Restaurant Influencers

André Moraes, Global Digital Marketing lead at PepsiCo, is helping restaurants grow with digital tools and local marketing support. From menu optimization to community programs, Pepsi has become more than a beverage brand. It is a growth partner for restaurants. Listen now to learn how Pepsi supports restaurants with free tools, invests in local businesses, and helps strengthen communities. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Lawrence Longo, CEO of Off the Menu and partner in Prince St. Pizza, is leading the charge to grow the iconic SoHo pizza shop into a big brand. From the original NYC location to spots in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Longo is committed to protecting what makes it special. Listen now to learn about his vision for a great American pizza brand, building a loyal following, and the strategy behind growing a national pizza brand Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Andrew K. Smith, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Savory Fund, left the tech world behind and started his restaurant career in the dish pit of his wife’s bakery. Since then, he and his team have grown over 320 restaurants, generated more than $2.5 billion in sales, and raised over $750 million across three funds. Listen now to learn how storytelling drives scale, how founders lead, and how family stays part of the journey. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Paul Ryu, founder of JPMforce and the mind behind hundreds of viral food videos, is the go-to content strategist for Las Vegas restaurants. From sushi burgers to steakhouse reels, his work has transformed how hospitality brands show up online. Listen now to learn how one off-menu item sparked 50 million views, why he only hires active creators, and what it takes to scale influence without selling out. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Von Miller, Super Bowl MVP, is also co-founder of Greener Pastures Chicken, a Texas-based company redefining organic, ethical farming. What started in college became a full-fledged mission: raise better birds, build a better system, and bring NFL discipline to agriculture. Listen to hear how falling asleep in class led to a purpose-driven business, why Patrick Mahomes got on board, and how farming can be ethical and successful. Sponsor: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Mehdi Zarhloul chased the American Dream — and caught it. As the founder of Crazy Pita, he grew his restaurant brand into a Las Vegas favorite, expanded with new concepts like Salad Madness and Chicken Genius, and even opened inside a Walmart. Listen now for the story of how Mehdi Zarhloul built a thriving Las Vegas restaurant group, created his own holidays, and proved you don’t have to wait for permission to succeed. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Chef Barry Dakake, Marco Cicione, and Yassine Lyoubi are co-owners of Barry’s Downtown Prime in Las Vegas. As founders of Make It Happen Hospitality, they’ve built a steakhouse known for standout food, consistency, and local pride. This trio has made the restaurant a Downtown destination. Listen now to learn how friendship became a business, how they built media buzz without a budget, and how they make locals feel like VIPs. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Alexandra Lourdes and Steve Jerome are co-founders of Refined Hospitality Group. With viral videos, smart storytelling, and operational excellence, they’ve built one of Las Vegas’ most successful restaurant groups. Community and content drive every concept. Listen now to learn how a happy hour turned into business, why content became a secret weapon, and how two friends built one of Vegas’ most successful restaurant groups Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

These leaders are reshaping how restaurants grow. Brendan Sweeney and Tony Roy co-founded Popmenu to give operators smarter tools, connect with guests, and scale. Tunji Junard, now Chief Marketing Officer of Steam Boys, saw the impact firsthand and brought Popmenu into the brand, helping grow it to nine locations. Listen now to learn about restaurant growth, the power of partnership, and replacing guesswork with good data. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Jon Taffer, host of Bar Rescue and Taffer’s Tavern founder, has joined forces with Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands. They’re combining media influence with restaurant know-how to grow something big. Their partnership is built on trust, culture, and a belief that authenticity is what truly sets great brands apart. Listen now to learn how authenticity, leadership, and mentorship are fueling the future of restaurants.