In this episode, we sit down with Craig Milliken-Smith from Calgary’s Grey Eagle Resort & Casino to talk about what it really takes to lead a massive food and beverage operations in the casino. From managing over 200 staff to promoting one of the best Indigenous restaurants in the country, Craig shares his real-world take on leadership, culture, and staying grounded in the chaos. We get into everything from buffet strategy and 24/7 liquor service. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and full of takea...
Jul 06, 2025•1 hr 11 min
What happens when you mix 25 years of kitchen grit, a dream restaurant in Medicine Hat, and dinner domes you can’t eat in? You get Josh Bennett and this week’s episode is a full pour of what it really takes to run one of Alberta’s most impressive independent restaurants. From Earl’s days and the talk about Jay's butter-basted wings to the magic of a pickle pizza, we talk culture, menus, mayhem, and how to lead a team without losing your mind. Plus, a live brainstorm that may or may not involve b...
Jun 29, 2025•1 hr 3 min
This week on The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , we sit down with one of Canada's most respected hospitality icons: Doug Stephen , founder of WOW Hospitality Group . From early dreams of becoming a doctor to finding his true calling in restaurants, Doug shares his incredible journey from pizza cook at 15 to industry legend and Hall of Famer. With nearly five decades in the business, he opens up about leadership, legacy, and how hospitality is so much more than a job—it's a way of life. This epis...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 12 min
What happens when a seasoned U.S. restaurateur and coach moves to Calgary and starts helping Canadian operators rethink everything? You get a smart, funny, and totally unfiltered episode of The Late Night Restaurant Show . In this episode, Jay, Dom, and Beck welcome Kevin Morrison a restaurant owner-turned-coach who brings decades of real-world experience to the mic. From the truth about coaching (hint: it’s not just spreadsheets) to what not to do when buying a restaurant, Kevin breaks it down ...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 2 min
This one’s for the folks who can make a perfect risotto but panic when it’s time to open a spreadsheet. In this episode, Jay and Dom sit down with Bruce Nelson, restaurant operator turned fractional CFO, for a real talk about the money side of the business. No fluff, no jargon, just stories, insight and honest advice from someone who’s helped countless operators move from barely surviving to building something sustainable. They get into the grind of managing finances, menu costing, the danger of...
Jun 15, 2025•1 hr 7 min
This week on The Late Night Restaurant Podcast we sit down with Jamil Bhuya, the mastermind behind Burgers n’ Fries Forever (BFF), to dig into what it really takes to build a standout burger brand in Canada. From his early days navigating Amsterdam’s late-night eats to opening his first location at just 22, Jamil walks us through his journey, sharing lessons on entrepreneurship, halal sourcing, marketing that actually works, and the art of the perfect smash burger. It’s real talk about value, qu...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In this episode of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , we’re joined by Joanna and Melissa from Taste the City, the duo shaking up how locals (not tourists!) experience the best food neighborhoods in Canada and beyond. We go deep into how their tech-meets-food tour concept is making it easier (and way more fun) to support local restaurants, one mystery dish at a time. From building an MVP with $25k to ending up on Dragon’s Den , these two are proving you don’t need a fancy app or Silicon Valley s...
Jun 07, 2025•1 hr 12 min
What happens when a global tech leader walks into a late-night restaurant podcast ? You get a power-packed conversation with Brian Klinger , a key voice at Comcast Business, who’s not only transforming QSR and enterprise restaurant brands with cutting-edge tech, but doing it all with purpose. Jay and Dom go deep into: The real reason why AI might actually save the restaurant industry (hint: it’s not what you think) How brands like Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell are blending tech with culture The rise...
May 31, 2025•1 hr 1 min
On this episode of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , we sit down with Nick Scaccio , COO of Paris Baguette North America , to talk croissants, culture, and how a 4,000-location global brand stays consistent, innovative, and joy-driven. From training centers to trademark packaging, this isn’t just a bakery—it’s a masterclass in hospitality excellence. Plus, some wild ideas get tossed around (yes, including butter dipping stations and breakfast ketchup). A must-listen for anyone growing a franch...
May 20, 2025•54 min
In this episode of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , host Jay Ashton welcomes Maxim Atanassov —entrepreneur, investor, and founding partner of Future Ventures—for a powerful, free-flowing conversation that covers everything from natural wine to venture studios to the emotional side of leadership. Maxim shares his journey from Bulgaria to Canada, launching multiple businesses, and why mentorship and vulnerability are now at the core of how he builds companies. The two dig deep into the outdated...
May 12, 2025•57 min
In this powerful episode of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , Jay sits down with Ryan Handel , founder of FIXE , the innovative bookkeeping platform created by restaurant pros, for restaurant pros. They dive deep into the real financial challenges operators face every day — from cash flow crunches and POS headaches to why so many restaurants are still using outdated systems that don’t scale. Ryan explains how FIXE streamlines everything from invoice capture to real-time financial reporting, of...
May 11, 2025•41 min
In this unforgettable episode of The Late Night Restaurant Show , the crew welcomes Sasha Rajamani, the founder of Pokko Chips — a bold, South Asian–inspired snack brand built from rice, chickpeas, and sheer determination. Sasha shares his unfiltered journey from milking goats in Alberta and scraping pig fat in a Toronto slaughterhouse to launching a breakout brand that’s now found in cafes, airports, and office snack programs across Canada. Along the way, the hosts dive into ADHD and spicy food...
May 10, 2025•51 min
In this special episode of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , Jay and Dom go behind the scenes with Kandrix Foong, the co-founder of NEXT Food Expo, set to take Western Canada by storm this September 8–9 at the BMO Centre in Calgary. From Comic Expo origins to chef parades, vendor sleepovers, and why shag carpet still sparks debate, this conversation is packed with laughs, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on what a trade show should be. Kandrix shares his journey from fandom to foodservice ...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this hilariously insightful episode of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , Jay, Dom, and Beck welcome guest Scott Carruthers — a former chef turned restaurant bookkeeper and coach — who takes us on a wild ride from mustard-making in London, Ontario to modern-day financial strategy for hospitality businesses. Packed with gut-busting laughs, dad jokes, and real-talk on budgeting, waste, menu engineering, and the struggle of change in restaurants, this episode blends comedy with consulting gold....
May 04, 2025•48 min
In this dynamic episode of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , Jay Ashton sits down with Domenic Pedulla, one of the founders of the brand-new NEXT Food Expo — launching this September in Calgary. Alongside his co-founder Kandrix Foong, Domenic is on a mission to build a completely different kind of foodservice event, focused on affordability, innovation, and community. Jay and Domenic explore why Calgary’s explosive growth, entrepreneurial energy, and world-class food scene make it the perfect ...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr
“Mic Checks & Mayhem – The LinkedIn Live Disaster (That Turned Out Kind of Amazing)” What happens when you try to do a live podcast on LinkedIn and everything that could go wrong... does? You get this episode. No-show guest? Check. Blown-out microphones? Oh yeah. Three hosts spiraling into chaos with a cold Noni in hand? Absolutely. But buried inside the madness — real talk about staffing struggles, hospitality culture, the power of enthusiasm, and why we’ve got to stop glorifying burnout an...
Apr 19, 2025•1 hr 2 min
What happens when three Canadian hospitality geeks crack open non-alcoholic craft beers live on air and discover their new post-treadmill obsession? You get one of the funniest, most insightful episodes of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast yet. In this episode, Jay, Dom, and Beck welcome Lane, co-founder of Nonny , a bold and badass non-alcoholic beer company based in Vancouver. The boys sip, taste, and straight-up rave about Nonny’s West Coast IPA, Pilsner, and Pale Ale, while firing off rapid-...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this episode of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , we sit down with Tony Roy, CEO and Co-Founder of Popmenu — one of the most innovative all-in-one platforms changing the game for restaurants. Broadcasting live from Vegas, we dig deep into how Popmenu is helping independent and multi-unit restaurants use automation, first-party data, and AI-driven marketing to crush their revenue goals without lifting a finger. Tony shares the surprising origin of Popmenu , how AI is actually being used in r...
Mar 29, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this wild and hilarious episode of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , the crew welcomes special guest Eric Legenza, the mastermind behind Nightlife+ App — Canada’s newest and most ambitious nightlife app. From booking your next big night out in seconds to integrating Uber rides and crafting personalized venue suggestions, Eric breaks down how he’s building the digital future of nightlife one city at a time. Expect laughs, jabs, entrepreneurial wisdom, and maybe even a few goat jokes. Buckle ...
Mar 22, 2025•1 hr
In this episode of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , the hosts welcome David Hopkins, a seasoned restaurant consultant and founder of The Fifteen Group, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the restaurant industry. From menu costing and financial health checks to the impact of tariffs and consumer confidence, David shares invaluable insights on how restaurants can navigate an evolving marketplace. The discussion covers: The biggest mistakes restaurants make, including un-costed menus...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 28 min
Join us for a captivating late-night conversation with celebrated chef, TV personality, and culinary trailblazer Christine Cushing. From her memorable beginnings in the kitchen, influenced deeply by her father's unique cooking style, to her serendipitous discovery by a TV producer, Christine shares vibrant stories from behind the scenes of her groundbreaking cooking shows. Dive into heartfelt discussions about authenticity in cooking, the essence of Greek cuisine, and the critical role quality i...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 3 min
In this lively and insightful episode of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , we welcome back our favorite returning guest, Bill Oakley—renowned foodie writer, former Simpsons showrunner, and all-around culinary adventurer. Broadcasting live from Phoenix, where he's taking a much-needed break from the gray skies of Portland, Bill shares his latest food discoveries, including an unforgettable visit to Pizzeria Bianco , home to one of the most talked-about pizzas in America. From deep dives into fo...
Mar 16, 2025•46 min
In this episode of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , we dive deep into the financial side of the restaurant industry with David Monteith, founder of Accountific. From bookkeeping best practices to tax deductions, David breaks down how restaurant owners can avoid costly mistakes, streamline their accounting, and make smarter financial decisions. We also discuss the impact of tariffs on Canadian restaurants, the biggest tax write-off misconceptions, and why outsourcing bookkeeping can actually s...
Mar 15, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this special episode of The Late Night Restaurant Podcast , we sit down with Theresa Kowall-Shipp , an award-winning American/Canadian TV and media professional with an impressive career spanning networks like Nat Geo, PBS/APT, CTV, CBC, Global, Food Network, BBC, Discovery, and more . A prolific content creator, Theresa has produced, directed, and written iconic shows such as Recipe to Riches , Grin and Build It , and Confucius Was a Foodie . We dive into her journey as a showrunner, her exp...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 17 min
In this episode of The Late Night Restaurant Show , we fire up the conversation with Essi Tadrus, the mastermind behind Southern Luv BBQ. From his early days in the restaurant business to building a scalable barbecue empire, Essi shares his journey, insights on food consistency, and how he's revolutionizing the BBQ supply chain. Expect deep dives into his smoking techniques, a discussion on why commissary kitchens are the future, and of course, plenty of laughs with the crew. If you're into BBQ,...
Mar 09, 2025•52 min
In this engaging episode of The Late Night Restaurant Show , we dive deep into the world of fryer oil innovation with the team from Beyond Oil. From the science behind oil degradation to the revolutionary powder that extends oil life, reduces waste, and improves food quality, this discussion unpacks the future of frying for restaurants. The conversation also touches on cost savings, sustainability, and how the restaurant industry can rethink oil management. Expect humor, insightful trivia, and a...
Mar 02, 2025•52 min
On this episode of The Late Night Restaurant Show , we sit down with Samantha Scholefield to dive into the real impact of tariffs on the Canadian foodservice industry. Samantha shares insights from her latest article, unpacking how restaurants are adapting, the confusion operators are facing, and why a "Team Canada" approach is more important than ever. We explore how local businesses can thrive despite economic pressures, the role of storytelling in restaurant marketing, and how Canadian cuisin...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Join us for an engaging episode of The Late Night Restaurant Show , where Jay Ashton, Dominic Padula, and Michael Beck sit down with Vince Sgabellone, Canadian Food Service Industry Analyst at Circana. In this insightful discussion, we tackle the pressing issues facing the restaurant industry, from the impact of tariffs and inflation to consumer confidence and shifting dining trends. Vince shares his expertise on how restaurants can adapt, market effectively, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Join us for another wild and insightful episode of The Late Night Restaurant Show , where food, hospitality, and industry stories collide with late-night energy and humor. In this special Terroir Update 2025 , we dive deep into one of Canada’s most exciting culinary events— The Terroir Symposium —with special guests Tannis and Leanna from Calgary. Expect hilarious banter, unexpected detours, and a deep dive into how terroir, agriculture, and culinary innovation intersect. We explore the importan...
Feb 16, 2025•1 hr 1 min
On this episode of The Late Night Restaurant Show , we sit down with Steve Fortunato , founder of Room Forty and author of The Urgent Recovery of Hospitality . Steve shares his insights on the true essence of hospitality, the power of generosity in the restaurant industry, and his journey from catering in Los Angeles to writing a book that redefines service. We dive into the challenges of modern hospitality, the impact of personal growth, and how the industry can shift from transactional interac...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 35 min
