Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. Ever wondered what happens when a corporate executive trades the boardroom for the bakery kitchen? Neman Popov's story of launching Roggenart European Bakery, Bistro & Cafe offers a masterclass in entrepreneurial perseverance and leadership growth. From signing a bad lease in his first location to now operating 10 thriving stores across multiple markets, Neman's journey wasn't just about scaling a business—it was about discovering who he was...
Jun 23, 2025•34 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. "Do you know your business well enough to change it?" In an era of economic uncertainty, this thought-provoking inquiry challenges all leaders to deeply understand their operations before attempting transformation. Ever wondered what happens to all that used cooking oil from your favorite restaurants? Alissa Partee, COO of Restaurant Technologies, pulls back the curtain on an innovative solution that's transforming restaurant kitchens nationwide...
Jun 09, 2025•47 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. What if the secret to reducing restaurant employee turnover wasn't about higher wages or better perks, but instead about how you show up as a leader? In this compelling coaching session, I work with Emily, a restaurant COO navigating a significant leadership transition as her business partner embarks on a sabbatical. Together, we craft a leadership development plan that starts with self-awareness and builds toward team empowerment. Emily candidl...
May 26, 2025•45 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. Ever felt like you're faking it despite working incredibly hard to get where you are? This deeply personal coaching conversation with Nokkie Lipsey, Director of Operations at the Olive and Finch Collective, explores the challenging terrain of imposter syndrome in leadership roles. Nokkie candidly shares how she's spent years climbing her career mountain only to find herself questioning whether she deserves to be at the summit. Having recently ta...
May 12, 2025•42 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. Ever wonder what happens when you shift from thinking like a chef to thinking like an investor? Kevin Morrison, owner of Fish N Beer and Tacos Tequila Whiskey in Denver, Colorado, shares his remarkable journey and the mindset shift that transformed his restaurant operations. Kevin takes us through his evolution from restaurant worker to owner, including a cautionary tale about franchising (which he calls "the F-word") and the serendipitous timin...
May 05, 2025•48 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. Every restaurant faces the challenge of slow nights—but what separates the average from the exceptional is how leaders respond. In this powerful coaching conversation, we sit down with Andrew Roy, General Manager at Mahogany Prime Steakhouse in Omaha, to explore how he turned traditionally low-performing Sundays and Mondays into opportunities for growth and team connection. Like many operators, Andrew’s restaurant sees strong weekend traffic, pu...
Apr 28, 2025•38 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. What happens when a successful restaurant operator with stellar operations faces the uncomfortable challenge of driving sales growth? Jesse Hanson, Area Manager for Crust Pizza Company in Texas, bravely steps into the coaching spotlight to tackle this common industry hurdle head-on. Jesse oversees three locations with impeccable operational standards—perfect corporate audits, excellent food safety records, and strong Google reviews. Yet despite ...
Apr 21, 2025•40 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. The gap between restaurant operator and owner is vast, profound, and often misunderstood—something Austin Carson describes as the difference between "having a puppy and having a kid." In this candid conversation, the co-owner of Restaurant Olivia takes us behind the curtain of restaurant entrepreneurship, revealing the emotional weight, financial complexities, and strategic decisions that define successful ownership. This episode is brought to y...
Apr 14, 2025•47 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. What happens when a restaurant owner's identity becomes completely consumed by their business? In this intimate coaching session, Christin Marvin works with Heather Morrison, co-owner of Restaurant Olivia in Denver, to address the challenge that's holding her back from being her best self as a leader. Before we dive in—this episode is brought to you by Restaurant Technologies, a company committed to making restaurants safer, smarter, and more ef...
Apr 07, 2025•32 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. What happens when convenience collides with hospitality? In this episode, industry expert Chris Tripoli breaks down how restaurants can deliver fast, efficient service without losing the human touch . In a market where speed and efficiency drive guest decisions, restaurants need more than just great design—they need smart systems. That’s where partners like Restaurant Technologies come in, offering solutions that streamline back-of-house operati...
Mar 31, 2025•38 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. What does it really take to make a restaurant successful in today’s challenging market? Giles from Blue Pan Pizza pulls back the curtain on the hidden risks that can make or break a restaurant before it even opens. Most restaurateurs focus on menus and design, but overlook critical financial risks—especially personal guarantees in lease agreements. Giles shares how he stress-tests financial models to determine what it takes to break even and rea...
Mar 24, 2025•57 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. The gap between chaotic success and sustainable excellence often comes down to one thing: intentional leadership. In this episode, Brett Russell, Director of Operations at Golden Mill, shares how he transformed a high-volume food hall by focusing on frontline insights and a people-first culture. In a fast-paced restaurant environment, balancing leadership with the right technology is crucial. Smart tech solutions help streamline operations, trac...
Mar 17, 2025•54 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. Curious about how restaurants can effectively implement NA beverage programs? Join us for a transformative conversation as Dana Bonelli, a veteran in the wine and spirits industry, unveils the evolution of inclusivity in the non-alcoholic (NA) beverage space. Discover how the hospitality sector has shifted from exclusive, patriarchal beginnings to a more welcoming and inclusive environment. Dana reflects on her journey starting in the mid-90s an...
Mar 10, 2025•52 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. Struggling to hire and keep Gen Z employees? You’re not alone. This generation thinks differently about work—and if you’re not adapting, you’re losing talent. Hiring and retaining Gen Z employees is one of the biggest challenges facing restaurant and hospitality leaders today. In this episode, Alex Taylor, Area Manager, shares her proven strategies for building a motivated and engaged Gen Z workforce. With years of hospitality experience and a p...
Mar 03, 2025•36 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. Have you ever wondered how mastering transparent communication and purposeful leadership can transform your team’s productivity and morale? In this episode, I, break down the essential skills that separate great restaurant managers from truly exceptional leaders. Looking for ways to streamline your restaurant operations? Check out Restaurant Technologies to see how Total Oil Management and automated solutions can save time, reduce waste, and imp...
Feb 24, 2025•15 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. Great leadership isn’t just about managing—it’s about defining how you lead and aligning your actions with your values. In this special episode, recorded live on LinkedIn, we’re diving into the essential steps to clarify your leadership style and develop a roadmap for growth in 2025. Join me as we explore: ✅ Why defining your leadership style is crucial for team success ✅ How to identify leadership characteristics that match your values ✅ The ke...
Feb 17, 2025•38 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. Are you leading your restaurant, or is it leading you? If you’ve ever felt like your leadership style is stretched too thin—trying to keep everyone happy while running a successful business—this episode is for you. I’m Christin Marvin, and today we’re diving into the people pleaser mindset and how it might be holding you back as a leader. ✔️ How childhood patterns shape your leadership approach ✔️ Why balancing accountability with empathy is the...
Feb 10, 2025•28 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. 🔥 The Hard Truth About Making It in a Michelin-Starred Kitchen—And Why Most Cooks Don’t Last Renowned chef and entrepreneur Justin Khanna shares his journey from esteemed kitchens like Per Se and Noma to becoming a leader in the culinary world. Discover his strategies for running successful kitchen shifts, honing in on practical tools like line checks, reservation checks, and efficient prep lists. In an industry where efficiency is everything, ...
Feb 03, 2025•42 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. What if your biggest struggles—like near bankruptcy or seasonal slumps—were the keys to building a thriving local empire? This episode reveals how to turn setbacks into stepping stones for success. Imagine starting your business at a bustling flea market and growing it into a thriving local tea brand. That’s the inspiring journey of Scented Leaf Tea House founder Shane Barella in Tucson, Arizona. In this episode, we dive deep into actionable str...
Jan 27, 2025•48 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. Your internal critic is holding you back from achieving an extraordinary life. Join us as we turn the spotlight on Michael Jesse, the visionary owner of the Curiosity Center, to uncover his fascinating insights into the realms of creativity, innovation, and leadership. Our engaging session takes an unexpected twist as Michael faces his own coaching tools, shedding light on the pivotal role a coach can play in identifying blind spots and keeping ...
Jan 20, 2025•37 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. What’s the secret to running a restaurant that not only survives but thrives for decades? Join us as Casey Wills, president of Argo Land and Cattle Company, reveals how curiosity, service, and a commitment to problem-solving have propelled his leadership and kept his restaurants thriving despite industry challenges. With a career spanning over two decades, Casey's journey from understanding discipline in college to becoming a leader in the resta...
Jan 13, 2025•47 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. Think your restaurant’s marketing is all about posting on Instagram? Think again. The secret to thriving in today’s competitive restaurant scene lies in leveraging the right mix of strategies and tools to connect with your audience, build your brand, and fill seats—all while staying ahead of the curve. Our discussion dives into the crucial role of marketing in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the range of effective strategies operators shoul...
Jan 06, 2025•47 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. What would you do if you could redefine success on your own terms? Clara Capano, an inspirational speaker and entrepreneur, joins us to share her captivating journey from the monotony of corporate life to the exhilarating world of entrepreneurship. Clara talks candidly about how she transformed her passion for coaching into a thriving business, Capano Speaking and Training, and the profound sense of freedom and fulfillment that followed. She ope...
Dec 30, 2024•26 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. This episode will tell you how you can cut COGS and save hours of labor per week at the same time. Unlock the secrets to revolutionizing your restaurant operations with Angelo Esposito, the trailblazing co-founder and CEO of Wisk AI. Discover how Angelo's passion for hospitality and technology led to the creation of a game-changing inventory management platform that is turning heads in the hospitality industry. Learn how Wisk AI empowers restaur...
Dec 23, 2024•50 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. What if the obstacles you face are actually the building blocks to success? This is what we will demonstrate for you during today's introduction to group coaching. Join us as we explore this empowering idea through the experiences of Kimberly, a former operations professional who transformed her career in the fast-paced world of hospitality into a thriving online business. In this episode, we promise to unravel the essentials of restaurant leade...
Dec 16, 2024•52 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. "Say yes and figure it out later." -Christian J Fischer Meet Christian J Fischer, affectionately known as the Disruptive Chef, as he recounts his extraordinary journey from a medical school hopeful to a culinary entrepreneur managing a diverse empire. Christian's tale isn't just about building businesses; it's about reshaping leadership in the hospitality industry. With insights from MasterChef Karl Fuerdinger, Christian's experience highlights ...
Dec 09, 2024•54 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. Join us as Justin Ulrich, VP of Marketing at Evocalize, unpacks the secrets behind successful marketing strategies for restaurant chains. You'll discover how the innovative "Be the Mayor" strategy can boost traffic for independent eateries and learn about Justin's transformative journey from electrician to marketing guru. Chapters: 00:00:08 - Marketing Strategies and Restaurant Experiences 00:11:32 - Building Relationships in Hospitality Industr...
Dec 02, 2024•36 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. This is what happens when a visionary restaurateur decides to reshape the dining landscape through sustainability and employee empowerment. Justin Cucci, the mastermind behind Denver's Edible Beats, shares his inspiring journey from a single venue to five unique culinary hotspots. Raised amidst the iconic ambiance of New York's Waverly Inn, Justin brings lessons of authentic hospitality and historic preservation to the forefront, transforming un...
Nov 25, 2024•49 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. This is how restaurants can prepare for the event of the year that has the 2nd largest impact on the city of Tucson. Discover how the legendary Snoop Dogg's headline performance on December 28th is set to electrify the city's restaurant scene. As the only bowl that donates all proceeds to charity, the Arizona Bowl has contributed $5 million to over 70 local organizations, and Eric is here to unpack the ripple effect on local hotels, eateries, an...
Nov 18, 2024•23 min
Send me a Text Message. I'd love to hear from you. This is how you prepare for a restaurant opening. Rocco De Grazia, the passionate owner of Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria, brings his Chicago roots to Tucson as he shares his exciting plans to expand and relocate his beloved pizzeria after 26 years of success. Listen as Rocco opens up about his journey from a pizza-rich neighborhood in Chicago to becoming a local legend in Tucson. Discover how his unique culinary vision and lifelong experience ...
Nov 11, 2024•44 min
