#150 - INTERVIEW with Josh Kopel, Host of the Full Comp Podcast This week's episode is also sponsored by STOCK MFG. With Stock you get all the style of retail, with the price, continuity, and customer service of a traditional uniform vendor. They offer an assortment of everyday items that are ready to ship with no minimum order quantity, and can also create custom uniforms to fit any aesthetic.  Visit: stockmfg.co/chip to get get started.  ***** Josh Kopel is a restaurauteur, content creator, and host of the Full Comp Podcast. I had the great fortune of appearing on his show, and will soon be the guest host on the new season of his other show, Restaurant Marketing School. But I had the great fortune of sitting with him to chat all about the state of the industry.  You'll see over the course of this conversation that we disagree about some things, but what we share is a passion for this industry... and a desire to help those who have built their life around it. I hope you enjoy this one!  IMPORTANT LINKS:  Full Comp Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/full-comp-the-voice-of-the-restaurant-industry-revolution/id1506823506 Josh's website - https://joshkopel.com Josh's FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/milliondollarrestaurant   *****Register for my FREE webinar on January 24 and 25 all about the Two Secrets to Restaurant Profitability: www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/webinar

#149 - Looking 5 Years Into the Future This week's episode is also sponsored by STOCK MFG. With Stock you get all the style of retail, with the price, continuity, and customer service of a traditional uniform vendor. They offer an assortment of everyday items that are ready to ship with no minimum order quantity, and can also create custom uniforms to fit any aesthetic.  Visit: stockmfg.co/chip to get get started.  ***** The "restaurant" has gone basically unchanged over the past two centuries, and yet because of the pandemic the world is changing at incredible speeds all around us. Retail, travel, medicine, education, and more... all of it has been upended due to technology and changing consumer behavior over the past twenty years. And yet the restaurant industry resisted. But we can no longer afford to resist the call.  On this week's episode I'm walking you through the inevitable changes that will reshape our industry. We can utilize them to make more profitable businesses, or we can get left in the dust.  Technology Convenience Compensation Behavior   *****Register for my FREE webinar on January 24 and 25 all about the Two Secrets to Restaurant Profitability: www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/webinar

#148 - INTERVIEW with Bret Csencsitz, Owner of the Relaunched Gotham Restaurant   ***** Register for my FREE webinar on January 24 and 25 all about the Two Secrets to Restaurant Profitability : https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/webinar   *****  This week's episode is brought to you by: VIRTUAL RESTAURANT GROUP They offer innovative, turnkey delivery-only brands that you're able to easily operate out of your existing restaurant with very little disruption to your current operation. Onboarding is super easy, with recipe guides, and step-by-step training for you and your staff. Visit the link below and use the promo code CHIP2021 to get started. That link is in the show notes VISIT: https://www.virtualrestaurantgroup.com/chip   ***** 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 ***** Gotham opened in 1984 and heralded in a new era in American dining. It has a Michelin star, multiple James Beard Awards, and more 3-star reviews in The New York Times than any other restaurant in history (6 total). The restaurant was an institution here in New York City until the pandemic abruptly forced it closed in March 2020. After more than 36 years, the original owners decided to walk away.  But Managing Partner, Bret Csencsitz decided to pick up the baton. He spent the last 2 years planning its rebirth and it has risen like the phoenix. Same address, same layout, but a whole new feel. Vibrant art populates the place, and interesting new spaces make it feel brand new.  On this week's episode I talk to him about opening a restaurant in the current climate, and how exactly you begin to think about relaunching a brand as beloved as Gotham.    ***** Register for my FREE webinar on January 24 and 25 all about the Two Secrets to Restaurant Profitability : https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/webinar

#147 - A System for Everything in Your Restaurant     ***** Interested in joining my mastermind group, RESTAURANT ACCELERATOR? Click the link below and schedule a FREE strategy session: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/schedule   *****  This week's episode is brought to you by: VIRTUAL RESTAURANT GROUP They offer innovative, turnkey delivery-only brands that you're able to easily operate out of your existing restaurant with very little disruption to your current operation. Onboarding is super easy, with recipe guides, and step-by-step training for you and your staff. Visit the link below and use the promo code CHIP2021 to get started. That link is in the show notes VISIT: https://www.virtualrestaurantgroup.com/chip   ***** 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   ***** The difference between the "big guys" and the "little guys" is pretty simple: SYSTEMS. The big chains know what they should be making and they empower their management teams to achieve ambitious goals. On this week's episode I want to talk about building systems in key places around your business.      ***** Interested in joining my mastermind group, RESTAURANT ACCELERATOR? Click the link below and schedule a FREE strategy session: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/schedule

#146 - The Return of Shawn Walchef, King of Smartphone Storytelling This week's episode is also sponsored by STOCK MFG. With Stock you get all the style of retail, with the price, continuity, and customer service of a traditional uniform vendor. They offer an assortment of everyday items that are ready to ship with no minimum order quantity, and can also create custom uniforms to fit any aesthetic.  Visit: stockmfg.co/chip to get get started.  ***** Shawn Walchef is the host of the Digital Hospitality Podcast and the owner of Cali BBQ in San Diego, CA. He first appeared on the show back on Episode 130 and I just had to have him back to talk all about how to get more social in the new year. We're talking about how to tell compelling stories so that the world discovers you and becomes part of the tribe. Well worth the listen!   IMPORTANT LINKS: Digital Hospitality Podcast: https://calibbq.media/podcast-episodes/ Cali BBQ: https://calibbq.media *****Join my FREE webinar on January 3rd and January 4th all about the Two Secrets to Restaurant Profitability: www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/webinar

#145 - The Power of Routine This week's episode is also sponsored by STOCK MFG. With Stock you get all the style of retail, with the price, continuity, and customer service of a traditional uniform vendor. They offer an assortment of everyday items that are ready to ship with no minimum order quantity, and can also create custom uniforms to fit any aesthetic.  Visit: stockmfg.co/chip to get get started.  ***** How do you prepare for the year ahead? Some rely on resolutions, while others set a series of ambitious goals. There is no wrong way to do it, but as scientists continue to study the subject of motivation and goal-setting we are getting a clearer picture of the best ways we can set ourselves up for success. For those who need a little inspiration I’m going to share some ideas and insights from a few of my favorite thought leaders. Links to all of the articles and books are listed below!   IMPORTANT LINKS: HBR Article - "To Achieve Big Goals, Start With Small Habits": https://hbr.org/2020/01/to-achieve-big-goals-start-with-small-habits MAKE YOUR BED by Admiral William H. McRaven: https://amzn.to/32btrcr ATOMIC HABITS by James Clear: https://amzn.to/3mkf9ND HBR Ideacast Episode 716: https://hbr.org/podcast/2019/12/the-right-way-to-form-new-habits BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://amzn.to/3sfvqqZ *****Join my FREE webinar on January 3rd and January 4th all about the Two Secrets to Restaurant Profitability: www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/webinar

#144 - INTERVIEW with Brendan Sweeney, Co-Founder of PopMenu ***** Secure your spot for my FREE upcoming webinar: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/webinar   *****   This week's episode is brought to you by: VIRTUAL RESTAURANT GROUP They offer innovative, turnkey delivery-only brands that you're able to easily operate out of your existing restaurant with very little disruption to your current operation. Onboarding is super easy, with recipe guides, and step-by-step training for you and your staff. Visit the link below and use the promo code CHIP2021 to get started. That link is in the show notes VISIT: https://www.virtualrestaurantgroup.com/chip ***** 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   ***** PopMenu is taking the tech world by storm, providing compelling solution for chefs and operators. They've been a longtime supporter of this show, and I'm glad to be able to bring this conversation to you... all about their incredible journey and the jaw-dropping new features they've just released.  EXPLORE POPMENU: https://popmenu.com/restaurantstrategy   ***** Secure your spot for my FREE upcoming webinar: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/webinar

#143 - Setting An Intention for The Year Ahead ***** INCREASE REVENUE BY 10% WITH OUR FREE E-BOOK: https://chip-klose.mykajabi.com/revenue *****   This week's episode is brought to you by: VIRTUAL RESTAURANT GROUP They offer innovative, turnkey delivery-only brands that you're able to easily operate out of your existing restaurant with very little disruption to your current operation. Onboarding is super easy, with recipe guides, and step-by-step training for you and your staff. Visit the link below and use the promo code CHIP2021 to get started. That link is in the show notes VISIT: https://www.virtualrestaurantgroup.com/chip ***** 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   ***** Are you ready for 2022? On this week's episode I'm showing you four things to do to get ready for the new year.  Build a budget, cost out your menu, organize your marketing efforts, and commit to changing the culture in your restaurant. Get clear on your goals and attract people who can help you execute that vision. I want 2022 to be your best year yet, and I can show you ways to prepare... but you've gotta meet me halfway and put in the work! IMPORTANT LINKS:  Three Template Bundle - https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/offers/YwT7zcFy/checkout   ***** INCREASE REVENUE BY 10% WITH OUR FREE E-BOOK: https://chip-klose.mykajabi.com/revenue

#142 - INTERVIEW with Carl Orsbourn & Meredith Sandland  This week's episode is also sponsored by STOCK MFG. With Stock you get all the style of retail, with the price, continuity, and customer service of a traditional uniform vendor. They offer an assortment of everyday items that are ready to ship with no minimum order quantity, and can also create custom uniforms to fit any aesthetic.  Visit: stockmfg.co/chip to get get started.  ***** Carl and Meredith have written a book that is both limely and timeless. Delivering the Digital Restaurant tracks the events that got us to this moment and maps out a future that offers all kinds of incredible opportunities for operators who are hungry for change. The key to profitability, they say, is wrapped up in our ability to rethink what we do and how we do it. Convenience and individuality is going to be paramount in the next decade, and those who fail to recognize that will fail to exist.  IMPORTANT LINKS: Order directly from Carl & Meredith: https://www.deliveringthedigitalrestaurant.com Order the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1645439488/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1645439488&linkCode=as2&tag=restauran0e69-20&linkId=226fe096b8c05fd35f94dd228478def1 Continuing Education: https://www.learn.delivery   *****Join me for a FREE 3-day challenge starting on Monday, November 29... get ready for the year ahead so 2022 can be your most profitable one yet: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/challenge

#141 - Top 20 Things That I've Learned From My Guests     This week's episode is also sponsored by STOCK MFG. With Stock you get all the style of retail, with the price, continuity, and customer service of a traditional uniform vendor. They offer an assortment of everyday items that are ready to ship with no minimum order quantity, and can also create custom uniforms to fit any aesthetic.  Visit: stockmfg.co/chip to get get started.    ***** Week after week I have the great privelege of chatting with some of the greatest minds in our industry... chefs, operators, marketers, founders, and more. I'm constantly overwhelmed by their generosity, and so I decided to sit down and share some of my all time favorites insights. They are listed in no particular order. I hope this prompts you to revisit some of your favorites... or maybe an episode or two you might've missed. Links and episode numbers are listed before for each. Enjoy!  MY FAVORITE INTERVIEW INSIGHTS: #1 - Martin Lindstrom - #112 - “It’s much, much easier to be a small player than a big player.” (LISTEN HERE) #2 - Christopher Tunnah - #96 - “A logo doesn’t matter, fonts don’t matter, the business cards don’t matter.” (LISTEN HERE) #3 - Peter Fader - #93 - “Frequency, Recency, and Monetary Spend” (LISTEN HERE) #4 - Mark Schaefer - #106 - “80% of the marketing is done behind our backs.” (LISTEN HERE) #5 - Kelly Cooper - #77 - “There are specific, tangible things you can do to make sure your business appears in relevant searches…. GMB, NAP credentials, backlinks, and reviews.” (LISTEN HERE) #6 - Saleem Khatri - #52 - “The data is overwhelming clear… technology… specifically kiosk service helps us drive more revenue, cut expenses, and create a better guest experience.” (LISTEN HERE) #7 - Bob and Kate Carpenter - #49 - “Respond to each and every review on Yelp… those responses are not for the critics, but for the people researching you. It’s an opportunity to show them what kind of an operator you are.” (LISTEN HERE) #8 - Mike McFall - #138 - “If you follow the guidelines, you’ll never be out of position. Your staff will always know what they’re supposed to be doing at any given point in the shift.” (LISTEN HERE) #9 - Zack Oates - #132 - “Restaurants are getting bigger and smaller at the same time.” (LISTEN HERE) #10 - Shawn Walchef - #130 - “Invite your staff in to be part of the process. It’s one of the best ways to get buy-in. To do that, put a phone in their hand and ask them to capture something interesting.” (LISTEN HERE) #11 - Andrew Scrivani - #126 - “Manage your expectations from the start… get it all out in the open.” (LISTEN HERE) #12 - Ken McGarrie - #122 - “We want to think of this as an acute crisis, but staffing in the restaurant industry is a chronic pain. We may be feeling it more now, but it’s been there for a long time.” (LISTEN HERE) #13 - Andrea Borgen Abdallah - #97 - “The way we pay people in this industry… in this country at least… is no longer working… and in order for the industry to grow again we will need to reconcile this.” (LISTEN HERE) #14 - Adriane Mack - #128 - “We all have bias that we have to face.” (LISTEN HERE) #15 - Yannick Benjamin - #140 - “Perspective is everything.” (LISTEN HERE) #16 - Matt Plapp - #134 - “We need to put systems in place to build effective, efficient, repeatable actions to help us achieve our goals.” (LISTEN HERE) #17 - Shawn Walchef - #130 - “It’s still all about location. It’s just that technology is redefining what we mean when we talk about location.” (LISTEN HERE) #18 - Jim Snediker - #120 - "We think about all the details and yet the people bring our place to life, and often uniforms are an afterthought." (LISTEN HERE) #19 - Renae Scott - #114 - “It’s all about brand filter.” (LISTEN HERE) #20 - Steven Hall - #98 - “We sell air.” (LISTEN HERE) *****Join me for a FREE 3-day challenge starting on Monday, November 29... get ready for the year ahead so 2022 can be your most profitable one yet: https://www.restaurantstrategypodcast.com/challenge