Episode #105 Why We Love That Old Staff Magic!

Audio, Front Of House, RR Podcast, Service, Staff, Systems

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

Audio, Front Of House, RR Podcast, Service, Staff, Systems

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!

Audio, Front Of House, RR Podcast, Service, Staff, Systems

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?

Audio, Front Of House, RR Podcast, Service, Staff, Systems

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

Audio, Front Of House, RR Podcast, Service, Staff, Systems

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

Audio, Front Of House, RR Podcast, Service, Staff, Systems

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.

Episode #97 Inventory in Half the Time, No Kidding!

Audio, Front Of House, RR Podcast, Service, Staff, Systems

For nearly two decades, I got used to doing bar inventory the hard way.  This is how most of us take inventory.  My guest in this episode is Dave Allred from barpatrol.net.   He’s invented a cracker-jack “APP”, that’s the absolute easiest way to take  both your food & drink inventory.  Its a system made simple that will free your time for the thousand other important details of running your place.