Episodios
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In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with hospitality industry veteran Chris Tripoli. With decades of experience in restaurant ownership, consulting, and education, Chris shares invaluable insights into what makes restaurants successful in today's rapidly evolving landscape. From his early days learning the principles of hospitality to building and scaling restaurants, Chris has seen it all. He now dedicates his time to helping restaurant owners through consulting, online education, and his podcast, Corner Booth.
Chris and Troy discuss the timeless principles of restaurant success—people, product, and process—and how independent operators can overcome modern challenges such as labor shortages, rising costs, and adapting to shifting consumer expectations. Chris emphasizes the importance of building a strong team, implementing scalable systems, and embracing change to stay competitive. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, operator, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you thrive in the hospitality industry.
Topics Discussed in the Episode:The true meaning of hospitality and why guest experience matters more than ever
The three core principles of restaurant success: People, Product, and Process
Challenges facing modern restaurant owners and how to adapt to industry shifts
The importance of systems, training, and leadership in scaling a restaurant business
How American restaurant models and processes are being adopted worldwide
Connect with Chris Tripoli:
https://www.christripoli.com/ https://www.instagram.com/christripolifcsi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ctripoli https://www.therestaurantclinic.com/ https://www.restaurantowner.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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Welcome to this special episode of The Pineapple Perspective with your host, Troy Hooper. In today’s episode, we’re joined by two incredible guests — Ashley Carlson, Founder and CEO of Elevate Business Solutions, and Nichole Hughes, Lead Executive Assistant at Elevate. Together, they share how their innovative approach to fractional executive assistant services helps busy executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders streamline operations, regain work-life balance, and elevate their businesses to the next level.
As a client of Elevate, I’ve experienced firsthand how Ashley, Nichole, and their team don’t just “check boxes” — they become strategic partners in your business. They proactively identify areas for improvement, anticipate needs before they arise, and create scalable systems that save time and reduce stress. From managing email and calendars to coordinating vendor communications, booking personal travel, and even overseeing podcast production, Elevate offers a holistic support system that helps leaders focus on growth, not just daily tasks.
In this conversation, Ashley shares her journey from hospitality professional to entrepreneur, and why her passion for service and efficiency led to the creation of Elevate. Nichole highlights the unique collaborative structure that sets Elevate apart from basic VA services, allowing their clients to benefit from not just one assistant, but an entire team of experts. We also dive into how technology — from live document sharing to Slack collaboration and calendar automation — enhances the remote support process.
We cover how business owners know when it’s time to “graduate” from fractional support to full-time in-house assistance and how Elevate helps make that transition smooth. Plus, if you’ve ever wanted to launch your own podcast but felt overwhelmed by the logistics, you’ll love hearing how Elevate handles everything from scheduling to production and guest management — leaving you free to simply show up and have meaningful conversations.
Topics Discussed in the Episode:How Elevate Business Solutions provides strategic, fractional executive assistant services for busy entrepreneurs and executives
The importance of proactive support and identifying tasks before they become problems
Leveraging technology (Slack, Calendly, Google Drive) to streamline communication and operations
When and how to transition from fractional EA services to hiring a full-time, in-house assistant
Full-service podcast management as an extension of executive assistant services
Connect with Elevate, Ashley, and Nichole:
https://elevatevbsolutions.com/
https://www.instagram.com/elevatevbsolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevate-virtual-assistant-services
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymcarlson/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholedhughes/
https://elevatevbsolutions.com/get-it-done-service
https://elevatevbsolutions.com/contact
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 Hooper meets up with Chad Offerdahl, President and CEO of The Big Biscuit, a rapidly expanding breakfast and lunch franchise. Chad shares his journey as a second-generation restaurateur, detailing how he and his father transformed a small Kansas City breakfast spot into a multi-state franchise operation. They discuss the importance of hospitality, the challenges of franchising, and how The Big Biscuit has built a strong corporate foundation to support its franchisees. Troy and Chad also dive into industry trends, including technology in restaurants, real estate challenges, and the growing demand for breakfast-focused dining concepts.
Topics Discussed in the Episode:The growth story of The Big Biscuit from a local eatery to a multi-state franchise
The role of hospitality in restaurant success and customer loyalty
The challenges of franchising, from finding the right franchisees to streamlining operations
How technology and AI are shaping the future of restaurant efficiency
The appeal of breakfast and lunch franchises in today’s market
A second-generation restaurateur, Chad Offerdahl has been dedicated to The Big Biscuit since 2010. With a focus on the future of the brand, he brings the values of adaptability, inclusivity, and a tech-forward approach to the business.
Connect with Chad Offerdahl
https://bigbiscuit.com/
https://www.instagram.com/the.big.biscuit/
https://bigbiscuitfranchise.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-offerdahl
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebigbiscuit
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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To celebrate the opening of Pepper Lunch in the Irvine Spectrum this month, we’re replaying this episode with Paul Tran, Director of Franchising for Pepper Lunch Restaurants. Paul met up with Troy in episode 4 to talk about Pepper Lunch and hospitality.
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 sits down with Toby Malbec, a leading expert in restaurant technology and “operational technologist” for ConStrata Consulting. Together, they dive into the evolving landscape of hospitality, discussing how technology is reshaping the guest experience, improving efficiency, and driving business success. Toby shares his insights on the current and future state of restaurant tech, including AI, kiosks, digital menu boards, and the increasing need for integration across platforms. They also explore the challenges operators face, from labor and supply chain issues to the overwhelming number of SaaS solutions available.
Topics Discussed in the Episode:The evolving role of technology in hospitality and restaurant operations
How AI and automation are shaping efficiency and guest experience
The benefits and future of kiosks, digital menu boards, and self-service tech
The challenge of managing multiple SaaS products and the push for integration
How operators can use data-driven insights to improve labor, inventory, and marketing strategies
Connect with Toby Malbec:
http://www.constrata.io
https://www.linkedin.com/company/constrata-consulting/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-malbec-8989322
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, Troy chats with Ashwin Kamlani as he shares his journey from growing up in a hospitality-focused family to founding HighMargin, a company aimed at helping restaurants leverage data for actionable insights. He discusses the evolution of e-commerce in the hotel industry, the parallels with the restaurant sector, and the importance of understanding and utilizing data to enhance operations and customer experiences.
Highlighted Topics:
Foundations in Hospitality: Ashwin's early exposure to the hospitality industry through his family's ventures, including his grandfather's establishment of the first five-star hotel in India and his parents' restaurant endeavors.
E-commerce Evolution: His role in integrating e-commerce into the hotel industry, drawing parallels to the restaurant sector's current digital transformation.
Data Utilization in Restaurants: The challenges restaurants face with abundant data and the need for actionable insights to improve operations and customer satisfaction.
Founding HighMargin: Ashwin's motivation behind starting HighMargin to assist restaurants in consolidating data into impactful, actionable insights using AI technology.
Building in Public: The importance of transparency and community support in building a company, and Ashwin's approach to sharing his journey openly.
Connect with Ashwin Kamlani:
www.highmargin.ai
https://linkedin.com/in/ashwinkamlani
https://www.youtube.com/ashwinkamlani
https://www.tiktok.com/@highmargin
https://x.com/high_margin
https://www.instagram.com/ashwinkamlani/
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, host Troy Hooper sits down with Daniel Estrada, CEO and co-founder of 86 Repairs, to discuss the often-overlooked world of restaurant repairs and maintenance (R&M).
They explore why most restaurant operators approach equipment maintenance reactively rather than proactively—and how this mindset is costing them time and money. Daniel shares insights on how technology, combined with smart data and service support, can transform how restaurants manage repairs, reduce costs, and extend equipment life.
The conversation also highlights the importance of preventive maintenance, vendor relationships, and how optimizing R&M can significantly impact restaurant margins.
Topics Discussed in This Episode:
Why restaurant operators struggle with reactive maintenance and how to shift to a proactive mindset
How R&M costs have skyrocketed and what operators can do to control expenses
The role of data in making smarter repair and replacement decisions
Preventive maintenance strategies that extend equipment life and reduce emergency repairs
The importance of vendor selection and why the cheapest option isn’t always the best
Connect with Daniel Estrada:
www.86repairs.com
www.linkedin.com/company/86repairs
www.instagram.com/86repairs
www.youtube.com/@86Repairs
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. -
In today’s episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy meets with Heather Cox, a seasoned WordPress website designer, social media strategist, and content creator with over 15 years of experience in the digital space. Heather shares her insights on the evolving landscape of branding and marketing technology, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and omnichannel presence in today's competitive market.
Troy and Heather explore how businesses—especially in the hospitality industry—can leverage AI, storytelling in their marketing, and cohesive branding to build meaningful connections with their audience. Heather discusses the need for businesses to adapt to emerging platforms and technologies while maintaining a human touch in digital communication.
Topics Discussed in the Episode:
The role of authenticity and honesty in hospitality and business success.
Leveraging AI for business content creation and branding while maintaining a human touch.
The importance of omnichannel marketing and consistent branding across platforms.
Strategies for building and engaging a community effectively for online visibility.
Upcoming trends and tools in digital marketing for 2025.
Connect with Heather Cox:
heathercoxcodes
instagram.com/heathercoxcodes/
facebook.com/heathercoxcodes/
x.com/heathercoxcodes
tiktok.com/@heathercoxcodes
threads.com/heathercoxcodes
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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This week on The Pineapple Perspective, Troy interviews Zack Oates, the founder of Ovation and a hospitality visionary. Together, they discuss the art and science of creating unforgettable guest experiences.
Zack shares his insights on the essence of hospitality, which he defines as proving to guests that you genuinely care about their experience. Zack explains how Ovation’s guest experience platform leverages AI-driven feedback to help restaurants connect with their customers, resolve issues in real time, and foster long-term loyalty. From practical tips like empowering staff to deliver small, meaningful gestures to broader discussions on industry trends, Zack's advice is actionable and inspiring.
Troy and Zack dig into a discussion on the value of consistency in guest experiences, the importance of addressing operational gaps, and how even small acts of kindness can build strong relationships with customers.
Topics Discussed in the Episode:The true meaning of hospitality: proving that you care.
How Ovation transforms guest feedback into actionable insights.
The impact of consistency and predictability on customer retention.
Simple yet effective ways to elevate the guest experience, like small daily gestures.
Real-world examples of how data-driven tools boost restaurant revenue and reputation.
Connect with Zack Oates:
Ovation Up
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ovationup/
🍽️Zack Oates🍕 - Ovation | LinkedIn
Zack Oates (@zackoates) • Instagram photos and videos
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 is joined by Andy Freivogel, co-founder and CEO of Science On Call, to explore the intersection of technology and hospitality in the restaurant industry.
Andy shares his unique perspective on what hospitality truly means—leading with generosity and solving real-world problems. The conversation dives into the complexities of modern restaurant technology stacks, the evolution of tech adoption post-pandemic, and the role of AI in transforming operations.
From proactive automation to minimizing friction for frontline staff, Andy provides actionable insights for restaurant operators navigating the challenges of today’s fast-paced industry.
Topics Discussed in the Episode:
The philosophy of "hospitality as giving first" and its impact on leadership.
The role of Science On Call in streamlining restaurant operations and solving tech-related challenges.
Current challenges in the restaurant industry: staffing, supply chain, and tech integration.
The future of restaurant technology, including AI and automated insights.
Tips for operators: selecting, implementing, and optimizing tech solutions effectively.
Connect with Andy Freivogel:
Website: Science On Call
Andy Freivogel - Science On Call: Tech Support for Restaurants | LinkedIn
Science On Call (@scienceoncall) • Instagram photos and videos
Science On Call (@scienceoncall) • Threads, Say more
Facebook: Science On Call
http://x.com/scienceoncall
Science On Call | LinkedIn
https://www.youtube.com/@scienceoncall
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 dives into the dynamic intersection of hospitality and technology with Jeremy Julian, host of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast and a seasoned industry innovator. Together, they explore how cutting-edge tools, like AI-driven analytics and voice ordering, are transforming restaurant operations and enhancing guest experiences.
Jeremy shares real-world insights on leveraging technology for operational efficiency, such as integrating point-of-sale systems with platforms like OpenTable to create seamless, personalized customer interactions. From the potential of computer vision for inventory management to strategies for avoiding common pitfalls in tech implementation, Jeremy offers actionable advice for restaurant operators looking to stay competitive in a fast-evolving industry.
Topics Discussed in the Episode:
How AI and machine learning are redefining restaurant operations and guest engagement.
Strategies to avoid failure in restaurant technology implementations.
The importance of personalized customer experiences and integrated guest profiles.
Innovations in back-office operations, including AI-driven inventory management.
The future of voice ordering, computer vision, and same-day pay in the hospitality industry.
Connect with Jeremy Julian:
Jeremy Julian - Custom Business Solutions | LinkedIn
CBS NorthStar - Website
CBS NorthStar | LinkedIn
Custom Business Solutions - Facebook
CBS NorthStar (@cbsnorthstar) / X
CBS NorthStar Training - YouTube
Restaurant Technology Guys - Website
The Restaurant Technology Guys | LinkedIn
Restaurant Technology Guys - YouTube
The Restaurant Technology Guys - Facebook
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 Hooper welcomes Carl Orsbourn, a leading expert in the digital evolution of the food and beverage industry and co-author of two influential books: Delivering the Digital Restaurant and The Path to Digital Maturity. Carl shares insights into how restaurants, from small independents to global chains, can adopt technology and AI to streamline operations, improve customer experience, and optimize profitability.
The conversation covers the complexities of implementing a modern tech stack, the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency, and the importance of hospitality in creating meaningful customer connections. From Carl’s transformative experiences in the retail and restaurant industries to his thoughts on the future of AI-driven solutions, this episode is packed with actionable advice for restaurateurs aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.
Topics Discussed in the EpisodeThe importance of embracing hospitality across all business types.
How digital transformation reshapes restaurant operations and customer experience.
Navigating the challenges of technology adoption in restaurants of all sizes.
The future of AI and automation in enhancing labor efficiency and decision-making.
Insights into global hospitality and the evolving role of personalization in dining.
Connect with Carl Orsbourn:
Carl Orsbourn - Invisible | LinkedIn
www.thedigital.restaurant
Podcasts | Delivering Book
The Digital Restaurant | LinkedIn
The Digital Restaurant (@thedigital.restaurant) • Instagram photos and videos
The Digital Restaurant - YouTube
thedigital.restaurant - DeliveringTheBook
The Digital Restaurant (@LearnDelivery) / X
Delivering the Digital Restaurant
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 meets with Avi Goren, co-founder and CEO of Marqii (Mar-KEE), a digital operations platform revolutionizing the restaurant industry. Avi shares his journey from growing up in a family that cherished hospitality to launching a tech company designed to simplify the lives of restaurant operators.
With a background at Yelp and a passion for food and service, Avi has built Marqii into a tool that empowers restaurants of all sizes to streamline their operations, manage online reviews, and optimize their digital presence. Join us as we explore how Avi's personal experiences shaped his philosophy on hospitality, the evolution of Marqii, and practical strategies for enhancing guest feedback and local SEO in today’s competitive landscape.
Topics Discussed in the Episode:
Avi’s definition of hospitality and how personal experiences shaped his career in the restaurant industry.
The founding story of Marqii and its evolution from a specials-focused app to a comprehensive digital operations platform.
The importance of guest feedback and strategies for responding to reviews to improve customer loyalty and SEO.
How accurate and consistent data across digital platforms boosts local search engine visibility for restaurants.
Marqii's role in simplifying digital operations and providing hands-on support for restaurant operators.
Connect with Avi Goren:
Website: Marqii
Avi Goren - Marqii | LinkedIn
Marqii | LinkedIn
Marqii (@getmarqii) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Marqii
Marqii - YouTube
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 sits down with Chef Nikki Newman, a culinary veteran with a passion for regional sourcing, community impact, and creating unforgettable dining experiences. They discuss her career journey from casual restaurants to high-end resorts, her innovative approach to creating localized menus, and how embracing health-conscious practices like gluten-free options has reshaped guest experiences. Nikki shares her philosophy on hospitality, rooted in her childhood memories of family gatherings, and provides insights into navigating challenges in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, including the rise of ghost kitchens and virtual brands.
Topics Discussed in the Episode:
Nikki’s journey from casual dining to fine dining and resort kitchens.
The importance of creating regionally inspired, locally sourced menus in hotels and restaurants.
How incorporating health-conscious practices, like gluten-free cooking, benefits both guests and businesses.
The challenges and opportunities of integrating ghost kitchens and virtual brands into hotel F&B programs.
Strategies for balancing creativity with scalability in hospitality-driven culinary programs.
Connect with Nikki Newman:
www.chefnewman.com
Nikki Newman - Chief Culinary Officer - Board Member - nurish | LinkedIn
https://www.twitter.com/Newman7Nikki
@nikkinewman7 • Instagram photos and videos
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 week’s episode of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy welcomes franchise expert Mike LaRue, who shares his journey from direct marketing to becoming a sought-after leader in restaurant franchising. They discuss the essential components of building a sustainable franchise model, balancing growth with culture, and why understanding hospitality is crucial for long-term success.
Mike recounts his early career in franchise sales, his pivotal inspiration from Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why,” and how he applied those lessons to help brands like Halal Guys and Angry Chickz thrive. Mike also talks about a few key challenges in franchising today, the importance of franchisee culture, and avoiding common pitfalls when expanding a brand.
Mike provides insights on what makes a successful franchisor and franchisee partnership, emphasizing the need for strong operator experience, a people-first culture, and strategic growth. The discussion rounds off with a spotlight on Angry Chickz, a Nashville hot chicken concept where Mike currently serves as Vice President of Franchise Development, and their impressive growth fueled by 25 corporate stores.
Topics Discussed in the Episode:
The importance of hospitality in building memorable brands
Key lessons from Mike LaRue’s career in franchise development
Challenges and opportunities in scaling restaurant franchises
Angry Chickz’s journey: from humble beginnings to a national brand
What makes a successful franchisor-franchisee relationship
Connect with Mike LaRue:
Mike LaRue - Angry Chickz | LinkedIn
www.angrychickzfranchise.com
Angry Chickz - Feed Your Hangry (@theangrychickz) • Instagram photos and videos
The Angry Chickz - Facebook
Angry Chickz Official 🐥 (@theangrychickz_) | 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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In Episode 27 of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper welcomes Sebastian Stahl, founder of Breadth Marketing, for a discussion on redefining restaurant branding and marketing. Sebastian delves into the critical role hospitality plays in creating human connections, how a strategic brand vision helps businesses thrive, and the common challenges restaurants face when aligning brand identity with evolving customer expectations. He highlights actionable insights and data-driven strategies restaurant owners can implement to strengthen their customer base, adapt to market trends, and build lasting brand value.
Together, Troy and Sebastian share industry-tested methods on leveraging restaurant events, maximizing private dining opportunities, and balancing customer preferences with operational efficiency.
Topics Discussed in This Episode:
The role of hospitality in cultivating lasting customer relationships
Strategies for aligning restaurant branding with target demographics
Practical approaches to maximizing revenue through private events and catering
Understanding the importance of adaptable, long-term brand strategies
Insights on balancing operational efficiency with consistent brand messaging
Connect with Sebastian:
Website: www.breadthmarketing.com
Instagram: Breadth Restaurant Marketing 🍴 (@breadthrestaurantmarketing) • Instagram photos and videos
LinkedIn: Sebastian Stahl - Breadth | LinkedIn
Facebook: Breadth Marketing
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@breadth2836
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, host Troy Hooper dives into the innovative intersection of hospitality, gaming, and technology with industry leader Shelly Rupel, co-founder and CEO of Devour. Together, they explore how the worlds of hospitality and gaming are merging in creative ways, providing new opportunities for restaurants to connect with Gen Z and digitally savvy consumers in immersive, virtual environments.
Shelly shares insights into Devour’s role as a pioneer in bridging restaurants with digital platforms and how these collaborations can engage younger audiences authentically, delivering personalized loyalty rewards and dynamic experiences directly within gaming platforms. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of digital loyalty and what this means for the hospitality industry as brands explore fresh ways to reach audiences in the spaces where they naturally interact and play.
Topics Discussed in the Episode:
How Devour brings restaurants into virtual spaces and rewards gaming achievements
The importance of authenticity for brands aiming to reach Gen Z and digital audiences
Innovative loyalty programs and gaming rewards in the restaurant industry
Ways restaurants can leverage Web 3.0 technology for brand engagement
The future of hospitality as a digitally connected, personalized experience
Connect with Shelly:
Website: Devour.io
Company LinkedIn: Devour | LinkedIn
Instagram: DevourGO (@go_devour) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Devour
Twitter/X: Devour (@GoDevour) / X
Order: DevourGO
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 Episode 25 of The Pineapple Perspective, Troy Hooper dives deep into a compelling conversation with Geoff Alexander, a trailblazer in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Known for his leadership at Wow Bao, Geoff shares his journey from growing up in New York to running a renowned brand that has revolutionized quick-service dining with innovative strategies like self-ordering kiosks, mobile apps, and even virtual kitchens. He reveals the key lessons he's learned along the way, from being scrappy and thinking outside the box to growing a business without relying on huge capital investments. Geoff also shares stories about his passion for hospitality, from personal anecdotes that shaped his philosophy to the modern challenges of maintaining value and delivering exceptional service.
This episode is packed with insights on how to stay ahead of the curve in the restaurant industry, build a resilient brand, and leverage technology while never losing sight of the core values of hospitality. Geoff also discusses the rapid growth of Wow Bao's consumer packaged goods, now available in over 10,000 grocery stores, and teases what’s next for the brand, including ventures into food service markets like military bases and cruise lines. If you're in the restaurant business or simply love hearing about innovation in hospitality, this episode is a must-listen!
Topics Discussed in the Episode:
The meaning of hospitality and how to create memorable experiences
The evolution and growth of Wow Bao from a small restaurant to a national brand
Leveraging technology in the restaurant industry, from kiosks to virtual kitchens
The expansion of Wow Bao into consumer packaged goods and grocery stores
The importance of delivering value in the hospitality industry amidst rising costs
Connect with Geoff:
Geoff Alexander - Wow Bao | LinkedIn
Wow Bao
Wow Bao (@wowbao) • Instagram photos and videos
Wow Bao-Facebook
Wow Bao (@WowBao) / X
Wow Bao (@wowbao) | TikTok
Wow Bao - YouTube
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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This week’s hospitality guest is Scot Turner, a hospitality expert, and founder of Auden Hospitality. Listen in as Scot discusses with Troy the challenges and opportunities in the hotel Food & Beverage industry, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, local community focus, and embracing digitization.
- The significance of crafting a compelling story for Food & Beverage outlets to ensure consistency in the messaging and experience.
- The need for hotels to benchmark themselves against local independent restaurants rather than just other hotels to foster a stronger connection with the community.
- The importance of leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations.
- Recommendation to hotels to focus on reducing friction for guests through digital ordering and automating tasks.
- Data-driven decision-making: Utilize data to make informed decisions and optimize F&B operations.
Connect with Scot:
LinkedIn - Scot
LinkedIn - Auden Hospitality
YouTube
Auden Hospitality Website
Instagram
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 a chicken brand that goes above and beyond organic certifications? Tune in to learn about Greener Pastures Chicken's USDA certified organic, non-GMO, and regenerative organic certifications, and how they're delivering a superior product.
In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Cameron Molberg and Diego Diverde, the founders of Greener Pastures Chicken. They discuss the mission and values behind their poultry farm, highlighting the importance of hospitality in their business model. The conversation delves into the certifications and badges that Greener Pastures Chicken holds, such as USDA certified organic, non-GMO project verified, certified humane, and more. They clarify the difference between free-range and pasture-raised chicken, emphasizing the superior quality and nutritional profile of their product. The discussion also touches on the expansion of Greener Pastures Chicken into the restaurant industry, with the creation of their own restaurant brand and that NFL players Drew Brees and Patrick Mahomes have now joined as partners in the business.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- The mission and values of Greener Pastures Chicken
- The importance of hospitality in the business model
- The certifications and badges held by Greener Pastures Chicken
- The difference between free-range and pasture-raised chicken
- The expansion of Greener Pastures Chicken into the restaurant industry and the involvement of NFL players Drew Brees and Patrick Mahomes.
Connect with Cameron:
http://greenerpastureschicken.com
Connect with Diego:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-diverde-9b3aa259/
http://greenerpastureschicken.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-molberg-10850646/
https://www.facebook.com/GreenerPasturesChicken/
https://www.instagram.com/greenerpastureschicken/
https://www.wing-riot.com/
http://instagram.com/wingriotvon
http://facebook.com/wingriotvon
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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