Want to listen to the latest Restaurant Rockstars podcast episodes?

Episode #297 A Front of House Perspective on Restaurant Training

In this week’s episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Zaylan Jacobsen. Zaylan is a veteran server, bartender and team leader who saw a gap in staff training and service. He not only found a way to up-level the guest experience in his own employer’s restaurants but is now disrupting the industry.

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Episode #296 Chef, Host & Food Critic Dishes on Restaurants

This is a FUN episode. I’m speaking with a food writer, podcast/ television host and all-around colorful guy Chef Joe Ricchio. He is a big personality around the food scene in the state of Maine, as well as in the culinary world at large. Joe has written for Bon Appetit, The Food Network, The New York Times and has appeared on Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations”. He is all about food trends, new and favorite restaurants, critiques, up and coming chefs and more.

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Episode #294 Success of An Inspired Chef

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Brandon Boudet, Co-owner and Executive Chef of Little Dom’s of Los Angeles and the new Little Dom’s Seafood in Carpenteria. He shares his cooking inspirations, leadership style, training philosophies, how he coped with the labor shortage, and his best advice for operators moving forward.

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Episode #293 The Essence of Hospitality

Hospitality defines our business and delivering amazing guest experiences is the name of the game. It’s about leveraging a true competitive advantage. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Chris Adams, CEO, and Founder of the Ellis Adams Group, an international hospitality consulting firm that works with some of the leading hospitality brands around the globe.

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Episode #292 The James Beard Foundation Awards

This episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast is all about the James Beard Foundation and most importantly, the famous awards each year. Our guests are Dawn Padmore and Tanya Holland who lead the awards committee. They share the prestige and history of the JBF Awards. They speak to the incredible legacy of James Andrew Beard, famous chef, author lecturer, and television personality. They discuss how the deserving candidates are recognized and nominated and so much more!

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Episode #291 Lisa Dahl Triumphant Chef, Author, and Restaurateur

Pride and passion run deep for all of us in this business. but rising from a deep personal tragedy to open multiple successful concepts takes something more. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Ms. Lisa Dahl, the CEO and Executive Chef of Dahl Restaurant Group. Lisa found Sedona, Arizona to be an especially healing and inspiring place to build her concepts. She is a self-taught chef, multiple cookbook author, and company visionary doing great things for our industry and her community.

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Episode #289 A Visionary Restaurant Leader with Big Dreams

I’m always impressed by visionary leaders who innovate and transform our industry. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with T.K. Pillan Founder and Executive Chairman of the largest, most influential vegan/vegetarian restaurant company in the U.S. T.K.’s mission is to stop animal cruelty, end world hunger, and improve both the health of the planet and his guests.

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Episode #288 Hands-On Leadership in World-Class Restaurants

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with James J. King, the Founder, and CEO of Titan Hospitality. To build a world-class operation with multiple concepts takes total dedication to every detail while keeping the big picture top of mind. It takes a strategic view, yet constant attention to your good people to inspire, challenge and develop their true potential.

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Episode #287 You Can Forget Your Restaurant Sales Tax

There are things you love about your restaurant, but I’ll bet Sales Tax is not one of them. It’s one of those things you must do each month, but if you forget, there are penalties. In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with David Joseph and Peter Murray from Davo. This platform automates the entire process of paying your restaurant’s monthly sales tax.

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Episode #286 The Secret Sauce of a Dynamic Restaurant Brand

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast I’m speaking with Pace Webb & Chris Georgalas the founders of “Daddy’s Chicken Shack”. The phenomenal growth in their first restaurant led to investor backing and a budding franchise. It all began on a first date when Chef Pace shared her vision with future husband and Wall Street guy Chris, truly the stuff of restaurant dreams.

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Episode #285 A Labor Solution Creating Careers Not Just Jobs

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Chef D. Brandon Walker creator and owner of growing Los Angeles concepts. Chef is uplifting the industry, his restaurants, and the underserved population by creating “Careers”, not just jobs. This episode is one of my most inspiring of the year. Don’t miss it!

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Episode #284 This Pizza Delivery Concept is Stellar

This episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast is all about the entrepreneurial journey…. How to grasp it, how to go after it and how to get it! I’m speaking with Benson Tsai of Stellar Pizza. He is a former Rocket Scientist turned Pizza entrepreneur with a dynamic concept that just may upset and transform the way pizza is made, prepared, delivered, and enjoyed.

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Episode #283 How To Add a Virtual Drive-Thru to Your Restaurant

Today now more than ever, the focus is on guest convenience and safety. What if you could add a virtual Drive-Thru to your business without adding an actual drive-thru lane and window? You Can! In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Carl and Javier who are the leaders behind swipe.by. As an independent restaurant, you need every advantage!

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Episode #282 This Pizza Franchise Does Good by DOING GOOD!

Sit down with us in this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast as I speak with MJ Riva of The Pizza Factory. She’s a down-to-earth, involved operator who will inspire you. Get ready for some powerful takeaways you can take back to your own operation. Learn why people love their pies and why the Pizza Factory says “We Toss Em, They’re Awesome”!

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