The Restaurant Growth Show

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Wizner, CEO of Vivid Candi, a leading marketing agency with over 20 years of experience specializing in the food industry. Learn about Chris's inspiring journey from a Taco Bell paycheck to spearheading Vivid Candi, and discover game-changing marketing tactics that can help your restaurant thrive. This episode covers the power of artificial intelligence in m...

In this episode, hosts sit down with Jason Radisson, CEO and founder of Movo. Jason shares his journey from blue-collar work to leading successful tech ventures like Uber and 99 Taxis, and how he’s now focusing on enhancing hiring, engagement, and retention for frontline workers in the restaurant and hospitality industry through Movo. They discuss the impact of technology on workforce management,...

In this episode, we are joined by Abhinav Kapur, co-founder and CEO of Bikky. Abhinav discusses his transition from finance to the tech startup scene, inspired by the challenges he witnessed in his mother-in-law's restaurant. He delves into how Bikky helps restaurants transform raw customer data into actionable insights to drive revenue growth. Abhinav explains the importance of understanding cust...

In this episode we chat with Erika Wasser, CEO and co-founder of Prospr, a platform dedicated to optimizing restaurant team management. Erika shares invaluable insights into reducing employee turnover, enhancing team communication, and leveraging technology for operational efficiency. Drawing from her vast experience, she offers practical advice for restaurateurs on building stronger, more engaged...

In this episode, Jason E Brooks shares essential strategies for effective communication and feedback in training restaurant staff. Learn about the distinct training needs of front and back-of-house teams, the power of role-playing, and overcoming language barriers. Discover the importance of real-time feedback, positive reinforcement, and regular one-on-one meetings in boosting staff confidence an...

In this episode, hosts are joined by MaryBeth Maskovas, a data expert with a decade of experience in the restaurant and QSR industry. MaryBeth shares insights on harnessing data to tackle challenges in data implementation, customer loyalty, and marketing technology. She emphasizes understanding unique restaurant challenges, the critical role of personalized customer experiences, and the importance...

In this episode, cash flow expert Kirsha Campbell shares her extensive knowledge on managing restaurant finances. With 15 years of experience, Kirsha discusses key financial challenges such as food and labor costs, managing cash flow, setting up recession-proof systems, and the importance of financial literacy for restaurant owners. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips to ensure yo...

In this episode, Chef David Burke shares his incredible journey through the culinary world, from starting in the 1970s to running over 20 successful restaurants. Burke discusses his unique Himalayan salt dry aging process, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and how he expanded his restaurant empire during that time. Known for his inventive approach to blending creativity with tradition, Bur...

In this episode of the Restaurant Growth Show podcast, hosts Gordon and Jose are joined by Kirk Mauriello, founder of Profit Cookers. Kirk shares his journey from Staten Island to establishing a successful company that aids restaurants in increasing profits through virtual kitchens and innovative food delivery models. The discussion highlights the evolution of virtual kitchen technology, its impac...

In this episode, we chat with Naomi West, an award-winning email marketing strategist, about effective email marketing strategies for the hospitality industry. Naomi shares her impressive background in email marketing and explains how restaurant owners can utilize email campaigns to boost customer engagement and sales. We delve into the importance of clear subject lines, automated welcome messages...

In this episode we sit down with Joe Carlucci, owner of Valentina's pizzeria in Madison, Alabama. Join us as Joe, a nine-time world pizza champion and two-time Guinness world record holder, shares his incredible journey in the pizza industry spanning over 35 years. Discover the secret ingredients to his award-winning pizzas, his approach to creating a strong team culture, and the innovative st...

Welcome to another episode of the Restaurant Growth Show Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Kenny Rose, Founder and CEO of FranShares, a Chicago-based startup that allows individuals to invest in franchises with as little as $500. Kenny discusses the opportunities and challenges in the trillion-dollar franchising industry, shares his entrepreneurial journey, and provides valuable insights...

In this episode we welcome Yianni Karapanagiotis, the founder of Kara Restaurant Group and co-host of Restaurant Punk podcast. Yianni shares his insights on the importance of consistency in building credibility, the journey of expanding from one to 14 restaurant locations, and his strategies during the pandemic. Yianni also discusses his philosophy on growth, systems, and the significance of creat...

In this episode, we feature Kasey Anton, a former Boston restaurateur turned consultant and author of the upcoming book 'Profit First for Restaurants.' With over 20 years of experience, Kasey shares her expertise on the importance of solidifying your business model and financial structure before considering expansion. From addressing food costs and labor expenses to leveraging her innovati...

In this episode, our guest Jason E. Brooks, with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, discusses key number seven from his book, Every Leader Needs Followers: 'Never. Stop. Training.' Jason dives into effective strategies for implementing ongoing training programs, balancing daily operations, and measuring training effectiveness. Discover why perpetual learning is crucia...

In this episode of the Restaurant Growth Show podcast, we are joined by Mike McGloin, a growth strategist and founder of the Food for Thought Network, and owner of Fuse, a marketing agency specializing in food and beverage. Mike shares his journey from Yorkshire to leading innovative marketing projects in the U.S., and delves into the complexities of AI in marketing. We explore the challenges face...

In this episode, hosts Gordon and Jose welcome seasoned restaurateur Peter De Bruyn, who shares his 30 years of experience in the industry. Peter, the executive chef at the Strathcona Hotel and board chair at the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association, dives into hot topics like tipping culture, California's minimum wage hike, and how restaurants are navigating increased costs. He also di...

In this episode of the Restaurant Growth Show Podcast, industry veteran Jason E. Brooks returns to share invaluable insights from his over 30 years of experience in hospitality. Jason breaks down the five crucial keys to transforming restaurant management, which spell out the acronym MODEL: Master your KPIs, Owner-like Orientation, Delegate by Creating Mini GMs, Engage with One-on-Ones, and Leadin...

In this episode of the Restaurant Growth Show podcast, Savannah Seydel, VP of Sustainability and Impact at Better Earth, shares practical insights on reducing costs, minimizing food waste, and implementing sustainable practices in restaurants. Savannah discusses her journey to Better Earth, the company's recent B Corp certification, and their innovative Climate Smart Packaging Collection. She...

In this episode of the Restaurant Growth Show Podcast, hosts Gordon and Jose welcome Brent Beattie, VP of Product at 7shifts, to discuss the latest 7shifts industry study focusing on what restaurant employees want in 2024. Dive into practical strategies for improving employee motivation, reducing turnover, and fostering long-term careers in hospitality. Brent shares his diverse background, insight...

In this special episode of the Restaurant Growth Show, we share our experiences from the recent Collision Conference 2024 in Toronto. Join us as we delve into the latest in artificial intelligence, new technologies, and important connections we made that can help restaurant owners grow their business. Hear firsthand insights from our team as we discuss AI-driven security, the future of AI in the r...

In this episode, we dive deep into restaurant financial management with Tim Sernett, CPA, and founder of Financial Optics. Tim shares his 30+ years of experience, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and profitability for independently owned restaurants. The discussion covers essential financial strategies, the importance of detailed menu costing, mastering prime costs, the impact of techn...

In this milestone 5th episode of the Restaurant Growth Show Podcast, our host welcomes back hospitality expert Jason E. Brooks to discuss essential strategies for driving sustainability in restaurants. With over 30 years of experience, Jason shares insights on reducing food waste, implementing energy-efficient practices, and leveraging data for better operations. Tune in for practical steps on imp...

In this episode, we dive into the innovative world of cooking shows with Lenzy Ruffin, a U.S. Army veteran turned cooking show advisor. Lenzy shares his journey from an Army officer and IT professional to an entrepreneur helping chefs turn their culinary skills into vibrant lifestyle brands on YouTube. He offers invaluable insights on how to start a YouTube cooking channel, the essentials for film...

In this episode Jose discusses the crucial role of POS systems in the restaurant industry. He covers the advancement of POS technology, integration with CRM systems for personalized customer service, staff management tools, strategic tech stack integration, and the benefits of dynamic pricing. Jose emphasizes the importance of combining technology with leadership to enhance both employee and custo...