The Restaurant Expert Round-Up

We've decided to move this podcast to our online training, so go to www.abru.online/free to get your free membership and join us there :)

Today, we're speaking with Joe Faruggio, the author of "My name is Joe and I am a Pizza Man." Coming from Sicily, Joe has over 53 years of restaurant, entrepreneurial, and culinary experience in the United States of America. He's got a story to tell and experience to share...so tune in to this episode and check out his website for more info! https://www.joefarruggio.com/

Charles Ryan Minton is the best selling author of "Thanks for Coming in Today." He is also a Customer & Employee Experience Expert, Keynote Speaker, and has represented high profile brands such as Hilton Hotels Worldwide, Mariott International and InterContinental Hotels Group.   Check him out at his website or his Linkedin.

What's it take to build a better restaurant? Today we're going to find out on Episode 151 with Peter Harman. Peter is the host of the Build a Better Restaurant" podcast, the author of "Restauranting 101: The Eight Basic Fundamentals" and the owner of FoodGuru.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/peter-harman-25258915  

Let's talk about your restaurants growth and how you're going to make it happen with author Peter Lesar. Peter is the author of Restaurant Strong, a the Founder of two restaurants recognized in The 50 Best Discovery Series and a supporter of promising, underrepresented restaurateurs and rest. tech entrepreneurs. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/peter-lesar-7b0aba13/ Email: Peter@peterlesar.com

What's working in the restaurant business in 2022 and beyond? Today we find out in Episode 149 of the Restaurant Expert Roundup with Arjun Sen. Arjun is the host of the "Secrets to Win Big" podcast, author of Wow One More: Secrets to Win Big from 13 Restaurant Leaders and the former VP of Marketing and Operations at Papa John's who lead the 3,000-restaurant chain to 4-years of record growth. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zenmangoarjunsen Instagram: www.instagram.com/secretstowinbig  

Culture, Leadership & Morale in your restaurant are KEY to becoming an amazing – rather, an EXCELLENT ;) – organization. Today, we chat with David Jones, the President at The Excellence Advisory, about how much impact these 3 items have on your ability to THRIVE in todays economy. As mentioned, David is the President at The Excellence Advisory and a Performance Excellence coach helping leaders of small and mid-sized organizations break through the day-to-day firefighting to achieve the results they always thought possible. Connect With David On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmjones/

Let's talk about your restaurants online footprint with Avi Goren. Avi is the CEO and Co-Founder at Marqii. Marqii is for hospitality businesses of all sizes. They empower you to be found online through easy-to-use listings, menu, & review management. Connect With Avi Here: www.marqii.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/avigoren/

Let's talk slinging slices with a 26 year restaurant veteran and consultant. It's Episode 146 of the Restaurant Expert Roundup with Tony Altomare. Tony grew Tony-Roni's to 9 locations and exited in 2022. Now, he coaches restaurateurs & individuals on how to grow a successful business and live a happy life at the same time. Listen to the conversation and then connect with Tony here: www.linkedin.com/in/tony-altomare-56317084 www.instagram.com/tonyyourcoach www.yourpizzaman.com

Franchise Owners - What should they expect when it comes to marketing and support? Today, we talk with Jonathan Maze the Editor In Chief at Restaurant Business Magazine. Jonathan is an expert in the franchise world, and I'm curious to find out what support an owner should expect and what level of expertise should come with that support. Connect With Jonathan Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmaze/

Today we're digging into a cool new software we started using at America's Best Restaurants that's built BY A RESTAURANT owner for YOU. This software helps YOU – the restaurant owner – manage your hiring process. Today's guest is Billy Giordano. Billy is the CoFounder of Staffed Up, a "web-based staffing platform designed for the retail and service industries." He also manages and co-founded Room 38, an upscale restaurant and bar located in Columbia, Mo. www.staffedup.com

How are you running your restaurant ALONE? Entrepreneurship is LONELY but it doesn't have to be. Today, in Episode 143 of the Restaurant Expert Roundup, we're talking with author and consultant Matt Rolfe. Matt is the Author of "You Can't Do It Alone" and a Hospitality Leadership Coach. You can reach and connect with Matt below: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/matt-rolfe Instagram: www.instagram.com/matt_rolfe_ws Email: matt.rolfe@westshorehospitalitygroup.com

Today in Episode 142 of the Restaurant Expert Roundup we talk with Dino Kottis, the Author of "Hospitality Know How: A Key Guide For Every Hospitality Business" Dino has been involved with Hospitality for 26 years, having worked in almost all the available positions in the industry. Prior to his career in the Training and Development industry, he had been employed in a number of hospitality management roles for brands like Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Tesco, Liverpool FC and a number of independent & local brands. He's been a hospitality business owner in Greece for over 5 years and is currently a shareholder in a food business in the UK.

Let's talk with Author Jeff Hahn about what to do when IT hits the fan. Let's face it, your restaurant has seen it's fair share of issues, like everyone else has, but it's how you handle it when IT happens, not what actually happened that matters. This is episode 141 of the Restaurant Expert Roundup Podcast Jeff is the author of "Breaking Bad News" and a crisis communication expert with 30 years experience in communications and public relations. He's the owner and principal of a family of integrated agency brands including Apron Food & Beverage Communications, Hahn Public Communications, the Predictive Media Network and White Lion Interactive. You can find him on: LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gMnWJK7Y

Today we chat it up with restaurant author Joël Hoachuck. Joël is the author of "Welcome to Waiters' World: The Essential Guide to Serving Food & Drink." He's an experienced restaurateur, having worked at high end restaurants such as Relais & Chateaux. He's also opened and operated profitable and award-winning businesses. Today I have 3 topics to discuss from his book: #1 - Page 19 "know your products" - I want to discuss the importance of being well versed on your menu #2 - Page 46 "make recommendations" - Talk about how the right recommendations can add to the meal and lead to a much better experience #3 - Page 52 "desert time" - Selling deserts and drinks after the meal. You can find him on: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joel-hoachuck-b4678712 Instagram: www.instagram.com/jhoachuck

Every day is a grind running a restaurant and small business; Your mind wanders, your spirit weakens and your body is easy to forget about. Today I'm talking with my man DELO, David DeLorenzo, about how to keep all 3 of these assets SHARP and ready for the next task. Find Delo on these social platforms: IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamthedelo/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddelorenzo1/

So you're opening a restaurant, or just trying to rethink your current situation, what are the NON-NEGOTIABLES you must take action on? It's episode 138 of the Restaurant Expert Roundup and we're talking with Doug Radkey to get the answer to this question. He's the host of the Bar Hacks Podcast and author of "Bar Hacks" and "Hacking the New Normal." Doug is also the President at KRG Hospitality, a hospitality company that specializes in helping early stage concepts and emerging hospitality brands unleash their full potential. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dougradkey

Episode 137 of the Restaurant Expert Roundup is with Andre Natera, a former chef with over 25 years of experience in luxury hotels and high-end restaurants. He's passionate about mentoring and teaching people the knowledge needed to run a successful business. He's the HOST of the Chef's PSA podcast and Author of Chef's PSA. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andre-natera-60234117 Instagram: www.instagram.com/andre_natera

Awesome experiences in your restaurant are one major component that bring customers back, over and over, and that job typically falls in the hands of the server. Today in Episode 136 of the Restaurant Expert Roundup we have Danny Davila, an experienced restaurant veteran with 24 years in the business as server and bartender, but can also do all "front of the house" stuff. He's the co-host of the modern waiter and self-described "best at being a server who enjoys that job for the freedom of schedule." He feels strongly about the lack of good solid service and believes that companies need to train better and keep a standard instead of just filling holes for the now." Instagram: www.instagram.com/mrkwikbmr Podcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast

I hear this weekly, actually DAILY! That no one wants to work, like a switch was just hit that made every person stop thinking working at a restaurant was viable. Let's dig into this topic and other HR related topics with expert Bruce Faber. Bruce is a highly sought-after, award winning – restaurant, hotel, and hospitality owner – recruiter of EHS Recruiting Company. He brings a modern approach to sourcing great candidates and has a 97% successful placement rate. You can find him on LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/in/brucefaber

Let's talk about Relationships in 2022 and beyond with regards to the digital world we now live in! John is the president of The DiJulius Group, author of several books including The Relationship Economy: Building Stronger Customer Connections in the Digital Age and a authority on how to provide a world-class customer experience. He's an international consultant + has worked with companies like The Ritz Carlton, Lexus, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Nestle, Marriott Hotel, PwC, Cheesecake Factory, Progressive Insurance, Harley Davidson, State Farm, Chick-fil-A, and many more. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dijulius Instagram: www.instagram.com/john_dijulius

Let's talk Restaurant Software as it relates to training systems, inventory check lists, budgeting and MUCH MORE! In episode 133 we're chatting with Fred Langley, the CEO at Restaurant Systems Pro, an "all-in-one" software solution for the restaurant operator. Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/fred-langley-48a38770/

Think about it, we now get food from restaurants in a multitude of ways. We eat in the restaurant, we use carryout, your team delivers it or last but not least, a 3rd party delivers it. Ask yourself this question, does your process in all 4 circumstances SQUASH any customer concerns? In episode 132 of the Restaurant Expert Roundup I want to talk with Nathan Jarvis about this topic, since he covered some variations of this in his podcast in October 2021. Nathan is the host of the "Restaurant Relevance" podcast, a Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Houston – Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership, an expert in the intersection of culinary, hospitality, and food science; Food and beverage hospitality education; Applied food safety and more! You can connect with him on LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-jarvis-82ab719 FYI, the episode I'm referring to is: In Season 1, Episode 5 = "Perceived food safety in restaurants, delivery, and at home" https://open.spotify.com/episode/0bV5fPRif97fBJS1EiaOAY?si=2eMxaI0JSPqVCcAfIW0zTQ&nd=1

Should you franchise your restaurant? How do you know if it's a good idea or if you're ready? In Episode 131 we talk with Gary Occhiogrosso, the founder of Franchise Growth Solutions. Gary specializes in guiding and assisting start-ups, emerging & mature franchise companies toward reaching their goals. He's been in the Franchise Growth Solutions business for 34 years and is the host of the MasterMind Minutes podcast. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gary-occhiogrosso Instagram: www.instagram.com/_franchisegrowthsolutions_ Website: www.franchisegrowthsolutions.com

Let's talk Restaurant Hiring & Retention In Episode #130 of the Restaurant Expert Roundup we talk with Tatiyana Cure. Tatiyana is the Author of "Hire To Win" and Director of Talent and Human Resources at Zuum Transportation. She's not solely a restaurant person, but has partnered with managers in various industries, including restaurants. You can connect with Tatiyana on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tatiyanacure

How does your restaurant price you menu items and do you take into consideration your profit margin on an item before using it in a promotion? We have hundreds of restaurants we work with nationwide and for many of them we have a marketing campaign running with an "ethical bribe." Recently it came to my attention a client of ours was losing money at their menu price for an item we are using as a BOGO.

It's episode 128 of the Restaurant Expert Roundup with Andy Jones! Andy is the Host of the "Cafe Hustle Podcast" and director of Onchan Park Cafe. Check out his Social Links below! Linkedin Instagram www.thecafehustle.com

Are you leaving people behind in your restaurant due to a lack of training or understanding their goals? In today's Restaurant Expert Roundup, Episode 128, we talk with Justin Khanna Justin is the host of "The Repertoire Podcast" (Formerly "The Emulsion Podcast") and the founder of "Repertoire," a company that provides cohort-based courses, original content, and coaching for hospitality creators that want to build, impact, and profit in the industry. Something that stuck out to me was one of Justin's goals with his podcast, "to get at the heart of what makes people excel, and he hopes to ask the questions that no one else asks." This is top of mind for me since it SMACKED me in the face this week. While at an event this week I heard an example of a kid playing baseball for the 1st time and how that journey can take a few different paths. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-khanna-12614285/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinkhanna/

Let's talk about restaurant leases and renewals today. In episode Episode 126 we talk to Dale Willerton about this super important topic. Dale is the author of "Negotiating Commercial Leases & Renewals For Dummies" and the owner of theleasecoach.com. He's an authority on lease negotiation for tenets! LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dale-willerton-2a1188238

Restaurant Expert Roundup Episode 125 is Anne Gannon, a restaurant accounting SUPERSTAR! This 15 year accounting vet is going to drop some BOMBS on us!!! Anne is the host of the "Shotmaker Podcast" and the Founder at "The Largo Group," a company that seeks to offer a "methodical approach to accounting and tax services so that the business owner has the key information they need in real time." You can find Anne online at... LinkedIn: Linkedin Instagram: Instagram

Let's talk about innovative labor and retention strategies for the modern restaurateur in Episode 124 of the Restaurant Expert Roundup. Todays guest is Jim Taylor. Jim is the Founder / CEO of BenchmarkSixty, "a one-of-a-kind restaurant financial optimization strategy designed for restaurateurs to dramatically increase their profit margins by understanding the data, implementing benchmarks, and using metrics to improve productivity. Instagram: www.instagram.com/benchmarksixty LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jimtaylor60

Dr. Henry is the author of Define and Deliver Exceptional Customer Service. He specializes in customer retention and we're going to talk about how to THRIVE versus simply SURVIVE in today's economy. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drkellyhenry Website: www.bizprofitboost.com  

It's Episode 122 of the Restaurant Expert Round-up. In this episode we're chatting with Meredith Sandland and Carl Orsbourn, the authors of Delivering the Digital Restaurant. We're going to DIG DEEP into TWO TOPICS today: 1st - How the future will make delivery work better for everyone 2nd - The changing consumer – why delivery is here to stay Meredith's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-sandland Carl's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carlorsbourn Website: www.deliveringthedigitalrestaurant.com  

In Episode 121 we talk with Jordan Boesch of 7Shifts. 7Shifts Is A Restaurant Scheduling Software That Makes Employee Scheduling & Timesheets EASY! Find Out More About Jordan: LinkedIn-www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-boesch Website: www.7shifts.com/

We're Talking Selling More Chicken & Chick-Fil-A With Steve Robinson! Steve is the author of "Covert Cows and Chick-Fil-a", a former Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of Chick-Fil-A. He worked at Chick-Fil-a from 1981 to 2015 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/srobinsonconsulting Website: www.srobinsonconsulting.com

Steven is the host of the "The Profitable Table" podcast and CEO of Woolco Foods. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-toboroff-3087a37b/

Bill Tobin is the host of the Restaurant Leadership 365 Podcast and the owner of the largest independent restaurant in Hawaii, Tiki's Grill and Bar. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bill-tobin-hawaii-restaurants Instagram: www.instagram.com/billtobin

Jenifer Kern is the host of the Restaurants Reinvented Podcast and CMO at Qu, a restaurant tech company focused on disrupting the legacy POS mindset Follow her on LinkedIn & Instagram: www.linkedin.com/in/jeniferkern www.instagram.com/jenkernmcgregor

Today we talk about how Restaurant 365 has helped a CFO of a successful restaurant group grab the reins and take control on their restaurants. Bruce is the author of "Restaurant Management: The Myth, The Magic, The Math", a 40 year restaurant veteran and the current CFO of Nova Restaurant Group SUBSCRIBE to Bruce's blog, you'll LOVE IT! https://brucelnelson.substack.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-nelson-295a47149

Peter is the host of the "Build a Better Restaurant" podcast and the author of "Restauranting 101: The Eight Basic Fundamentals." He's also the owner of FoodGuru.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/peter-harman-25258915

Michael is a broker at SVN Southland Commercial Real Estate Group and the host of the "Restaurant Realty" podcast.

Brandon is the host of the Nashville Restaurant Radio Podcast and a former Territory & District Sales Manager at US Foods.    Further, we're joined by Shawn Walchef of CaliBBQ Media.   IG - www.instagram.com/brandon_nrr LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-styll-81451b48

Sean is he president at Bar Launch, www.businessofbars.com and has worked with 5,000 operations teams around the world through him companies. Today we're going to talk about how you can optimize your operations during peak hours and how this is the quickest way for many to double profits.

Eric is the host of Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast. The #1 Restaurant Podcast in the World. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eric-cacciatore-ab41b375 Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericcacciatore BEST WAY TO CONTACT: eric@restaurantunstoppable.com  

Dan is the author of a New York Times Best Seller, The Joy of Pizza, and is the owner of Razza Pizza Artigianale. https://razzanj.com/    

Francine is the CEO of Savvy Food Safety and TracSavvy, Co-Founder of My Food Source and a food safety guru. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/francinelshaw Instagram: www.instagram.com/franclyfrancine  

It's episode 108 and we're digging into all things 4-Walls customer service with Marlon Joseph! He's the Creator and Co-host of the Modern Waiter podcast and restaurant veteran, having worked in the service industry since 1996. www.instagram.com/themodernwaiterpodcast

Michel is the founder of Brasa Peruvian Kitchen, host of the "People-First Culture Podcast" and author of "People-First Culture"   www.michelfalcon.com

Cliff is... 1) The author of the brand new book, The Marketing Side of Restaurants 2) The author of The Business Side of Restaurants 3) CEO of Hungry Hospitality Consulting 4) Co-Founded one of the best steakhouses in America with sales of 4-8 million. Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/cliffbramble Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebusinesssideofrestaurants

David is the founder of "The Excellence Advisory," which teaches, coaches, and consults with small to mid-sized organizations and emerging leaders to improve their sales and profitability by improving their operations. Find David online below: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/davidmjones Twitter: www.twitter.com/jonedm Website: www.theexcellenceadvisory.com

Today, we're going to dig DEEP into one of the largest expenses of small businesses, THEIR RENT! Dale Willerton will join us to walk through want YOU need to know when securing your businesses home. Dale is the author of "Negotiating Commercial Leases & Renewals For Dummies" and owner of theleasecoach.com. He's an authority on lease negotiation for tenets.