FULL COMP: The Voice of the Restaurant Industry Revolution

What are you chasing? Is it the money, the fame, or maybe the acclaim that comes with being a successful restaurant owner? Deep down, I think we all know that if we follow our passions, we’ll get all three. Few stories illustrate this more beautifully than today’s guest Chef Karen Akunowicz. In our conversation, she shares her evolution from chef to restaurateur and how momentum is as much an asset as it is a liability. For more information on the chef and her concepts, visit https://www.karenakunowicz.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 PodcastsRestaurant expert videos & webinars

I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.In this episode, I talk about something I think we’ve gotten backwards in the restaurant industry — loyalty. Too many of us are trying to buy it with discounts and deals. But real loyalty? That comes from connection. I dig into how to move beyond the transactional and start creating experiences that actually mean something to your guests. It’s about storytelling. It’s about generosity. It’s about making people feel like they matter. When you build that kind of emotional connection, you don’t need to bribe people to come back — they come back because they want to. And better yet, they tell their friends. If you're looking to turn one-time visitors into lifelong fans, this episode is for you.Takeaways:You can run a successful restaurant without running a successful restaurant business.Most restaurant owners have great food but lack business acumen.Discounts do not drive loyalty; they create transactional relationships.Guests return for the experience, not for discounts.Creating a sense of belonging is key to guest loyalty.Generosity should be intentional and targeted, not random.Memorable experiences lead to word-of-mouth marketing.Identify high-value guest moments for targeted gestures of generosity.Document and share guest stories to enhance marketing efforts.True loyalty is built on experiences, not freebies.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Profitability02:03 The Power of Genuine Connection Over Discounts05:51 Creating Memorable Guest ExperiencesIf you’ve got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at josh@joshkopel.com and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.

What does it take to go from butcher to executive chef at one of the most iconic restaurant brands in the world—without burning out or selling out? For James Bailey of Momofuku Las Vegas, it’s not just about talent. It’s about patience, identity, and leadership. In this episode, we dive into the real story behind James’ rise through the ranks, how his cultural heritage shaped his cuisine, and why self-awareness—not ego—is the most important skill a chef can develop. If you’re in this industry for the long game, this conversation will challenge, ground, and inspire you. To experience his work firsthand, visit Momofuku Las Vegas or head to https://momofuku.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 PodcastsRestaurant expert videos & webinars

I think fear is a massive motivator for so many restaurateurs. So many of us fail to make decisions that move us towards what we want because we’re busy making decisions that move us away from what we fear. But what happens when what we fear becomes our reality? What does the end of the road look like? As it turns out, it looks like a new beginning. Today we sit down with Chef Jonathan Sawyer who shares his path to success, overcoming massive setbacks, to achieve the life and career of his dreams. For more information on the chef and his restaurant, visit https://www.kindlingchicago.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 PodcastsRestaurant expert videos & webinars

Restaurant tech isn’t just about bells and whistles—it’s about ROI. And no one understands that better than Jeremy Julian. With nearly 30 years in restaurant technology and operations, Jeremy has helped thousands of restaurants plug into tools that actually make life easier and businesses more profitable. In this episode, we explore how to audit your tech stack, which systems give you the biggest return, and the smartest ways to implement change without overwhelming your team. If you’ve ever wondered where to start—or restart—this conversation will save you time, money, and headaches. To dive deeper into restaurant tech and the future of hospitality systems, check out his podcast, Restaurant Technology Guys, or visit https://restauranttechnologyguys.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 PodcastsRestaurant expert videos & webinars

For over 30 years, Michael Mina has dominated the restaurant scene and today we sit down with the chef to find out how. In today’s conversation we dive deep into the tactics tools and strategies Michael has developed over decades to acquire talent, develop leaders, scale operations, and ensure profitability. This is a masterclass in restaurant ownership and operations. For more information on the chef and his restaurant group, visit https://www.michaelmina.net/____________________________________________________________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 PodcastsRestaurant expert videos & webinars

Most operators are stuck running restaurants. Roger Beaudoin teaches them how to run businesses. A 23-year restaurateur turned global coach and the founder of Restaurant Rockstars, Roger has helped thousands of owners escape burnout by installing the systems, culture, and leadership that scale. In this episode, we break down his approach to profitability, his secret to 96% staff retention, and why the difference between success and struggle often comes down to one thing: mindset. To learn more about Restaurant Rockstars and grab a copy of his book Rock Your Restaurant, visit https://www.restaurantrockstars.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 PodcastsRestaurant expert videos & webinars

What if your restaurant wasn’t just a place to eat—but a part of your guest’s identity? Kathy and Ben Sidell have mastered the art of emotional branding, turning Saltie Girl and Sweet Boy into lifestyle experiences people feel proud to align with. In this episode, we explore how they’ve built high-volume, high-loyalty concepts without sacrificing soul. From pandemic pivots to product lines, from tinned fish to tins of cookies, Kathy and Ben share what it takes to create businesses that connect, inspire, and thrive—even in the hardest moments. To learn more about Saltie Girl and Sweet Boy, visit https://www.saltiegirl.com and https://www.sweetboy.com. Their journey proves that the best restaurant brands don’t just feed people—they make them feel something.____________________________________________________________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 PodcastsRestaurant expert videos & webinars

I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur and the creator of the Restaurant Scaling System. I’ve spent decades in the industry, building, scaling, and coaching restaurants to become more profitable and sustainable. On this show, I cut through the noise to give you real, actionable strategies that help independent restaurant owners run smarter, more successful businesses.In this episode, I break down exactly what it takes to build a recognizable brand and boost profitability through smarter marketing. And I’m not talking about throwing money at ads or posting randomly on social — I’m talking about strategy. Structure. Systems.I dive into how constraints in your marketing — yes, constraints — actually create clarity. I talk about the power of having a clear brand narrative and how leveraging AI can make content creation faster, easier, and way more effective.One of the game-changers I share is working off a monthly theme — keeping your messaging tight and your content consistent. When you focus your story and show up with intention, your audience listens… and they show up.Takeaways:Most restaurant marketing fails due to lack of structure.Tight constraints are essential for effective marketing.Repetition is key to gaining audience attention.Your audience is constantly changing; adapt your marketing accordingly.Creativity thrives within clear boundaries.Use AI to enhance, not replace, your marketing efforts.Build a compelling narrative around your brand.Focus on a monthly theme to guide your marketing.Discipline in marketing leads to momentum.Engage your audience with consistent messaging across platforms.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Restaurant Profitability02:11 The Importance of Structured Marketing06:00 Creating a Compelling Brand NarrativeIf you’ve got a marketing or profitability related question for me, email me directly at josh@joshkopel.com and include Office Hours in the subject line. If you'd like to scale the profitability of your restaurant in only 5 days, sign up for our FREE 5 Day Restaurant Profitability Challenge by visiting https://joshkopel.com.

Most restaurant operators are flying blind—tracking the wrong metrics and chasing problems that don’t actually exist. Jim Taylor, founder of Benchmark Sixty, is on a mission to fix that. With decades of experience in operations and a passion for data-driven decision-making, Jim has helped hundreds of restaurants ditch outdated systems and find freedom through smarter analytics. In this episode, we unpack why labor cost as a percentage of sales is broken, how to replace it with real-time productivity metrics, and the simple formula that can make your restaurant more profitable—starting this week.  To learn more about Benchmark Sixty and how his team is transforming restaurant operations through smarter, simpler metrics, visit https://www.benchmarksixty.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 PodcastsRestaurant expert videos & webinars