Afleveringen
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What if the secret to scaling your business wasn’t just about great food or strong margins but about creating real relationships—with your team, your customers, and your community? Andrew Kim has flipped the script on what it means to run a franchise operation. As CEO of Waba Grill, Andrew went from legal advisor to visionary leader, crafting a brand where franchisees aren’t just partners—they’re family. In today’s episode, we explore how Andrew is bringing humanity back to franchising, the unconventional strategies that turned struggling locations into top performers, and what independent restaurant operators can steal from the franchise playbook to thrive in today’s market. If you’re ready to rethink how you support your team and grow your business, this conversation is a must. For more on Waba Grill’s bold flavors and innovative franchise model, visit https://www.wabagrill.com.
Takeaways
Andrew's bicultural background provided an advantage in law.Waba Grill's founders had a vision for franchise growth.Transitioning from consultant to chief legal officer was a significant decision.Building strong franchisee relationships is crucial for success.The pandemic required a focus on franchisee support and resilience.Leadership transition can come from unexpected backgrounds.Investing in team support leads to better outcomes.Menu innovation is driven by customer resonance and team collaboration.Value is defined by customer experience, not just price.Anticipating customer needs enhances overall satisfaction.Chapters
00:00 The Journey to Law and Business Consulting
05:56 Navigating Franchise Relationships and Challenges
12:13 Leadership Transition: From Chief Legal Officer to CEO
17:55 Menu Innovation and Customer Experience
24:09 Defining Value in a Post-Pandemic World
29:57 Anticipating Customer Needs and Enhancing Experience
35:54 Key Takeaways for Business Success
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
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Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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What does it take to leave a stable career, move across the world, and start fresh in an industry where failure is the norm? For Shawn Uldridge, the answer lies in a combination of entrepreneurial grit, risk management, and a deep passion for creating meaningful experiences. From transitioning out of finance to building the Publishing House B&B in Chicago, Shawn has rewritten the rules of success in hospitality. In today’s episode, we explore his journey, how he balances risk with opportunity, and why perseverance—and a little fun—are the keys to thriving in business and life. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a bold dream into reality, this conversation is for you. For more information on the Publishing House B&B and Chapel Street Café, visit https://publishinghousebnb.com.
Takeaways
Quitting can be a positive step towards fulfillment.Entrepreneurs must balance vision with the ability to pivot.Evaluating opportunities should prioritize enjoyment and interest.Risk management is crucial for long-term success.Avoiding mediocrity requires proactive decision-making.Product market fit is essential for business success.Creating a supportive team environment enhances productivity.Cultural sharing can elevate a business's appeal.Work-life balance is vital for personal happiness.Perseverance is key to overcoming challenges in business.Chapters
00:00 From Finance to Hospitality: A New Beginning
05:45 Evaluating Opportunities: Fun vs. Profit
11:48 Navigating the Middle Ground: Avoiding Mediocrity
18:00 The Journey into Solar Energy
23:50 Creating a Supportive Team Environment
30:00 The Importance of Family and Work-Life Balance
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
Check out DUER’s flagship stores in LA or Denver, or get 20% off your first order by visiting https://shopduer.com/FULLCOMP. -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Most restaurants don’t fail—they just get stuck. They struggle with slim margins, unpredictable cash flow, and the constant grind of staying afloat. But what if there was a way to break the cycle? In this episode, we reveal the overlooked strategies that separate struggling restaurants from thriving ones. Whether you’re ready to scale or just need more breathing room, this conversation is for you.
Visit www.joshkopel.com today to get free access to the upcoming 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge: 5 Days to a 15% Net Profit.
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In an industry where culture can make or break a business, Chris Hall has set a gold standard for what it means to lead with purpose. As co-owner of Unsukay Restaurant Group in Atlanta, Chris has turned his restaurants into more than just places to eat—they’re community hubs rooted in generosity, connection, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Today, we discuss how Chris and his partners have built thriving businesses by focusing on values-driven leadership, the transformative power of philanthropy, and the strategies they use to ensure both their team and their guests feel like they truly belong. For more information on Local Three and their community initiatives, visit https://unsukay.com/.
Takeaways
At the time Atlanta was still growing, and Mus and Turner's filled a gap.Curiosity and humility are essential in learning and growth.Partnerships require commitment and open communication, similar to marriage.An abundance mindset fosters human connection in business.Creating a positive atmosphere for staff leads to better hospitality.You can't teach someone to care; it's an inherent quality.Purpose and values should guide business decisions, not just profit.Engaging advisors can provide valuable insights and support.Continuous improvement is key to success in any business.A strong partnership is built on complementary skills and trust. We talk about our values every day.Culture is defined by what you tolerate.What you say no to is more defining than yes.Growth is about people, not just opportunity.You need systems to standardize operations.Profitability is essential for sustainability.Great customer experiences drive word-of-mouth.Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.The Giving Kitchen started as a response to need.Every day is an opportunity to make a difference.Chapters
00:00 The Birth of Mus and Turner's
05:11 Navigating Partnerships in the Restaurant Industry
12:28 Purpose, Values, and Mission in Hospitality
17:30 Continuous Improvement and Learning in Business
23:52 Intentional Growth and Leadership
29:13 Profitability: A Necessary Conversation
34:53 The Journey Over the Destination
40:52 Adopting an Abundance Mentality____________________________________________________________
Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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Reinvention is at the heart of every great success story, and few embody that better than Brian Smith and Robert Hagopian. Starting as franchisees of The Meat House, they faced the collapse of their franchisor and emerged stronger, founding The Butchery, a boutique butcher shop and kitchen that has redefined premium meat retail. Today, we sit down to discuss their transition from franchisees to independent operators, the lessons they learned from the School of Hard Knocks, and how they’ve built a brand rooted in quality, community, and uncompromising service. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to turn challenges into opportunities. For more information on The Butchery and their premium offerings, visit https://www.butcherymeats.com.
Takeaways
The journey to opening the Meat House began with a shared passion for cooking.There is a notable absence of intimate retail grocery markets in Southern California.Identifying market gaps can lead to successful business opportunities.Strong partnerships are built on mutual respect and understanding.Navigating the retail food industry is challenging and requires resilience.Having a shared vision and standards is crucial for business success.Finding engaged employees in the restaurant industry is increasingly difficult.Quality ingredients are essential for creating exceptional meals.Listening to each other during disagreements strengthens partnerships.Building a knowledgeable team enhances customer experience.Chapters
00:00 The Journey to Meat House
03:00 Identifying Market Gaps
06:01 Navigating Business Partnerships
08:54 Building a Strong Team
12:02 Overcoming Industry Challenges
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
Check out DUER’s flagship stores in LA or Denver, or get 20% off your first order by visiting https://shopduer.com/FULLCOMP. -
Here's what you have to look forward to in 2025!
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In this conversation, Savneet Singh shares his journey as the CEO of PAR Technologies, detailing the challenges he faced when he took over a struggling company. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, making difficult decisions, and fostering a strong company culture. Through transparent communication and a focus on values, Singh transformed PAR from a failing business into a thriving enterprise, highlighting the role of innovation and teamwork in achieving success. In this conversation, Josh Kopel and Savneet Singh discuss the challenges faced by restaurant operators in today's rapidly changing industry. They explore the importance of technology and data in enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiency. Savneet emphasizes the need for a culture of risk-taking and innovation at PAR Technologies, while also highlighting the significance of staying true to a brand's promise. The discussion concludes with encouraging words for restaurant owners to never give up and to invest in their teams.
Takeaways
The only genius in entrepreneurship is not giving up.Business is fundamentally about solving problems.Difficult conversations are essential for leadership.Cultural values must be lived, not just stated.Ownership and accountability drive success.Innovation in technology is crucial for the restaurant industry.A transparent environment fosters trust and collaboration.Defining clear values can reshape company culture.Hard work and dedication lead to significant outcomes.Success requires a commitment to customer satisfaction. The restaurant industry is facing unfair expectations from customers.Technology is essential for restaurant operators to survive.PAR Technologies embraces change and innovation.Data must be actionable for restaurant owners to benefit.Personalized customer experiences are the future of dining.Unifying data across platforms is crucial for efficiency.Risk-taking is a cultural norm at PAR Technologies.Staying true to a brand promise is key to success.Investing in people leads to better outcomes.Work-life balance is important in the restaurant industry.Chapters
00:00 The Power of Perseverance in Entrepreneurship
06:09 The Journey to Leadership at PAR Technologies
11:53 Cultural Revolution: Building a Winning Team
18:07 The Road to Success: Hard Work and Transparency
25:10 Adapting to Change in the Restaurant Industry
35:39 The Culture of Risk-Taking at PAR
43:11 The Excitement of Team and Mission
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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Family businesses are the backbone of the restaurant industry, but they come with unique challenges and opportunities. Eldredge and Tyler Ropolo of Washington Street Hospitality have taken their family’s vision to new heights, blending timeless Italian traditions with modern hospitality innovation. In today’s conversation, we explore their unconventional journey from Italy to Newport and beyond, the lessons learned from balancing personal passions with business practicality, and how they’ve created restaurant concepts that feel as personal as their own homes. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow without losing authenticity, this episode is a masterclass. For more information on Washington Street Hospitality and their concepts, visit https://www.washingtonstreethospitality.com.
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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Success in the restaurant industry is as much about grit as it is about vision, and few people embody both quite like Peter Newlin. As Chief Vision Officer of the Gastamo Group, Peter has transformed small neighborhood restaurants into a multi-concept hospitality group, all while championing the power of focus and community-driven dining. In today’s conversation, we explore Peter’s journey from outdoor enthusiast to restaurant innovator, his vision for disrupting suburban dining, and the critical role of AI and intentionality in shaping the future of hospitality. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a thriving business while staying grounded, this episode is for you. For more information on the Gastamo Group and their innovative concepts, visit https://www.gastamogroup.com.
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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What does it take to evolve from an ambitious young chef to a seasoned restaurateur and CPG innovator? Harold Jurado’s journey is a masterclass in risk, resilience, and reimagination. From working at culinary institutions like Charlie Trotter’s to leading high-pressure kitchens and corporate dining at Google, Harold’s path has been anything but ordinary. Today, we dive into how he balances creativity and practicality, his leap into the world of consumer packaged goods, and his vision for building a business that takes care of both staff and customers. If you’re looking for inspiration to rethink your own path to success, this episode is for you. For more information on Harold and his restaurant, Ramenwell, visit https://www.ramenwell.com
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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Running a successful restaurant is one thing; scaling that success globally while maintaining exceptional quality and culture is another. Today, I’m sitting down with Barry McGowan, CEO of Fogo de Chão, to discuss how this iconic brand continues to redefine the dining experience. From bringing a centuries-old culinary art to the forefront, to innovating service models that delight guests and empower employees, Barry shares the blueprint for building a thriving restaurant group. If you’re ready to rethink how to grow your business without losing its soul, this conversation is a must. For more information on Fogo de Chão and their unique dining experiences, visit https://fogodechao.com.
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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After cooking in 5 Michelin-starred restaurants, you might be surprised to find Chef Myles Moody in a butcher shop but there is a method to his madness. At Kinship, Myles has managed to find lightning in the bottle. This cafe, coffee shop, butcher shop hybrid has done so well locally that they’ve received national attention and the calls to expand have begun to come in. Today we sit down with the chef to discuss his growth strategy for Kinship. As it turns out, the fastest way to grow is slowly.
More more information on the chef and Kinship, visit https://kinshipbutcheratl.com/.
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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Learning how to tell a great story will make you popular at the next cocktail party you attend but there are some other unexpected benefits. Meet Shannon Smith, an accidental chef that has built a massive private dining business and launched a successful cookbook off the back of what can only be described as world-class storytelling. Today Shannon sits down to share her story with us so that we can learn how to tell our story in a way that turns heads and creates fans.
For more information on the chef, visit https://chefshannon.com/.
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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Can lightning strike twice? After interviewing Chad Coulter, I’d say so. After building and successfully selling his restaurant brand Louvino, Chad is at it again with his latest creation Biscuit Belly. Today we sit down to discuss the essential elements of a scalable brand and what needs to be considered when determining the best way to grow that brand. In this masterclass we’re covering everything from joint ventures to custom plating.
For more information on Biscuit Belly, visit https://biscuitbelly.com/.
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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Restaurateur and consultant Elizabeth Blau wasn’t just present for the culinary renaissance in Las Vegas over the last 20 years, she helped usher it in. After working with the best restaurateurs and chefs in the world and becoming a successful consultant globally, Elizabeth did the unthinkable…she launched her own restaurant group. Spanning multiple tiers of dining and across several markets, Elizabeth is out to prove that there is a formulaic recipe for success in the restaurant industry. Today we sit down to discuss what that recipe is and how we can adopt her best practices to create the best outcomes for our own businesses.
For more information on Elizabeth, visit https://elizabethblau.com/.
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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As many of you know, I came up in this industry through nightlife. In the early 2000’s, nightlife was defined by prolific nightclubs that burned red-hot, only to close six months later. But that wasn’t the story for Jamie Mulholland. For more than two decades, Jamie has built brands that last, like Cain and Goldbar. Today we sit down to discuss his latest project, Ketchy Shuby, and the elements he’s infused into the concept to ensure that it lasts decades as well.
For more information on Ketchy Shuby, visit https://ketchyshubynyc.com/.
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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We’ve all heard the phrase, your network determines your net worth but how many times have you seen it exemplified in our industry? Meet Dara Mirjahangiry, founder of Sei Less. This star-studded restaurant is defined by elegance, artful dining, and its celebrity clientele. Today we sit down with Dara to discuss how he built such an influential network and how that network helped him prove out his restaurant concept and build a bulletproof brand reputation.
For more information on Sei Less, visit https://www.seiless.com/.
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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If someone asked me for only one piece of advice when it comes to entrepreneurship, I would say “build for yourself.” What I mean by that is that it’s impossible to know the minds and the desires of others but we can know ourselves. Serving yourself mercilessly means you’re serving everyone that feels just like you. Jeremy Cohn and Jared Rouben did exactly that with Moody Tongue. From their brewery to their Michelin-awarded restaurant concepts, Jeremy and Jared have done a masterful job of serving an unserved niche in the marketplace–and they’ve been compensated handsomely for it. Today we sit down to discuss how they’ve built such a cult-like following and how we can do the same in our own markets.
For more information on Moody Tongue, visit https://www.moodytongue.com/.
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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When you think of an old 1950’s diner, a lot comes to mind but probably not massive growth and a prolific delivery business. Kurt Metzger sits at the helm of Norma’s Cafe, a 70 year old Texas diner, which is having a moment right now. Kurt was charged with bringing this heritage brand to an entirely new generation and, in doing so, has redefined what it means to be a legacy brand in 2024. Today we sit down to discuss what it takes to reach a new audience and how you can redefine a brand for the modern age without sacrificing its soul.
For more information on Norma’s Cafe, visit https://www.normascafe.com/.
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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Growth in our industry can take many forms. For some, the privately owned route is the only way to go, for others, franchising is the path of least resistance. Today we sit down with franchising expert Greg Mohr to discuss the pros and cons of franchising as well as the pitfalls to avoid when taking the leap into franchising. Whether you’re interested in buying one or becoming one, this is a masterclass in franchising.
For more information on Greg and his company, visit https://www.franchisemaven.com/.
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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