Restaurant Influencers

Yara Herrera, chef and partner at Hellbender in Queens in NYC, has earned acclaim from The New York Times, Esquire, and StarChefs. Drawing from her Mexican-American roots and years in some of the country’s toughest kitchens, she’s created a restaurant that celebrates confidence and creativity.  Listen now to learn about surviving opening night disasters, finding identity through food, and turning pressure into privilege. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ellis Winstanley, co-owner of Austin’s El Arroyo and CEO of Axial Shift, turned a quirky restaurant sign into a cultural phenomenon while also building software to solve operators’ biggest headaches.  Listen now to learn about turning a restaurant sign into a media brand, pulling off a statewide April Fool’s prank, and building tech that helps operators stay focused on hospitality. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elliot Nelson, founder and CEO of McNellie’s Group, expanded a single Tulsa pub into 27 restaurants in Oklahoma and Arkansas. As a restaurateur and developer, he built spaces that anchor neighborhoods and showcase the spirit of Oklahoma hospitality.  Listen now to learn about surviving a St. Patrick’s Day disaster, the challenge of building a neighborhood around a pub, and how Oklahoma hospitality turned into 27 restaurants. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Fontana, founder of Fry the Coop, turned a love for Nashville hot chicken into one of Chicago’s fastest-growing restaurant brands. Known for bold risks, storytelling, and a $300,000-a-year commitment to frying in beef tallow. Listen now to learn about the leap from cubicle to hot chicken, the marketing stunt with a full chicken costume, and the rise of Fry the Coop across Chicago. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Oakley, former Simpsons writer/producer turned “professional food enthusiast,” spotlights the hidden gems of American food. From rabbit in Arkansas to “Secret” hot sauce in Portland, he uses humor and storytelling to connect beloved regional brands with a wider audience. Listen now to learn about his hunt for regional flavors, the stories behind unexpected finds, and why he keeps shining a spotlight on small producers. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Meltzer, entrepreneur, mentor, and chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute, teaches that empty seats don’t mean empty impact. Through his stage theory, he shows how content captured anywhere can be amplified everywhere. Listen now to learn why he calls losing $100 million an investment, how stage theory multiplies impact, and what he’s building in public. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Brown turned food trucks into rolling broadcast studios. Outfitted with 4K cameras, Ring cameras, and livestream setups, his fleet fuels a growing restaurant empire while keeping fans entertained with interactive broadcasts and the Championship Egg Roll Food Truck Tour.   Listen now to learn about building an empire from egg rolls, turning food trucks into studios, and creating experiences fans compare to a theme park. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices