Episodi
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What does it take to go from butcher to executive chef at one of the most iconic restaurant brands in the worldâwithout burning out or selling out? For James Bailey of Momofuku Las Vegas, itâs not just about talent. Itâs about patience, identity, and leadership. In this episode, we dive into the real story behind Jamesâ rise through the ranks, how his cultural heritage shaped his cuisine, and why self-awarenessânot egoâis the most important skill a chef can develop. If youâre in this industry for the long game, this conversation will challenge, ground, and inspire you. To experience his work firsthand, visit Momofuku Las Vegas or head to https://momofuku.com
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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I think fear is a massive motivator for so many restaurateurs. So many of us fail to make decisions that move us towards what we want because weâre busy making decisions that move us away from what we fear. But what happens when what we fear becomes our reality? What does the end of the road look like? As it turns out, it looks like a new beginning. Today we sit down with Chef Jonathan Sawyer who shares his path to success, overcoming massive setbacks, to achieve the life and career of his dreams. For more information on the chef and his restaurant, visit https://www.kindlingchicago.com/
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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Episodi mancanti?
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Restaurant tech isnât just about bells and whistlesâitâs about ROI. And no one understands that better than Jeremy Julian. With nearly 30 years in restaurant technology and operations, Jeremy has helped thousands of restaurants plug into tools that actually make life easier and businesses more profitable. In this episode, we explore how to audit your tech stack, which systems give you the biggest return, and the smartest ways to implement change without overwhelming your team. If youâve ever wondered where to startâor restartâthis conversation will save you time, money, and headaches. To dive deeper into restaurant tech and the future of hospitality systems, check out his podcast, Restaurant Technology Guys, or visit https://restauranttechnologyguys.com.
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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For over 30 years, Michael Mina has dominated the restaurant scene and today we sit down with the chef to find out how. In todayâs conversation we dive deep into the tactics tools and strategies Michael has developed over decades to acquire talent, develop leaders, scale operations, and ensure profitability. This is a masterclass in restaurant ownership and operations. For more information on the chef and his restaurant group, visit https://www.michaelmina.net/
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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Most operators are stuck running restaurants. Roger Beaudoin teaches them how to run businesses. A 23-year restaurateur turned global coach and the founder of Restaurant Rockstars, Roger has helped thousands of owners escape burnout by installing the systems, culture, and leadership that scale. In this episode, we break down his approach to profitability, his secret to 96% staff retention, and why the difference between success and struggle often comes down to one thing: mindset. To learn more about Restaurant Rockstars and grab a copy of his book Rock Your Restaurant, visit https://www.restaurantrockstars.com.
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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What if your restaurant wasnât just a place to eatâbut a part of your guestâs identity? Kathy and Ben Sidell have mastered the art of emotional branding, turning Saltie Girl and Sweet Boy into lifestyle experiences people feel proud to align with. In this episode, we explore how theyâve built high-volume, high-loyalty concepts without sacrificing soul. From pandemic pivots to product lines, from tinned fish to tins of cookies, Kathy and Ben share what it takes to create businesses that connect, inspire, and thriveâeven in the hardest moments. To learn more about Saltie Girl and Sweet Boy, visit https://www.saltiegirl.com and https://www.sweetboy.com. Their journey proves that the best restaurant brands donât just feed peopleâthey make them feel something.
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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Iâm Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. Iâve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.
In this episode, I break down exactly what it takes to build a recognizable brand and boost profitability through smarter marketing. And Iâm not talking about throwing money at ads or posting randomly on social â Iâm talking about strategy. Structure. Systems.
I dive into how constraints in your marketing â yes, constraints â actually create clarity. I talk about the power of having a clear brand narrative and how leveraging AI can make content creation faster, easier, and way more effective.
One of the game-changers I share is working off a monthly theme â keeping your messaging tight and your content consistent. When you focus your story and show up with intention, your audience listens⊠and they show up.
Takeaways:
Most restaurant marketing fails due to lack of structure.Tight constraints are essential for effective marketing.Repetition is key to gaining audience attention.Your audience is constantly changing; adapt your marketing accordingly.Creativity thrives within clear boundaries.Use AI to enhance, not replace, your marketing efforts.Build a compelling narrative around your brand.Focus on a monthly theme to guide your marketing.Discipline in marketing leads to momentum.Engage your audience with consistent messaging across platforms.Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Profitability
02:11 The Importance of Structured Marketing
06:00 Creating a Compelling Brand NarrativeIf youâve got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at [email protected] and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.
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Most restaurant operators are flying blindâtracking the wrong metrics and chasing problems that donât actually exist. Jim Taylor, founder of Benchmark Sixty, is on a mission to fix that. With decades of experience in operations and a passion for data-driven decision-making, Jim has helped hundreds of restaurants ditch outdated systems and find freedom through smarter analytics. In this episode, we unpack why labor cost as a percentage of sales is broken, how to replace it with real-time productivity metrics, and the simple formula that can make your restaurant more profitableâstarting this week. To learn more about Benchmark Sixty and how his team is transforming restaurant operations through smarter, simpler metrics, visit https://www.benchmarksixty.com.
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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Some restaurants chase trends. Lee Maen builds brands that shape them. As co-founder of Innovative Dining Group, Lee has redefined what it means to create restaurants that are as memorable for their vibe as they are for their food. From Sushi Roku to BOA Steakhouse, heâs turned hospitality into a high-performance art formâblending ambiance, precision, and consistency across markets and decades. In this episode, we dive into how IDG builds loyalty without relying on celebrity chefs, maintains profit without sacrificing soul, and scales without losing what made it special in the first place. To learn more about Innovative Dining Group and their iconic concepts, visit https://innovativedining.com.
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
-
Iâm Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. Iâve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.
In this episode, I dig into one of the biggest blind spots in our industry: the real reason guests walk through our doors. Most restaurant owners think weâre selling food or service â but thatâs not it. What weâre actually selling is transformation. People come to us because they want to feel something â connection, escape, celebration, comfort. When you start to understand the emotional and experiential shifts youâre providing, your entire approach to marketing changes. I lay out how to identify the transformation your restaurant offers and how to communicate that clearly to your guests. When you stop selling tasks and start selling outcomes, revenue follows. This oneâs about shifting your mindset so you can grow smarter, not just harder.
Takeaways:
Most restaurant owners are selling food, but successful ones sell transformation.The clarity of the promise is crucial for growth.People buy experiences, not just products.Identify the memorable moments in your dining experience.Transformational marketing can lead to higher prices and customer loyalty.Define the transformation your restaurant provides.Map out your unique process for delivering that transformation.Price based on outcomes, not inputs.Marketing should reflect the emotional resonance of your brand.Engage your team in understanding the transformation you offer.Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Profitability
01:12 Understanding Revenue Ceilings and Transformation
02:39 The Shift from Selling Products to Selling Experiences
04:06 Defining and Delivering Transformation
05:32 Marketing the Transformation EffectivelyIf youâve got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at [email protected] and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.
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Chef John Currence did not set out to build an empire when he opened his first restaurant in Oxford, Mississippi but thatâs what happened. John is a guy a lot like us. He built one concept, then two, then three in a very linear way over time. Then can Big Bad Breakfast. This is a restaurant that John launched for $65,000 and it became a national brand in a matter of years. Today we discuss how his brands have evolved to reach a national stage and how heâs had to evolve as an entrepreneur and chef in response. For more information on the chef and his brands, visit https://citygroceryonline.com/.
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Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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Burnout isnât about working too muchâitâs about what drains you. Anese Cavanaugh has spent the last two decades helping leaders master their Intentional Energetic Presence (IEP) to create thriving, engaged teams without running themselves into the ground. Her work with Zingermanâs and top companies worldwide has proven that energy, not time, is our most valuable resource. In this episode, we dive into the real cause of burnout, how leaders unknowingly drain their own teams, and the small shifts that create massive impact. If you want to lead with more energy, influence, and authenticity, this episode is a game-changer. To learn more about Intentional Energetic Presence (IEP) and how to lead without burnout, visit https://activechoices.com/.
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
-
Iâm Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. Iâve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.
In this episode, I get into something most restaurant owners overlook â branding. Look, great food is the baseline. It gets you in the game, but itâs not what keeps the dining room full. What really moves the needle is a compelling brand story â something that makes people feel seen, understood, and part of something bigger than just a meal. I walk through how to build that kind of connection with your guests. From shaping your brand identity to refining your marketing efforts, I lay out the strategies that drive traffic and build loyalty. If youâre ready to stop being âjust another restaurantâ and start standing out in a crowded market, this oneâs for you.
Takeaways
Money is the primary problem for restaurants.Great food is expected; branding is essential.Diners need a reason to care beyond the plate.A restaurant's brand should evoke feelings of belonging.Compliments do not equate to customer conversions.Stories about the restaurant are crucial for marketing.Reframe your restaurant's concept to attract the right audience.Audit your brand from a stranger's perspective.Identify ways your brand can stand out beyond food.Building a memorable experience is key to success.Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Profitability
02:06 The Importance of Branding in Restaurants
06:00 Building a Memorable Restaurant ExperienceIf youâve got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at [email protected] and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.
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Great food gets guests in the door, but a great team keeps them coming back. Shawn Gawle, the awarded chef behind Camaraderie, has mastered the art of creating exceptional dining experiences by prioritizing mentorship, culture, and intentional leadership. In this episode, we explore Shawnâs journey from celebrated chef to chef-owner, how his philosophy of shared success shapes his restaurant, and the innovative ways heâs redefining hospitality. If youâre looking for practical insights on building a thriving team and unforgettable guest experiences, this episode is for you. Be sure to check out Camaraderie.
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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The fires have dramatically altered LAâs real estate market, creating both challenges and opportunities for restaurant owners. Real estate expert Dan Fagan shares insider knowledge on where the best opportunities are now, how to negotiate stronger lease terms, and how consumer behavior is reshaping restaurant site selection. Whether you're looking to relocate, expand, or secure better lease terms, this episode provides the playbook for making smarter real estate moves.
This series was created in collaboration with Michael Benson of Southern California Restaurant Design Group. When the fires devastated LAâs restaurant community, Michael saw an opportunity to bring together experts who could provide real strategies and solutions for operators facing the challenge of rebuilding. Each conversation in this series is designed to deliver practical insights, industry trends, and actionable steps to help restaurant owners in LAâand beyondâcome back stronger.
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
-
Most restaurants accept drama and dysfunction as part of the businessâbut what if eliminating them was the key to higher profits and better retention? Lisa Schultz, Managing Partner of Zingermanâs Roadhouse, has spent the last 20 years proving that culture is the real secret to success. By implementing no-drama leadership, open-book finance, and employee empowerment, sheâs built a restaurant where people donât just show up for a paycheckâthey show up to be part of something bigger. In this episode, we explore how to build a drama-free workplace, get employees to think like owners, and create a sustainable, profitable restaurant culture. If youâve ever struggled with turnover, toxic teams, or disengaged staff, this conversation is for you. To learn more about Zingermanâs Roadhouse and their culture-first approach to hospitality, visit https://www.zingermansroadhouse.com.
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
-
Iâm Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. Iâve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.
In this episode, I dig into the importance of identifying and solving the recurring problems we face in restaurant operations. I talk about the need to move away from constant firefighting and start getting to the root causes of our issues. I also share how we can leverage AI to document our processes and build systems that prevent these problems from popping up again. This conversation is packed with actionable strategies to help restaurateurs boost efficiency, drive profitability, and ultimately create a more sustainable business model.
Takeaways:
Money makes every other problem a minor inconvenience.If your to-do list looks the same week after week, you have a pattern.Most restaurants fail due to a thousand tiny cuts, not one big issue.Track the top five recurring frustrations weekly to identify patterns.Use AI to catalog breakdowns and cluster them into themes.Document solutions to problems to create self-correcting systems.Leadership involves delegating playbooks, not problems.Regularly review and improve your systems to avoid being trapped in them.Solving patterns leads to freedom in restaurant management.Engage in a weekly sync to log recurring issues and solutions.Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Profitability
02:06 Identifying and Solving Recurring Problems
06:02 Leveraging AI for Operational Efficiency
07:01 Building Sustainable Systems for GrowthIf youâve got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at [email protected] and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.
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Most restaurants donât make money. The ones that do, typically make very little. This is our reality and many of us have embraced it. But what about the group no one talks about: the restaurants that are making a killing, quietly and consistently. They all seem to be following the same formula and today we sit down with restaurant expert, David Scott Peters, to distill out the essential elements of that formula. Believe it or not, it has as much to do with people as it does process. To learn more about David and his programs, visit https://www.davidscottpeters.com/.
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
-
With the fires wiping out entire restaurant districts, what does the future of restaurant design in LA look like? Renowned architect John Hamilton shares with Josh Kopel and Michael Benson what restaurant operators should be thinking about when rebuildingâfrom fire-resistant materials to more flexible layouts, outdoor dining strategies, and cost-effective redesigns. Whether youâre rebuilding from scratch or planning a renovation, this episode delivers practical design solutions that will shape the next generation of restaurants.
This series was created in collaboration with Michael Benson of Southern California Restaurant Design Group. When the fires devastated LAâs restaurant community, Michael saw an opportunity to bring together experts who could provide real strategies and solutions for operators facing the challenge of rebuilding. Each conversation in this series is designed to deliver practical insights, industry trends, and actionable steps to help restaurant owners in LAâand beyondâcome back stronger.
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
-
Most restaurateurs build concepts around a menu or a chef. Justin Cucci built Edible Beats around a philosophyâone thatâs challenged conventional wisdom and redefined what restaurant success looks like. From turning historic spaces into thriving concepts to pioneering an employee-owned business model, Justin has proven that restaurants can be both financially sustainable and deeply meaningful. In this episode, we dig into why he bet on an ESOP model, how he scaled without losing soul, and what the next decade of restaurant leadership should look like. If youâve ever wondered how to grow without compromising your values, this conversation is for you.
To learn more about Edible Beats and how theyâre reshaping restaurant culture, visit https://www.ediblebeats.com.
____________________________________________________________Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time.
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content:
Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts
Restaurant expert videos & webinars
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