Episodi
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Looking for ways to build a strong and caring team in the fast food industry? Learn from Monica Rothgery's experiences as she shares her journey from being a Taco Bell manager to becoming a COO, and discover the importance of showing genuine care and appreciation for your team members.
In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper interviews Monica Rothgery, a former Taco Bell manager turned COO of KFC in America. Monica shares her journey in the hospitality industry and highlights the importance of caring for team members to create a positive customer experience. She also discusses her book, Lessons from the Drive Thru, which offers valuable insights and lessons for frontline leaders in the industry.
Topics Discussed:
- The significance of hospitality in making people feel special and appreciated.
- Monica's experience as a Taco Bell manager and the challenges she faced in leading a team.
- The importance of investing in team members and building genuine relationships with them.
- The impact of team members' experience on the customer experience.
- Monica's career progression from a single store manager to the COO of KFC in America.
- Monica's book, Lessons from the Drive Thru, as a resource for frontline leaders.
Connect with Monica at the following links:
Monica Rothgery
LinkedIn
Check out her book on Amazon!
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
If you're interested in being a guest on the show, please send an email to: [email protected]
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Interested in how AI and technology are revolutionizing the QSR space? Discover how Jim Balis and his team are implementing innovative solutions to enhance labor efficiency and improve the guest experience.
Summary: Jim Balis, partner of Strategic Operations Group at Capitol Spring, discusses the importance of hospitality in the restaurant industry and shares insights on implementing technology to improve labor efficiency and enhance the guest experience.
In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper interviews Jim Balis, partner of Strategic Operations Group at Capitol Spring. They delve into how hospitality can be delivered effectively in the fast-casual and QSR space. Jim shares thoughts and insights on the future of loyalty programs, automation, and customization in the industry.
Here are a few key topics discussed:
- Importance of hospitality in different segments of the restaurant industry
- Implementing technology to improve labor efficiency
- Enhancing the guest experience through automation and customization
- The future of loyalty programs in the industry
Connect with Jim at the following links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34
www.capitalspring.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/capitalspring
www.sizzlingplatter.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sizzling-platter-llc/
https://www.instagram.com/sizzlingplatterllc/
https://www.ilovelulus.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lulusfinepizza
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090559873514
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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Episodi mancanti?
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Want to learn the secrets to exceeding guest expectations and how it can elevate your business and brand? Join Troy Hooper as he dives into the strategies behind the power of customer retention, maximizing revenue and minimizing expenses with restaurant expert Chip Klose.
In this conversation, Chip Klose discusses with Troy the key topics that are top of mind for restaurant operators today. He emphasizes the need to shift the focus from customer acquisition to customer retention in marketing strategies. Chip highlights the importance of profitability and the misconception that more revenue and less expenses automatically lead to profit. He suggests a more targeted approach, setting revenue goals and managing expenses to ensure consistent profitability. Additionally, Chip emphasizes that the restaurant industry should be recognized as a luxury and indulgence, providing an extraordinary experience that is worth the price.
Here are a few key topics discussed:
- Importance of customer retention in marketing
- Misconception about profitability in the restaurant industry
- Targeted revenue goals and expense management for consistent profitability
- Recognizing the restaurant industry as a luxury and indulgence
Connect with Chip on Instagram and his podcast.
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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Looking for expert advice on performance measurement and how to create a performance-driven culture in your restaurant?
In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper interviews Derek Smith, CEO of Canopy Metrics, a data analysis company specializing in data collection and visualization for restaurants.
Derek shares his perspective on hospitality, emphasizing the importance of a guest-centric approach. He also talks about his background in customer service and analytics, which led him to start Canopy Metrics. Derek explains how his company helps restaurants use their data effectively to increase profitability. He discusses the power of visualizing data and creating customized dashboards for clients. Derek shares a case study where he helped a restaurant improve their food cost variance by gaining the trust of the operators through accurate data visualization. The episode concludes with a discussion on the challenges and opportunities in the restaurant industry and Derek's recommendations for visitors to Vancouver, including trying poutine in Montreal and hiking the Grouse Grind for a breathtaking view of the city.
Topics Discussed:
1. The importance of hospitality in the restaurant industry
2. Derek's background in customer service and analytics
3. How Canopy Metrics helps restaurants use data effectively
4. The power of data visualization and customized dashboards
5. A case study on improving food cost variance through accurate data visualization
Connect with Derek on LinkedIn and the Canopy Metrics website.
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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Want to hear real-life success stories of brands using Adentro's platform to drive customer engagement and increase sales? Tune in to this episode as Michael Potter shares case studies and examples of how businesses have leveraged Wi-Fi gating and personalized messaging to connect with their customers on a deeper level. Don't miss out on these valuable insights!
In this episode of the Pineapple Perspective, Troy interviews Michael Potter, the VP of Strategic Accounts for Adentro. They discuss the importance of hospitality and how it can be integrated into digital marketing strategies.
Here are the key topics discussed:
- Hospitality as a key factor in business success
- Integrating hospitality into the company's mindset and operations
- Going beyond demographic information to understand the customer deeply
- The role of digital marketing in driving customer engagement
- Utilizing Wi-Fi tracking to collect customer data and personalized marketing campaigns
- Using data to increase customer visits and visit frequency
Connect with Mike at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbpnetworks/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/adentromarketing/
https://adentro.com/
https://www.instagram.com/adentromarketing/
https://twitter.com/AdentroMktg
https://www.facebook.com/AdentroMarketing/
https://x.com/mpotter415
https://www.eatthistech.com/
https://www.instagram.com/digestibletech/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Digestible-Technology/100095172094018/
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
Episode author:
Troy Hooper, Mike Potter
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Are you a chef looking for new avenues to create a life beyond the kitchen? Discover how Chef Christian Fisher is helping chefs find independence and success through his disruptive chef entrepreneur show and book writing system.
In this episode, Troy talks with Chef Christian Fischer who shares his journey in the hospitality industry and his commitment to helping chefs transition into successful entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of hospitality as creating a welcoming environment where people feel valued and cared for, and how food can bring people together and create lasting memories. Chef Fischer introduces his book writing program, which aims to guide chefs in writing, publishing, and selling their own books in a short period of time. He highlights the transformative power of writing a book, such as establishing oneself as an expert, elevating one's career prospects, and gaining self-discovery. Additionally, Chef Fischer discusses his other business support services, including operational tools, plant-based products, and investment opportunities for innovative ideas.
Connect with Christian on his website and LinkedIn.
You can follow him on Facebook and TikTok and listen to his podcast.
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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Looking for inspiration to take your marketing efforts to the next level? Don't miss this episode of the Pineapple Perspective podcast, where Troy Hooper and Justin Ulrich share their experiences and insights on the importance of giving, local marketing, and leveraging data to drive growth.
In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper interviews Justin Ulrich, the marketing lead at Evocalize. They discuss the concept of hospitality and the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. Justin emphasizes the value of giving without expecting anything in return and how it can enrich both the giver and the receiver. They also delve into the trends in local digital marketing, highlighting the significance of hyperlocal and hyper-contextual targeting. Justin shares insights on leveraging data to segment audiences and tailor marketing messages to specific demographics.
Highlighted topics are:
- Discussion on the concept of hospitality and the importance of giving and treating others with respect and kindness
- Trends in local digital marketing, focusing on hyperlocal and hyper-contextual targeting
- Leveraging data to segment audiences and personalize marketing messages
Connect with Justin on LinkedIn.
Learn more about Evocalize at:
Website
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
X
YouTube
TikTok
And their podcast: Local Marketing Lab
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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Are you struggling to find quality candidates in the current labor market? Curious about the latest trends in the hiring process? Discover how Landed, a unique SaaS platform, is revolutionizing the hiring process for restaurant brands.
In this episode of the Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper interviews Rouhaan Shahpurwala, CEO of Landed, a SaaS product and service partner business. They discuss the importance of hospitality in all aspects of business and how Landed integrates it into their operations.
Here are a few topics discussed in the episode:
- The importance of hospitality in every business and how it extends to employees, customers, and stakeholders.
- Rouhaan's belief in hospitality, influenced by his upbringing and early work experiences.
- The challenges faced by brands in hiring and retaining quality hourly workers, with a focus on ghosting and finding candidates who show up for interviews.
- The importance of employee happiness and culture in attracting and retaining talent, including the use of employee referrals.
- The role of technology, such as Landed's generative AI, in streamlining the hiring process and creating a personalized candidate experience.
Landed is a unique hiring platform that combines high-touch, personalized engagement with social media and AI technology to help restaurant brands find and hire hourly talent. By leveraging the power of social media, Landed reaches millennial and Gen Z candidates who may not be actively searching on traditional job boards. Through AI-powered conversations, Landed engages with candidates, vets them based on brand-specific criteria, and books them for interviews, ultimately improving retention rates and streamlining the hiring process for restaurant brands.
Connect with Rouhaan on LinkedIn.
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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Curious to hear the insights and experiences of the head of development at Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken and how integrating hospitality into your mindset and operational framework can elevate your business and brand?
In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy interviews Sam Stanovich, the head of development at Big Chicken, a concept founded by Shaquille O'Neal. They discuss various topics related to the hospitality industry and the growth of the Big Chicken brand.
Sam shares more on these topics:
- His personal journey from a Greek household upbringing to working in Marriott and becoming a franchisee.
- His definition of hospitality being the privilege to serve others and care about the community.
- Highlights on the significance of having a personal board of directors for guidance and support in his career.
- He discusses the growth plans for Big Chicken, including expanding domestically and internationally.
- The brand benefits from the reputation and network of its founder, Shaquille O'Neal.
You can connect with Sam on LinkedIn and Instagram.
To learn more about Big Chicken, connect with them on LinkedIn, check out their website, and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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Looking for inspiration to transform your family-owned business into a thriving brand?
Don't miss this episode of The Pineapple Perspective featuring CEO Michael Ungaro of San Pedro Fish Company. From humble beginnings to becoming a top ten Instagram restaurant, CEO Michael Ungaro takes us on a journey of resilience, innovation, and the power of storytelling. Discover the secrets behind his success, how he’s created a culture of hospitality that has captivated customers and led to incredible growth and learn how you can apply these strategies to your own business.
Get ready to be motivated and discover the keys to building a successful multi-generational business.
Listen in as Troy and Michael highlight these topics:
- The challenges and successes of running a multi-generational family-owned restaurant.
- The importance of hospitality, community, and adaptability in restaurant business operations.
- Treating employees and customers like family is a core value of San Pedro Fish Company.
- The challenges of transitioning to the fourth generation and ensuring the business's continued success.
- The evolution of their service model from fast-casual to an experiential dining experience.
- The significance of creating a sense of connection and value for employees and customers.
- The impact of social media and storytelling in promoting their brand.
- Future plans for expansion and innovation.
You can learn more about San Pedro Fish Company on their website.
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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Curious about the challenges and rewards of leaving a corporate career for the restaurant industry and becoming a multi-unit franchisee?
In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper interviews Lauren Fernandez, CEO of Full Course, a company that invests in and supports early-stage food and restaurant brands. Here are the key points discussed in the interview:
- Lauren shares her deep connection to the hospitality industry.
- She discusses how her upbringing and cultural background have shaped her to make a positive impact.
- Lauren’s journey from lawyer to multi-unit franchisee and starting Full Course.
- Challenges faced by the industry, like lack of available debt and scarcity of affordable real estate.
- Creative solutions to challenges including private credit and crowdsourcing.
You can learn more about Lauren Fernandez on LinkedIn.
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
Episode author:
Troy Hooper, Lauren Fernandez
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Curious about the challenges of franchising and the communication expectations across multiple generations, from baby boomers to Gen Z, that create a unified and hospitable environment?
In this conversation, Troy discusses with Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken, the need for businesses to adapt to the evolving hospitality expectations of different generations, such as Gen Z's desire for collaboration and customization.
Other topics covered in this episode include:
- Hospitality is crucial in the restaurant industry and applies to all levels of business.
- Franchising presents both challenges and opportunities.
- Finding franchisees who align with company values is important.
- Effective communication and collaboration are key in the franchising relationship.
- Listening to stakeholders is vital for long-term sustainability.
You can learn more about Josh Halpern on LinkedIn and follow him on Instagram and Big Chicken on their website.
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. -
How can packaging enhance the customer experience and drive growth in the fast-casual industry?
In today’s episode, Troy meets with Zachary Stein, the Co Founder and CEO of SupplyCaddy, a leading global manufacturer of custom packaging and disposables for the food service industry with clients such as Burger King Popeyes, Dave's Hot Chicken, Huey Magoo's, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, Levain Bakery and more.
Zach and Troy cover topics like:
The importance of the customer experience in at home dining
The need for customized packaging solutions that cater to the specific needs of each brand and their food offerings
The role of technology in forecasting and managing supply chain logistics for packaging materials
The impact of off-premise dining on the packaging requirements for QSR and fast casual brands
The significance of sustainability and regenerative practices in packaging design and materials
You can learn more about Zachary Stein and SupplyCaddy on his website.
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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How can data and statistics help your business elevate hospitality?
Lucas Judice, founder of Freatz, a comprehensive Customer Experience Monitoring Tool for restaurants, discusses how businesses should prioritize hospitality by providing a wow factor to customers.
In this episode, Troy and Lucas cover topics like:
Hospitality is essential in every business, including restaurants.
Using data to understand customers’ needs is vital for success.
Freatz helps restaurants gather data from customers and provides actionable recommendations.
Implementing Freatz’s recommendations can increase revenue and improve customer satisfaction.
You can learn more about Lucas Judice and Freatz on his website, or connect with him on LinkedIn.
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
Episode author:
Troy Hooper, Lucas Judice
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How can the principles of hospitality elevate your business and brand?
Anthony Zaller, a hospitality lawyer, discusses the importance of hospitality in business and shares insights on how to provide value to clients and customers.
In this episode, Troy and Anthony cover topics like:
Providing value is the key to success in any industry
The importance of empathy in understanding client/customer needs
How to approach law with a hospitality mindset
Staying updated on legal changes to protect your business interests
You can learn more about Anthony Zaller on his website, his blog or connect with him on LinkedIn.
For more information on Prosper Forum visit the website and LinkedIn.
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions. -
Can the right company culture be the key to limitless brand growth?
Paul Tran, Director of Franchising for Pepper Lunch Restaurants and franchising fanatic answers this question and more in this episode of The Pineapple Perspective.
In this episode, Troy and Paul cover topics like:
Paul’s unique definition of hospitality
How a single act of hospitality can transform a business’s reputation
The importance of customer delight and quality in franchise success
And finally, why investing in people has the highest ROI
You can learn more about Paul Tran on his website or connect with him on X and LinkedIn.
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy interviews Charlie Eblen of Single Tree Wood Fire Barbecue on his passion for building community through undeniable hospitality and the perfect plate of barbecue. Together they talk about the importance of genuine relationships and going above and beyond to create memorable experiences for guests.
In this episode, we answer questions like:
How do I create memorable experiences for my guests?
How can I measure the ROI of community involvement?
How can businesses train their employees to prioritize hospitality?
What are some strategies for businesses to engage with and support their local schools and organizations?
Charlie Eblen is the owner of restaurant and catering business, Single Tree Wood Barbeque. His belief in undeniable hospitality has him on a mission to make Single Tree Wood BBQ the Nike of BBQ. You can learn more about him and his business at https://www.singletreebbq.com/
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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In the latest episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy sits down with Jason Berkowitz, Founder and CEO of ARROW UP. Together they talk about how to leverage technology to increase ROI, stabilize employee churn, and maintain compliance with federal and state regulations.
In this episode, we answer questions like:
How can hospitality be translated into a tech company?
What is the ROI of investing in hospitality training and compliance?
How can technology simplify risk management and compliance in the hospitality industry?
Why is community important in the restaurant industry?
How can operators navigate challenges such as labor shortages and rising costs in the restaurant industry?
Jason Berkowitz is the CEO and Founder of ARROW UP - an online platform with built-in content and a suite of smart tools that help restaurants develop leaders, satisfy compliance and lower operating costs. You can learn more about him and ARROW UP training here: https://arrowuptraining.com/
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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Wondering how to stand out in the crowded restaurant space? Wishing you knew what to say on social media to bring people into your restaurant? In the first episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy sits down with Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media to talk about how to translate your hospitality business into inspirational and tactical marketing methods.
In this episode, we answer questions like:
What is digital hospitality?
How can my business’ story make an impact with the community?
What should I do to elevate my customer’s experience?
How do I create dedicated fans to my restaurant?
Shawn Walchef is a Restaurateur, Storyteller, Producer, Husband and Father. You can learn more about him and his businesses at https://betheshow.media/
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
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Join Troy Hooper, CEO of Hot Palette America, as he explores what hospitality means in every business with industry leaders. Troy and his guests will tackle how they came to deploy hospitality in their businesses, how it impacts their results, and how they came to understand, adopt, and deploy this mindset and framework. Leveraging Troy’s experience, insight, and straight talk - listeners will walk away with a plan of action that’s right for them.
If you feel you have deployed a unique hospitality tactic to your business, reach out to be a guest.
This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!
Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.
