Restaurant Rockstars Podcast

If I owned your restaurant in 2026, here’s exactly what I’d fix first—and why it matters now more than ever. In this episode, I break down the Restaurant Operator Playbook for the year ahead, focusing on the systems, leadership, and profit drivers that separate struggling restaurants from those that thrive. We cover how to stand out in a crowded market, build true leaders instead of babysitting ma...

What separates unforgettable restaurants from forgettable ones? In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, Roger talks with Bob Campana, a serial entrepreneur and restaurateur who shares what real hospitality actually looks like in practice. Bob breaks down how intentional design, human connection, and team culture create guest experiences that keep people coming back. From building dini...

The hospitality industry is burning out its best leaders…but it doesn’t have to. In this eye-opening conversation, Roger and coach Mike Messerof dig into the hidden pressures behind burnout, the mental health struggles no one talks about, and the simple practices that help restaurant owners lead without losing themselves. A raw, powerful, honest look at what it really takes to thrive in this busin...

The systems, KPIs, and leadership habits top operators use to run high-performing restaurants without constant chaos. Learn how top restaurant operators create proactive systems, master the KPIs that matter, and lead teams that deliver five-star guest experiences consistently. In this episode, Kristin from Craveworthy Brands breaks down the operational playbook behind 20+ concepts — including how...

In this Hot Seat episode, Roger breaks down the restaurant operator training systems every owner needs to control costs and increase profit. Learn how to master inventory, prime cost, labor tracking, menu profitability, and team leadership so you can run a more efficient, more profitable restaurant. 🔥 Run a Smarter, More Profitable Restaurant. Discover the proven systems & solutions that drive sa...

Crust Pizza CEO Carl Comeaux joins the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast to share how he helped grow one local pizza shop into a 30+ location franchise - with goals to hit 200 and beyond. Learn how his team bootstrapped growth, built their own tech stack, and kept culture, consistency, and profitability at the heart of their success. Listen for insights on: • Scaling a franchise without private equity...

Explore how online ordering systems are evolving to help restaurants increase sales, save time, and enhance the guest experience without adding complexity. Run a Smarter, More Profitable Restaurant. Discover the proven systems & solutions that drive sales, train staff, and maximize your margins. Join The Restaurant Academy now: https://restaurantrockstars.com/joinacademy Thank you to our sponsors:...

Learn how to calculate, track, and reduce your restaurant’s Prime Cost—the key to higher profit and smoother operations. Guests: Roger Beaudoin & Kevin Morrison. Your restaurant’s profit depends on mastering your Prime Cost—the total of food, beverage, and labor. In this episode, Roger Beaudoin and Kevin Morrison break down how to calculate, track, and reduce Prime Cost to maximize your bottom lin...

How does a restaurant generate $3 million in annual sales and still maintain strong profits? In this episode, Roger Beaudoin of Restaurant Rockstars sits down with Ed Powers, Director of Operations at Broken Yolk Café, to unpack the leadership, systems, and culture that keep this brand thriving. After nearly three decades with Chili’s and Brinker International, Ed brings deep lessons in hospitalit...

Digital menus and QR codes are reshaping restaurants. Roger Beaudoin and Ben Claeys share how this tech boosts sales, speeds service, and enhances the guest experience. Thank you to our sponsors: 🌟 MenuTiger: Seamless QR menus, ordering and payment right from a guest’s phone made simple. It’s about efficiency and guest convenience. See how much smoother your restaurant can run at www.menutiger.co...

Discover the proven financial playbook for a profitable restaurant: KPIs, menu profit, prime cost, and break-even strategies to maximize success. Want to maximize your profits and take control of your business? Dive into the Restaurant Academy and get access to Roger’s proven systems at restaurantrockstars.com. Connect with Restaurant Rockstars on Social Media: LinkedIn Roger: https://www.linkedin...

Train, prepare & lead your team with Michelin-level systems from Chef Franck’s 5 Ps of Leadership. Michelin-trained Chef Franck shares his proven framework for building high-performing restaurant teams. From his start as a 15-year-old apprentice in France to leading Michelin-starred kitchens and consulting for top hospitality brands, Chef Franck reveals how preparation, mentorship, and mindset cre...

What does it really take to achieve restaurant success? In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, Roger sits down with Chef Todd Richards, a celebrated chef and concept developer behind some of the most innovative airport restaurants in the country. From starting in the dish pit to collaborating with celebrities like Ludacris on Chicken + Beer, Chef Richards shares the real lessons ever...

Discover proven restaurant marketing strategies that build loyalty, boost profits, and turn guests into brand ambassadors. From cash cows to mug clubs, Roger shares trackable, ROI-driven ideas that keep customers coming back. Restaurant Profit Maximizer Mini-Masterclass: Learn how just a few tweaks in the way you run your business can hugely impact your profits. https://restaurantrockstars.com/sp/...

Learn the exact formula for restaurant profit and freedom from Roger, founder of five successful restaurant concepts. After 23 years in the business, Roger shares the three fundamentals that transformed his operations and allowed him to work on his business, not in it. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, you’ll discover: ✅ How to track inventory, labor, and prime cost to maximize...

If you’re looking for real-world strategies to strengthen your team, tighten your numbers, and elevate your guest experience, this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast is packed with actionable ideas. Jamie and Leo show that when you combine strong systems with leadership and creativity, you can build restaurants that thrive—even in the most competitive markets. If you’re looking for real-w...

Work Less. Earn More. Discover how Keke’s Breakfast Café built a thriving 70+ location brand with a single-shift model, happy staff, and loyal guests. Learn the leadership principles, culture strategies, and operational systems that are redefining restaurant success. Run a Smarter, More Profitable Restaurant. Discover the proven systems that drive sales, train staff, and maximize your margins. Ins...

Too many restaurants obsess over food cost—but profit is what really matters. In this episode, Roger breaks down the food cost fallacy, how to calculate your true cost, and what to do instead to boost your bottom line. From portion control and inventory to menu redesign and training, this is a must-listen for every restaurant owner. Run a Smarter, More Profitable Restaurant. Discover the proven sy...

Are financial mistakes draining your restaurant’s profits? In this episode, we break down the top 10 restaurant financial mistakes—from tip reporting and payroll to sales tax and bookkeeping. Tax pro Cindy Montoya from KAC Consulting shares how to fix the leaks and boost your bottom line. Unlock all the Secrets to Running a Highly Profitable Restaurant. Follow the Restaurant Profit Fast Track: Mas...

Join Roger as he welcomes Leslie Durso, a dynamic chef and culinary consultant who works with the Four Seasons and personal clients. Discover how Leslie blends health-focused culinary practices with profitability in the restaurant industry. Learn about handling food allergies, plant-based menu options that entice all customers, and the financial benefits of healthier choices. Leslie also shares he...

Struggling with staffing? You’re not alone. In this episode, we uncover why 47% of your restaurant employees may be ready to quit—and what you can do about it. Leadership expert David Strange reveals proven hiring tactics, morale-boosting strategies, and the one thing most leaders miss. From “hire slow, fire fast” to the secret behind bottom-up leadership, this is your ultimate playbook for buildi...

Most restaurant owners are missing this game-changing strategy. Roger shares the systems, team-building tactics, and menu hacks that turn restaurants into profit machines. If you want bigger margins and loyal staff, this is a must-listen. Unlock all the Secrets to Running a Highly Profitable Restaurant. Follow the Restaurant Profit Fast Track: Master Finances, Boost Sales, Train Staff, and Multipl...

Roger talks to leasing expert Dale Willerton, also known as 'The Lease Coach.' With a wealth of experience in lease negotiation, Dale offers valuable insights into securing favorable lease agreements, negotiating renewals, lowering operating costs, and more. The Top 3 Restaurant Profit Killers & How To Fix Them Fast (Free Video Training): https://restaurantrockstars.com/profits Restaurant Profit M...

In this episode, we dive into the multifaceted challenges and rewards of running a restaurant with Chef Bobby Maher, who has a storied career in some of New York City's most demanding kitchens. Chef Bobby shares his journey from cutting his teeth in NYC to opening his own restaurant in the DC area during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the dynamics of front and back of house, the importance of c...

Discover how this unique brand has captured a multi-generational audience with its fantastic branding and product differentiation. Scott shares his extensive experience in marketing and the journey of revitalizing the Badass Coffee brand! The Top 3 Restaurant Profit Killers & How To Fix Them Fast (Free Video Training): https://restaurantrockstars.com/profits Restaurant Profit Maximizer Mini-Master...