owner of The Smoke Shop, the food path has been a lifelong pursuit fueled by passion. Since the 4th grade, he set his sights on becoming a chef, navigating a hard but rewarding journey. Listen now to learn about following early inspirations, making award-winning barbecue, and the benefits of switching to Toast. Sponsored by - Toast All-In-1 Re...

Christian J. Fischer, an author, culinary coach, and stalwart in the hospitality industry, emphasizes the gravity of hospitality in his life. For the chef, hospitality is not just a profession. It’s ingrained in him through his upbringing in Austrian culture.  Listen now to learn about hospitality being in your blood, helping chefs become authors, and how to give back to your industry. #entreprene...

With a family legacy steeped in courage, Dawn Kelly becoming an entrepreneur was almost inevitable. As the founder of The Nourish Spot, a smoothie and health food shop in New York City, Kelly's small business journey began with big dreams.  Listen now to learn about her entrepreneurship journey, how the past informs the future, and building community through sharing on social media. #entrepreneur...

Acclaimed Chef Jesse Ito and Owner of Royal Izakaya, Jesse Ito, carries a legacy of excellence and rich tradition. Jesse embarked on an apprenticeship at the tender age of 14 at his family’s Japanese restaurant, before immersing himself in the intricate world of restaurant ownership and high-end sushi.  Listen now to learn about the power of learning on the job, following in his father’s footsteps...

Chef Maneet Chauhan is a celebrated culinary artist, cookbook author, philanthropist, and restaurateur. The Food Network star and founding partner of Morph Hospitality Group traces her culinary inspiration to the vibrant streets of India. “I really want to be the voice of Indian food throughout America,” she says. Listen now to learn about the essence of being a chef, sharing stories online, and b...