Episode #107 Last Minute Tax Advice from an Industry Expert

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Listen to my guest Mr. Tony Perricelli.  He’s a CPA and Tax Expert with many restaurant and hospitality clients.  He knows the restaurant business and is a tremendous resource and wealth of information. We discuss last minute tips for 2017, big changes from the Trump Administration for 2018 that can be a real benefit to your business and much more.  Also, learn what you need to do throughout the year to put your business in the best tax position before you file. 

Episode #106 Marketing Firepower Starts With Your Brand!

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We’ve all been to those rockin restaurants that have the triple combination of food, service and ambiance.  You know, you can feel the magic going on and usually there’s a long wait for a table no matter what day it is.   All three of those elements are important to real success and most of the time I say that service is a true competitive advantage, but lets focus on the ambiance.  Check out this episode as Thea and I riff on what it means to build a brand.  Give a listen, you just might get your next big idea that inspires your success.

Episode #105 Why We Love That Old Staff Magic!

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We all been to those restaurants that are just firing on all cylinders… the place is alive, fun and staff are shining.  Let’s call this staff magic.  You’ll know you’ve arrived when your team are having more fun and making more money and your customers are having more fun and spending more money. So give this episode a listen where Thea and I share what that staff magic is all about, how to create team chemistry and most important how to build a culture of hospitality, family and fun. 

Episode #104 So You Think You Want To Start A Restaurant

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So today’s episode is all about the different reasons people start restaurants, their varying “zones of excellence” and degree of knowledge that is either advantage or hindrance.  Where they might excel and where they’ll run into trouble without the necessary expertise.  Stay tuned as Thea (Restaurant Rockstars Co-Founder, V.P. and My Wife) and I offer opinion and fact.  As always, food for thought…

Episode #103 Build Your House On This Foundation!

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In my book, there are three “Foundational Fundamentals” to running a successful, highly profitable restaurant or hospitality enterprise. Much like the foundation of a building, they are each supportive and reliant upon each other for maximum strength.  Listen to today’s episode as the numerous ideas Jaime Oikle (runningrestaurants.com) and I discuss will be a new foundation to greater success for your business. 

Episode #102 Can Your Operation Use a Makeover?

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Restaurateurs can be somewhat biased about their operation, thinking “I’ve got this”!  To be honest, I was like that too for many years, but came around to fresh thinking.  That is, taking a big step back from the place and seeing what the guest sees.  This is the first step in building and sustaining a powerful brand!  Give this episode a listen, then sit down with your team and discuss fresh ideas.  From mild to wild, change is good,  You can be sure your customer will notice and spread the word.

Episode #101 In The Age Of Online Reviews This Is Dangerous Thinking

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This past weekend, my young daughters and I traveled to Jackson Hole, WY where we experienced far differing service and value at many different types of businesses, restaurants and hotels included.  Granted this is a high-traffic year-round tourist destination, and certain businesses may mistakenly believe that repeat business is not as essential as it is in any-town USA, but in the age of on-line reviews this is dangerous thinking.  In two of our experiences, these blatant “misses” were so obvious that even my kids were surprised. They had words to say both to me and in online review sites for these businesses.   

Episode #100 Key Learnings from a Global Hospitality Entrepreneur

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I have known Mr. Fred Forsley for over 20 years and have watched in awe and admiration as he has built a hospitality empire, from restaurants, to brewery operations, partnerships with the biggest names in beer, to inns and real estate projects on a national and international level.   You’ll hear his early inspirations and success, major deals gone awry, optimism for future projects and how he maintains direction with his partners and hundreds of employees across numerous operations.