
RESTAURANT STRATEGY
The Restaurant Strategy podcast is dedicated helping independent restaurant owners increase the profitability of their restaurants. Hosted by industry expert, Chip Klose, the focus is split between operations and marketing... two episodes every single week. What would your life look like if your restaurant could deliver consistent, predictable 20% returns?
Latest episodes

Aug 7, 2023 • 1h 13min
Franchisors and Franchisees, with Mark Lyso
#261 - Franchisors and Franchisees, with Mark Lyso
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: MARGIN EDGE
Take control of your costs with using MarginEdge. Best of all? No contract. No setup fee. Free and unlimited training and support.
VISIT: marginedge.com/chip
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: 7SHIFTS
7shifts is the team management platform for restaurants. From hiring, to scheduling, training and retaining, they’ve got the tools you need to help you run your business with ease. Better understand your restaurant, hit your labor targets, and keep your entire team connected. Plus, 7shifts integrates with POS and payroll systems you already use and trust! Join over 30,000 restaurants using 7shifts today. Restaurant Strategy listeners get 3 months free.
VISIT: https://www.7shifts.com/restaurantstrategy
*****
Mark Lyso is the head of business development for one of the fastest-growing franchises in the country. East Coast Wings is helping owners become their own boss through the franchising model, Mark is here to talk about the pros and cons of going this route. He also shares practical information about the process. A passionate hospitalitarian, with tons to share. Check out this killer conversation!
IMPORTANT LINKS:
East Coast Wings - https://eastcoastwings.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EastCoastWings
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eastcoastwings/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/eastcoastwings
Zorability - https://zorability.com/
*****
What would your life look like if your restaurant could generate consistent, predictable 20% profits? My guess is it would change everything for you. If you've been open for at least a year, are generating at least a million dollars in revenue, but struggle with profitability...
Then set up a free 30-minute strategy session to learn more about my P3 Mastermind:
(The 3 Ps stand for Profit, Process, Progress)
Click the link to schedule a FREE 30-minute Strategy Session: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/schedule

Aug 3, 2023 • 50min
Insights from My Recent Trip to NZ
#260 - Insights from My Recent Trip to NZ
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: TRIPLESEAT
Revolutionize your private event planning with Tripleseat's all-in-one platform. Boost new booking sales by 30%, generate more leads, create contracts, BEOs, and more. Plus listeners of the show get a discount when you sign up.
VISIT: https://tripleseat.com/restaurantstrategy/
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: DAVO
Don’t let sales tax spoil your business. Stay on top of sales tax with automation from DAVO by Avalara so you can spend less time in the back office, and more time in the front of house. Click the link below to learn more and try DAVO free for the first month:
VISIT: https://www.DAVOsalestax.com/restaurantstrategy
*****
I say it often, but travel changes you.
Last month I had the great fortune of delivering the keynote at Hospo Hui 2023 in Auckland, NZ. My family joined me for the trip and we turned it into a little vacation after the event. On the last episode I shared my interviews with owners and operators from New Zealand... and on this episode I'm sharing my own insights and observations from 10 days spent in Auckland, then in Queenstown. We ate VERY WELL during our trip and I can't wait to share the details with you.
Cheers!
*****
Everything changes when your restaurant starts generating consistent, predictable, 20% profits every single month. Are you ready to level up? To bring your restaurant to where you know it should be? Just imagine how consistent profit would change your like.
Ready to learn more about my P3 Mastermind Program?
Schedule a FREE 30-minute Strategy Session: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/schedule

Jul 31, 2023 • 2h 35min
INTERVIEWS from Auckland, New Zealand - Hospo Hui 2023
#259 - INTERVIEWS from Auckland, New Zealand (Hospo Hui 2023)
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: MARGIN EDGE
Take control of your costs with using MarginEdge. Best of all? No contract. No setup fee. Free and unlimited training and support.
VISIT: marginedge.com/chip
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: 7SHIFTS
7shifts is the team management platform for restaurants. From hiring, to scheduling, training and retaining, they’ve got the tools you need to help you run your business with ease. Better understand your restaurant, hit your labor targets, and keep your entire team connected. Plus, 7shifts integrates with POS and payroll systems you already use and trust! Join over 30,000 restaurants using 7shifts today. Restaurant Strategy listeners get 3 months free.
VISIT: https://www.7shifts.com/restaurantstrategy
*****
Last month I had the great privelege of delivering the keynote speech at Hospo Hui 2023, the annual conference hosted by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand. This year the event happened in coordination with Fine Food NZ, so there was a huge trade show floor downstairs and then a bunch of programming upstairs like panel discussions, speeches, workshops, etc.
I had a great time at the event, and even had the opportunity to interview a bunch of owners and operators from the trade show floor. On today's episode I am thrilled to be able to share those conversations. I hope you get a lot out of this one!
INTERVIEWS:
Marisa Bidois
Mike Egan
Krishna Botica
Rich Walshe
Chand Sahrawat
Rebecca Smidt
Adam Neal
Amanda Frecker
*****
What would your life look like if your restaurant could generate consistent, predictable 20% profits? My guess is it would change everything for you. If you've been open for at least a year, are generating at least a million dollars in revenue, but struggle with profitability...
Then set up a free 30-minute strategy session to learn more about my P3 Mastermind:
(The 3 Ps stand for Profit, Process, Progress)
Click the link to schedule a FREE 30-minute Strategy Session: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/schedule

Jul 27, 2023 • 49min
The 6 Common Complaints I Hear All The Time
#258 - The 6 Common Complaints I Hear All The Time
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: SPOTON
You may think of them as a POS system, but SpotOn is so much more. With SpotOn you get a seamless restaurant tech solution that actually boosts revenue and manages costs. Book a demo today and see how SpotOn is changing the whole game.
VISIT: https://www.spoton.com/chip
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: 7SHIFTS
7shifts is the team management platform for restaurants. From hiring, to scheduling, training and retaining, they’ve got the tools you need to help you run your business with ease. Better understand your restaurant, hit your labor targets, and keep your entire team connected. Plus, 7shifts integrates with POS and payroll systems you already use and trust! Join over 30,000 restaurants using 7shifts today. Restaurant Strategy listeners get 3 months free.
VISIT: https://www.7shifts.com/restaurantstrategy
*****
I spend most of my week speaking with restaurant owners from all over the world... and when I go out to eat I pay careful attention to what the operators are saying. (Yes, I sometimes eavesdrop, but I also like to strike up conversations with the managers when I can.) And there are 6 things I hear all the time these days...
And I just don't think they should be in our vocabulary any more.
So on today's episode I'm going to share these 6 complaints, and I'm going to show you a way to rethink them. A way to shift your mindset about all of them. Are you ready? Hit PLAY!
*****
Are you ready to generate consistent, predictable, 20% returns? Click the link to schedule a FREE 30-minute strategy session to learn about my P3 Mastermind: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/schedule

Jul 24, 2023 • 1h 11min
SpotOn Restaurateur-in-Residence, Scott Youkilis
#257 - SpotOn Restaurateur-in-Residence, Scott Youkilis
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: KICKFIN
Thousands of restaurants across the country use Kickfin to send instant, cashless tip payouts, directly to their employees’ bank accounts, the second their shift ends. Get in touch today for a personalized demo and see how restaurants and bars across the country are tipping out with Kickfin.
VISIT: https://kickfin.com/demo/
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: POPMENU
If you’re a restaurant owner you need a great website that not only looks beautiful, but helps drive more traffic and sales. Use POPMENU to take your business to the next level. Best of all, listeners of this show can lock in one, set monthly rate… and get $100 off their first month.
VISIT: https://popmenu.com/restaurantstrategy
*****
SpotOn has been a longtime sponsor of this podcast, and for good reason. They are an incredible company, dedicated to helping independent owners and operators with their innovative all-in-one platform. They are a sponsor because I WANTED them to be a sponsor. I truly believe in what they're doing.
On Episode 257 I got to sit down with Scott Youkilis, their restaurateur-in-residence, not only about the product and their solutions... but also about his trajectory and how he gets to work with operators all over the world to help them improve their profitability.
It's an incredible conversation that you do not want to miss.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Website: https://www.spoton.com/chip
*****
Are You Ready for the P3 Mastermind Program?Learn how to generate consistent, predicatable 20% profit every single month by setting up a FREE 30-minute Strategy Session: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/schedule

Jul 20, 2023 • 28min
Understanding Your Mission, Vision, and Values
#256 - Understanding Your Mission, Vision, and Values
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: SPOTON
You may think of them as a POS system, but SpotOn is so much more. With SpotOn you get a seamless restaurant tech solution that actually boosts revenue and manages costs. Book a demo today and see how SpotOn is changing the whole game.
VISIT: https://www.spoton.com/chip
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: 7SHIFTS
7shifts is the team management platform for restaurants. From hiring, to scheduling, training and retaining, they’ve got the tools you need to help you run your business with ease. Better understand your restaurant, hit your labor targets, and keep your entire team connected. Plus, 7shifts integrates with POS and payroll systems you already use and trust! Join over 30,000 restaurants using 7shifts today. Restaurant Strategy listeners get 3 months free.
VISIT: https://www.7shifts.com/restaurantstrategy
*****
On this week's episode I want to show you why your mission, vision, and values require specific attention. And why I think they can transform your business. Don't believe me? Listen in!
*****
Same results, but a brand new name: The Restaurant Strategy P3 Mastermind
Curious to learn more? Schedule a FREE 30-minute Strategy Session: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/schedule

Jul 17, 2023 • 1h 9min
Crafting Cocktails with Understory GM, Chance Curtis
#255 - Crafting Cocktails with Understory GM, Chance Curtis
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: KICKFIN
Thousands of restaurants across the country use Kickfin to send instant, cashless tip payouts, directly to their employees’ bank accounts, the second their shift ends. Get in touch today for a personalized demo and see how restaurants and bars across the country are tipping out with Kickfin.
VISIT: kickfin.com/demo.
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: POPMENU
If you’re a restaurant owner you need a great website that not only looks beautiful, but helps drive more traffic and sales. Use POPMENU to take your business to the next level. Best of all, listeners of this show can lock in one, set monthly rate… and get $100 off their first month.
VISIT: https://popmenu.com/restaurantstrategy
*****
I've spent the last 23 years working in hospitality; 8 of those as a consultant and coach. Most people know what a consultant does (we see them on TV)... but coaching is somewhat harder to describe. Over the past several months I've decided to use this podcast as a way of letting you all in on the process. Every so often I record a live coaching call, published (un-edited) so you can see how this coaching thing works.
As you'll see on this episode, sometimes "perspective" can be a powerful thing. Chance Curtis is the General Manager of Understory Bar, out in San Diego, CA. He's an accomplished operator with years of experience, but over the course of an hour we dig down deeper to better understand the issues he's facing. And we lay out actionable steps he can take to make a difference in his bottom line.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Understory Website: https://understorybar.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069816933268
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/understorybar/
*****
Introducing... the P3 Mastermind ProgramLearn how to generate consistent, predicatable 20% profit every single month by setting up a FREE 30-minute Strategy Session: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/schedule

Jul 13, 2023 • 38min
Back to Basics
#254 - Back to Basics
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: TRIPLESEAT
Revolutionize your private event planning with Tripleseat's all-in-one platform. Boost new booking sales by 30%, generate more leads, create contracts, BEOs, and more. Plus listeners of the show get a discount when you sign up.
VISIT: https://tripleseat.com/restaurantstrategy/
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: DAVO
Don’t let sales tax spoil your business. Stay on top of sales tax with automation from DAVO by Avalara so you can spend less time in the back office, and more time in the front of house. Click the link below to learn more and try DAVO free for the first month:
VISIT: https://www.DAVOsalestax.com/restaurantstrategy
*****
Many of you have been along on this journey with me for the last four and a half years, tuning in religiously every single week to try to improve your business. Others have only recently found the podcast, and so you're still early in your journey. And I think both of those are great. No matter where you are with your business, I know this episode will help.
Today, we're going back to basics. There are a few fundamental beliefs I have -- both on the marketing and operations side of things -- that will help you shift the way your go about your day-to-day. Wrap your head around those and your business will change virtually overnight.
I hope you get a ton of value out of this episode!
*****
Everything changes when your restaurant starts generating consistent, predictable, 20% profits every single month. Are you ready to level up? To bring your restaurant to where you know it should be? Just imagine how consistent profit would change your like.
Ready to learn more about my P3 Mastermind Program?
Schedule a FREE 30-minute Strategy Session: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/schedule

Jul 10, 2023 • 1h 4min
Make the Most of Your Profits with Mark Myers
#253 - Make the Most of Your Profits with Mark Myers
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: MARGIN EDGE
Take control of your costs with using MarginEdge. Best of all? No contract. No setup fee. Free and unlimited training and support.
VISIT: marginedge.com/chip
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: 7SHIFTS
7shifts is the team management platform for restaurants. From hiring, to scheduling, training and retaining, they’ve got the tools you need to help you run your business with ease. Better understand your restaurant, hit your labor targets, and keep your entire team connected. Plus, 7shifts integrates with POS and payroll systems you already use and trust! Join over 30,000 restaurants using 7shifts today. Restaurant Strategy listeners get 3 months free.
VISIT: https://www.7shifts.com/restaurantstrategy
*****
I've been saying this for a while, but PROFIT is literally the only thing that matters in your business. Everything else must be in service of that bottom line number. So okay then... but what about when you're generating a bunch of healthy profits. What then? Mark Myers is sitting down with me to talk about how entrepreneurs and small business owners can make a few simple moves to maximize your take. It's a great conversation that will get you to think differently about your finances.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Peak Profit Solutions - https://peakprofitsolutions.com/
*****
What would your life look like if your restaurant could generate consistent, predictable 20% profits? My guess is it would change everything for you. If you've been open for at least a year, are generating at least a million dollars in revenue, but struggle with profitability...
Then set up a free 30-minute strategy session to learn more about my P3 Mastermind:
(The 3 Ps stand for Profit, Process, Progress)
Click the link to schedule a FREE 30-minute Strategy Session: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/schedule

Jul 6, 2023 • 33min
What If We Could Make 50 Percent Profit Margins?
#252 - What If We Could Make 50% Profit Margins?
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: TRIPLESEAT
Revolutionize your private event planning with Tripleseat's all-in-one platform. Boost new booking sales by 30%, generate more leads, create contracts, BEOs, and more. Plus listeners of the show get a discount when you sign up.
VISIT: https://tripleseat.com/restaurantstrategy/
*****
This week's episode is brought to you by: DAVO
Don’t let sales tax spoil your business. Stay on top of sales tax with automation from DAVO by Avalara so you can spend less time in the back office, and more time in the front of house. Click the link below to learn more and try DAVO free for the first month:
VISIT: https://www.DAVOsalestax.com/restaurantstrategy
*****
We live with razor thin profit margins... but what if we could do it differently?
*****
Everything changes when your restaurant starts generating consistent, predictable, 20% profits every single month. Are you ready to level up? To bring your restaurant to where you know it should be? Just imagine how consistent profit would change your like.
Ready to learn more about my P3 Mastermind Program?
Schedule a FREE 30-minute Strategy Session: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/schedule