Send us a text Monte has over 40 years in the industry working every position from dishwasher all the way to Director of Operations. As a restaurant coach and hospitality coach Monte shares his wealth of knowledge in food, beverage, hospitality, service, sales, and cost controls that he has gained through 40 years of success and mistakes. On this episode, Monte and Host Zack Oates discuss: Mindset coaching Personal Engagement Moving beyond just numbers More Thanks Monte!...
Apr 18, 2022•32 min•Ep. 144
Send us a text Will Pacio is the cofounder and CEO of Expo, a data science platform that has contributed greatly to transforming the hospitality industry. Expo focuses on helping large multi-unit operations better leverage all of their data in one integrated solution. With over 20 years in the restaurant industry- with responsibilities ranging from line cook to head of IT- Will has seen it all! The development of the hospitality industry is in good hands! On this episode, Will and Host Zack Oate...
Apr 11, 2022•20 min•Ep. 143
Send us a text Stephen M.R. Covey is a highly-sought after international speaker, who has taught trust and leadership in 56 countries to business, government, military, education, healthcare, and NGO entities. We are fortunate to have him as a guest on our Give An Ovation podcast! Tune in to hear from a distinguished author, public speaker, entrepreneur, and expert in business leadership! On this episode, Stephen and Host Zack Oates discuss: Trust & Inspire Building your business from the in...
Apr 05, 2022•33 min•Ep. 142
Send us a text Atul Sood is the chief business officer at Kitchen United. Kitchen United offers restaurants a top-tier food production facility that combines insights with ideas on how to profitably expand into the food delivery business. Given his experience, Atul has proven his skill at business intelligence and offering minimal risk and capital outlay. On this episode, Atul and Host Zack Oates discuss: His pioneering of the ghost kitchen Multi concept dining Automation The development of deli...
Mar 28, 2022•20 min•Ep. 140
Send us a text Sam Caucci is the CEO and founder of 1Huddle, a training platform that aims to improve staff performance and better prepare employees for the workforce. Sam Caucci's innovation engages employees with quick paced games that are customizable to the company's brand and can be played in under five minutes. On this episode, Sam and Host Zack Oates discuss: The importance of catering employee training to be company specific Diversified training Automation Encouraging your team to subscr...
Mar 21, 2022•21 min•Ep. 139
Send us a text Mike Mirkil is the head of marketing at Personica. Previously operating under the name Fishbowl, Personica is a digitalized platform that offers a better way to connect with and engage guests. With over 30 years of experience in the marketing industry, Mike had plenty to offer this episode of Give an Ovation. Tune in to hear his expertise on personalization, customer loyalty, and understanding market needs! On this episode, Mike and host Zack Oates discuss: Redefining customer val...
Mar 14, 2022•28 min•Ep. 139
Send us a text Niko Papademetriou is the Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Qu Beyond POS. Qu's goal is to go beyond the limited legacy systems with modern tech solutions that will improve your profits and confidently lead you into the new digital era. Given his experience in the financial sector and his entrepreneurial mindset, Niko has fueled restaurant growth by infusing speed, agility, and innovation into restaurant operations. Tune in to Niko and Zack's witty banter ...
Mar 07, 2022•29 min•Ep. 138
Send us a text Kristen Barnett is the founder and CEO of Hungry House, a ghost kitchen that is shedding light on the culinary leaders of our tomorrow. Yet Kristen's innovation is one of many skills she is bringing to the table. Having earned her bachelors degree from Cornell University, we are fortunate to have met with one of the brightest minds helping to develop the restaurant industry today. On this episode, Kristen and host Zack Oates discuss: Ghost kitchens Marketing channels The digitaliz...
Feb 28, 2022•23 min•Ep. 137
Send us a text Andy Rebhun is an accomplished Global Marketing Executive, who delivers first-to-market products and profitable growth for billion-dollar brands across Fortune 50 companies. Andy Rebhun currently works his magic as the senior vice president of marketing and digital office of El Pollo Loco. Rebhun has a sharp eye for digital transformation and customer service; tune in to learn how he uses this expertise to take El Pollo Loco to the next level! On this episode, Andy and host Zack O...
Feb 22, 2022•22 min•Ep. 136
Send us a text Zach Goldstein, CEO and founder of Thanx, is an expert in retail, customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty. Thanx enables customers to automatically earn rewards at your favorite merchants - no plastic cards necessary. Zach's cutting edge innovation grows customer lifetime value through data-driven engagement and a modern digital experience. On this episode, Zach Goldstein and Host Zack Oates discuss: Loyalty systems Digital revolution Customer data collection Customer Lifeti...
Feb 15, 2022•25 min•Ep. 135
Send us a text Josh Sharkey is the Founder and CEO of Meez, a software that organizes your recipes so you can document, cost, scale, train, collaborate and prep like never before. Josh has touched every part of restaurant business in his career, as he's been a line cook, a restaurant owner, and a COO among other positions. He dropped some wisdom on this episode! On this episode, Josh and host Zack Oates discuss: The importance of recipe costing How to recipe cost even when prices are fluctuating...
Feb 07, 2022•21 min•Ep. 134
Send us a text Dave Dittenber is the CEO and Founder of BYOD (Bring Your Own Data), a restaurant solution that helps operators in real-time by using AI. He is also the owner of DRI, a restaurant group based in Michigan. With over 24 years in the restaurant industry and plenty of other successful ventures, it's clear that there's nothing artificial about this guy's intelligence. On this episode, Dave and Host Zack Oates discuss: Dave's advice for his former self, including mentorship and listenin...
Jan 31, 2022•22 min•Ep. 133
Send us a text Get ready for a knowledge-packed episode! Kelley Jones is the Principal of Kelley Jones Hospitality and a sought after speaker who has spoken at the world's largest conferences. He also works as the President & COO of Hospitality Alliance, and has developed several other successful restaurant organizations. On this episode, Kelley and host Zack Oates discuss: Interactive dining experiences Why service is more important than food The importance of recipe costing Making the gues...
Jan 24, 2022•23 min•Ep. 132
Send us a text Meredith Sandland and Carl Orsbourn are the authors of the Amazon #1 Best-selling book, "Delivering the Digital Restaurant". Meredith comes with experience at Bain & Company, Yum! Brands, and Kitchen United. Carl has previously worked as the Head of Retail at bp, VP of Operations at Kitchen United, and Managing Director at People's California. We are excited to share their insights! On this episode, Meredith, Carl, and Zack discuss: How restaurants can win in the coming years ...
Jan 17, 2022•27 min•Ep. 131
Send us a text Lindsey Hoell is the CEO of Dispatch Goods, a reusable container marketplace that partners with restaurants, businesses, and consumers to provide reusable container options to enable brick-and-mortar businesses to enable reuse. On this episode, Lindsey and host Zack Oates discuss: How Dispatch Goods works The surprising premium customers are willing to pay for reusables Sustainable choices even if Dispatch Goods isn't near you Plant-based options Zuni Café More Thanks, Lindsey!...
Jan 10, 2022•22 min•Ep. 130
Send us a text Justin Bartek is the Chief Marketing Officer of JINYA Holdings Inc., a group consisting of JINYA Ramen Bar and 3 other world-class ramen brands. Justin is a master marketer with experience as the Marketing Director at the Halal Guys, Veggie Grill, Qdoba, and others. He has also executed over 5000 campaigns for brands such as Domino's and Ace Hardware. On this episode, Justin and host, Zack Oates discuss: The number one goal of restaurant marketers What to do with customer data (e....
Jan 04, 2022•27 min•Ep. 129
Send us a text Olga Lopategui is a restaurant marketing expert with experience as a Marketing Manager at Pizza Hut International and as the Director of Marketing for TGI Fridays. She also holds degrees from Harvard Business School and Georgetown University Law. Olga now works as a restaurant consultant, helping restaurants make data-driven decisions to improve loyalty and online ordering. On this episode, Olga and host Zack Oates discuss: The biggest mistakes restaurants make with loyalty progra...
Dec 20, 2021•25 min•Ep. 128
Send us a text Andy Pforzheimer is the CEO of Tastemaker Acquisition Corp, a hospitality-focused special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). Andrew holds board seats at many institutions, including at US Foods and Upward Projects Restaurant Group, and has filled just about every role in the restaurant industry. On this episode, Andy and host Zack Oates discuss: What is a SPAC What types of restaurants SPAC's look for Best practices for smaller, private restaurants Creativity in the restaurant in...
Dec 14, 2021•33 min•Ep. 127
Send us a text Are you ready for an intro? David McDougall has over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry. With high-level experience at Denny's, Cinnabon, Focus Brands, NexCen Brands, and Back Yard Burgers, he is now the CEO of Your Pie Franchising, a brand with 77 locations and 40 in the works. Get ready for a power-packed 25 minutes! On this episode, David and host Zack Oates discuss: The importance of surrounding yourself with good people and how to keep them Common operational m...
Nov 29, 2021•27 min•Ep. 126
Send us a text Aaron Mortensen is a 10-year CMO veteran, currently serving as the CMO of hungr. A nationwide online ordering and food delivery service, hungr is a favorite among restaurant owners due to their low commissions and free sharing of data with restaurants. Aaron is a thought leader and one of the nicest in the biz, so we hope you enjoy this episode! On this episode, Aaron and host Zack Oates discuss: Why restaurants love hungr Do's and don'ts of online ordering and delivery Extending ...
Nov 22, 2021•19 min•Ep. 125
Send us a text Josh Kopel is the President of the L.A. chapter of the California Restaurant Association, he's a Michelin-rated restaurateur with over 20 years of experience in the industry, and is the CEO of FLO Hospitality Solutions. On this episode, Josh and host Zack Oates, discuss: Josh's unique story of blending southern and west-coast culture Most restaurateurs don't know what business they're in How operational efficiency can increase top-line sales by 15% in two weeks Transactional and e...
Nov 15, 2021•20 min•Ep. 124
Send us a text Aaron Noveshen has created or co-created over 25 restaurant concepts, including San Francisco staples such as Starbird and Pacific Catch. He is also the founder and chairman of The Culinary Edge, a food and beverage innovation agency working with top chains such as Starbucks and McDonalds. What a catch! On this episode, Aaron and host Zack Oates discuss: Staff and Aaron's hiring tips The biggest area that Aaron sees restaurants make mistakes in Humility Omnichannel The sensation t...
Nov 05, 2021•27 min•Ep. 123
Send us a text Mehdi Zarhloul is the CEO of Crazy Pita Restaurant Group LLC, and the founder of Crazy Pita, a fresh Mediterranean restaurant with three locations based in Nevada. Mehdi has turned Crazy Pita into a hit through his focus on quality food, and excellent service. Not to mention he's one of the nicest guys in the business! On this episode, Medhi and host, Zack Oates, discuss: The 4 determinants of customer loyalty Connecting with your community How to insert the WOW factor into your g...
Nov 01, 2021•28 min•Ep. 122
Send us a text Lindsey Blackburn is a Solution Specialist at DriveMind Group, which provides businesses with organizational safety solutions including health safety products and services to battle the continued spread of germs, virus, and pathogens. DriveMind's award-winning technology actively cleans air and surfaces, making restaurants a more "healthful" place to be. On this episode, Lindsey and host Zack Oates discuss: Some less-known do's and don'ts for restaurant sanitation Why there are a ...
Oct 22, 2021•21 min•Ep. 121
Send us a text Robbert Jan De Veen is the owner of the De Daltons restaurant in the Netherlands. He is also the owner of the world record for the most expensive burger ever made and sold! From gold leaf to white truffles, we learn all about the history of the Golden Boy Burger and how every restaurateur can deliver a fantastic experience on this episode. On this edition, Robbert and host Zack Oates discuss: How COVID led to the creation of the Golden Boy What ingredients make up a $6000 dollar b...
Oct 18, 2021•23 min•Ep. 120
Send us a text Spencer Saylor is the Founder of The Wizard of Za, a fabulously successful pizza joint in Columbus, Ohio, that has largely grown through word of mouth and exclusivity (customers are making reservations months in advance!). Perhaps more impressive, The Wizard of Za started during the onset of the COVID pandemic! We were so glad to speak with the man behind the curtain and know you'll enjoy listening. On this episode, Spencer and host Zack Oates discuss: The rise of Wizard of Za Spe...
Oct 15, 2021•29 min•Ep. 119
Send us a text Eric Bam is the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Perfect Crust Pizza Liners & IncredibleBags.com. Eric has decades of experience in the industry, including over 20 years as a food distributor, and loves restaurant people! Eric brought the BAM to this episode. On this edition, Eric and host, Zack Oates, discuss: Pushing a vision instead of a product The future of the restaurant industry - smaller footprints, tighter menus, ghost kitchens, bigger delivery areas The pow...
Oct 11, 2021•28 min•Ep. 118
Send us a text Noah Glass is a former cashier, delivery driver, and bartender. Oh, and we should probably also mention that he is the Founder & CEO of Olo, a publicly-traded online ordering and delivery platform worth over 3 billion dollars! We were honored to have such a special guest on the show. On this episode, Noah and host Zack Oates discuss: Insights from Noah on founding a company and leading it through to an IPO Why Noah founded Olo and the role it plays in the industry The future o...
Oct 04, 2021•34 min•Ep. 117
Send us a text Jamie Greer is the Vice President of Operations at the fabulously successful Sticky's Finger Joint based in New York City. With previous experience at Legends Hospitality and Magnolia Bakery, Jamie Greer brings over a decade of experience and insights from one of the most loved brands in NYC to this edition of Give an Ovation. On this episode, Jamie and host Zack Oates discuss: Aspects of Sticky's success such as their guest experience, operations, and menu How Sticky's has kept a...
Sep 27, 2021•19 min
Send us a text You've heard of her, now hear from her! Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., is the President & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association. With more than 50,000 restaurants employing 1.3M Texans and posting sales of 70B in 2019, in her first year, Knight is at the forefront of leading one of the most important industries through the COVID 19 pandemic. On this episode, Emily and host Zack Oates discuss: How Emily has successfully led restaurants in Texas and across the nation through th...
Sep 20, 2021•23 min•Ep. 115
