FULL COMP: The Voice of the Restaurant Industry Revolution

New York City is one of the toughest markets in the world for restaurants, and omakase is one of its most competitive niches. But Cheng Lin, the mastermind behind Shota Omakase, has carved out a space that’s truly unique. From sourcing the rarest ingredients to crafting an intimate, story-driven dining experience, Cheng is redefining what it means to serve sushi in the U.S. Today, we uncover how he brought a 10-year vision to life, the risks he took to challenge industry norms, and the business strategies that make his 18-seat restaurant a standout success. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to turn passion into profit, this episode is packed with insights. For more information on Shota Omakase and their extraordinary omakase experience, visit https://www.shotaomakase.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

Franchising can be a double-edged sword—scaling a brand while maintaining its soul is no easy feat. Enter John Ramsay, a veteran with over 35 years of experience in franchising, who’s leading the charge to transform Taco Cabana into a powerhouse of profitability and culture. In today’s episode, we dive into John’s journey from designing restaurants to developing franchise systems, the strategic pivots that have positioned Taco Cabana for success, and the lessons any restaurateur can apply to their own business. Whether you’re an independent operator or considering franchising, this episode is packed with insights you can use. For more information on Taco Cabana and their exciting expansion plans, visit https://www.tacocabana.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

What if the secret to scaling your business wasn’t just about great food or strong margins but about creating real relationships—with your team, your customers, and your community? Andrew Kim has flipped the script on what it means to run a franchise operation. As CEO of Waba Grill, Andrew went from legal advisor to visionary leader, crafting a brand where franchisees aren’t just partners—they’re family. In today’s episode, we explore how Andrew is bringing humanity back to franchising, the unconventional strategies that turned struggling locations into top performers, and what independent restaurant operators can steal from the franchise playbook to thrive in today’s market. If you’re ready to rethink how you support your team and grow your business, this conversation is a must. For more on Waba Grill’s bold flavors and innovative franchise model, visit https://www.wabagrill.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

What does it take to leave a stable career, move across the world, and start fresh in an industry where failure is the norm? For Shawn Uldridge, the answer lies in a combination of entrepreneurial grit, risk management, and a deep passion for creating meaningful experiences. From transitioning out of finance to building the Publishing House B&B in Chicago, Shawn has rewritten the rules of success in hospitality. In today’s episode, we explore his journey, how he balances risk with opportunity, and why perseverance—and a little fun—are the keys to thriving in business and life. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a bold dream into reality, this conversation is for you. For more information on the Publishing House B&B and Chapel Street Café, visit https://publishinghousebnb.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

In an industry where culture can make or break a business, Chris Hall has set a gold standard for what it means to lead with purpose. As co-owner of Unsukay Restaurant Group in Atlanta, Chris has turned his restaurants into more than just places to eat—they’re community hubs rooted in generosity, connection, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Today, we discuss how Chris and his partners have built thriving businesses by focusing on values-driven leadership, the transformative power of philanthropy, and the strategies they use to ensure both their team and their guests feel like they truly belong. For more information on Local Three and their community initiatives, visit https://unsukay.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

Reinvention is at the heart of every great success story, and few embody that better than Brian Smith and Robert Hagopian. Starting as franchisees of The Meat House, they faced the collapse of their franchisor and emerged stronger, founding The Butchery, a boutique butcher shop and kitchen that has redefined premium meat retail. Today, we sit down to discuss their transition from franchisees to independent operators, the lessons they learned from the School of Hard Knocks, and how they’ve built a brand rooted in quality, community, and uncompromising service. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to turn challenges into opportunities. For more information on The Butchery and their premium offerings, visit https://www.butcherymeats.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

Success in the restaurant industry is often about adapting to change and solving the impossible. Imagine inheriting a company on the brink of bankruptcy and transforming it into a billion-dollar success story. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Savneet Singh, did as CEO of PAR Technology. Savneet took over during one of the company’s darkest moments and rebuilt it from the ground up by redefining culture, leveraging technology, and committing to innovation. Today, we dive deep into the lessons he’s learned, the risks he’s taken, and the strategies that brought PAR back from the edge. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a sinking ship into a thriving success, this conversation is for you. For more information on PAR Technology and their innovative solutions, visit https://www.partech.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

Family businesses are the backbone of the restaurant industry, but they come with unique challenges and opportunities. Eldredge and Tyler Ropolo of Washington Street Hospitality have taken their family’s vision to new heights, blending timeless Italian traditions with modern hospitality innovation. In today’s conversation, we explore their unconventional journey from Italy to Newport and beyond, the lessons learned from balancing personal passions with business practicality, and how they’ve created restaurant concepts that feel as personal as their own homes. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow without losing authenticity, this episode is a masterclass. For more information on Washington Street Hospitality and their concepts, visit https://www.washingtonstreethospitality.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

Success in the restaurant industry is as much about grit as it is about vision, and few people embody both quite like Peter Newlin. As Chief Vision Officer of the Gastamo Group, Peter has transformed small neighborhood restaurants into a multi-concept hospitality group, all while championing the power of focus and community-driven dining. In today’s conversation, we explore Peter’s journey from outdoor enthusiast to restaurant innovator, his vision for disrupting suburban dining, and the critical role of AI and intentionality in shaping the future of hospitality. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a thriving business while staying grounded, this episode is for you. For more information on the Gastamo Group and their innovative concepts, visit https://www.gastamogroup.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

What does it take to evolve from an ambitious young chef to a seasoned restaurateur and CPG innovator? Harold Jurado’s journey is a masterclass in risk, resilience, and reimagination. From working at culinary institutions like Charlie Trotter’s to leading high-pressure kitchens and corporate dining at Google, Harold’s path has been anything but ordinary. Today, we dive into how he balances creativity and practicality, his leap into the world of consumer packaged goods, and his vision for building a business that takes care of both staff and customers. If you’re looking for inspiration to rethink your own path to success, this episode is for you. For more information on Harold and his restaurant, Ramenwell, visit https://www.ramenwell.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

Running a successful restaurant is one thing; scaling that success globally while maintaining exceptional quality and culture is another. Today, I’m sitting down with Barry McGowan, CEO of Fogo de Chão, to discuss how this iconic brand continues to redefine the dining experience. From bringing a centuries-old culinary art to the forefront, to innovating service models that delight guests and empower employees, Barry shares the blueprint for building a thriving restaurant group. If you’re ready to rethink how to grow your business without losing its soul, this conversation is a must. For more information on Fogo de Chão and their unique dining experiences, visit https://fogodechao.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

After cooking in 5 Michelin-starred restaurants, you might be surprised to find Chef Myles Moody in a butcher shop but there is a method to his madness. At Kinship, Myles has managed to find lightning in the bottle. This cafe, coffee shop, butcher shop hybrid has done so well locally that they’ve received national attention and the calls to expand have begun to come in. Today we sit down with the chef to discuss his growth strategy for Kinship. As it turns out, the fastest way to grow is slowly.  More more information on the chef and Kinship, visit https://kinshipbutcheratl.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

Learning how to tell a great story will make you popular at the next cocktail party you attend but there are some other unexpected benefits. Meet Shannon Smith, an accidental chef that has built a massive private dining business and launched a successful cookbook off the back of what can only be described as world-class storytelling. Today Shannon sits down to share her story with us so that we can learn how to tell our story in a way that turns heads and creates fans.  For more information on the chef, visit https://chefshannon.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

Can lightning strike twice? After interviewing Chad Coulter, I’d say so. After building and successfully selling his restaurant brand Louvino, Chad is at it again with his latest creation Biscuit Belly. Today we sit down to discuss the essential elements of a scalable brand and what needs to be considered when determining the best way to grow that brand. In this masterclass we’re covering everything from joint ventures to custom plating.  For more information on Biscuit Belly, visit https://biscuitbelly.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

Restaurateur and consultant Elizabeth Blau wasn’t just present for the culinary renaissance in Las Vegas over the last 20 years, she helped usher it in. After working with the best restaurateurs and chefs in the world and becoming a successful consultant globally, Elizabeth did the unthinkable…she launched her own restaurant group. Spanning multiple tiers of dining and across several markets, Elizabeth is out to prove that there is a formulaic recipe for success in the restaurant industry. Today we sit down to discuss what that recipe is and how we can adopt her best practices to create the best outcomes for our own businesses.  For more information on Elizabeth, visit https://elizabethblau.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

As many of you know, I came up in this industry through nightlife. In the early 2000’s, nightlife was defined by prolific nightclubs that burned red-hot, only to close six months later. But that wasn’t the story for Jamie Mulholland. For more than two decades, Jamie has built brands that last, like Cain and Goldbar. Today we sit down to discuss his latest project, Ketchy Shuby, and the elements he’s infused into the concept to ensure that it lasts decades as well. For more information on Ketchy Shuby, visit https://ketchyshubynyc.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

We’ve all heard the phrase, your network determines your net worth but how many times have you seen it exemplified in our industry? Meet Dara Mirjahangiry, founder of Sei Less. This star-studded restaurant is defined by elegance, artful dining, and its celebrity clientele. Today we sit down with Dara to discuss how he built such an influential network and how that network helped him prove out his restaurant concept and build a bulletproof brand reputation. For more information on Sei Less, visit https://www.seiless.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

If someone asked me for only one piece of advice when it comes to entrepreneurship, I would say “build for yourself.” What I mean by that is that it’s impossible to know the minds and the desires of others but we can know ourselves. Serving yourself mercilessly means you’re serving everyone that feels just like you.  Jeremy Cohn and Jared Rouben did exactly that with Moody Tongue. From their brewery to their Michelin-awarded restaurant concepts, Jeremy and Jared have done a masterful job of serving an unserved niche in the marketplace–and they’ve been compensated handsomely for it. Today we sit down to discuss how they’ve built such a cult-like following and how we can do the same in our own markets.  For more information on Moody Tongue, visit https://www.moodytongue.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

When you think of an old 1950’s diner, a lot comes to mind but probably not massive growth and a prolific delivery business. Kurt Metzger sits at the helm of Norma’s Cafe, a 70 year old Texas diner, which is having a moment right now. Kurt was charged with bringing this heritage brand to an entirely new generation and, in doing so, has redefined what it means to be a legacy brand in 2024. Today we sit down to discuss what it takes to reach a new audience and how you can redefine a brand for the modern age without sacrificing its soul.  For more information on Norma’s Cafe, visit https://www.normascafe.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

Growth in our industry can take many forms. For some, the privately owned route is the only way to go, for others, franchising is the path of least resistance. Today we sit down with franchising expert Greg Mohr to discuss the pros and cons of franchising as well as the pitfalls to avoid when taking the leap into franchising. Whether you’re interested in buying one or becoming one, this is a masterclass in franchising.  For more information on Greg and his company, visit https://www.franchisemaven.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

It seems like some folks just have the Midas touch, everything they touch turns to gold. For me, Michael Zislis is one of those guys. A restaurateur and hotelier, Michael has taken Southern California and then the world by storm. Today we sit down to discuss how one man can build  a few blockbuster single unit restaurants and then turn around and create one of the most prolific restaurant brands in the world.  For more information on Michael and his hospitality company, visit https://www.zislisgroup.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

It’s my pleasure to interview the industry leaders of today and ask the questions we’re all thinking of. But it’s my privilege to present to you the industry thought leaders of tomorrow. Today we sit down with David Zhao, co-founder of the Chubby Group, to discuss how they’re rapidly scaling their restaurant concepts globally through innovative joint ventures and growing their fanbase by the tens of thousands using an innovative approach to loyalty programs. Buckle up because this conversation is going to leave you questioning everything you believed about how to grow a successful restaurant group.  For more information on his restaurant group, visit https://chubbygroup.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

Artificial intelligence feels a lot like the food trends. It looks amazing and everyone is talking about it but it’s hard to figure out exactly how it should fit into our restaurants. That’s where Avi Goren comes in. Since founding Marqii in 2017, Avi and his team have relentlessly looked for ways to optimize the restaurant industry using technology. Today we sit down to discuss how his entrepreneurial journey mirrors ours and how the solutions of tomorrow can save us time and money today. For more information on Avi and Marqii, visit https://marqii.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

You’re about to hear the word intention dropped close to one thousand times over the next 40 minutes. If there’s only one common thread amongst the most successful restaurateurs I interview, it’s the power of intention. Today we sit down with coffee roaster turned restaurateur, Angel Medina,  to talk about how his unlikely path wasn’t accidental at all. In our conversation, Angel breaks down the step by step process he used to envision and then achieve his lofty goals.  For more information on Angel and his group, visit https://www.republicahospitality.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

Imagine a world where you sign up to work with a company that promises to help you drive revenue and you never pay them a dollar–rather, they pay you. This was the dream of Max Shauff when he created LineLeap, an app that helps bars, nightclubs, and venues capitalize on the existing demand from their patrons. Today we sit down with Max and his colleague Tom Tolbert to discuss how this small startup has grown to over 500 venues, gained over one million users, and how their platform can add overhead free dollars to your bottom line.  For more information about LineLeap and to earn $500 per venue referral, visit ⁠https://www.lineleap.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

What if I told you I knew a guy that could convince his guests to come back twice a month? What if I told you that same guy could actually convince his guests to come back twice a day? Today we sit down with Kris Schoenberger, the founder of the BBQ’d Productions restaurant group. Kris didn’t invent the red envelope campaign but he has certainly mastered it. In our conversation he provides us with the blueprint he uses to bring in over one million dollars in repeat business over the course of several weeks. This is a masterclass in gamifying your  marketing.  For more on Kris and his restaurants, visit https://www.wegrillitall.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

Next year marks 40 years since the first California Pizza Kitchen opened. CPK predates the casual restaurant movement, social media, online delivery and even the internet. To stay relevant over the years you’ve got to find the perfect balance between consistency and innovation. Today we sit down with the head of innovation for CPK, Paul Pszybylski, to discuss how this prolific brand continues to attract new customers while honoring the needs of their existing customer base.  For more information on California Pizza Kitchen, visit https://www.cpk.com/.

So many of us look to successful restaurateurs and wonder how they did it. How were they able to climb to such great heights? Today we sit down with Robby Berg, operating partner of Genghis Grill to find out exactly how. In our conversation, we learn the linear path to self determination and financial success.  For more information on Genghis Grill, visit http://www.genghisgrill.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

If we’re paying rent 24 hours a day, we must generate revenue 24 hours a day. But, with food costs and the cost of labor skyrocketing, our revenue models are evolving. Enter Mike Sebazco of Famous Toastery. With over two dozen locations and counting, this one shift business is shifting the way we look at operations and profitability. We sat down today to discuss how thinking small can have a massive impact on your restaurant.  For more information on Famous Toastery, visit https://famoustoastery.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

Aging gracefully is not always the easiest thing to do. Our world has changed so much in the last 10 years and our values have as well. That has led some brands to thrive while others have withered. Hooters, a divisive brand to many, intends to maintain its position in the cultural zeitgeist and today we chat with Larry Linen, their COO, to discuss what’s changed with the times and what’s stayed the same over the last few decades.  For more information on Hooters, visit https://www.hooters.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

The Cornerstone Restaurant Group is like the Michael Jordan of restaurant groups–and not just because they partnered with Michael Jordan on MJ23 and the Michaell Jordan Steakhouse. Today we sit down with two of the three leaders of the organization, Josh and Danny to discuss how they’ve managed to scale blockbuster brands across multiple tiers of dining nationally and what their growth internationally signals for the industry at large.  For more information on their restaurant group, visit https://www.cornerstonerestaurants.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

Prepare yourself for one of the most interesting guests I’ve ever hosted on the show. Today we sit down with Josh Copeland of the Camino Alto restaurant in the Bay Area. Josh is a zealot in the way we think of Blue Hill Restaurant or Chef Charlie Trotter–the best ingredients served in an uncompromising fashion. Josh Copeland is a model of focus, showing us what’s possible when we refuse to let go of our vision.  For more on Josh and his restaurant, visit https://www.caminoaltosf.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

I can’t imagine any of us entered the fine dining category without hoping for a Michelin or a James Beard or Wine Spectator accolade. They say success leaves clues and today I sit down with Chef Juan Jose Cuevas to discuss what he’s learned over the years, running world-class restaurants and collecting awards along the way. There is a blueprint for excellence and Chef Juan provides it today.  For more information on the chef and his restaurant, visit https://www.condadovanderbilt.com/dine/1919-restaurant. ____________________________________________________ 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

Before taking the restaurant world by storm, Andy Wiederhorn was a finance guy and used his deep understanding of business to grow in the quick service, fast casual, and casual dining markets. Today we sit down to discuss how one man franchises so many household brands from Round Table Pizza to Fatburger and from Johnny Rockets to Marble Slab Creamery. For more information on Fat Brands, visit https://www.fatbrands.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

How many hours have we spent worrying about what the future holds for our industry? How could that time be better spent? Enter Matt Newberg. Matt is a student of our industry, diving deep into every vertical of the food service space, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses. This exploration has evolved into a vibrant community which, next month, goes from online to in-person. We sit down to discuss how media creates community and the power of in-person experiences. For more information on the HNGRY Summit and to get one of the few remaining tickets for the October 25th event, visit https://summit.hngry.tv/. ____________________________________________________ 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

What happens when a restaurateur partners with a professional marketer? Well, the short answer is: magic. Today we sit down with the marketing geniuses behind For the Table Hospitality, a company blazing trails and setting sales records across Tallahassee, Florida. What’s working for them would work for you too and in our conversation we work to unpack the tactics and strategies that have helped them cannibalize the Florida market.  For more information on their restaurant group, visit https://www.forthetablehospitality.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

How lucky am I that one of my restaurant heroes is actually my friend. Ari Weinzweig built the $80 million dollar Zingerman's restaurant empire but what’s most interesting is how he built it. In an industry known for being cutthroat and cynical, Ari has chosen to lead with empathy and dignity. Today we sit down together to discuss the role that dignity plays in the modern restaurant environment and how we can improve our businesses by holding ourselves to a higher standard.  For more information on Ari, to download the pamphlet, or to sign up for his mailing list, visit https://www.zingtrain.com/, https://www.zingermanspress.com/, and https://www.zingermanscommunity.com/e-news/ ____________________________________________________ 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

You’ve heard the story before…local guy leaves home, works for the best of the best, and then returns home victorious. But that’s only half of the story. When Chef Jeremy Blutstein returned home after working with some of the most prolific chefs in the industry, he saw the opportunity to influence the culinary future of the place he grew up. Today we sit down to discuss his culinary journey and the impact it's had on Montauk and the community he serves.  For more information on the chef and his restaurant, visit https://www.mavericksmontauk.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

Believe it or not, one of the most powerful marketing tools in your business is customer feedback. The closer we are to our guests, the better able we are to serve them. Today we sit down with Zack Oates, the founder and chief evangelist of Ovation, a powerful platform that transforms customer feedback into actionable information. We cover everything from radical delegation to guest frequency strategies and everything in between with one of the most inspiring leaders serving our industry.  For more information on Ovation and to get $300 in perks go to https://ovationup.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

I walked into today’s conversation with a little career envy. Few in our industry have had the good fortune to work for and with so many amazing companies. Today we sit down with Olivier Rassinoux to discuss how working with prolific brands like the Ritz Carlton, Daniel Boulud, and the Ace Hotel group paved the way for his current role as the VP of Restaurant and Bar for the one and only Patina Group. As it turns out, there’s a formula for consistent success across multiple brands and we’re unpacking it today.  For more information on the Patina Group, visit https://www.patinagroup.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

Jesse Cole is not an restaurateur, but, like so many of us, he is an entertainer at heart. I’ve brought him on the show today to discuss his baseball team, the Savannah Bananas, and how they’ve redefined what it means to attend a professional baseball game. This is a masterclass on exceeding customer expectations, building an unforgettable experience, and staying true to the mission of your brand.  For more information on Jesse and his books, visit https://findyouryellowtux.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

Everyone wants the blueprint to scale their restaurant business but knowledge isn’t enough. It’s not just about what you need to know, it’s about who you need to become. Today I sit down with one of the strongest leaders in our industry. John Haggai has spent his life in the restaurant industry and the lessons he’s learned on his way to the top can help us all reach the summit. Get ready to learn how to build and lead the team that is going to give you the momentum you need to grow your brand.  For more information on the restaurant, visit https://burtonsgrill.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

No one would argue that QR codes are popping up more and more but the physical menus still reigns supreme. That being the case it made sense to bring in the master of the menu Kyle Ewing. Kyle and his company TerraSlate have crafted millions of the most durable menus on the planet and that gives him a unique perspective. Today we sit down to discuss the best practices he sees across the best menus so that we can scale revenue by using the most powerful tool in our arsenal.  For more information on TerraSlate, visit https://terraslatepaper.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

On paper it seems like a no brainer…simply take one of the most famous restaurant brands in Italy and open it in the United States. What could go wrong? Just months into Francesco Zimone opening L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele in Hollywood the global pandemic hit. Leveraged to the hilt, Francesco set about creating a comeback so epic it could have been a Hollywood blockbuster. Today we sit down to discuss how he turned near failure into a national brand.  For more information on his restaurants, visit https://damicheleusa.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

While so many of us spent the pandemic scrambling, Cody Pruitt spend that time planning. Cody is literally the only first time restaurateur I know that opened a restaurant in a major city and managed to adhere to the plan. Today we sit down to discuss how to build and stick to a restaurant business plan and how he managed to blow his revenue targets out of the water.  That’s Cody Pruitt. For more information on Cody and Libertine, visit https://www.libertinenyc.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

You walk into a restaurant and it just makes sense. It all feels right…the decor, the menus, the music and you know that they’re selling more than a meal, it’s a lifestyle. Today we sit down with Scott Lawton, the co-founder of bartaco, to discuss the foundational elements of the bartaco brand and how those elements come together to make the guest feel like they’re a part of something special. For more information on Scott and bartaco, visit ⁠https://bartaco.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

Do you feel like you should be further along in your career–that you should be more successful than you are today? Had you met Bob Spivak at 39 years old, you probably wouldn’t have thought much of him but, in his 40’s, he would go on to create one of the most prolific restaurant brands in Hollywood and then scale it nationally. Today, we sit down with Bob to discuss what created this massive tidal-change in his career and the lessons we can learn from his successes.  You can pick up Bob's book “Saved by a Blonde & a Chicken Pot Pie” wherever books are sold. ____________________________________________________ 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

San Pedro Fish Market is one of the highest-grossing independent restaurants in the US. Once we’ve taken a moment for that to sink in, we need to talk about how it became one of the highest-grossing independent restaurants in America. To have that conversation, we’re sitting down with Michael Ungaro, San Pedro’s CEO to discuss how narrowing focus and scaling attention leads to massive revenues. As it turns out, more eyeballs and fewer ideas are all we need to win the day. For more information on Michael and the market, visit https://www.sanpedrofish.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

I have yet to come across an independent restaurant owner that didn’t open their restaurant to better serve their community. But things get tricky when we try to get granular. We all aspire to serve our communities but with tight margins and low profits, most of us struggle to fulfill our lofty goals around community impact. Enter Andrew Glantz of GiftAMeal. Andrew has built an ecosystem that helps restaurants earn more and market better while providing over 2 million meals to local food banks. Today we sit down to discuss how cause-marketing impacts local restaurants and the communities they serve. For more information on GiftAMeal, visit https://www.giftameal.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

Chef Luke Reyes is a master of mastery. I’ve worked with Luke in the past and I’ve followed his career as he’s worked to reinvent himself and contemporary cuisines over the last almost two decades. We’re both a bit older and wiser and today we sit down to discuss what’s worked and what hasn’t over the course of our careers. This is a masterclass in the art of narrowing your focus to scale your business.  For more information on the chef and his latest venture, visit https://www.ritasdeluxe.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