

FULL COMP: The Voice of the Restaurant Industry Revolution
Josh Kopel
What if I told you that the difference between struggling and thriving in the restaurant industry is just one conversation away?
I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur who’s spent decades building blockbuster brands across every tier of dining. I know the challenges you’re facing—because I’ve been there. That’s why I created FULL COMP.
Every week, I go one-on-one with the smartest minds in the game: restaurateurs, chefs, and industry insiders who’ve cracked the code. Together, we unpack their biggest wins, hardest lessons, and the strategies that changed everything.
No fluff, no filler—just actionable insights to help you boost profits, build your brand, and create the kind of restaurant you’ve always dreamed of.
So, if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start seeing results, hit subscribe.
I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur who’s spent decades building blockbuster brands across every tier of dining. I know the challenges you’re facing—because I’ve been there. That’s why I created FULL COMP.
Every week, I go one-on-one with the smartest minds in the game: restaurateurs, chefs, and industry insiders who’ve cracked the code. Together, we unpack their biggest wins, hardest lessons, and the strategies that changed everything.
No fluff, no filler—just actionable insights to help you boost profits, build your brand, and create the kind of restaurant you’ve always dreamed of.
So, if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start seeing results, hit subscribe.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 3, 2022 • 36min
You Can't Do It Alone: Matt Rolfe of Westshore Online
If every problem is a people problem then you really only need to get better at one thing right?
That's why I've called in Matt Rolfe. Matt is a people expert and he's leveraging his 15+ years in this industry to share what the top ten percent do that’s fundamentally different from the rest of the us.
For more on Matt and his company visit https://mattrolfe.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.
________________________________
CLICK HERE to Chat with Josh
Free Download: 5 Steps to Achieve a 15% Net Profit
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out the FULL COMP media universe by visiting:
FULL COMP
Restaurant Marketing School
The Playbook
Industry Town Halls

May 31, 2022 • 37min
The Future of Food Halls: John Kolaski of K2 Restaurants
The jury is still out on food halls. For some brands, they're a blessing and for some of us, they're a curse. There's something about the model that seems broken to me and I'm not the only one that sees it.
Today we chat with John Kolaski who's reimagining the food hall from the ground up. He's thinking big while working small and the results are inspiring.
That's John Kolaski. For more on K2 Restaurants visit https://www.k2restaurants.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.
________________________________
CLICK HERE to Chat with Josh
Free Download: 5 Steps to Achieve a 15% Net Profit
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out the FULL COMP media universe by visiting:
FULL COMP
Restaurant Marketing School
The Playbook
Industry Town Halls

May 27, 2022 • 37min
Owning Your Market: Gavin Kaysen of Soigné Hospitality Group
What do you do when you can literally do anything? Chef Gavin Kaysen worked with some of the most talented chefs in the world. He helmed awarded restaurants in major markets. He could have opened anything anywhere. And he chose to go back to Minneapolis.
Today we discuss the merits of following your heart and the positive impacts it can have personally and professionally. As it turns out, success is intentional.
That's Gavin Kaysen. For more on all of the chef's projects visit https://gavinkaysen.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.
________________________________
CLICK HERE to Chat with Josh
Free Download: 5 Steps to Achieve a 15% Net Profit
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out the FULL COMP media universe by visiting:
FULL COMP
Restaurant Marketing School
The Playbook
Industry Town Halls

May 24, 2022 • 35min
The Millennial Mastermind: Jon Neidich of Golden Age Hospitality Group
What is cool? What are those indescribable qualities that make a restaurant popular? Is it just me or does it seem to be a moving target year to year?
Jon Neidich seems to have the formula down, with each spot he opens being trendier then the next. But, and this is what's truly amazing, they have staying power.
Today we sit down to discuss what makes a restaurant perennially popular so that we too can become the kings and queens of cool.
That's Jon Neidich. For more on Golden Age Hospitality visit https://www.goldenagehospitality.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.
________________________________
CLICK HERE to Chat with Josh
Free Download: 5 Steps to Achieve a 15% Net Profit
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out the FULL COMP media universe by visiting:
FULL COMP
Restaurant Marketing School
The Playbook
Industry Town Halls

May 20, 2022 • 38min
Tackling Trends: Shawn Lalehzarian of The Red Chickz
What if, when you started your entrepreneurial journey, you had a playbook that guaranteed your success? Would you follow it religiously or would you deviate when inspiration strikes?
Shawn Lalehzarian had that playbook. After opening countless restaurants for big brands he went independent and paired a winning plan with a top trend to create a powerhouse restaurant.
In today's conversation we talk about the essential elements of the plan that led to his massive success despite a global pandemic.
That's Shawn Lalehzarian. For more on The Red Chickz visit https://www.theredchickz.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.
________________________________
CLICK HERE to Chat with Josh
Free Download: 5 Steps to Achieve a 15% Net Profit
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out the FULL COMP media universe by visiting:
FULL COMP
Restaurant Marketing School
The Playbook
Industry Town Halls

May 17, 2022 • 32min
Setting the Standard: Suzanne Goin of AOC
If every restaurant is a snowflake, unique and special in its own way, then so is every chef and restaurateur. Chef Suzanne Goin is a total original. From the way she thinks, to the way she runs a restaurant to her advocacy work, the chef is on a whole other level.
Today we chat about the choices she's made that have led to her massive success and her plan to continue innovating into the future.
For more on the chef and her projects visit https://www.aocwinebar.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.
________________________________
CLICK HERE to Chat with Josh
Free Download: 5 Steps to Achieve a 15% Net Profit
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out the FULL COMP media universe by visiting:
FULL COMP
Restaurant Marketing School
The Playbook
Industry Town Halls

May 13, 2022 • 33min
The Backwards Franchise Model: Liz Solomon of King David Tacos
What's the first thing you do when you want to open your own restaurant? Liz Solomon wanted to open a restaurant but she went about it in a completely innovative way.
In today's conversation, Liz takes us on her path to a brick and mortar restaurant that began with an idea, then a catering company, then food carts, then a wholesale company and then...well I guess you'll just have to listen to find out.
For more on King David Tacos go to http://kingdavidtacos.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.
________________________________
CLICK HERE to Chat with Josh
Free Download: 5 Steps to Achieve a 15% Net Profit
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out the FULL COMP media universe by visiting:
FULL COMP
Restaurant Marketing School
The Playbook
Industry Town Halls

May 10, 2022 • 35min
Learning How to be the Best: Mario Del Pero of Dom Food Group
Who taught you how to be a great restaurateur? Was that person truly great in their role? Were you a truly great student in that season of your life?
Today we chat with Mario Del Pero, an objectively great restaurateur and entrepreneur who took the initiative to learn from great restaurateurs. In our conversation, he walks us along the path that led Mendocino Farms to 42 locations and the amazing opportunities that have come after that massive success.
For more on Mendocino Farms or Dom Food Group click the links in the show notes.
https://www.mendocinofarms.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dom-food-group/about/
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.
________________________________
CLICK HERE to Chat with Josh
Free Download: 5 Steps to Achieve a 15% Net Profit
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out the FULL COMP media universe by visiting:
FULL COMP
Restaurant Marketing School
The Playbook
Industry Town Halls

May 6, 2022 • 32min
Essential Elements of Successful Leadership: Raji Sankar of Choolaah Indian BBQ
If I didn't work for me, I'd want to work for Raji Sankar. I'd argue that I'd probably have more fun working for Raji. Her confidence, the way she inspires, her ability to put one at ease, even in stressful situations is the result of thoughtful, intentional leadership.
Today's conversation is a masterclass in mastering intention. In becoming the leader and building a business you can be proud of, even in the toughest of times. Her restaurant, Choolaah, represents the absolute best our industry has to offer and I couldn't be more excited to share her story with you today.
For more on Choolaah visit https://choolaah.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.
________________________________
CLICK HERE to Chat with Josh
Free Download: 5 Steps to Achieve a 15% Net Profit
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out the FULL COMP media universe by visiting:
FULL COMP
Restaurant Marketing School
The Playbook
Industry Town Halls

May 3, 2022 • 36min
Divide and Conquer: Michael Mina and Patric Yumul of the Mina Group
Michael Mina is the best in the biz. He's mastered excellence at scale. What's equally impressive is that he's done it alongside his partner Patric Yumul for the last 20 years.
Think about how much our industry has changed in the last 20 years. Today, the three of us reflect back on their decades long partnership together and look forward to the next chapter of their partnership.
For more on the Mina Group go to 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.
________________________________
CLICK HERE to Chat with Josh
Free Download: 5 Steps to Achieve a 15% Net Profit
We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out the FULL COMP media universe by visiting:
FULL COMP
Restaurant Marketing School
The Playbook
Industry Town Halls


