The Top Restaurateurs Podcast

Ikeda Feingold decided there was an opportunity to bottle up the mixed drink her grandmother used to make and sell it. That’s how she started 1970. She’s very much still in start up stage, and she shares what she is doing to grow her brand. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Sponsor: Linecaster.co --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Steve Gelerman is a food industry veteran. He’s launched and sold a food manufacturing company and several food product brands. Now he’s focused on Banana Wave. He joined the show to talk about his company, his rules for evaluating products, push vs pull brands, and what investors look at when growing a company. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, Andy Hooper breaks down how &Pizza is tackling delivery marketplaces and how the company has built a culture so strong their employees get ampersand tattoos. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Andrew Rigie is the Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance where he works with NYC restaurant owners to create favorable conditions for restaurants to thrive in the five boroughs. We spoke about delivery services, ghost kitchens, and other challenges on which the restaurant industry is working. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Fariq Merchant tasted King Coconut water while attending a wedding in Sri Lanka. He immediately knew he needed to leave his Wall Street job and start a beverage business selling the stuff. Listen to us chat about how he helped create a supply chain to support his new company and how he is building world-wide distribution with a small team. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Nate Tomforde set out to create a beer festival environment without the beer festival. That's when he came up with Pour Taproom, the first 100% self-serve beer and wine taproom. We talk about what it's like creating a new business on top of a new concept and why he is not franchising. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this episode, we talk to Burney Jennings, CEO of Biscuitville, about taking over the family business, running a breakfast only restaurant, and emotional intelligence. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this episode, James Walker talks about what it’s like taking on the role of leading the restaurant division of one of America’s oldest and most iconic food brands, and how he approached his first year on the job. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this episode, Jeff Fenster shares his thoughts on health food in the restaurant space, his brand pillars and changing consumer behavior. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this episode we have Todd Hogan. He's spent a lifetime in the restaurant industry opening locations, experiencing loss, regrouping, and now thriving. He talks about what he chose to focus on and how key relationships helped him along the way. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this episode we have Patrick Terry, marketer turned restaurateur. He leveraged his love for fast food and fond memories of the good-old-fashioned-hamburger to build a company that takes care of people, offers a great value, and has a line forming out of the door. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this episode, we introduce the rest of the crew behind Top Restaurateurs, and break down our favorite moments from Season One. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this episode we have brothers, Ken and Don Sofer. They were one of the first to open a California style burrito restaurant in Manhattan. 30 years later, they are still going strong. We talk about mistakes made, memorable branding, failed partnerships, and what it takes to keep employees for many years. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this episode, Tim McLoone talks about starting his first restaurant, adding locations after 17 years, creating excellent guest experiences, leading people well, and shares an incredible story about how is first restaurant got off to a running start. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today on the show, Lindzi Shanks talks about staying fresh and relevant and how to use Instagram to grow sales for XO Marshmallow, a fun, all marshmallow cafe with a strong fan-base. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today on the show, Solomon Choi talks about how he used a marketing first approach to create New York City's first self-serve frozen yogurt chain, plus thoughts on food delivery apps, and how he chose the location of his first store. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today on the show, we have Scott Dixon, the Chef Owner of Scott’s Downtown, a small town establishment serving up a casual fine dining experience. He’s been open for twelve years, survived a move, and has see fifty percent growth in his twelfth year of business. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this episode, Scott interviews Nick Vojnovic. He is the former president of Beef O'Brady's. Now he's applying what he's learned, running and growing Little Greek Fresh Grill. He partnered with the founder when they had 4 locations. Now they have 43. Check out the new Top Restaurateurs website, https://toprestaurateurs.com, and sign up for the show extras. You'll get access to extra content like transcripts of past episodes, audio that didn't make it into the show, and more. You can stay update to date with the show online on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today on the show we have Landon Eckles. In 2014 he decided he was traveling too much, so he packed up his family and moved south to start CleanJuice with his wife. They have scaled the company to 80 locations and will be over 100 in Q1 2020. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's guess is Chuck Thorp. In 1988 he was a delivery driver for DoubleDaves. Now he owns the company and has 39 locations. We talk about helping employees find a path to ownership, investing in technology, and designing the right store format for the market. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's guest is Rob Giuliani. He and his co-founder fell in love with acai bowls on a surfing trip and started selling them from a food cart on the Jersey Shore. Now they have 78 locations throughout the east coast. We chat about scaling a franchise business, building a brand, and keeping an open line of communication with your stores. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's guest is an owner at La Roccia Pizza in Chicago, a Lincoln Park joint taking on "big pizza." He's listening to feedback, navigating the delivery app marketplace. Jeff is betting business growth on leveraging established networks. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's guest is the founder and owner of Old Country Place, a home town barbecue joint with high quality, locally sourced ingredients. While they are a new restaurant, they are a community favorite. Koby is looking to grow his business through adding another location. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's guest runs the website, therestaurantboss.com and the software clickbacon.com. He has been working in restaurants since before he could drive. Now he's the most followed restaurant coach online, helping restaurateurs scale and grow their businesses. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's guest is the founder of Velvet Robot Coffee. He started it as a side hustle, and now he is busy scaling the business at farmers markets and looking to open his first location. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's guest has been starting businesses in the restaurant space since 1989. He's the founder of Hero Certified Burgers, and an innovator in the restaurant industry. His brand was one of the first to embrace the sustainability movement and is leading the charge in virtual kitchens. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On The Top Restauranteurs Podcast, we interview leading restaurateurs and unpack how they approach the business side of running restaurants. Each episode gets right to the point with 20 to 30 minutes of real, actionable advice and information you can use to grow as a restauranteur. Subscribe at https://anchor.fm/toprestaurateurs.