Restaurant Leaders Unplugged

Restaurant phones never stop ringing, but you cannot afford to miss a single call. In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Randall Hom from Hosty AI shares how he went from stressed-out operator in San Francisco to building an AI voice assistant that answers calls, protects hospitality, and turns missed calls into real revenue. Randall walks us through: Growing up in a family of operators...

 What if your most loyal customers are the ones who had a problem… and you fixed it? In this eye-opening conversation, Ovation founder Zack Oates explains why guest recovery is the single biggest loyalty lever in restaurants. We break down the “first date” framework for guest experience, how to remove friction from the journey, and why consistency creates trust across locations. Zack also shares h...

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , host Sebastian Stahl sits down with longtime Miami restaurateur Jimmy Carey, whose journey from dishwasher to chef to multi-location owner and now restaurant broker is filled with hard-earned lessons and practical wisdom. Jimmy shares his 37-year journey through the highs and lows of the restaurant business — from underfunded beginnings and expansi...

Former line cook turned wealth advisor David Spungen joins Restaurant Leaders Unplugged to break down the real economics of opening, funding, and scaling restaurants. We dig into what’s working right now outside the major metros, the true cost stack (rent, labor, food), when to use friends & family vs. alternative financing, and how operators can build financial literacy without becoming accou...

From working in his dad’s Quiznos to building one of the leading workforce platforms in hospitality, Jordan Boesch shares how 7shifts was born out of pure operational chaos—and how it evolved into a game-changing tool used by thousands of restaurants. In this episode, we dive into the messy MVP days, scaling challenges, real leadership, culture-building, and how 7shifts is tackling hiring and rete...

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , I sit down with Bob Sambol, founder of Bob’s Steak & Chop House, to unpack his remarkable journey from working in his father’s bar to running one of the most respected steakhouses in the country. Bob shares hard-won lessons on leadership, building a loyal team, scaling with consistency, and the simple business philosophy that’s kept him thrivin...

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we sit down with Matt Rolfe, leadership expert, author, and coach to the hospitality industry's top performers. Matt shares his raw and powerful story—from growing up with a learning disability to becoming a sought-after leader helping restaurant operators prioritize personal growth, build resilient teams, and lead with intention. We explore th...

Anthony Valletta, CEO of BarTaco, joins Restaurant Leaders Unplugged to share how his team built one of the most unique and people-first brands in casual dining today. From his early days washing dishes to leading a fast-growing concept with over 35 locations, Anthony talks about: Building culture at scale without becoming another big-box brand Creating a “next-gen casual” dining experience How AI...

Journalist‑turned‑industry‑insider Sam Oches (Editorial Director, Nation’s Restaurant News & Restaurant Hospitality ) unpacks the post‑2024 shake‑up—why value promos are wearing thin, how tariffs could rewrite your P&L, and where the next fast‑casual boom will actually come from. We dig into: The two marketing paths every brand must pick: “irreverent fun” vs. “authentic consistency” Tables...

 In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, we’re joined by Luke Hutchison—Army veteran turned tech entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Perfect Venue. Luke shares his journey from the battlefield to the boardroom, and how his event management software is helping restaurants boost revenue, cut admin time, and simplify private event sales. We explore the biggest mistakes operators make w...

What does it really take to build restaurants that last? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged, Tracy Rathbun—restaurateur, co-founder of Dallas gems like Shinsei and Lover’s Seafood—joins host Sebastian Stahl for a raw and insightful conversation. With over 30 years of experience spanning hospitality, luxury automotive, and entrepreneurial leadership, Tracy shares how her people-first p...

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , Brian Nasajon, chef and restaurateur, shares his journey from a philosophy student to the helm of Beaker & Gray, and now Avenue Gray. Discover his leadership philosophy, the importance of humility in running a restaurant, and why he believes in leading without hierarchy. Brian also discusses the future of the restaurant industry, key mistakes o...

What makes a restaurant truly unforgettable? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , Arjun Sen—former VP of Marketing at Papa John’s and branding expert—reveals the secret to making your restaurant a one-of-one brand. From his journey through iconic brands like Pizza Hut, Boston Market, and Einstein Bros. Bagels to founding Zen Mango, Arjun shares invaluable insights on customer experien...

Is your restaurant leaving money on the table? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , I sit down with Roger Beaudoin, founder of Restaurant Rockstars, to uncover proven strategies for boosting restaurant profitability, improving leadership, and creating a winning guest experience. 💡 What you'll learn in this episode: ✔️ The key difference between management vs. leadership – and wh...

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , we sit down with Chip Klose, a seasoned restaurant consultant and expert with over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Chip shares valuable insights on how restaurant owners can tackle rising costs, enhance marketing strategies, and create sustainable business models. He discusses the importance of building customer loyalty without...

Are you ready to transform your restaurant's financial health? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , we sit down with Kasey Anton, founder of Spark Business Consulting and author of Profit First for Restaurants . Kasey shares her journey from restaurateur to financial consultant, revealing the strategies behind her Profit First system that have helped countless restaurants thrive....

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , Ignacio Garcia-Menocal, Co-Founder and CEO of World Bay Hospitality Group, shares his remarkable journey from a CPA to leading a Michelin-starred restaurant group. Discover how he balances core values, innovation, and trust to build successful concepts like Stubborn Seed and navigate challenges in the restaurant industry. Ignacio dives into leaders...

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , host Sebastian Stahl chats with Christy LoPresto, a dynamic restaurateur and wellness entrepreneur redefining leadership in the hospitality industry. Christy takes us on a journey through her 20+ years in the restaurant business, sharing her evolution from server to owner of several acclaimed New York City eateries, including Kin, a fast-casual Tha...

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , host Sebastian Stahl sits down with Randy Burks, the founder of Randy’s Steakhouse in Frisco, Texas. With over three decades of experience in the restaurant industry, Randy shares the journey of building his iconic steakhouse, navigating challenges like sky-high food costs, labor shortages, and even pandemic shutdowns. From starting as a dishwasher...

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , we sit down with Mathieu Giraud, the visionary owner of Garçons de Café and L’Appart in downtown Los Angeles. Mathieu shares his incredible journey from training in hospitality in France to managing world-class establishments in LA and eventually stepping into entrepreneurship. Discover Mathieu’s candid insights on: The realities of transitioning f...

What makes a profitable and unforgettable bar program? In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , I sit down with Ben Potts, co-founder of Unfiltered Hospitality and co-owner of The Sylvester in Miami. Ben’s journey is a masterclass in persistence and innovation, from starting as a bar back to becoming one of the most sought-after beverage program consultants in the industry. We dive into:...

Rakesh Chandiramani, Co-Founder & Owner of Vin sur Vingt Wine Bars, Jack’s Coffee, and Il Fiorista in NYC, shares how he transformed a $52,000 investment into 17 successful locations. From scaling with purpose to crafting unforgettable guest experiences, Rakesh dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of the restaurant industry. Learn why authentic leadership, team loyalty, and a human-cent...

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , we’re thrilled to host Christin Marvin, influential leadership coach, author of The Hospitality Leader's Roadmap , and founder of Solutions by Christin. Christin opens up about her transformative journey in the hospitality industry—from her early days as a line cook to scaling restaurant groups, facing burnout, and becoming a sought-after coac...

In this episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , we welcome restaurant expert and coach David Scott Peters, who shares his journey from working in his family’s restaurant to becoming a leading coach for independent operators across the U.S. David reveals the #1 mistake he sees in the industry—a lack of leadership—and explains how restaurant owners can transform their operations through proven sys...

In this captivating episode of Restaurant Leaders Unplugged , we’re joined by Victor Chan, founder of Suteishi Japanese Restaurant in New York City. With a fascinating journey that began as an aircraft mechanic and led through cigar shops and cafés before opening his celebrated sushi restaurant, Victor’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and leadership. Victor shares his approach to transfor...