Restaurant Influencers

Sam Oches, editorial director at Informa Connect’s Restaurant & Food Group, shares insights into the role new media plays in the restaurant industry in this interview live from the 2024 National Restaurant Show. As the largest event management company in the world, Informa has become an invaluable host of major industry happenings and content. Listen now to learn about hosting the National Restaurant Show, social media strategy, and creating a podcast network for the hospitality industry. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

If there’s one commonality among restaurant operators, it’s that there is just too much to do with too little time. That’s why Popmenu is using AI and other new technologies to help restaurants get back more of life’s most precious resource: hours in the day. Listen now to this interview with Popmenu co-founders Brendan Sweeney and Tony Roy about buying into restaurant tech, the benefits of industry events, and AI tools. Sponsored by: • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

San Pedro Fish Market became famous thanks to storytelling. Michael Ungaro and Henry Ungaro Jr. from the fish market are guests on this episode to talk about how the family business has persisted across multiple generations and leaned into video content to grow their brand. Listen now to learn about creating the Kings of Fish reality show on Amazon Prime Video, going viral, and running a profitable family business Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc  

Sebastien Silvestri's journey is a testament to the power of experience and effort. The Dinex Group CEO received formal education in finance and P&L management. Still, Silvestri attributes his most significant learning to his time in Las Vegas. Listen now to learn about development in the restaurant industry, diversification in business, and true hospitality. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • OVATION - Guest Feedback Platform: https://ovationup.com/shawn

Kelly Esten, Chief Marketing Officer at Toast, has a customer-centric marketing approach. She believes in the importance of understanding and engaging with customers to ensure that marketing efforts are not only impactful, but also authentic. Listen now to learn about her marketing journey, the importance of mentors, and the launch of the popular Toast Now app. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • OVATION - Guest Feedback Platform: https://ovationup.com/shawn

Sulhee Jessica Woo — known as the Bento Box Queen — catapulted to viral fame by sharing her simple, yet beautifully crafted, DIY bento-style lunches on TikTok, capturing the hearts of millions with her loving and creative touch. Listen now to learn about creating content with her children, using TikTok, and building a community in the creator economy. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • OVATION - Guest Feedback Platform: https://ovationup.com/shawn

7shifts is a scheduling, payroll, and employee retention app designed to improve performance for restaurants. Founded in the back office of a sandwich shop in 2014, 7shifts was born out of CEO Jordan Boesch's desire to create simple solutions for complex team management challenges. Listen now to learn about engaging employees, simplifying product development, and why now is the best time to be a restaurant operator. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • OVATION - Guest Feedback Platform: https://ovationup.com/shawn

Chef Joe Flamm is the culinary director of Day Off Group, which runs popular Chicago restaurants Rose Mary and BLVD Steakhouse. He is also the winner of Top Chef. Early on, he learned the importance of telling stories whether on TV or social media. Listen now to learn about becoming a celebrity chef, perfecting Balkan cuisine, and keeping it real on social media. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • OVATION - Guest Feedback Platform: https://ovationup.com/shawn  

Mayim Bialik was an actor on classic shows like "Blossom" and "The Big Bang Theory," as well as a host of Jeopardy!. She has crafted a unique space with the podcast Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown and her popular YouTube channel — where she shares her authentic self. Listen now to learn about the mental health journey, starting a podcast, and the power of authenticity.  Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • OVATION - Guest Feedback Platform: https://ovationup.com/shawn  

Rosanna Scotto, known for her Emmy- winning presence on Good Day New York and her daughter, Jenna Ruggerio are co-owners of Fresco by Scott. Marion Scotto (affectionately known as “Mama Scotto”) sparked the duo’s ambition to carve out a culinary haven. Listen now to learn about their very first food review, leveraging social media, and philanthropic efforts. Sponsored by:  • TOAST - All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • OVATION - Guest Feedback Platform: https://ovationup.com/shawn