The restaurant industry is at a crossroads, with two powerful forces shaping its future. On one hand, there's the explosive growth of AI and automation, a major topic at the recent National Restaurant Association Show. On the other, there's the timeless need for genuine human connection. This episode explores both. First, D.J. considers the impact of AI on restaurant operations. Then, he dives into a conversation with Shawn Walchef, the founder of Cali BBQ and Cali BBQ Media, who champions the p...
Jun 18, 2025•33 min
The restaurant industry has long struggled with the divide between front and back-of-house compensation. In this archive episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, Chef Katie Button of Cúrate and La Bodega by Cúrate in Asheville reveals how she completely transformed her restaurant's pay structure after the pandemic shutdown. Katie details her journey from engineering PhD student to award-winning chef, and explains why she took the bold step of eliminating sub-minimum wage pay, implementing a weighted ti...
May 29, 2025•25 min
Building a company culture worth celebrating takes more than just words. In this archive episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we revisit our conversation with Michel Falcon, founder and CEO of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen, who shares his journey from management consultant to restaurant entrepreneur. Michel reveals how he built a fast-casual concept with an astonishing 17% employee turnover rate in an industry that typically sees 100-200%. He breaks down exactly how he crafted meaningful core values, impl...
May 14, 2025•38 min
Finding and keeping great restaurant staff is harder than ever in 2025. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Alice Cheng, Founder and CEO of Culinary Agents, about how smart restaurants are winning the hiring game. After 13 years of connecting restaurants with talent, Alice breaks down what works. She explains the "missing middle" skills gap hurting restaurants today and shares practical ways to make your job listings stand out. Whether you're struggling to hire line cooks or l...
Apr 29, 2025•41 min
Want to build a restaurant career that doesn't leave you burnt out? In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we chat with Justin Khanna, a chef who's cooked at some of the world's best restaurants, before switching gears to become an educator and founder of Repertoire. Justin takes us behind the scenes of his days at Per Se and The French Laundry, sharing what those kitchens taught him about way more than just cooking great food. He explains why running a successful restaurant isn't just about ...
Apr 15, 2025•40 min
AI is changing the restaurant marketing game in ways that can save you time while boosting your revenue. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, I chat with Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur who's truly mastered the marketing side of the business. Josh breaks down how restaurants of any size can use AI tools like ChatGPT to create better email campaigns, design loyalty programs that actually work, and analyze menu performance - all without needing a marketing degree. What I love abou...
Apr 01, 2025•32 min
Breaking free from being the "superhero" operator can transform your restaurant's future. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Avery Ward, third-generation CEO of Little Italy Ristorante in Groveport, Ohio, about how he turned around his family's struggling business. Avery shares how his tech background helped him implement smart systems that let him step back from daily operations. He breaks down exactly how he delegates tasks, documents processes, and builds accountability at...
Mar 19, 2025•45 min
Uncertainty seems to be the only certainty in today's restaurant industry. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we sit down with Jay Ashton, Canada's Restaurant Guy, to discuss how Canadian restaurants can adapt to tariffs and economic challenges. Jay shares practical strategies from his 35-year career. These go beyond simply raising prices to tactics like creating salads without lettuce and developing multiple revenue streams through newsletters and digital merchandising. Whether you're co...
Mar 04, 2025•38 min
For many 16-year-olds, a first job is just a way to make some extra side cash—nothing more than a temporary gig. But for Julianna Blackhurst, a part-time job in high school became the foundation of her lifelong career. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we sat down with the Senior Director of Franchise Operations at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, to talk about two types of growth: career growth and franchise growth. Resources: Check out Jeremiah’s Italian Ice 🍦 Connect with Julianna on LinkedIn...
Feb 18, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 56
What if mandatory training didn’t have to be boring? With creative storytelling and an irreverent approach, ARROW UP Training makes engaging, effective training programs for restaurant teams. In this episode, we’re joined by Jason Berkowitz, the founder and CEO of ARROW UP Training. Jason offers insights into building consistent employee experiences and the role of continuous training in fostering a strong team—and a better guest experience. He also discusses the importance of structured onboard...
Feb 04, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. In this episode, 'Restaurant Unstoppable' host Eric Cacciatorre teams up with industry experts James Schonzeit from Square and D.J. Costantino from 7shifts to tackle the pressing challenges of staffing and technology in the ...
Oct 17, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 54
Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. This episode of the Pre Shift Podcast focuses on Josh Sharkey, the founder and CEO of meez, an innovative recipe tool and culinary operating system. Josh shares his journey from a Michelin-starred chef to a tech entrep...
Sep 25, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. In this episode of the Pre Shift Podcast, host D.J. Costantino welcomes Ross Groeneweg, Chief People and Strategy Officer at Pizza Ranch. They discuss the history of the family-owned business, which started in 1981 and...
Aug 28, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. Mike Bausch, a certified master pizzaiolo and the brains behind Andolini's Worldwide joins DJ Costantino on the Pre Shift Podcast. In this episode, Mike shares his journey from aspiring Marine Corps officer to leading ...
Aug 15, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. In the latest episode of the Preshift Podcast, host D.J. Costantino chats with Margaret Pak, chef and co-owner of Thattu in Chicago. Pak shares her inspiring transition from corporate life to culinary arts, detailing h...
Jul 31, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift, restaurant operators and industry experts dive into building great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, their strategies, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D.J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. In this episode of the Pre-Shift Podcast, host DJ Costantino talks with Ellen Yin, founder and co-owner of High Street Hospitality Group. Ellen shares her journey from a high school summer job to running celebrated din...
Jul 10, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Traditional tipping is broken, but there's a better way to pay your restaurant staff. In this episode of The Pre-Shift Podcast, we talk with Zach Feinstein, CEO of The Feinstein Group, about the innovative compensation model transforming his Tampa Bay restaurants. Zach explains how implementing a 20% service charge coupled with a commission-based pay structure for servers has dramatically reduced turnover, improved front and back of house relationships, and enhanced the guest experience. Instead...
Jun 26, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Great teams make great restaurants. On The Pre-Shift , restaurant operators and industry experts dive into what it takes to build great restaurant teams. We explore their stories, the strategies they use, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. Hosted by D. J. Costantino. Presented by 7shifts. In this episode, Pike Howard, co-owner and finance and development director of Felipe's Taqueria, shares the history of the restaurant chain founded in 2006, inspired by Felipe Herrera. Pike emph...
Jun 11, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 47
The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams. Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. On this episode, we’re joined by Hassel Aviles, Founder and Director of Not 9 to 5. Hassel Aviles has built a career in the hospitality and foodservice industry for over two deca...
May 21, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 46
The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams. Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. In this episode, Chris Britt, Chief Operating Officer of Epic Restaurants, joins us. For nearly five years, Chris has served in a leadership capacity at Agave & Rye, one of t...
Apr 24, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 45
In this episode of the Pre-Shift podcast, host DJ dives deep into the intricacies of managing successful restaurant teams with Stella Denig, co-owner and GM of Daytrip Restaurant in Oakland, California. Stella shares insights on building a restaurant prioritizing pay equity, equitable compensation, and a strong internal culture. She discusses their unique business model, the challenges of introducing equitable systems, and the importance of legislative change in the industry. Stella also touches...
Apr 04, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 44
The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams. Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. On this episode, we’re joined by Chad Mackay, CEO of Fire & Vine Hospitality in Seattle, WA. Chad Mackay, CEO of Fire & Vine Hospitality, leads a multi-concept operator o...
Dec 05, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 43
The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams. Host DJ Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. On this episode, we’re joined by Irene Shiang Li, Cofounder of Prepshift & Mei Mei Dumplings in Boston, Mass. Irene Shiang Li co-founded Mei Mei in Boston in 2013 and built t...
Oct 31, 2023•24 min•Season 2Ep. 13
The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts is a deep dive into what it takes to run great restaurant teams. Host D.J. Costantino covers the restaurant industry with conversations featuring industry leaders and innovators sharing their business growth insights, backgrounds, and valuable lessons on running restaurant teams. On this episode, we’re joined by Ji Hye Kim, Chef/Owner of Miss Kim in Ann Arbor. Ji Hye was awarded one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs in 2021 and a multi-time James Bear...
Oct 11, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 41
The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way. On this episode,...
Jun 30, 2023•19 min•Season 2Ep. 11
The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way. On this episode,...
Jun 14, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 10
The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way. On this episode,...
May 24, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 9
The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way. On this episode,...
May 10, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 8
The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way. On this episode,...
Apr 27, 2023•25 min•Season 2Ep. 7
The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way. On this episode,...
Apr 12, 2023•19 min•Season 2Ep. 6
