

Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore
Inspiring interviews with todays most successful restaurateurs 2-days a wee
What do the most successful entrepreneurs know, that you don't? Today's most successful Restaurateurs and Restaurant Professionals sharing tips and insights 2-days weekly to help make your restaurant dreams unstoppable! Listen as our guest explain what it takes to be successful in the restaurant industry. We'll discuss topic on how to lead, manage and market a successful restaurant. Join us at RestaurantUnstoppable.com to find show notes which recap all books, services, resources and tools covered in each episode. An incredible resource for any aspiring Restaurateur. Now, Join our community and make your restaurant dreams UNSTOPPABLE!
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 11, 2023 • 2h 1min
990: Amy DePaoli Director of Marketing at honeygrow
Amy DePaoli is Director of Marketing at honeygrow. Amy studied marketing at Providence College and has worked for companies like Pet Value and Victory. She worked for an ad agency as well, which she recommends for anyone in a marketing career. Since April of 2022, she has been Director of Marketing for honeygrow, which has grown to 32 locations. Unstoppables! Please consider taking this survey about our listener demographics so that we can better determine how to best serve our listeners. Less than 10 simple questions. Here is the link: CLICK HERE Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaurant Unstoppable Network and get your first 30 days on me! Connect with my past guest and a community of superfans. Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote/mantra: "One team, one dream." In this episode with Amy DePaoli we will discuss: Consumer behavior All things marketing Today's sponsor: Ovation - Do you want real-time feedback from your guests instead of 1-star reviews? Ovation uses a 2-question, SMS-based survey, and frictionless integrations with online ordering platforms and other tools to enable restaurants to easily resolve guest concerns in real-time, get more 5-star reviews, discover insights to improve, and drive revenue. Unstoppable listeners who sign up will get$100 off their set-up fee! Visit ovationup.com/unstoppable to learn more. 1Huddle - 1Huddle is a coaching and development platform using quick-burst mobile games to more quickly and effectively level up and fire up your workforce. With a mobile-first approach to preparing the modern worker, a library of 3,000+ quick-burst skill games, and the option to instantly create personalized content – 1Huddle is changing the way restaurants develop their workers by transforming traditional manuals and videos into deceptively simple, highly effective mobile games proven to level up workers quickly. Key clients include Loews Hotels, Novartis, Madison Square Garden, Yum, FB Society, Hakkasan, TAO Group, and the Dog Haus. Restaurant Systems Pro - Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Drive What is your biggest weakness? Distractions What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team? Personality What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Managing an enormous amount of projects of equal weight Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Charity What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Treating every guest like an individual What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Why We Buy by Paco Underhill GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations? Punchh loyalty program What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough? Be in the restaurants and experience what your staff experiences If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be? Work to live, don't live to work Never go to bed in an argument always let people know how appreciated they are Contact: Email: adepaoli@honeygrow.com Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Amy DePaoli for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

May 8, 2023 • 1h 33min
989: Christine Miles Author of What Is It Costing You Not To Listen?
Christine Miles is a Consultant, Executive Coach, Entrepreneur, and author of What Is It Costing You Not to Listen?: The Power of Understanding to Connect, Influence, Solve & Sell. She is the CEO and founder of EQuipt, and for three decades she has been serving organizations by helping them apply human skills to drive results and build cultures of empathy. Today we will be discussing the book, and also the five keep steps to listening and understanding, known as "The listening Path." Unstoppables! Please consider taking this survey about our listener demographics so that we can better determine how to best serve our listeners. Less than 10 simple questions. Here is the link: CLICK HERE Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaurant Unstoppable Network and get your first 30 days on me! Connect with my past guest and a community of superfans. Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote/mantra: Life is meant to be understood backwards, but lived forward." In this episode with Christine Miles we will discuss: The Listening Path: The Map/The Stops on the Map The Compass The Flashlight The Water Filter The Footprints Today's sponsor: Meez - If you're a chef, consultant, operator, or generally if you manage recipes intended for professional kitchens, meez is built just for you. Organize, share, prep, and scale recipes like never before. Plus, get fast and accurate food cost and nutrition analysis. Sign up today for 2 FREE months of invoice processing. With Invoice Processing, you can link all of your purchases to ingredients in your recipes, and the most current cost will be automatically reflected in every recipe. 1Huddle - 1Huddle is a coaching and development platform using quick-burst mobile games to more quickly and effectively level up and fire up your workforce. With a mobile-first approach to preparing the modern worker, a library of 3,000+ quick-burst skill games, and the option to instantly create personalized content – 1Huddle is changing the way restaurants develop their workers by transforming traditional manuals and videos into deceptively simple, highly effective mobile games proven to level up workers quickly. Key clients include Loews Hotels, Novartis, Madison Square Garden, Yum, FB Society, Hakkasan, TAO Group, and the Dog Haus. Restaurant Systems Pro - Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more. Contact: Instagram: @thelisteningguide On the web: https://equipt-people.com/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Christine Miles for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

May 4, 2023 • 1h 58min
988: Greg Root Partner at Defined Hospitality
Greg Root is a partner at Defined Hospitality. Greg started his hospitality career as a teen-aged caddy at a country club in Pennsylvania. Later he attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he studied Restaurant and Hotel Management. He graduated in 2000 and, after working in various roles in various restaurants, he was hired as a manager for Starr Restaurants. After 13 years and attaining the role of Director of Restaurants at Starr, Greg opened his own restaurant and has been a Co-Owner of Defined Hospitality ever since. Check out episode 986 with Al Lucas as mentioned in today's episode! Unstoppables! Please consider taking this survey about our listener demographics so that we can better determine how to best serve our listeners. Less than 10 simple questions. Here is the link: CLICK HERE Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaurant Unstoppable Network and get your first 30 days on me! Connect with my past guest and a community of superfans. Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote/mantra: "Don't mess it up." In this episode with Greg Root we will discuss: Partners Franchising Opening restaurants Being a manager Lifting up neighborhoods through restaurants Today's sponsor: Meez - If you're a chef, consultant, operator, or generally if you manage recipes intended for professional kitchens, meez is built just for you. Organize, share, prep, and scale recipes like never before. Plus, get fast and accurate food cost and nutrition analysis. Sign up today for 2 FREE months of invoice processing. With Invoice Processing, you can link all of your purchases to ingredients in your recipes, and the most current cost will be automatically reflected in every recipe. 1Huddle - 1Huddle is a coaching and development platform using quick-burst mobile games to more quickly and effectively level up and fire up your workforce. With a mobile-first approach to preparing the modern worker, a library of 3,000+ quick-burst skill games, and the option to instantly create personalized content – 1Huddle is changing the way restaurants develop their workers by transforming traditional manuals and videos into deceptively simple, highly effective mobile games proven to level up workers quickly. Key clients include Loews Hotels, Novartis, Madison Square Garden, Yum, FB Society, Hakkasan, TAO Group, and the Dog Haus. Restaurant Systems Pro - Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Go, go, go What is your biggest weakness? Need to listen more What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team? What's your aspirations over the next 5 years? What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Get everything done for our people, more fiscal responsibility Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. People are the priority What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Watching the initial reactions of our guests What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations? Restaurant 365 What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough? Be a part of the community If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be? Don't mess it up Try to get ahead of it all Be proud of what you do Contact: Email: greg@definedhospitality.com Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Greg Root for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

May 1, 2023 • 1h 47min
987: Al Lucas Partner at Defined Hospitality
Al Lucas is a Partner at Defined Hospitality in Philadelphia, PA. Al began his career at Chart House where he began as a dishwasher, leaving the company 21 years later as the Vice President of the East Coast. He then moved on to be the Director of Operations at Stephen Starr's company. He worked for Cozy Cafe and Border House and eventually arrived as a Partner at Defined Hospitality. Al Lucas has played a significant role in the openings of several restaurants throughout his career. Unstoppables! Please consider taking this survey about our listener demographics so that we can better determine how to best serve our listeners. Less than 10 simple questions. Here is the link: CLICK HERE Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaurant Unstoppable Network and get your first 30 days on me! Connect with my past guest and a community of superfans. Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote/mantra: "Jet pilots to not use rearview mirrors." In this episode with Al Lucas we will discuss: Discipline Hard work and doing the dirty work without complaint Opening 21 years with one restaurant company Losing or maintaining trust within your organization Team building and coaching Standardization HR Open book management Partners Today's sponsor: Ovation - Do you want real-time feedback from your guests instead of 1-star reviews? Ovation uses a 2-question, SMS-based survey, and frictionless integrations with online ordering platforms and other tools to enable restaurants to easily resolve guest concerns in real-time, get more 5-star reviews, discover insights to improve, and drive revenue. Unstoppable listeners who sign up will get$100 off their set-up fee! Visit ovationup.com/unstoppable to learn more. 1Huddle - 1Huddle is a coaching and development platform using quick-burst mobile games to more quickly and effectively level up and fire up your workforce. With a mobile-first approach to preparing the modern worker, a library of 3,000+ quick-burst skill games, and the option to instantly create personalized content – 1Huddle is changing the way restaurants develop their workers by transforming traditional manuals and videos into deceptively simple, highly effective mobile games proven to level up workers quickly. Key clients include Loews Hotels, Novartis, Madison Square Garden, Yum, FB Society, Hakkasan, TAO Group, and the Dog Haus. Restaurant Systems Pro - Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more. Contact: Website: https://www.definedhospitality.com Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Al Lucas for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Apr 27, 2023 • 2h 1min
986: Thomas M. Sterner Author & CEO of The Practicing Mind Institute
Thomas M. Sterner is the founder and CEO of The Practicing Mind Institute. As a successful entrepreneur, he is considered an expert in Present Moment Functioning or PMF. He is a popular and in-demand speaker who works with high-performance individuals including, athletes, coaches, industry groups and individuals of all ages freeing them to operate effectively within high-stress situations so that they can break through to new levels of mastery. As an expert Present Moment Functioning Coach, he has brought clarity to thousands regarding how they can achieve their goals with less effort, in the least amount of time while enjoying the process. Check out The Practicing Mind, Fully Engaged, and It's Just A Thought all written by today's guest! Check out 1Huddle as mentioned in today's episode! Unstoppables! Please consider taking this survey about our listener demographics so that we can better determine how to best serve our listeners. Less than 10 simple questions. Here is the link: CLICK HERE Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaurant Unstoppable Network and get your first 30 days on me! Connect with my past guest and a community of superfans. Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote/mantra: "I am not my thoughts. Some thoughts I create, but most of my thoughts happen to me unless I'm in charge of the process." In this episode with Thomas M. Sterner we will discuss: How to better your life, improve your discipline, and control your thoughts with Present Moment Functioning (PMF). Today's sponsor: Ovation - Do you want real-time feedback from your guests instead of 1-star reviews? Ovation uses a 2-question, SMS-based survey, and frictionless integrations with online ordering platforms and other tools to enable restaurants to easily resolve guest concerns in real-time, get more 5-star reviews, discover insights to improve, and drive revenue. Unstoppable listeners who sign up will get$100 off their set-up fee! Visit ovationup.com/unstoppable to learn more. 1Huddle - 1Huddle is a coaching and development platform using quick-burst mobile games to more quickly and effectively level up and fire up your workforce. With a mobile-first approach to preparing the modern worker, a library of 3,000+ quick-burst skill games, and the option to instantly create personalized content – 1Huddle is changing the way restaurants develop their workers by transforming traditional manuals and videos into deceptively simple, highly effective mobile games proven to level up workers quickly. Key clients include Loews Hotels, Novartis, Madison Square Garden, Yum, FB Society, Hakkasan, TAO Group, and the Dog Haus. Restaurant Systems Pro - Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more. Contact: Check out The Practicing Mind, Fully Engaged, and It's Just A Thought all written by today's guest! Website: https://tomsterner.com/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Thomas M. Sterner for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Apr 24, 2023 • 2h 6min
985: Keith Benjamin Founding Partner & Director of Operations at Uptown Hospitality Group
Keith Benjamin went to Penn State and threw parties for fraternities while also playing lacrosse. He graduated and worked in sports marketing when he started working at a bar in NYC. After a birthright trip to Israel in 2009, he decided to go "all in" on restaurants as a career. He bought in to a restaurant group in 2011 and convinced his partners to open Uptown Social in 2018 in Charleston, 1,500 miles away from their home base. Today, Uptown Hospitality group has 15 locations across three major cities in the US. Unstoppables! Please consider taking this survey about our listener demographics so that we can better determine how to best serve our listeners. Less than 10 simple questions. Here is the link: CLICK HERE Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaurant Unstoppable Network and get your first 30 days on me! Connect with my past guest and a community of superfans. Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote/mantra: "Any person's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment to all her or she holds dear, is that moment when that person works their heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle victorious." In this episode with Keith Benjamin we will discuss: Night life business The importance of locals Bar management and ownership The industry's effects on personal relationships Mental health Marketing Events Today's sponsor: Meez - If you're a chef, consultant, operator, or generally if you manage recipes intended for professional kitchens, meez is built just for you. Organize, share, prep, and scale recipes like never before. Plus, get fast and accurate food cost and nutrition analysis. Sign up today for 2 FREE months of invoice processing. With Invoice Processing, you can link all of your purchases to ingredients in your recipes, and the most current cost will be automatically reflected in every recipe. 1Huddle - 1Huddle is a coaching and development platform using quick-burst mobile games to more quickly and effectively level up and fire up your workforce. With a mobile-first approach to preparing the modern worker, a library of 3,000+ quick-burst skill games, and the option to instantly create personalized content – 1Huddle is changing the way restaurants develop their workers by transforming traditional manuals and videos into deceptively simple, highly effective mobile games proven to level up workers quickly. Key clients include Loews Hotels, Novartis, Madison Square Garden, Yum, FB Society, Hakkasan, TAO Group, and the Dog Haus. Restaurant Systems Pro - Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Tenacity What is your biggest weakness? Patience What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team? Well-rounded What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Staffing Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Professionalism What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Push the buy-back What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations? BeatGig LineLeap What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough? Look around If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be? Be kind Pay it forward Be generous Contact: Instagram: @kmbenjo Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Keith Benjamin for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Apr 20, 2023 • 1h 38min
984: Cynthia Wong Founder of Life Raft Treats
Cynthia Wong is the Founder of Life Raft Treats. Cynthia knew she wanted to become a baker at a very young age. She went to culinary school in San Fransisco and then began working as a bread baker there. She then went off to culinary school in France and returned to the states and became a baker in various restaurants across the nation. She worked as a pastry chef in Atlanta for 12 years and moved to Charleston 8 years ago where she worked in her last restaurant. She burned out of the restaurant industry because she didn't appreciate how she was treated and what was unfairly expected of her. She then created Life Raft Treats in 2018 and it has beeb growing ever since. Life Raft Treats has done pop ups, food carts, food trucks, and now it's a full-on wholesaler. Unstoppables! Please consider taking this survey about our listener demographics so that we can better determine how to best serve our listeners. Less than 10 simple questions. Here is the link: CLICK HERE Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaurant Unstoppable Network and get your first 30 days on me! Connect with my past guest and a community of superfans. Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote/mantra: "It's all I got." In this episode with Cynthia Wong we will discuss: Burning out of restaurants Starting small Chefs stealing credits from their cooks/bakers Inventing a unique product Being nominated for a James Beard Pop ups Food trucks Wholesale Today's sponsor: Meez - If you're a chef, consultant, operator, or generally if you manage recipes intended for professional kitchens, meez is built just for you. Organize, share, prep, and scale recipes like never before. Plus, get fast and accurate food cost and nutrition analysis. Sign up today for 2 FREE months of invoice processing. With Invoice Processing, you can link all of your purchases to ingredients in your recipes, and the most current cost will be automatically reflected in every recipe. 1Huddle - 1Huddle is a coaching and development platform using quick-burst mobile games to more quickly and effectively level up and fire up your workforce. With a mobile-first approach to preparing the modern worker, a library of 3,000+ quick-burst skill games, and the option to instantly create personalized content – 1Huddle is changing the way restaurants develop their workers by transforming traditional manuals and videos into deceptively simple, highly effective mobile games proven to level up workers quickly. Key clients include Loews Hotels, Novartis, Madison Square Garden, Yum, FB Society, Hakkasan, TAO Group, and the Dog Haus. Restaurant Systems Pro - Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? I have a gear that other people don't What is your biggest weakness? I'm really impatient What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team? What's your favorite stupid movie? What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Supply chain and inflation Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Don't be a asshole and don't let anyone be an asshole to you What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Try our best to accommodate wacky ideas If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be? Be as generous as you can possibly be Don't be an asshole Don't let anyone be an asshole to you Contact: Website: https://www.liferafttreats.com Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Cynthia Wong for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Apr 17, 2023 • 1h 29min
983: Tia Clark Founder of Casual Crabbing with Tia
Tia Clark is the Founder of Casual Crabbing with Tia, based in Charleston, SC. Casual Crabbing with Tia is an experience that teaches you the art of crabbing, from throwing a cast net to setting bait and fishing, all on the water's edge. It's for anyone; young or old, skilled or unskilled. Tia is a food and beverage veteran, having started washing dishes at 17 and doing basically every job in a kitchen until in 2017 when she started "Let's Go Crabbing" as an Airbnb Experience. It soon became one of the best and most popular in the world. Today she books the events through her own website and has a full crew. Unstoppables! Please consider taking this survey about our listener demographics so that we can better determine how to best serve our listeners. Less than 10 simple questions. Here is the link: CLICK HERE Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaurant Unstoppable Network and get your first 30 days on me! Connect with my past guest and a community of superfans. Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote/mantra: "Work for joy and not money." In this episode with Tia Clark we will discuss: Depression in the restaurant industry Building a work "crew" rather than employees Making a connection with the ocean Substance abuse in the industry Being introduced to crabbing Getting customers to leave positive reviews Charging what your service is worth The importance of creating your own website Today's sponsor: Ovation - Do you want real-time feedback from your guests instead of 1-star reviews? Ovation uses a 2-question, SMS-based survey, and frictionless integrations with online ordering platforms and other tools to enable restaurants to easily resolve guest concerns in real-time, get more 5-star reviews, discover insights to improve, and drive revenue. Unstoppable listeners who sign up will get$100 off their set-up fee! Visit ovationup.com/unstoppable to learn more. 1Huddle - 1Huddle is a coaching and development platform using quick-burst mobile games to more quickly and effectively level up and fire up your workforce. With a mobile-first approach to preparing the modern worker, a library of 3,000+ quick-burst skill games, and the option to instantly create personalized content – 1Huddle is changing the way restaurants develop their workers by transforming traditional manuals and videos into deceptively simple, highly effective mobile games proven to level up workers quickly. Key clients include Loews Hotels, Novartis, Madison Square Garden, Yum, FB Society, Hakkasan, TAO Group, and the Dog Haus. Restaurant Systems Pro - Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more. Contact: Website: https://www.casualcrabbingwithtia.com Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Tia Clark for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Apr 13, 2023 • 1h 35min
982: Mickey Bakst Co-Founder of Ben's Friends
Mickey Bakst is the Co-Founder of Ben's Friends. Ben's Friends is a community of chefs, bartenders, line cooks, servers, sommeliers, host and hostesses, GMs and owners who have found or are seeking sobriety. Their mission: "to offer community, hope and a path forward for those struggling with substance abuse and addiction." Mickey Bakst has been sober since 1982. He began his restaurant career in the early 70's at a restaurant in Newport Beach, CA. In 1974 he bought into the restaurant and was a co-owner from 1974 until his exit in 1982 when he also go sober. After successfully navigating AA and attaining his sobriety, he rejoined the restaurant industry in the fine dining realm. He is "officially" retired now, after serving as the GM at Charleston Grill. He is known as the "unofficial mayor of Charleston" today. Unstoppables! Please consider taking this survey about our listener demographics so that we can better determine how to best serve our listeners. Less than 10 simple questions. Here is the link: CLICK HERE Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaurant Unstoppable Network and get your first 30 days on me! Connect with my past guest and a community of superfans. Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote/mantra: "Sobriety is my super power." In this episode with Mickey Bakst we will discuss: Sobriety Substance abuse in the industry The industry in the 70s and 80s Fine dining Taking care of your people and your guests at an equal measure The future of the industry Today's sponsor: Ovation - Do you want real-time feedback from your guests instead of 1-star reviews? Ovation uses a 2-question, SMS-based survey, and frictionless integrations with online ordering platforms and other tools to enable restaurants to easily resolve guest concerns in real-time, get more 5-star reviews, discover insights to improve, and drive revenue. Unstoppable listeners who sign up will get$100 off their set-up fee! Visit ovationup.com/unstoppable to learn more. 1Huddle - 1Huddle is a coaching and development platform using quick-burst mobile games to more quickly and effectively level up and fire up your workforce. With a mobile-first approach to preparing the modern worker, a library of 3,000+ quick-burst skill games, and the option to instantly create personalized content – 1Huddle is changing the way restaurants develop their workers by transforming traditional manuals and videos into deceptively simple, highly effective mobile games proven to level up workers quickly. Key clients include Loews Hotels, Novartis, Madison Square Garden, Yum, FB Society, Hakkasan, TAO Group, and the Dog Haus. Restaurant Systems Pro - Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more. Contact: Website: https://www.bensfriendshope.com Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Mickey Bakst for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!

Apr 10, 2023 • 1h 51min
981: Scott Shor Managing Partner at Edmund's Oast
Scott Shor is the Owner/Managing Partner at Edmund's Oast. Scott moved to Charleston in 2004. He began working at Ted's Butcher block in 2007, which had a small craft beer selection. This is where his fondness for craft beer and spirits really took hold. In 2008, he opened Charleston's Beer Exchange. He opened another locations, called Greenville Beer Exchange in 2010 and later sold it. It is still operational today. Finally, in 2017, he opened Edmun's Oast, which now has two locations including a brewery. Today, Edmund's East Brewing Co. sells its products to 8 states. Unstoppables! Please consider taking this survey about our listener demographics so that we can better determine how to best serve our listeners. Less than 10 simple questions. Here is the link: CLICK HERE Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Join Restaurant Unstoppable Network and get your first 30 days on me! Connect with my past guest and a community of superfans. Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote/mantra: "You gotta want it." In this episode with Scott Shor we will discuss: What is hard work? How to open a business "wrong" Retail How to garner investors Offering ownership to employees Investing in your people Private events Impact on community Today's sponsor: Meez - If you're a chef, consultant, operator, or generally if you manage recipes intended for professional kitchens, meez is built just for you. Organize, share, prep, and scale recipes like never before. Plus, get fast and accurate food cost and nutrition analysis. Sign up today for 2 FREE months of invoice processing. With Invoice Processing, you can link all of your purchases to ingredients in your recipes, and the most current cost will be automatically reflected in every recipe. 1Huddle - 1Huddle is a coaching and development platform using quick-burst mobile games to more quickly and effectively level up and fire up your workforce. With a mobile-first approach to preparing the modern worker, a library of 3,000+ quick-burst skill games, and the option to instantly create personalized content – 1Huddle is changing the way restaurants develop their workers by transforming traditional manuals and videos into deceptively simple, highly effective mobile games proven to level up workers quickly. Key clients include Loews Hotels, Novartis, Madison Square Garden, Yum, FB Society, Hakkasan, TAO Group, and the Dog Haus. Restaurant Systems Pro - Join the 60-day Restaurant Systems Pro FREE TRAINING. This is something that has never been done before. This 60-day event is at no cost to you, but it is not for everyone. Fred Langley, CEO of Restaurant Systems Pro, will lead a group of restaurateurs through the Restaurant Systems Pro software and set up the systems for your restaurant. During the 60 days, Fred will walk you through the Restaurant Systems Pro Process and help you crush the following goals: Recipe Costing Cards; Guidance in your books for accounting; Cash controls; Sales Forecasting(With Accuracy); Checklists; Budgeting for the entire year; Scheduling for profit; More butts in seats and more… Click Here to learn more. Knowledge bombs Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? Willingness to work Surround yourself with amazing people What is your biggest weakness? Unrelenting willingness What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team? People who are genuine What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? Rising costs of everything Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. The team puts people first What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Underberg - digestive bitter What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guirdara GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations? Apple Watch What is one thing you feel restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough? Stop and asses what you are doing and why you are doing it If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be? You can make anything meaningful and make it matter Help people Give back Contact: Email: scott@edmundsoast.com Instagram: @edmundsoast Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for joining today! Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post. Also, please leave an honest review for the Restaurant Unstoppable Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and I read each and every one of them. And finally, don't forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes to get automatic updates. Huge thanks to Scott Shor for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time! Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!


