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You could argue that there's no one more experienced in leading fast-casual restaurants than today's guest, Beto Guajardo. Beto is the President & CEO of Blaze Pizza and has held leadership roles at Starbucks, Levi Strauss, and Schlotzsky’s. We were excited to tap into his extensive insights on this episode!
In this episode, Zack and Beto discuss:
Why humility is key to delivering exceptional hospitality from the top downHow Blaze Pizza is innovating with guest customization, both in-store and at homeThe critical role of speed and personalization in fast-casual diningThe power of online reviews and how they influence business successBlaze Pizza's global expansion and maintaining consistent guest experiences across locationsWe hope you enjoy this episode filled with valuable insights on leadership and hospitality in the fast-casual industry.
Thanks, Beto!
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You could argue that there's no one on the planet who has thought about hospitality more than today's guest, Will Guidara. Will is a restaurant icon, former leader of Eleven Madison Park, and NYT Bestselling Author of "Unreasonable Hospitality" (mandatory reading at Ovation). We were lucky to tap into his insights on this episode!
How the principles of hospitality transcend the restaurant industry and can make any professional or personal interaction more meaningfulHow to use criticism in a way that fosters hospitality in your organizationThe difference between service and hospitalityHow to inspire your employees to be hospitableThe rule of 95/5 and the importance of always playing offenseMore
In this episode, Zack and Will discuss:We hope you enjoy this episode with one of the industry's most impactful and uplifting thought leaders.
Thanks, Will! -
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Want to unlock the secrets behind a seamless restaurant grand opening? Richmond Green, VP of Operations at gusto!, joins us to share his invaluable insights from his extensive experience, including his tenure at Chick-fil-A. Discover why he compares grand openings to major sporting events and how adaptability and thorough preparation are your best allies. Richmond recounts the high-stakes opening of a New York location, revealing how bringing in skilled leaders from other locations turned potential chaos into a smooth success. This episode is packed with practical tips on fostering a supportive team and maintaining the right mindset to navigate unexpected challenges.
Thanks, Richmond! -
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In today’s competitive restaurant landscape, having the right tools can make or break your guest experience. On this episode of Give an Ovation, Zack Oates talks to Kelly Esten, CMO of Toast, about the journey behind one of the industry’s leading POS systems and how it helps restaurateurs succeed by focusing on what truly matters: the guest experience. From automating marketing to building rugged hardware designed for the demanding restaurant environment, Kelly shares the strategies that Toast uses to help restaurants.
Zack and Kelly explore how automating marketing and using AI tools can help busy restaurateurs enhance their operations while staying focused on what they do best - serving their guests. -
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Ever wondered what it takes to run iconic restaurants in some of the most bustling locations in the world? Join us as we sit down with Chef Glenn Rolnick, the mastermind behind the culinary operations of Carmine's and Virgil's. With over two decades of experience, Chef Glenn shares the captivating journey of Carmine's—from its humble beginnings on the Upper West Side in 1990 to becoming a culinary staple in Times Square, Atlantic City, and the Bahamas. Discover the magic of Carmine's unique family-style dining, inspired by traditional Italian dinners, and learn how Virgil's established itself as a pioneering barbecue spot in the heart of New York City.
But that's not all—Chef Glenn opens up about the meticulous strategies he and his team use to ensure every guest leaves with a memorable experience. From 'table touches' to actively listening to guest feedback, we uncover the secrets to maintaining high-quality food and service across multiple locations. Find out why hiring and training staff who genuinely care about customer satisfaction is crucial, and how sincere interactions keep guests eager to return. This episode is packed with insights that promise to inspire anyone interested in the art of exceptional dining and hospitality. -
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In the world of hospitality, few voices are as respected and influential as Peter Romeo's. With nearly 40 years of experience covering the restaurant industry, Peter has seen the rise and fall of countless concepts and the evolution of guest expectations. In this episode of "Give an Ovation," host Zack Oates dives deep with Peter to explore the key traits of successful restaurateurs, the importance of truly listening to guests and employees, and the ever-changing landscape of the guest experience.
Thanks, Peter! -
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In today’s episode of Give an Ovation, we have the pleasure of chatting with Melissa Cummings, VP of Digital Marketing at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including a significant role at Domino's managing one of the largest loyalty programs, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion that goes beyond the job—it's her obsession. She shares how Tropical Smoothie Cafe strives to offer guests a "five-minute vacation" through every visit, and how digital marketing and guest experience go hand in hand to build lasting brand love.
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In this episode of Give an Ovation: The Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast, host Zack Oates sits down with Jason Morgan, CEO of Original ChopShop, a rapidly expanding fast-casual restaurant known for its "better-for-you" menu. Jason shares insights on how his team, with experience from Zoe’s Kitchen, scaled Original Chop Shop from three to nearly 30 units. Key strategies include prioritizing technology by hiring an in-house IT expert early on, fostering a culture of continuous learning and career growth for employees, and maintaining a strong focus on guest experience.
Thanks, Jason! -
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Creating an exceptional guest experience goes beyond just serving great food—it’s about making every interaction meaningful. On this episode of "Give an Ovation," Zack Oates chats with James Vitrano, co-owner of Sucre, who shares his journey from being a lawyer to becoming a leading restaurateur. James opens up about his unique approach to guest service, focusing on kindness, understanding, and connection as the core of his business philosophy. With a background that includes leadership roles at well-known brands like Fat Tuesday, James brings a wealth of experience and a refreshing perspective on how to truly delight guests.
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In this episode of Give an Ovation, host Zack Oates sits down with Dawn Lafreeda, one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs and restaurant leaders in the industry. From starting as a server at Denny’s at 16 years old to becoming the largest female franchisee in the full-service restaurant industry, Dawn shares her incredible journey and the drive that fueled her success. She also discusses her passion for supporting women entrepreneurs through her documentary, Show Her the Money, which highlights the challenges women face in securing venture capital funding. Dawn opens up about her commitment to empowering her employees, promoting a positive workplace culture, and giving back to communities through initiatives like the Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner.
Tune in to hear Dawn’s insights on leadership, resilience, and making a difference both in business and beyond. -
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Flame Broiler isn’t just a restaurant; it's a thriving brand with deep roots in Korean cuisine and a strong commitment to guest experience. In this episode of Give an Ovation, we sit down with Christian Lee, the second-generation leader of Flame Broiler, to explore how his family's values and focus on fundamentals have shaped the brand's success. From Fullerton, California, to their expansion across multiple states, Christian shares how they’ve maintained consistency, honored their franchisees, and kept guests coming back for more.
Thanks, Christian! -
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Curious about the secret sauce behind scaling a successful restaurant brand? Get ready to learn from Brandy Blackwell, VP Head of Marketing for Another Broken Egg Cafe, as she shares her journey from key roles at Tijuana Flats, McAlister's Deli, Dunkin', and Jimmy John's. Discover the essential elements of real estate, location, and adaptability that have propelled Another Broken Egg Cafe to over 100 units across 16 states. Brandy breaks down the importance of digital presence and community connection, offering invaluable insights into what makes full-service dining distinctive from QSR and fast-casual experiences.
Unlock the power of actionable insights with Brandy's expertise on using feedback tools to elevate guest experiences. Learn why proactive measures are crucial and how fostering a supportive environment for franchisees can streamline improvements. Brandy also shares her admiration for industry leaders like Karen Stuck and Don Fox, and discusses Another Broken Egg Cafe's growing influence on social media platforms, including TikTok. This episode is packed with inspiration and expert advice on creating a five-star guest experience that keeps customers coming back. -
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In this episode of Give an Ovation, host Zack Oates talks to Scott Henderson, CEO and co-founder of Salad Station. Scott shares how his agricultural roots in South Louisiana inspired him to create a fast, healthy restaurant concept that has grown to over 36 locations.
He discusses the importance of maintaining freshness, cleanliness, and hospitality in the guest experience while also highlighting his entrepreneurial journey from a young produce supplier to a successful restaurateur. Scott’s focus on guest interaction and delivering a “wow” experience has driven the brand’s success, even in challenging times. Tune in to learn how a focus on guest-first mentality and community-driven innovation led Salad Station to thrive. -
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Unlock the secrets to rekindling lost customer relationships with expert insights from Dan Pfister, Founder of WinBack Labs. Discover proven strategies for understanding why customers leave and how to effectively bring them back. Dan highlights the importance of strategic outreach and ensuring customers feel heard and valued. Learn how the peak-end rule can transform dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates through memorable final interactions.
Hear real-world examples from Marriott Hotels and Tylenol, demonstrating the powerful impact of effective problem resolution. Plus, get practical tips for responding to online reviews and uncovering the root causes of customer dissatisfaction to enhance your recovery strategies.
Thanks Dan! -
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Can a great customer experience truly begin with how you treat your employees? In this fascinating episode of Give an Ovation, we host Jill Raff, the dynamic Founder and CEO of the Jill Raff Group, who makes a compelling case for her EX2CX® approach, for which she is an advisor. Drawing from her extensive background and personal history in the industry, Jill shows us why investing in your employees is the secret sauce to exceptional customer service. She uncovers the pitfalls of "warm body hiring" and task training while advocating for a deeper education on company values, vision, and mission.
Thanks, Jill! -
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What does it take to turn failure into a stepping stone for success? Perry Rogers, the legendary sports marketing executive and agent behind iconic athletes like Shaquille O'Neal and his restaurant Big Chicken, shares his incredible career journey on today's episode. Listen as Perry recounts a pivotal moment with a challenging business deal and the invaluable advice his father imparted about embracing failure. Through his personal anecdotes, Perry emphasizes the importance of humility, resilience, and the lessons learned from setbacks. This is an inspiring conversation packed with practical insights for navigating life's inevitable challenges.
Thanks, Perry! -
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In this episode of Give an Ovation, Zack Oates interviews Chris Treloar, CEO of PLNT Burger, to uncover his secrets to creating a standout guest experience in the restaurant industry. From his roots at Friendly's to leading a successful plant-based burger brand, Chris shares his insights on keeping operations simple, building strong relationships, fostering a positive work environment, and responding effectively to guest feedback. Tune in to learn how these strategies can transform your restaurant operations and guest satisfaction.
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Join us for another episode of Give an Ovation, the Restaurant Guest Experience Podcast, as we dive into the fascinating journey of Michael Ungaro, CEO of San Pedro Fish Market. From setting Guinness World Records to becoming one of the most Instagrammed restaurants in the U.S., Michael shares his visionary approach to seafood, hospitality, and overcoming adversity. Learn how this family business evolved into a culinary icon through innovation, customer-centricity, and storytelling. Discover the secrets behind their award-winning web series, Kings of Fish, and get inspired by Michael's relentless pursuit of excellence.
Thanks, Michael! -
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Ever wondered what goes into creating a dining experience so memorable that guests can't stop talking about it? Join us as we sit down with Jason Ganahl, the genius behind GQue Championship Barbecue, Denver’s first and only championship barbecue restaurant. Jason spills the beans on the art of personalized service, maintaining a consistent restaurant presence, and the transformative power of creating unforgettable moments for guests.
We also uncover the magic behind Ovation's feedback platform that has led Jason to a hundred percent response rate on customer feedback, boosting guest satisfaction and sparking raving fans.
Thanks, Jason! -
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In this episode of Give an Ovation, we learn about effective hospitality leadership with Matt Rolfe, a hospitality leadership coach, speaker, and author of "You Can't Do it Alone." Matt shares his insights on helping multi-unit restaurant operators, focusing on the people element of the business to ensure success and growth. Learn about the importance of clarity, prioritization, and a relentless focus on guest and employee experiences.
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