Building a Cult Following in Hospitality With Josh Kopel

Josh Kopel is a Michelin-awarded restaurateur, entrepreneur, and Founder of Flo Hospitality Solutions, a company helping restaurants enhance customer experiences and profitability through innovative marketing strategies. With decades of experience owning and operating successful restaurants and generating millions in sales through viral campaigns, he is a proven leader in the hospitality industry. Josh specializes in crafting brand narratives, launching impactful social media campaigns, and creating strategies that drive revenue, build loyalty, and boost profitability. He is also the host of the Full Comp Podcast, creator of the Restaurant Marketing School, and a former President of the California Restaurant Association.

In this episode…

Running a successful restaurant in today’s highly competitive and fast-paced market comes with unique challenges — from standing out in a crowded space to maintaining profitability and customer loyalty. Many restaurateurs struggle to create effective marketing strategies, build authentic brand narratives, and adapt to changing consumer expectations. Without the right tools and insights, even the most passionate entrepreneurs can face burnout, missed opportunities, and financial losses.

Josh Kopel, Michelin-awarded restaurateur and entrepreneur, shares his proven strategies for overcoming these hurdles. Drawing from decades of experience, Josh emphasizes the importance of crafting compelling brand stories, leveraging viral campaigns, and utilizing social media to boost visibility and profitability. He highlights how consistency, resilience, and customer-focused messaging can turn ideas into results, transform struggling businesses, and create lasting customer relationships. By pairing storytelling with data-driven tactics, Josh demonstrates how restaurant owners can build loyalty, optimize operations, and thrive even in challenging markets.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Josh Kopel, Founder of Flo Hospitality Solutions, about making an impact in the hospitality industry. The conversation takes us from delightful stories of Hollywood nightclubs to the grind behind scaling a fine dining restaurant, culminating in the pivot that led Josh to partner with Yelp and launch a successful podcast. It's an enlightening look at the intersection of grit, social connection, and resilience.