The meez Podcast

#66. In this special episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey welcomes Patrick Lightbody and Henry Shapiro, founders of the revolutionary app, Reclaim.ai. Unlike the typical focus on the restaurant and hospitality industry, this episode dives into the realm of digital hospitality, exploring how Reclaim exemplifies excellence in this space.Patrick and Henry share insights into the creation and impact of Reclaim, an app designed to optimize work habits by intelligently managing calendar events. They discuss the transformative power of Reclaim, explaining how it helps users prioritize essential activities like strategy sessions and exercise, ensuring a balanced and productive schedule.Listeners will gain valuable knowledge about product development as Patrick and Henry discuss their approach to building Reclaim, including how they prioritize features, gather and synthesize customer feedback, and stay grounded while planning for the future. This episode offers a unique perspective on technology and product innovation, providing lessons that extend beyond the restaurant industry.Tune in to learn from Patrick and Henry's experiences and discover how principles of great product development can be applied to any field.Where to find Henry Shapiro:LinkedInWhere to find Patrick Lightbody:LinkedInWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(06:05): Why Reclaim was built(13:01): Reclaim.ai 101(22:19): Henry and Patrick's thoughts on alternative checklists & tasks(29:23): What to think about when building great product(51:13): Problems that Reclaim.ai aspires to fix(1:02:14): Reclaim's future vision

#65. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey catches up with old friends who are also amazing chefs and  restaurateurs. The guests are Jess Maher and Todd Duplechan, a dynamic duo Josh has known for nearly two decades. Their paths first crossed while working together at Bouley and Danube in New York City, and they've remained close ever since.Listeners will hear them reminisce about their time at renowned restaurants like Bouley, Danube, Gray Kunz’s establishments, and Tabla with Floyd Cardoz. They dive into Jess and Todd's journey to Austin, where they opened their celebrated restaurant, Lenoir. The conversation covers the evolution of the Austin dining scene, the operation of their restaurant, and the challenges and rewards of running a business as a married couple with children.Josh, Jess, and Todd also touch on their future ventures and how they've adapted to changes in the industry over the years. This episode is filled with insights, laughter, and the warmth of reconnecting with good friends. If you're ever in Austin, a visit to Lenoir is highly recommended—it's truly amazing.Tune in for an engaging episode that highlights the intersection of friendship, food, and the dynamic world of the restaurant industry. Where to find Todd Duplechan:InstagramLinkedInWhere to find Jess Maher:LinkedInWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(02:43): Reminiscing all the Austin guests on The meez Podcast(04:27): How Jess and Todd met & family meals(17:29): The backstory of Lenoir(25:57): What makes an Austin diner different than a NYC diner(28:42): How Jess & Todd describe the food at Lenoir(37:05): Lenoir's CSR program(48:02): What it's like working together as a couple(53:36): When to introduce work to kids(58:25): Being a mom and a business owner(1:02:43): Other upcoming projects

#64. In this episode of the meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey welcomes Ellen Yin, the esteemed founder and co-owner of High Street Hospitality Group. Ellen has garnered acclaim for her work, including being honored with the Outstanding Restaurateur Award by the James Beard Foundation. She also serves on the board of Open Table (among many other boards) and is the co-chair of the Sisterly Love Coalition, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the Philadelphia hospitality industry.Josh and Ellen dive into her decades of experience running High Street Hospitality Group, discussing the challenges and successes she has encountered along the way. Despite not being a chef herself, Ellen has a clear vision for her business and has successfully collaborated with numerous talented chefs. The conversation explores how Ellen balances the creative vision of her chefs with her business objectives, offering valuable insights into her hiring process and leadership style.Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with industry wisdom, stories of resilience, and Ellen's inspiring journey in the world of hospitality.Where to find Ellen Yin:InstagramLinkedInWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(03:11): Ellen's thoughts on awards(04:44): High Street Hospitality's new growth (07:24): How Ellen is adapting to opening restaurants in different cities(10:12): Community involvement in new cities(14:20): Pros and cons of being a restaurateur and not a chef(26:55): How Ellen measures team growth and happiness(32:21): The uniqueness of the Philly restaurant scene (40:21): Today's cost of food and service charges(46:26): Sisterly Love Collective and The Wonton Project

#63. In the latest episode of The meez Podcast, we're sitting down with Tracy and Arjav, the dynamic duo behind Birdie's, a cherished eatery in Austin, Texas. Not only are they partners in life, having met and fallen in love in the bustling New York restaurant scene, but they've also ventured into the world of business together, creating a dining experience that's both successful and beloved.Their journey began over shared Negronis and led to the opening of Birdie's, which has since become a testament to their hard work and dedication. Impressively, they managed to pay back their investors within just 7 to 9 months of opening, a feat that speaks volumes about their commitment and the restaurant's instant appeal.Tracy, recently nominated for Best Chef Texas by the James Beard Foundation, has a rich history of working in prestigious restaurants such as Del Posto and Blue Hill. Together with Arjav, who curates an exceptional wine list, they've embraced a counter service model that emphasizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor.In this episode, the power couple shares insights into their daily menu changes, their approach to maintaining consistency, and the recipes that have become staples. They also delve into the personal side of their lives, discussing the challenges and joys of balancing parenthood with running a restaurant.The conversation extends to the vibrant Austin food scene and the business strategies that have contributed to their long-term success. Join us for a deep dive into the story of Birdie's, where simplicity meets sophistication, and discover why this restaurant is a must-visit on your next trip to Austin.Where to find Tracy Malecheck-Ezekiel:Tracy's InstagramTracy's LinkedInWhere to find Arjav EzekielArjav's InstagramArjav's LinkedInWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(06:16): Arjav and Tracy's background(07:28): How and why Birdie's was created(26:53): The couple's attempt at creating a more sustainable industry(33:11): How raising margins will help with overall industry culture(41:10): Separating self-worth from restaurant reviews(46:16): How Tracy's mentors show up in her cooking(52:28): How Tracy consistently changes the menu and maintains quality(56:58): Arjav's opinion on wine enhancing the meal(1:00:38): Being a parent and running a successful business

#62. In this engaging episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey sits down with his friend and accomplished entrepreneur, Jordan Silverman. Josh and Jordan delve into the journey that led Jordan from his role as VP of Customer Success at MarketMan to founding his innovative AI company, Starfish.Jordan's impressive track record of going above and beyond to help others is a central theme in their discussion. Josh recounts how Jordan's willingness to share his expertise and offer support was invaluable during the early days of meez. This generosity foreshadowed Jordan's success, culminating in the launch of Starfish.Starfish, an AI-driven platform, revolutionizes financial management by generating P&Ls with remarkable speed and precision, uncovering opportunities for margin improvement, and simplifying multi-location financial oversight. Josh and Jordan explore the impact of this technology on the restaurant industry and beyond, highlighting its potential to transform financial processes.In a playful twist, Josh experiments with AI tools like ChatGPT and Meta AI during the conversation, creating some surprisingly impressive slogans and taglines for Starfish. This light-hearted segment underscores Jordan's enthusiasm for AI and its creative possibilities.Join Josh and Jordan for a thought-provoking discussion about entrepreneurship, innovation, and the exciting advancements in AI that are shaping the future. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a business professional, this episode offers valuable insights and plenty of inspiration.Where to find Jordan Silverman:Jordan's LinkedInStarfish LinkedInStarfish InstagramStarfish TwitterStarfish TikTokStarfish FacebookWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(04:04): Jordan's start with Star TP(07:28): How Josh and Jordan met(14:10): What is customer success and how did Jordan start working in that field?(18:55): Jordan's opinion on what the biggest change has been in the adoption of software for restaurant companies(21:53): Starfish 101(32:11): What Starfish is planning for the future(34:36): Specific things Jordan finds exciting in AI(40:14): Josh gives ChatGPT prompts to create slogans for Starfish(43:22): What makes Jordan angryBook Recomendations Relentless by Tim GroverThe Fountainhead by Ayn RandAtlas Shrugged by Ayn RandLiving with a Seal by Jesse Etzner 

#61. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey welcomes Sam Bernstein, the founder of Table22. Table22 is a pioneering company designed to help restaurants generate incremental new revenue through subscriptions, including memberships, CPG products, and events.Josh and Sam's paths first crossed at The Chef Conference in Philadelphia. Since then, their encounters have become frequent, most recently at the National Restaurant Association Show, where they connected at an event hosted by meez, Made In Cookware, and Fernet.In this episode, Josh delves into Sam's entrepreneurial journey, discussing his impressive background as a Thiel Fellow and his early forays in real estate before founding Table22. Sam's passion and smart approach to supporting the restaurant industry shine through as he shares insights into the growth of Table22 and his vision for the future of restaurant revenue streams.Tune in to hear about Sam's innovative strategies, his dedication to the restaurant community, and the story behind Table22. Don’t miss this engaging conversation packed with entrepreneurial wisdom and industry insights.Where to find Sam Bernstein:InstagramLinkedInWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(03:41): Sam's background(15:17): Sam's learnings from receiving a Thiel Fellowship(22:00): How Table22 works(47:39): Sam's interpretation of the 11 star experience for Table22

#60. For this week's episode, we are thrilled to welcome chef Alon Shaya. Alon is a two-time James Beard Award winner, having earned accolades for Best Chef in the South and Best New Restaurant. He's also the author of the acclaimed book "Shaya," a book that traces the evolution of a cuisine and the transformative power of cooking throughout Alon's personal life and career. Alon has made significant strides in the culinary world. He is the chef-partner, and founder of Pomegranate Hospitality, a venture he started with his wife, Emily. Alon is deeply involved in philanthropy. One of his notable initiatives is Rescuing Recipes, inspired by a moving story from the Holocaust Museum about a Yugoslavian Jewish family and their preserved recipe book. Alon has been recreating these recipes and sharing them across the country with Steven Fenves.Additionally, Alon co-founded the Shaya Barnett Foundation with Donna Barnett, contributing further to his legacy of giving back. In this episode, we delve into Alon's philanthropic efforts, his innovative approach to building a supportive and sustainable company culture at Pomegranate Hospitality, and his commitment to ensuring his team has access to health insurance and a safe working environment.Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of Chef Alon Shaya, his impactful work beyond the kitchen, and the experiences that have shaped his remarkable career.Where to find Alon Shaya:InstagramLinkedInTwitterWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(03:57): Alon's experience coming from Israel to Philadelphia (09:09): Does suffering make for an entrepreneurial spirit?(16:26): A Cookbook's purpose in the past vs. now(21:18): How does Alon have time for fly fishing?(27:54): How Alon manages the culture part of his business(39:14): How core values manifest in day-to-day business(51:14): Shaya Barnett Foundation

#59. Join host Josh Sharkey on this engaging episode of The meez Podcast as he sits down with Sterling Douglass, the dynamic co-founder and CEO of Chowly, a trailblazing  food tech company that enhances your sales through strategic first and third-party distribution channels, alongside sophisticated advertising and marketing support.Sterling shares his journey from an actuary to a leading entrepreneur, revealing the challenges and triumphs of building a company. This episode dives into the innovative concept of dynamic pricing in restaurants, drawing parallels with fluctuating airline ticket costs. Sterling offers his expert insights on how this approach could revolutionize profitability in the food industry. Josh Sharkey and Sterling Douglass will both be present at this year's NRA Show as well as Utility, taking place from May 19th-20th. Drop by and meet them in person!This conversation is essential listening for anyone at the crossroads of technology and the culinary industry. Whether you're steering a startup or operating within a large corporation, the insights and advice from Sterling can profoundly impact your approach. Where to find Sterling Douglass:InstagramLinkedInTwitterWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(04:32): Sterling's background as an actuary and why he changed careers(12:44): Where the idea for Chowly came from(17:08): What Chowly is and who it serves(22:08): Why restaurants get the short end of the stick(26:22): Chowly and first party ordering(31:34): Should companies, "do it all"? Or should they focus on one thing(41:05): The 11 star experience(54:54): Being a parent and a founder

#58. Dive into an exhilarating episode of The meez Podcast recorded live at The Chef Conference in Philadelphia. This special installment features a dynamic panel discussion hosted by our founder and CEO, Josh Sharkey, with four culinary luminaries, each bringing a unique blend of creativity, science, and innovation to the table.Join us as we engage with Rosio Sanchez, the esteemed former pastry chef at Noma and now thriving as the chef and founder of Sanchez and Hija de Sanchez in Copenhagen. Alongside her, experience the insightful musings of Arielle Johnson, PhD, a flavor scientist and co-founder of the Fermentation Lab, who has advised some of the world's top chefs and authored the book "Flavorama."The conversation also includes Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr. Lyan, a cocktail virtuoso recognized globally for his award-winning bars and innovative drink creations. Completing the panel is Thomas Frebel, former head of R&D for Noma, who has continued to push culinary boundaries as the chef of the Michelin-starred Inua in Japan and now as the creative director at Noma.This episode delves deep into the intricacies of menu development, the blend of scientific and creative approaches in culinary arts, and the continuous pursuit of innovation. From discussing when a dish feels complete to exploring R&D processes and the essence of collaboration, this panel covers it all. Where to find Ryan Chetiyawardana:InstagramLinkedInTwitterWhere to find Rosio Sanchez: InstagramLinkedInTwitterWhere to find Arielle Johnson: InstagramLinkedInTwitterWhere to find Thomas Frebel:InstagramWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(04:27): Introductions(06:05): When do you know that a dish is done?(18:53): How do you combat analysis paralysis?(33:22): Arielle's book and why it's important to understand why. (42:41): How do you balance that absence of pragmatism when you're coming up with new ideas?(59:22): Q&A from the audience

#57. In this episode, we sit down with Ellen Cassidy, the founder of Elemental Prep, a company that teaches people how to retain information. Ellen shares her innovative process of information retention, which involves reading, translating, and quipping. She explains how to code information with emotions by intoning the words as you say them, translating the information in your own words, and creating a conversation with what you read. This process helps people retain information and make it their own. The episode also touches on Ellen's background and her journey to creating Elemental Prep. Ellen discusses the power of effective note-taking and the importance of translating information into one's own words. She shares her personal experience with note-taking and how it helps her remember and understand information. Ellen also talks about the value of indexing advice and using intuition to make decisions. She highlights the need for trust in relationships and the challenges of managing a growing team. Ellen ends with sharing her vision for the future, including expanding her tutoring business and developing a tech platform for asynchronous learning.Where to find Ellen Cassidy:InstagramLinkedInTikTokWhere to find host Josh Sharkey:InstagramLinkedInTikTokTwitterIn this episode, we cover:(08:32): Growing up and handling trauma(15:35): The process of retaining information(31:09): The community and future of elemental prep(40:08): Faster with less effort(41:31): Good way to index advice(43:55): Portfolia and investment(46:20): What makes you angry?(48:49): The importance of trust in relationships(56:49): A vision for the future: expanding the tutoring business and developing a tech platform