Restaurant Influencers

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

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

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

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

Diane Hund (Chief Marketing Officer at US Foods) reveals how the company’s marketing strategies, including truck branding and authentic human touch points, help build trust and loyalty across more than 100,000 restaurant partners nationwide. Listen now to learn why brand consistency matters, how the US Foods’ team brings itself to life, and the ways AI is transforming menu design and marketing for restaurant operators. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Brotman and Andy Sack of Forum3 wrote AI First: The Playbook for a Future-Proof Business and Brand to share insights on how AI is transforming industries like restaurants. They’re helping operators adapt to a new tech-driven reality. Listen now to learn about their research on AI, its future in our world, and the technology’s impact on hospitality. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • NEXT INSURANCE: http://www.nextinsurance.com/calibbq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Rodriguez, owner of Famous Creations, uses his bold baked creations and candid social media posts to spotlight the highs and lows of small business ownership. He’s built a brand rooted in creativity, community, and staying unapologetically real.  Listen now to learn about building a successful cupcake brand, staying calm under pressure, and turning viral chaos into community support. Sponsored by:  • TOAST POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • NEXT INSURANCE: http://www.nextinsurance.com/calibbq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Giada De Laurentiis is a celebrity chef and founder of Giadzy, which blends Italian tradition with entrepreneurial vision. With an Amazon deal and curated product line, she’s creating a platform to celebrate food and community. Listen to hear how Giada turned a demo into a long career, why she’s focused on content and commerce, and what she’s building with Amazon. Watch GIADI In My Kitchen on Amazon Prime premiering June 23. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • NEXT INSURANCE: http://www.nextinsurance.com/calibbq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicolas Jammet is co-founder of Sweetgreen, which grew from college startup into a public company. From recipe rewrites to festival stages, Jammet helped shape Sweetgreen into a brand defined by thoughtful food, and tech-driven innovation. Listen to learn how three college friends built the brand, why tech is the heart of hospitality, and how a salad company ended up on stage with The Weeknd. Sponsored by:  • TOAST POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • NEXT INSURANCE: http://www.nextinsurance.com/calibbq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Burns took over the &pizza chain just as the brand was losing its edge. He quickly revived its cult following, bringing back the tattoo promotion that drew 2,700 fans and the Pi Day weddings where couples tie the knot — literally, with dough. Listen now to learn about turning customers into superfans, empowering staff, and building a brand that breaks the rules. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices