Restaurant Influencers

Sara Finnegan, chief of staff at Edley's Restaurant Group, has an inspiring recipe for growth. The main ingredient is a Southern Soul. The restaurant industry leader has emerged with a strong and empowered voice to help others succeed. Listen to this interview to learn about giving back to the community, serving on the Toast Customer Advisory Board, user-generated content, and what it means to be a woman in hospitality. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Soliciting feedback from customers is often a daunting task. But Zack Oates and Ovation have cracked the code with a proven strategy that not only encourages guest feedback, but also establishes a personal connection for exceptional results. Listen to this interview to learn how to get feedback from guests in real time, creating brand loyalty through relationships, and digital storytelling that connects. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Gregg Majewski, the visionary CEO/Founder of Craveworthy Brands (@craveworthybrands), has shown that innovation, forward-thinking, and a commitment to personal connections can lead to exceptional achievements and growth in the hospitality industry. Listen to this interview with @greggmajewski to learn about starting his own Craveworthy Media company, scaling multiple brands, and the need for real people in the service industry. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Elizabeth Chambers of BIRD Bakery knows the power of Smartphone Storytelling to connect with consumers while celebrating the importance of family and food. She has learned the best way to get your real story told is to tell it yourself on your own terms. Listen to this interview with @elizabethchambers to learn about embracing hospitality in every moment, opening an international location, and building social media awareness. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

In Jon Taffer's eyes, the restaurant industry isn't just about serving food and beverage — it's about creating REACTIONS. The Bar Rescue host and executive producer knows the importance of understanding the psychology behind customers' reactions. It’s at the core of his business philosophy. Listen to this interview to learn about defeating self-doubt, keeping authenticity intact, and being in the reaction business. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Sara Kear, Chief Marketing Officer at Condado Tacos (@condadotacos), has embraced the power of social media as a game-changing tool. Sara and her team strategically mapped out Condado Taco's web presence, understanding the unique expectations of consumers for each channel. Listen to this interview to learn about effective use of social media, how to be a CMO, and being forced to pivot in the restaurant business. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Uzi Wizman's culinary journey began as a 16-year-old dishwasher. After opening PSY Kitchen in the heart of the Sherman Oaks Shopping Center in Los Angeles, his passion for growth and innovation led to him founding Borekas (pronounced Bo-Re-Kas) Sephardic Pastries. Listen to this interview to learn about growing a food brand from an Instagram Story, not rushing to expand your business, and sharing culture with the world. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Bennett Maxwell is the founder of cookie franchise Dirty Dough (@dirty_dough) and host of the Deeper than Dough podcast. He embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth that has shaped both his life and his business.  Listen to this interview to learn about creating a company mission statement, finding balance in content creation, and podcasting with a purpose.  Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

In the competitive global restaurant industry, having a unique concept that captivates both operators and consumers is no easy task. But Pepper Lunch has done it. Listen to this interview from the National Restaurant Show with the executive team behind Pepper Lunch — Troy Hooper, Yuto Tago, and Sumio Matsumoto — to learn about Japanese hospitality, embracing global culture, and the “DIY Teppanyaki” brand story. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Lawrence Longo (@bigshot) is the founder/CEO of Off the Menu, a unique concept created out of providing access to food items not on the menu at popular restaurants. The serial entrepreneur is also an operating partner for Irv’s Burger and Prince St. Pizza. Listen to this interview to learn about being the “Don King of Food Promotion”, the secret to business partnerships, and choosing the right influencers to work with your brand. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc