Send us a text Have you ever wondered how to better leverage your technology? Or what integrating your technology can mean for your guests? Pete Gibson, former CIO of Friendly's and Johnny Rockets, has a solid record of successfully leveraging tech, improving operations, and developing high-performing teams globally. As a Chief Information Officer, Pete has extensive experience in improving revenue and technology organizations. On this episode, you'll learn from Pete about: Using tech to optimiz...
Feb 09, 2023•21 min•Ep. 204
Send us a text Steve Raggiani is a Co-Founder of 8it, the simplest way to find food. 8it provides curated food recommendations and popups in New York City. Steve's main goal? Simplify the the food search and filter out bad reviews. Steve brings his innovative eye for greatness to this weeks episode of Give An Ovation. On this episode, Steve and host, Zack discuss: The end of the review era Ensuring innovation and creativity Marketing your brand Aftereffect of Covid on the restaurant industry Mor...
Feb 06, 2023•22 min•Ep. 203
Send us a text On this episode of Give An Ovation, we are one click away from restauranteurs and focusing on industry specific consulting. Bassem Nowyhed is a Multi-Unit Owner and Founder of Invig Consulting. Invig Consulting has reimagined the way brands, convenience stores, and restaurants connect and do business. Bassem is a leading innovator in business development and building distribution channels for quality consumer products. On this episode, Bassem and host, Zack discuss: Optimizing you...
Feb 02, 2023•24 min•Ep. 202
Send us a text Michael Brown has over 30 years experience in the restaurant industry and is a master in guest experience. Having owned Chick-Fil-A locations for about 14 years then working alongside Flying Biscuit and Bojangles, Michael knows his fried chicken. With his most recent role as Sr. director of guest experience at Zaxby's, Michael brings his expertise in internal and external guest experience executions to this weeks episode of Give An Ovation! On the episode, Michael and host, Zack d...
Jan 30, 2023•19 min•Ep. 201
Send us a text Micha Magid is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Mighty Quinn's BBQ, a traditional barbecue dining experience that opened in 2012 our of Manhattan's East Village. Mighty Quinn’s is one of the first authentic barbecue experiences in a fast casual setting. Micha's emphasis is providing amazing food, great atmosphere, and quick service at convenient locations. On this episode, Micha and host, Zack discuss: Franchising Measuring convenience and consistency Traditional BBQ in a fast paced e...
Jan 26, 2023•24 min•Ep. 200
Send us a text Matt Plapp is the Founder and CEO of America’s Best Restaurant and Restaurant Marketing That Works. Matt began his digital marketing journey back in 2008 helping restaurant owners increase their profits by attracting the attention of their customers every week. Matt brings his passion for helping people build successful businesses to this week's episode of Give An Ovation. On this episode, Matt and host, Zack discuss: Marketing mishaps Customer data Automation In-person connection...
Jan 23, 2023•28 min•Ep. 199
Send us a text Nicole Tanner is the current Owner and Founder of Swig, a booming beverage brand launched in 2010 in St. George, Utah. Nicole brainstormed the idea for a drive-by drink shop which has now grown to 45 locations from Utah and Arizona to Texas and Oklahoma! While Swig offers personalized sodas and sweet treats, Nicole ensures a culture of connection and friendship with customers who frequent the drive thru that will last a life time. On this episode, Nicole and host Zack discuss: Opt...
Jan 19, 2023•27 min•Ep. 198
Send us a text Damian Otero is the CEO of Real Tacos, authentic Mexican street food based out of Atlanta. The chefs at Real Tacos strive to recreate the characteristics of tacos from various regions of Mexico using the freshest cuts of meat and cooking with ingredients sourced only from there. As CEO, Damian focuses largely on improving operations with an emphasis on hospitality and tech. On this episode, Damian and host, Zack discuss: Mainstreaming tech The basics of opening your own establishm...
Jan 16, 2023•20 min•Ep. 197
Send us a text Jesse B Good is the Chief Multiplier of Aprendey, a company grounded on people skills and the guest experience. Jesse has over 20 years of experience leading front-line customer service teams and developing successful CX programs. In addition, Jesse has facilitated more than 1,000,000 customer service experiences (and counting). Tune in as Jesse B Good brings his guest experience expertise to the Give An Ovation podcast! On this episode, Jesse and host, Zack discuss: Perfecting th...
Jan 12, 2023•19 min•Ep. 196
Send us a text Alex Blum is the Founder and CEO of Relay Delivery. Relay Delivery enables brands to expand their reach while increasing their margins. Alex Blum noticed a major gap in operations for restaurants who relied on their own in-house couriers to make deliveries. Relay offers restaurant owners an easy way to optimize their delivery operations all while regaining control over their businesses output and financial health. On this episode, Alex and host, Zack Oates discuss: Understanding t...
Jan 09, 2023•22 min•Ep. 195
Send us a text Rob Grimes is the Founder and CEO of the International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA), a nonprofit trade association, that promotes the use of technology within the global food and beverage industries. Rob is paving the path for restaurant tech and is passionate about how emerging technologies can enhance company profitability and enrich the guest experience. In this episode, Rob and host, Zack discuss: Tech stacks Prioritizing tech The world of virtual reality M...
Jan 05, 2023•35 min•Ep. 194
Send us a text Leigh Gower is the Chief Technology Officer at Dutch Bros Coffee. Not only recognized for their variety of drinks, Dutch Bros is known for their exceptional hospitality and ability to connect with drive thru guests. As CTO, Leigh Gowers talks about her experience continuing to connect franchises and individuals all while adding tech to the mix! In this episode, Leigh and host, Zack discuss: Cultivating connection Creating satisfaction for both employee and guest Technological adva...
Jan 02, 2023•25 min•Ep. 193
Send us a text Dustin Mares is the Co-Founder of Meal Outpost, a pioneer in developing the virtual table touch. Meal Outpost enables restaurants and staff to create an additional revenue stream by licensing existing brands from an established brick-and-mortars. Tune in to hear Dustin Mares insights to the ever-changing virtual landscape of restaurants! On this episode, Dustin and host Zack discuss: The future of virtual Bridging the Gap between digital and in person service The color of hospital...
Dec 22, 2022•23 min•Ep. 192
Send us a text Leslie Silverglide is the CEO and Co-Founder of Mixt Greens. Mixt Greens makes healthy fast food accessible and sets the bar on sustainable restaurant operations. With education from John Hopkins, Oxford, AND Stanford Leslie is not just a thinker, she is a doer. Leslie prioritizes improving operations through environmental impact, healthy food options, and new and improved tech. Tune in to heat how she has accomplished all of this and more! On this episode, Leslie and Zack discuss...
Dec 19, 2022•24 min•Ep. 191
Send us a text Harold Walters is the CEO and Co-founder of Shootz, a growing Hawaiian fast-casual brand in southern California. Prior to co-founding Shootz, Harold founded and operated multiple 6 and 7 figure ecommerce brands, a direct response marketing agency, and short term rental business. His previous experience as a software developer combined with his business experience makes him a diverse individual with the capacity to scale his efforts into the quickly-growing, technology backed fast-...
Dec 15, 2022•24 min•Ep. 190
Send us a text Abe Ruiz is a restaurant veteran with over 30 years in the industry! He's got a lot going on these days, as the owner of the Spanish Madrid Taverna, the VP of Strategic Growth and Innovation for Green Turtle, and several other ventures. On this episode, Abe and Zack discuss: How to to hire and retain employees How the need for a distinct dining experience has grown Using brand touch points off-premise The importance of asking customers about their experience More Thanks, Abe!...
Dec 08, 2022•19 min
Send us a text Joanne Heyob is the Senior Vice President of Operations at WD Partners. WD Partners is global & integrated services that include strategy & insights, brand & design, operations planning & design, architecture & engineering and construction services, and much more. Joanne's mission is to shape the future of customer experience through problem solving. On this episode, Joanne and host, Zack discuss: -Internal layout of restaurants -Digital touchpoints (mobile ord...
Dec 05, 2022•25 min
Send us a text Casey Hilder is the Director of Marketing at Starbird Chicken, one of strongest and fastest-growing restaurant brands in the country. We were excited to have him on this edition of Give an Ovation! On this episode, Casey and Zack discuss: The importance of adapting Gaining inspiration from others TikTok for restaurants Loyalty: amount vs frequency? More Thanks, Casey!...
Dec 01, 2022•22 min
Send us a text Scott Landers is the Co-Founder of Figure 8 Logistics, a digital service that is helping to pioneer the world's leading food delivery experts of tomorrow. From workshops and industry insights to on-demand support, Figure 8 Logistics truly lends a helping hand to those look to commandeer food delivery systems. Tune in to hear Scott's expertise and first hand experience pertaining digital systems! On this episode, Scott and Zack discuss: -Similarities between the digital and literal...
Nov 28, 2022•23 min•Ep. 186
Send us a text Lauren Fernandez understands what it means to hustle. Whether it's paving the way as a first generation Cuban American, starting her own business, or helping restaurant brands grow from 1 to 2 units, to 10, and then to 20 and beyond. Lauren is the Founder and CEO of Full Course. Full Course partners with restaurants to optimize existing operations, develop sustainable growth strategies, and bring the right investor partners to the table. What drives her to invest and grow? The peo...
Nov 21, 2022•27 min•Ep. 185
Send us a text Tanvir Bhangoo is truly a jack of all trades. As a digital executive and advisor working with global brands, member of the Forbes Technology Council, former VP of Tech at Freshii, AND Director at Restaurant Brands International, Tanvir understands the tech and tools needed to meet consumers in their space. The list could go on and on but now, Tanvir is the Owner of TBX Digital, a brand that helps executives accelerate digital growth and boost operational efficiencies through value...
Nov 17, 2022•22 min•Ep. 184
Send us a text James Passafaro is the Co-Founder of Opsi, a daily management tool built to progress the way modern operators manage their restaurant. James channeled his experience as a chef and the issues he saw with tech and employees into restaurant tech. His hands on experience and initiative, James understands what it means to truly help the heart - back of house employees - of restaurants. On this episode, James and Zack discuss: -How tech can be optimized for employee use -How tech doesn'...
Nov 14, 2022•22 min•Ep. 183
Send us a text There may not be anyone with a more impressive hospitality marketing pedigree than Erin Levzow! We can't list it all here, but she has experience marketing for Caesars, MGM, Palms Casino, Wingstop, and is now the VP of Marketing Technology at Del Taco. She is also the recipient of many awards, such as 40 under 40 Brand Innovators, Top Women in Retail, and CMO of the year. On this episode, Erin and Zack discuss: -Bringing Tortas to life and the customer research that went into it -...
Nov 10, 2022•22 min•Ep. 182
Send us a text Carl Starkey is the Co-Founder of AWSM Sauce, the world's first sustainability focused sauce and condiment company. If that doesn't scream innovation, I don't know what does! Carl is an expert in all things CPG (consumer packaged goods). Carl provides an interesting perspective to the podcast as his expertise is in sending the consumer home with an excellent customer experience. Tune in and "ketchup" as we tap into this incredible company and venture! On this episode, Carl and Zac...
Nov 07, 2022•22 min•Ep. 181
Send us a text Kathleen Wood! She has 30 years of restaurant leadership experience, she was the Co-founder and President of the Leadership Institute at Elliot Group, President and COO of Rasing Cane's Chicken Fingers, Founder of Suzy's Swirl, and for 14 years has served as Founder and CEO of Kathleen Wood Partners. And she is the author of Founderology - wow! On this episode, Kathleen and Zack discuss: Her book, Founderology How Kathleen Wood Partners helps restaurant execs The role of a GM Usin...
Nov 03, 2022•28 min•Ep. 180
Send us a text With a stack of credentials, Marie Smith has established herself as a leader inside and out of the restaurant industry. As the CIO and Co-Founder of Data360, Smith has dedicated herself to helping the non-tech savvy individuals conquer tech and data. Marie and host Zack Oates discuss: Optimizing the use of tech Helping individuals to normalize data Curating online relationships More Thanks, Marie!...
Oct 31, 2022•31 min•Ep. 179
Send us a text Xavier Jackson is a former D1 basketball player turned entrepreneur, and the President of Coinlete. Coinlete's mission is to create a community of brands and athletes that recognize the power that each one holds in the relationship + continue giving athletes the resources they need to be successful. Xavier and host Zack Oates discuss: How restaurants can use local and national celebrity endorsements The logistics of endorsements More Thanks, Xavier!...
Oct 28, 2022•18 min
Send us a text Arne Saupe is the VP of technology at Farmer's Fridge. Farmer's Fridge started out offering smart fridges but have grown into at home delivery. Farmer's Fridge's goal? To provide fresh healthy meals whether you’re on the go or at home. Given his experience in tech, Arne understands all aspects of system design and development. Tune in to hear how his expertise can help your operations and systems. On this episode, Arne and Zack discuss: Leveraging data Using tech to bring food to ...
Oct 24, 2022•19 min•Ep. 177
Send us a text Paul McEnany is a content strategist, product wizard, Host of the Tastemakers podcast, and Co-CEO of Plein Air Agency - a creative company for restaurant brands. Paul brought a breath of fresh/plein air to Give an Ovation! On this episode, Paul and Zack discuss: The biggest mistake restaurants make in advertising The importance of understanding what role ad spend plays within the larger business strategy The benefits of working with industry-specific agencies What it's like being ...
Oct 20, 2022•22 min•Ep. 176
Send us a text Lloyd Oshiro is the VP of Marketing Innovation at The Food Connector. The Food Connector helps companies to develop and execute marketing plans. With heightened innovation and the ability to see the bigger picture, Lloyd brings his expertise to this weeks podcast episode! On this edition, Lloyd and Zack discuss: Restaurant industry pipeline Food service distribution Tips for sales and management More Thanks, Lloyd!...
Oct 17, 2022•29 min•Ep. 175
