The meez Podcast

#110.In this special meez podcast feature, Amy Guittard of the namesake chocolate brand leads a discussion with acclaimed chefs Suzanne Goin and Michael Mina, and hospitality tech founders Ryan Handel and Josh Sharkey, on the intersection of creativity and profitability—where inspiration meets the realities of running a business.  They explore the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of running independent restaurants. Key topics include balancing passion with profitability, fostering creativity within constraints, and the vital role restaurants play in community building. The discussion also delves into strategies for driving revenue, understanding the true costs of a dish, and the importance of teamwork in the kitchen. The episode underscores the collective effort needed to preserve independent restaurants, which are essential for reflecting broader humanity and culture.A huge thank you to Brad Metzger and the BMRS team for putting on another spectacular LA Chef Conference this year!Links and resources 📌Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.comFollow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeezFollow Josh: @joshlsharkey or Linkedin hereFollow Michael Mina: @chefmichaelminaFollow Suzanne Goin: @suzannegoinFollow Amy Guittard: @guittardchocolateFollow Ryan Handel: @getmyfixeFollow Brad Metzger @metzger_bradThe La Chef Conference: https://www.lachefconference.com/

#109.Join Josh as he moderates a compelling discussion with Eric Bromberg, co-founder of Blue Ribbon Restaurants, and John Karangis, executive chef at Shake Shack, exploring the fascinating intersection between fine dining and food at scale. This engaging conversation reveals the mutual lessons these two culinary worlds can teach each other, diving deep into the critical importance of precision, consistency, and innovation that drives success across both restaurant segments. The trio examines how scaling operations can actually sharpen efficiency and creativity, challenging traditional assumptions about what it means to deliver quality food at different service levels.The discussion ventures into the evolving landscape of the food industry, touching on exciting possibilities for elevating food quality in unexpected places like hospitals and envisioning the future of quick service restaurants that refuse to compromise on high-quality dining experiences. Bromberg and Karangis share insights from their respective expertise in upscale dining and fast-casual innovation, while Josh guides the conversation through practical applications and industry trends. The summit concludes on an optimistic note, celebrating the next generation of chefs and the promising future of food businesses that are breaking down barriers between speed and quality, efficiency and excellence.Links and resources 📌Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.comFollow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeezFollow Josh: @joshlsharkey or Linkedin hereFollow Dan: @dan.giustiVisit Brigaid Summit: https://www.brigaidsummit.comFollow Eric: @blueribbonericFollow John: john_karangis  

#108.Josh sits down with Blake Hudelson, founder of BoomPop, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the event planning and hospitality landscape. Blake shares his journey from architecture to product design and how it shaped his approach to building BoomPop as a comprehensive platform that simplifies event management through technology while maintaining the personal service that makes events truly memorable. They examine the power of design thinking in understanding guest needs before crafting solutions, discussing how successful events engage all five senses and create lasting emotional connections through thoughtful details and brand experiences.The conversation touches on the supportive nature of founders' communities and their essential role in providing networking opportunities and fostering innovation. Blake demonstrates how his architectural background influences his product design philosophy, emphasizing that memorable experiences stem from personal touches and meticulous attention to detail rather than just technology alone. They unpack how AI is revolutionizing the industry by enhancing human creativity rather than replacing it, while exploring BoomPop's mission to become the leading platform for all types of events and the delicate balance between technological efficiency and the human elements that make events truly special.Links and resources 📌Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.comFollow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeezFollow Josh on instagram: @joshlsharkeyVisit BoomPop: http://www.boompop.comFollow Blake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakehudelson

#107.Josh sits down with Jesse Stein, founder of Hermetic AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming hospitality management and customer engagement in the restaurant industry. Stein shares his vision for making AI interactions feel genuinely human while helping restaurants streamline event management and build stronger customer relationships through personalized experiences and strategic follow-up.The conversation covers the evolving role of technology in hospitality, from the surprising power of handwritten notes in customer engagement to sophisticated AI models that enhance rather than replace human connection. Stein and Sharkie examine practical sales strategies including the psychology of reciprocity, the importance of understanding customer needs, and how restaurants can leverage platforms like LinkedIn for business networking. They also address the critical need for contingency planning in restaurant operations, learning from past mistakes, and why creating memorable experiences often drives more value than focusing solely on material offerings, all while exploring how Hermetic AI's solutions can help restaurants nurture customer relationships that translate into increased loyalty and sales.Links and resources 📌Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.comFollow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeezFollow Josh on instagram: @joshlsharkeyVisit Hermetic AI: https://www.hermetic.ai/Follow Jesse: @jesse.steinn

In this intriguing discussion, Eli Feldman, founder of Elided Opinions and Shy Bird, dives into how restaurants can adapt to survive in a competitive landscape. He emphasizes the necessity of monetizing customer attention and integrating technology like AI to streamline operations. Feldman explores the ethical implications of restaurant models, the benefits of franchising, and the need to offer unique dining experiences. He also touches on the impact of delivery services and the importance of genuine human interaction, even as tech evolves.

#105.Josh sits down with Britney Ziegler, Founder and CEO of Panso, to explore the innovative world of restaurant technology and hospitality management. Britney shares her entrepreneurial journey of launching a comprehensive restaurant technology platform that streamlines multiple tools into one unified system. She reveals how her team's industry experience has been crucial in reducing onboarding friction, particularly through hiring people directly from restaurants who understand the unique challenges operators face. The conversation covers Panso's strategic approach to building in stealth mode, allowing for careful product refinement before market launch, and the critical importance of helping restaurants understand and leverage their customer data for success.Britney discusses the art of deal-making in the restaurant business, emphasizing how industry connections and word-of-mouth strategies have driven their sales approach. She outlines her vision for empowering restaurants with true customer data ownership through what she describes as a genuine CRM system that enhances customer loyalty and collaboration. The discussion touches on the transformative potential of AI in enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency, while also exploring the significance of strategic partnerships in driving business growth. Throughout the conversation, Britney reflects on the personal growth that comes with entrepreneurial success and her commitment to revolutionizing how restaurants connect with and serve their customers.Links and resources 📌Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.comFollow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeezFollow Josh on instagram: @joshlsharkeyVisit Panso: https://www.hellopanso.comFollow Britney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britney-ziegler

Josh Sharkey, the founder and CEO of meez, revolutionizes restaurant operations with a platform that standardizes recipes and enhances menu engineering. He discusses the importance of explicit recipe communication for consistency and how meez has evolved to balance culinary creativity with operational profitability. Josh explores the role of technology in reducing repetitive tasks, enabling staff to focus on guest experience. He also highlights the shifting dining landscape, emphasizing experience over ingredients and the necessity for accurate menu information.

#104.In this episode, Josh sits down with chefs Shawn Aoki and Ryan Harris to explore their journey from working in hotels to running a successful culinary consultancy in Dubai's dynamic food scene. They dive into the unique challenges of menu development, ingredient sourcing, and the competitive nature of the culinary community in Dubai. Throughout the conversation, Shawn, Ryan, and Josh discuss the importance of understanding client needs while developing new culinary concepts, emphasizing how the creative process adapts to the growing demands of a consultancy.The trio also shares insights on the balance between maintaining creative control and learning to delegate as businesses expand. They touch on the importance of continuous learning through travel, the evolving world of food trends, and how AI is influencing recipe development. The episode wraps up with a conversation on the timeless value of cookbooks as sources of inspiration for culinary professionals. Tune in for an engaging, professional, and thought-provoking discussion about scaling culinary businesses and staying ahead in a fast-paced industry.Links and resources 📌Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.comFollow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeezFollow Josh on instagram: @joshlsharkeyVisit H°A Hospitality: https://www.harrisaoki.com Follow H°A Hospitality: @harrisxaoki Follow Shawn Aoik: @chef.shawn.aokiFollow Ryan Harris: @chefryanharris

#103.Join Josh as he sits down with the innovative duo behind Tilit, Alex McCrery and Jenny Goodman, to explore how they've revolutionized chef workwear through community-driven design and authentic hospitality connections. The founders share their formative experiences working within the hospitality industry, including pivotal moments at Commander's Palace and culinary adventures throughout New Orleans that shaped their understanding of what chefs truly need from their workwear. They reveal the delicate balance between maintaining creative integrity and achieving profitability, while staying true to their community-first approach that puts chef feedback at the center of every design decision.The conversation covers the evolution of chef apparel beyond traditional whites, innovations in culinary equipment, and the strategic importance of building genuine relationships within the hospitality ecosystem. Alex and Jenny discuss their unique hiring practices, the challenges of defining and maintaining brand identity in a competitive market, and how they measure success through metrics that extend far beyond financial returns. They also explore their design influences, creative processes, and the story behind launching the Utility Show, concluding with valuable advice for aspiring hospitality professionals looking to make their mark in the industry.Links and resources 📌Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.comFollow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeezFollow Josh on instagram: @joshlsharkeyVisit Tilit: https://www.tilitnyc.com/Follow Jenny and Alex: @tilitnyc

#102.In this episode, Josh sits down with Gavin Kaysen—the award-winning chef and founder of Soigné Hospitality Group in Minneapolis.Gavin reflects on his upbringing, his mentors like Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller, and how their examples—especially around discipline and curiosity—shaped not only his cooking but his approach to business and people.Whether it’s developing young talent, opening new concepts, or coaching Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or, Gavin shares what drives him: a deep belief in hospitality, personal growth, and giving back.Listeners get an inside look at the stories behind Kaysen’s renowned restaurants, including Spoon and Stable, Demi, and Mara, and the meaning behind names like Bellecour. Gavin also shares touching moments about his relationship with the late Paul Bocuse, including the story of why Bocuse flew the American flag in front of his restaurant.Of course, it wouldn’t be a Gavin Kaysen conversation without a mention of spoons—yes, the ones he “borrows” from restaurants as mementos of meals that moved him.Links and resources 📌Visit meez: https://www.getmeez.comFollow meez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeezFollow Josh on instagram: @joshlsharkeyVisit Gavin: https://gavinkaysen.com/Follow Gavin: @gavinkaysen