Send us a text On this episode of Give an Ovation , Zack Oates welcomes Michael Halen , Senior Restaurant and Foodservice Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence and host of Chopping It Up . Michael shares his insights on industry trends, value perception, and the impact of inflation on restaurant profitability. He discusses how brands like Texas Roadhouse and Wingstop are winning by delivering strong guest experiences. From operational excellence to marketing strategies, Michael breaks down what rest...
Mar 06, 2025•17 min
Send us a text Zack welcomes Julie Zucker , CMO and Partner at Branded Strategic Hospitality and producer of the Hospitality Hangout podcast. With years of experience in restaurant marketing and guest experience, Julie shares invaluable insights into building genuine guest connections, leveraging technology, and fostering a hospitality-driven culture . Zack and Julie discuss: The power of personalized guest interactions How technology enhances hospitality without replacing it The role of staff e...
Mar 03, 2025•18 min
Send us a text Mitch Baker, VP of Marketing at Robeks, shares his expertise on evolving marketing strategies in the hospitality industry. With a background spanning Hollywood entertainment, Disney, and more, he dives into the role of guest data, technology, and omnichannel marketing in shaping brand success. Mitch also discusses the vital relationship between marketing and operations, the power of consistency, and what truly drives a five-star guest experience. Zack and Mitch discuss: How Robeks...
Feb 24, 2025•18 min
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Erin Levzow, a hospitality marketing and technology expert with nearly 20 years of experience at brands like Caesars, MGM, Wingstop, Freebirds, and Del Taco. Erin shares her insights on how to blend technology with human connection to create exceptional guest experiences. Zack and Erin discuss: Why brands often forget about the guest and how to refocus on their needs The power of consistency in building customer loyalty How technology...
Feb 17, 2025•19 min•Ep. 351
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation , we welcome Jennifer Dodd, a 30-year restaurant industry veteran and the CEO of Main Squeeze Juice Co. Jennifer has led in QSR, casual dining, and franchising, making her a powerhouse in restaurant operations and leadership. Zack and Jennifer discuss: Why hospitality is—and always will be—a people-first business The power of customization and how it impacts guest experience How technology can enhance service without replacing the human element T...
Feb 10, 2025•17 min
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Joe Sample, President of Crave Management Group, the multi-unit, multi-brand operator behind top-performing Taco Bell locations and Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay. With over 22 years of experience, Joe shares his proven strategies for creating high-performing teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Zack and Joe discuss: The key question every GM should ask to drive operational excellence Why having one standard is critical ...
Feb 03, 2025•17 min
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Seth Goldman, co-founder of Honest Tea and Just Ice Tea, chairman of Beyond Meat, and co-founder of PLNT Burger. Seth’s journey from government and activism to launching purpose-driven brands showcases his commitment to health, sustainability, and creating positive social impact. Zack and Seth discuss: How Seth transitioned from politics to entrepreneurship to drive lasting change The story behind Honest Tea, its evolution into Just I...
Jan 30, 2025•21 min•Ep. 348
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Ming-Tai Huh, Head of Food and Beverage at Square and a restaurateur with over a decade of experience through Cambridge Street Hospitality Group. Ming brings a unique perspective, blending his deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge restaurant technology to help operators thrive in an ever-evolving market. Zack and Ming discuss: The intersection of hospitality and technology—how to use tech without losing the human touch Key lessons...
Jan 27, 2025•16 min•Ep. 347
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Andrew Dana, founder of Call Your Mother Deli and Timber Pizza Company. Andrew’s journey from the corporate world to building thriving restaurant brands is a testament to passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to creating unforgettable guest experiences. Zack and Andrew discuss: The transition from corporate life to launching a food business How authenticity and community drive brand success The key elements of delivering a memo...
Jan 20, 2025•15 min•Ep. 346
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation , Zack welcomes Amir Mostafavi, the Founder and CEO of South Block, a mission-driven smoothie and juice bar brand based in the DC area. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Amir shares his journey of creating a brand that’s not just about great products, but also about fostering connections and building better communities on every block they serve. Here’s what you’ll learn: From Passion to Purpose: How Amir turned his love for fruits...
Dec 18, 2024•20 min
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation , we’re joined by Abney Harper, CEO and Founder of Prima Après, a unique fast-casual concept combining fresh pasta and pavlovas with a focus on thoughtful design, quality ingredients, and heartfelt hospitality. Abney shares her journey from fine dining and fashion retail to creating a chef-driven brand that delivers a luxury dining experience in a fast-casual setting. Zack and Abney discuss: Transforming Fine Dining Into Fast-Casual Excellence Ho...
Dec 10, 2024•20 min
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation , we’re joined by Jason Sobocinski and Etkin Tekin, the co-founders of Haven Hot Chicken, who are on a mission to redefine the fast-casual dining space. From their roots as winners of the Perfect Pitch competition to expanding to nine locations, Jason and Etkin share the secrets behind their explosive growth and the passion for exceptional food that drives their brand. Zack, Jason, and Etkin discuss: Why training and empowering teams are the corn...
Dec 02, 2024•22 min
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation , Rick Malir, founder of City Barbeque , shares his journey from selling John Deere tractors to building a nationally recognized barbecue brand. With 25 years in the business and 75 locations, Rick dives into what it takes to deliver top-notch barbecue and create unforgettable guest experiences. Zack and Rick discuss: How a love for barbecue sparked a fast-casual empire The key role emotional connection plays in guest loyalty Why investing in you...
Nov 25, 2024•20 min
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation, we welcome Austin Titus, president of Cannoli Kitchen Pizza and a seasoned expert in the franchise industry. Growing up in a family of franchise entrepreneurs, Austin has developed a unique eye for brands that stand out in a crowded marketplace. Zack and Austin discuss: The story behind Cannoli Kitchen and how it differentiates itself in the pizza space What Austin looks for in franchise brands and the value of a proven category How Cannoli Kitc...
Nov 04, 2024•16 min
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation , we welcome Jim Knight, a former executive at Hard Rock Cafe who has transformed his experiences into a dynamic career as a speaker and author. Known for his engaging style, Jim blends the charisma of Guy Fieri with the motivational prowess of Tony Robbins. Zack and Jim discuss: The importance of building a rockstar team and cultivating a vibrant culture How to create a guest experience that truly resonates The significance of accountability and...
Oct 28, 2024•22 min
Send us a text Markus Pineyro is not just a restaurant owner—he’s a visionary reshaping how we think about dining experiences. As the co-founder of OOMI Digital Kitchen, Markus has created a food hall that operates almost entirely through digital interactions, yet still boasts a remarkable 4.9-star rating. On this episode of Give an Ovation , we dive into how Markus has built a successful, customer-focused operation without the traditional face-to-face hospitality we expect from restaurants. In ...
Oct 21, 2024•19 min
Send us a text Joey Cioffi is the founder and CEO of The Salad House, a fast-growing franchise with a passion for offering customizable, fresh meals for everyone. From his New Jersey roots to building a brand that’s now expanding to 19 locations, Joey has always prioritized hospitality and quality. In this episode, we explore how Joey’s background in the food business has shaped his approach to guest experience. In this episode, Zack and Joey discuss: The origin story behind The Salad House and ...
Oct 08, 2024•17 min•Ep. 335
Send us a text Few people understand the art of blending people and technology in fast-casual dining like today’s guest, Doug Willmarth. As the President of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes and a seasoned leader with experience at brands like Mongolian Concepts and Pizza Hut, Doug brings a wealth of knowledge that we were excited to explore in this episode! In this episode, Zack and Doug discuss: Why hospitality is still the most important aspect of guest experience, even in a tech-driven worl...
Oct 04, 2024•20 min•Ep. 334
Send us a text You could argue that there’s no one more passionate about building successful restaurant brands than today's guest, Sherif Mityas. Sherif is the CEO of BRIX Holdings, overseeing iconic brands like Friendly’s, Clean Juice, and Red Mango. We were excited to tap into his wealth of insights on this episode! In this episode, Zack and Sherif discuss: What BRIX Holdings looks for when acquiring new restaurant brands How to tailor guest experiences based on the occasion (dine-in, takeout,...
Oct 03, 2024•16 min•Ep. 333
Send us a text Neal Parisawan is the owner of Nara Thai and a former consultant, bringing a unique perspective to how tech can enhance guest experiences rather than complicate operations. We were thrilled to hear his insights on this episode! In this episode, Zack and Neal discuss: Why restaurants struggle with adopting and maintaining technology How tech should simplify restaurant operations and free up staff to focus on hospitality The critical role of building relationships with guests in tod...
Oct 02, 2024•17 min•Ep. 332
Send us a text You could argue that there's no one more experienced in leading fast-casual restaurants than today's guest, Beto Guajardo. Beto is the President & CEO of Blaze Pizza and has held leadership roles at Starbucks, Levi Strauss, and Schlotzsky’s. We were excited to tap into his extensive insights on this episode! In this episode, Zack and Beto discuss: Why humility is key to delivering exceptional hospitality from the top down How Blaze Pizza is innovating with guest customization,...
Oct 01, 2024•18 min•Ep. 331
Send us a text You could argue that there's no one on the planet who has thought about hospitality more than today's guest, Will Guidara. Will is a restaurant icon, former leader of Eleven Madison Park, and NYT Bestselling Author of "Unreasonable Hospitality" (mandatory reading at Ovation). We were lucky to tap into his insights on this episode! In this episode, Zack and Will discuss: How the principles of hospitality transcend the restaurant industry and can make any professional or personal in...
Sep 30, 2024•20 min•Ep. 330
Send us a text Want to unlock the secrets behind a seamless restaurant grand opening? Richmond Green, VP of Operations at gusto!, joins us to share his invaluable insights from his extensive experience, including his tenure at Chick-fil-A. Discover why he compares grand openings to major sporting events and how adaptability and thorough preparation are your best allies. Richmond recounts the high-stakes opening of a New York location, revealing how bringing in skilled leaders from other location...
Sep 28, 2024•20 min•Ep. 332
Send us a text In today’s competitive restaurant landscape, having the right tools can make or break your guest experience. On this episode of Give an Ovation , Zack Oates talks to Kelly Esten, CMO of Toast, about the journey behind one of the industry’s leading POS systems and how it helps restaurateurs succeed by focusing on what truly matters: the guest experience. From automating marketing to building rugged hardware designed for the demanding restaurant environment, Kelly shares the strateg...
Sep 23, 2024•22 min•Ep. 324
Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to run iconic restaurants in some of the most bustling locations in the world? Join us as we sit down with Chef Glenn Rolnick, the mastermind behind the culinary operations of Carmine's and Virgil's. With over two decades of experience, Chef Glenn shares the captivating journey of Carmine's—from its humble beginnings on the Upper West Side in 1990 to becoming a culinary staple in Times Square, Atlantic City, and the Bahamas. Discover the magic of Carmin...
Sep 18, 2024•21 min•Ep. 333
Send us a text In the world of hospitality, few voices are as respected and influential as Peter Romeo's. With nearly 40 years of experience covering the restaurant industry, Peter has seen the rise and fall of countless concepts and the evolution of guest expectations. In this episode of "Give an Ovation," host Zack Oates dives deep with Peter to explore the key traits of successful restaurateurs, the importance of truly listening to guests and employees, and the ever-changing landscape of the ...
Sep 11, 2024•23 min•Ep. 329
Send us a text In today’s episode of Give an Ovation , we have the pleasure of chatting with Melissa Cummings, VP of Digital Marketing at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including a significant role at Domino's managing one of the largest loyalty programs, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion that goes beyond the job—it's her obsession. She shares how Tropical Smoothie Cafe strives to offer guests a "five-minute vacation" through...
Sep 10, 2024•25 min•Ep. 331
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast , host Zack Oates sits down with Jason Morgan, CEO of Original ChopShop, a rapidly expanding fast-casual restaurant known for its "better-for-you" menu. Jason shares insights on how his team, with experience from Zoe’s Kitchen, scaled Original Chop Shop from three to nearly 30 units. Key strategies include prioritizing technology by hiring an in-house IT expert early on, fostering a culture of continuous l...
Sep 06, 2024•17 min•Ep. 328
Send us a text Creating an exceptional guest experience goes beyond just serving great food—it’s about making every interaction meaningful. On this episode of "Give an Ovation," Zack Oates chats with James Vitrano, co-owner of Sucre, who shares his journey from being a lawyer to becoming a leading restaurateur. James opens up about his unique approach to guest service, focusing on kindness, understanding, and connection as the core of his business philosophy. With a background that includes lead...
Sep 05, 2024•17 min•Ep. 327
Send us a text In this episode of Give an Ovation , host Zack Oates sits down with Dawn Lafreeda, one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs and restaurant leaders in the industry. From starting as a server at Denny’s at 16 years old to becoming the largest female franchisee in the full-service restaurant industry, Dawn shares her incredible journey and the drive that fueled her success. She also discusses her passion for supporting women entrepreneurs through her documentary, Show Her the Money , ...
Sep 04, 2024•23 min•Ep. 326
