Restaurant Influencers

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

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

Frank Neri is a chef and founder of El Primo Red Tacos, known for bold flavor and Birria mastery. After closing his first restaurant just before Michelin came calling, he doubled down on simplicity and focus.  Listen now to hear how a trip to Tijuana changed his view on flavor, a WhatsApp group kept him in the game, and doing one thing well became his recipe for success. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Lisa Malikow, senior VP of the National Restaurant Show, has helped turn the popular event into a launchpad for the restaurant business. With over 2,200 exhibitors and a flow of new vendors, she focuses on helping attendees discover new ideas. Listen now to learn about running a massive event, helping operators grow, and why unexpected inspiration is the best part of the job Sponsored by:  • TOAST - https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Visit Team Toast at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago at Booth #6075.

Adrianne Calvo is a restaurateur and content creator who turned a cookbook win and a Montel Williams guest spot into a thriving hospitality brand. From dark dining experiences to heartfelt “love letters” from guests, she’s built a career rooted in bold flavor, real storytelling, and digital connection. Listen now to learn about building confidence on TV, turning guests into loyal customers, and storytelling in the kitchen. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Sebastien Centner is the founder of Eatertainment, a hospitality company known for executing high-end events. After stumbling into catering, he built the company on what he calls the 5 Percent Rule. Today, he leads one of Canada’s top catering brands alongside his wife Sheila.Listen now to learn about the 5 Percent Rule, the creative partnership with his wife, and delivering more than what’s on paper.Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Chef Eric LeVine is a Food Network Chopped champion, author, and industry veteran known for honesty and a relentless drive. After surviving cancer six times and transforming his life inside and out, he’s built a reputation for leading with truth, rejecting ego, and showing up with purpose.Listen now to discover what happens when you strip away ego and live fully in the moment both in and out of the kitchenSponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling built Branded Hospitality to invest in tools that help restaurant operators win. Their podcast has become a key part of that mission—fueling awareness, driving deal flow, and building relationships across the industry.Listen now to learn how a unique blend of friendship, investment focus, and a ‘takes a village’ mindset is helping hospitality brands grow with purpose.Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

From butcher shops to fine dining, Chef Brad Wise has built a reputation for world-class steaks and top-tier hospitality. As his Trust Restaurant Group expands he’s proving that smart risks, self-belief, and hard-earned lessons are the keys to scaling his business.Listen to learn about the power of trust, the balance between growth and hospitality, and the similarities of running a butcher shop and restaurant.Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Justin Moore didn’t just build a career in content creation, he built a playbook for making money. After years of landing brand deals with his wife, he saw most creators making costly mistakes. He wrote Sponsor Magnet to help them pitch better, secure partnerships, and get paid what they’re worth.Listen now to learn how to perfect a pitch, what brands care about, and why storytelling is one of the most prized commodities.Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc