Restaurant Rockstars Podcast

285. A Labor Solution Creating Careers Not Just Jobs - Chef D.

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The industry continues its struggle with the labor crisis. Good people come and good people go, but maybe we’re looking in the wrong place. In this...

284. This Pizza Concept is Stellar - Benson Tsai

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is perhaps the most revolutionary time in the restaurant world. With more available ready-to-go spaces and the food truck opportunity exploding,...

283. How To Add a Virtual Drive-Thru to Your Restaurant

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Staying ahead of the curve and your competition is critical. As an independent restaurant, you need every advantage! Today now more than ever, the f...

282. This Pizza Franchise Does Good by DOING GOOD - MJ Riva The Pizza Factory

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I love talking shop with “in the trenches” operators. So much to learn, so much in common. We’ve covered quite a few fast-moving franchises lat...

281. Why Most Restaurant Marketing Sucks w/ Erik Shellenberger

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Few restaurant operators are marketing geniuses. We think we’ve got it covered, but, we sometimes make poor decisions when it comes to marketing. ...

280. Short Labor? Ghost Kitchens w/Michael Liu of Just Kitchen

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the continuing labor crisis, chances are you’re still struggling to staff your place, serve guests and keep the lights on! Costs are rising, t...

279. Southern Comfort Food + Kraft Kocktails - Kevin Kelley of Kitchen + Kocktails

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I am constantly amazed at what I learn from my guests, and the insights and knowledge they share with our audience. As a veteran operator myself, I be...

278. From Dishwasher to Restaurant Franchise Founder - Shawn Lalehzarian of The Red Chickz

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I meet a lot of Rockstars on this podcast, but it’s rare to meet someone who rose from dishwasher to the founder of a fast-growing franchise. In ...

277. Cracking the Restaurant Labor Crunch: Part 2

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The last two years have been a roller coaster ride and pushed us all to our limit but – better days are ahead and fear not, 2022 may be your best ye...

276. Short Staffed? Why Not a Restaurant Robot?

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re all suffering from the Labor Shortage. Now that business is booming, your staff is exhausted and getting burnt out from picking up the slack....

275. Cracking the Restaurant Labor Crunch: Part 1

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The last two years have pushed us all to our limit, but know this – better days are ahead and fear not, 2022 may be your best year yet! Our biggest...

274. This Fast Casual Restaurant Crushed It During Covid - WaBa Grill

18 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Any restaurant that increased sales 40% when the pandemic first hit, and then broke their all-time sales record for year-end 2020, deserves our attent...

273. Fryer Oil is Skyrocketing …. Here’s a Savings Solution - Jeremiah Chapman

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Supply chain shortages and rising costs are on everyone’s mind, and its critical to find solutions to maintain already slim margins. One of the big...

272. Restaurant Technology to Prosper Post Pandemic - Meredith Sandland and Carl Orsbourn

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The pandemic has permanently changed the restaurant landscape and the way we must do business in the future. As restaurateurs, we must stay relevant ...

271. The Passion of a Legendary Restaurateur - Frank Guido

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are many legendary restaurateurs in our business, and we can learn from each and every one of their stories. Rarely do I find a man still worki...

270. This Damn Good Taco Chain is On Fire - Torchy's Tacos

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We can all learn from a true restaurant magician… In my book, anyone who can rise from fry cook to creator of a 95 location taco concept has indust...

269. Buying or Selling a Restaurant - Jaime Oikle

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sooner or perhaps later you will think about selling your restaurant. Maybe you want to retire, start another business, spend more time with family o...

268. This Juice Bar is Really “Shaking” Things Up - Juice It Up!

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The menu, vibe, store design and service of this juice concept makes it a winning restaurant formula. Doing all of this in one location is hard…du...

267. This Sports Bistreaux Franchise is WINNING!

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Talk about a great sports story! Take 2 Walk-Ons for the Louisiana State University Basketball Squad, one bench, one napkin and a pen. What do you g...

266. Increase Sales & Profits with Online Restaurant Solutions - BentoBox

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This pandemic has absolutely required your restaurant to adapt to the times and adopt new customer safe, friendly conveniences. This is more important...

265. Restaurant Marketing that really WORKS - Matt Plapp

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Most restaurateurs are great at food, but Marketing is not their strong point. Is it any wonder, I constantly see restaurants throwing Tens of Thousan...

264. Pride, Passion & Purpose Grows this Pizza Chain - Mountain Mike's

02 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Big or small; chain or indie, we can all learn from true success. The magic restaurant formula is all about service excellence, on point marketing, d...

263. Order Smart, Save Labor, Get Money Back - Warner Siebert of Cut+Dry

24 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We love the word FREE don’t we? Usually that comes with strings attached or means little to no value. In this case, you’ll want to stick around a...

262. Chef Joshua Karther - Experience, Cool Under Pressure, Inspired Leader

17 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I believe that anyone can delegate and tell someone what to do. Instead, it’s a rare thing entirely to nurture, develop and “Empower” your team...

261. Increase Sales with a Virtual Kitchen – its Genius! - Alex Canter

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Face it, not every restaurant is busy 24/7. There are times, we need new business and more business. What if you could turn a switch on your slow ...

260. How to Build a Powerful Restaurant Brand - Amanda Guerassio

03 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I believe that operators should relentlessly build their brand and run a strong business, not a restaurant. This approach led me to dominate my compe...

259. Celebrity Chef Beats Addiction and Rises to New Heights - Michael Chernow

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Finding a lifestyle balance in the craziness of the restaurant business is one elusive challenge. Keeping our restaurants and ourselves free from subs...

258. How to Turn First Time Guests into Regulars -Brendan Sweeney CEO Popmenu

20 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How many ways has your business shifted during the pandemic? Are you proud of what you and your team has accomplished? Do you see a bright future ah...

257. Hot Pie Concept Serves Up Happiness, One Slice at a Time - Sean Brennan, The Pie Hole

13 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What can you offer your guests that they would eat literally any time of day? The answer is Gourmet Pie and Organic Coffee. That’s right, any time...

256. 5 Ways to TACKLE the Restaurant Labor Shortage!

06 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

During this crazy pandemic, as a fellow restaurateur, I’ve gone through every bit of the challenge as you have. The biggest challenge continues to ...

255. Outdoor Dining Spaces are the New Opportunity!

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our industry is always moving towards meeting high guest expectations, and their changing needs and desires. When Covid hit and our restaurants were f...

254. Pizza Shop Grows Double Digits during the Pandemic!

23 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I believe that no matter what your concept, you can learn and grow your business from the pizza segment. It’s no surprise that pizza remains one of...

253. The Surprise Restaurant Manager - Ken McGarrie Co-Founder of Korgen Hospitality Group

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

At some point, you’ll start thinking seriously about your “Exit Strategy” from the business. This might mean retirement, selling your operation...

252. The 3,000 Details of Running Luxury Hotel Restaurants - Ian Pomerville, Director of F&B

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s hard enough to run one successful restaurant keeping all the plates spinning day after day. What if you had to manage multiple diverse concepts...

250. A&W Restaurants Rock 102 Years of Restaurant Success - CEO Kevin Bazner

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What can you learn from 102 years of success? Oh I don’t know… Service, Quality, Staff Training, Marketing, Consistency, etc.! Shall I go on? ...

251. Restaurant Staffing Made Simple & Profitable - Jordan Boesch CEO 7shifts

05 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s no secret that to be really successful in this business, you must stay focused on Efficiency, Productivity and Profit! And Cost Controls are ri...

249. Repeat Business, Higher Check Averages, Faster Table Turns - Jon Squire CEO Card Free

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The restaurant world has changed. Business is increasing, Customers expect more and staff are hard to find. This is a perfect storm for technology th...

248. This Ain’t Your Mommas Sandwich Shop - Renae Scott of Ikes Love & Sandwiches

11 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Food, Service and Ambiance are the magic dust’’ of any successful restaurant! But when you add LOVE to that equation, you’re going to create ra...

247. Save Money, Food Waste and the Planet - Manik Suri Founder & CEO Therma

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Did I ever tell you about when my power went out and I had to move everything in the walk-in to a snowbank? Its true. Our restaurant had no generator...

246. Roger Reflects on 20+ Years of Restaurant Success

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When I started my very first restaurant, I was obsessed with 3 things: Service, Quality and creating Amazing Dining Experiences for my guests. I rel...

245. Restaurant Uniforms Brand Business & Keep Staff Happy - Jim Snediker of Stock Manufacturing

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You don't want to run a restaurant, you want to Build a powerful Brand that draws customers, positive reviews and press! I’m sure you'd agree that ...

244. Cleanliness, Safety, Innovation & Passion for Hospitality w/Paul Edmondson P&G Professional

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What do one of the world’s largest companies have in common with you? An authentic vested interest in helping your restaurant operation succeed! A...

243. Drive Sales, Bring in Business, Virtual Ghost Kitchens - Kirk Mauriello, President Virturant

07 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is not a trick question! Would you like to multiply your restaurant’s sales and bring in more business when you need it without stressing out ...

242. Unstoppable Company Culture & Brand-Building - Sal Melilli CEO Hooters & Hoots Wings

30 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This restaurant needs no introduction. Your first thought might be orange hot pants, calendar girls and sex appeal, but this brand is going much broa...

241. Hot Concept, No Lines, No Waiting for Food - Karalyn White Paramount Fine Foods/Box'd

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Restaurant RockStars Podcast, I speak with Ms. Karalyn White of Paramount Fine Foods, creator of Box’D. Listen and learn how...

240. Health & Safety Are The New Luxury - Ron Gorodesky Founder & CEO of Refined Hospitality

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Exemplary service, hospitality and exclusivity are hard to achieve in any restaurant or operation, yet are highly sought by your customers. We all wan...

239. Pride, Tradition & Hard Work Grows this Greek Restaurant - Yianni Kosmides Apola Greek Grill

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s hard enough to start and successfully operate a restaurant in this country. But imagine doing it with numerous restaurants, while raising a fa...

238. Legacy & Soul Are The Cornerstone Of This Brand - Rafael Martinez De Sanzo & Jillian Butta

03 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Every now and again, I meet wonderful people filled with passion and zest for life. Often, this translates into doing good for others and being fulfil...

237. Hospitality Impresario James Geier Dishes on his Hot Restaurant

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Every now and again I meet a true hospitality innovator. Someone who sees around corners and whose vision anticipates trends before they happen. In t...

236. Create Marketing Firepower with Your Domain Name - Stu Maloff, Founder Restaurant Brands

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To build a powerful restaurant brand, you don’t need a Marketing Degree from Business School. You need imagination, creativity and an expert in your...

235. This Restaurant Franchise Defies Odds w/ Incredible Growth - Jodi Boyce, V.P. Teriyaki Madness

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve watched several concepts thrive during the pandemic, but this one defies the odds with incredible growth during the peak of Covid. Imagine ope...

234. Free Government Money - Grab It

05 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us, myself included have been relentless in getting our fair share of all the free government money that keeps on coming. So you want to pay ...

233. This Iconic Donut Shop is Making Dough!

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine building a brand almost as recognizable as McDonalds. Sweet right? In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, Jaime Oikle of R...

232. Restaurant Software That Keeps Your Customers Safe & Business Booming

19 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What if you could offer your customers the ability to open their own tabs, split checks, pay and leave tips using contactless technology at their leis...

231. I Bought Another Restaurant

12 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The sands of running restaurants keep shifting. The minute you think you’ve made a key-pivotal decision, the rules change again, and it’s back to...

230. Learn Why This Burger Franchise is On-Fire!

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve always believed a great restaurant website brings the food, drinks and experience to life for the customer and draws them in. In this episod...

229. How to Increase Restaurant Profit during the Pandemic

29 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re a sports fan, you probably like sports bars. Before the pandemic, you’d enjoy gathering with friends sharing beers and great food watch...

228. How To Rock Amazing Customer Service

22 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to run a restaurant and be like every other restaurant, go for it. If you want to build a brand, stay with us. This is a powerful episod...

227. Why You Need A Food Delivery Service for your Restaurant

15 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

During this pandemic and reduced consumer confidence providing a food delivery service to your customers is a must! But you’re probably thinking w...

226. How to Dazzle Your Customer with Superior Customer Service

08 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I’m a huge believer that training your staff to provide Superior Customer Service is “Job 1” for any business, especially restaurants. In the t...

225. How A Breakfast Restaurant Grew During The Pandemic

18 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I own a breakfast restaurant and this pandemic has hit us hard! We’ve been forced to pivot several times since March. We’ve shrunk our menu, shru...

224. Using Online Culinary School To Uplevel Your Business

04 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you’re a restaurant owner, chef or line cook, now may be the time to uplevel your kitchen talent. This pandemic keeps on keeping on, but y...

From my heart and home to yours - Happy Thanksgiving

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Finding gratitude and hope this holiday...from my heart and home to yours.

223. Sommelier Disrupts and Succeeds during Covid-19

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine a teenage passion for cake decorating leading to a high-flying career opening and investing in numerous restaurants, consulting to top hospita...

222. Effective Restaurant Marketing Strategy Using Artificial Intelligence

14 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For those unfamiliar, Artificial Intelligence allows software to think like and interact with humans. This provides a great opportunity to optimize y...

Episode #221 30 Year Guru Dishes On Restaurant Success

06 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You have to tune in this week as I’m speaking with Max Sheets, an illustrious 30 year veteran of restaurant start-ups, major restaurant chains and r...

220. How To Stop Negative Online Reviews

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How do you deal with negative online reviews? Before the days of Yelp and TripAdvisor many of us used comment cards and secret shoppers to obtain feed...

219. Step By Step How He Built A Successful Restaurant Empire With Nick Bogacz

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Podcast, my friend Jaime Oikle of Running Restaurants and I are speaking to a restaurateur with the magic touch. Our guest is ...

218. Everything You Need To Know About Restaurant Furniture

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

From time to time, our restaurants need a makeover, a fresh new look and furniture makes the biggest splash. It’s not only greater comfort for your...

217. Key Learnings from an Illustrious Restaurateur w/Elizabeth Blau of Honey Salt

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I get to speak to some pretty fascinating people in this industry and I love talking shop. its amazing how much we can keep learning from others who ...

216. Now’s the Time to Plan for the Future w/ Ashley Micciche of True North Retirement Advisors

11 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

These are crazy times and no-one knows what the future holds. This is precisely why you should take control, plan for your future and the future of...

215. Disrupt your Competition & Build your Business w/ Brett Gould & Kevin Bessy of Humdinner

28 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Long before the crisis hit, drive-thru’s changed the way restaurants served their customers. The opportunity is now greater than ever to take the s...

214. Is It Time to Franchise Your Concept w/Anthony Leone

14 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you have a concept your customers love, this might be the time to think about expanding your business. Covid has hit us all really hard, but nev...

213. Find New Opportunity as a Personal Chef w/Chef Donna G of the Personal Chef Network

29 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Covid-19 has turned all of us upside down, but it’s also been a huge opportunity… a time to flesh out your business, tighten things up, make neces...

212. Humble And Genuine Describe This Dynamic Entrepreneur w/Joshua Kopel

23 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

About a year ago I was fortunate to interview Joshua Kopel for the Restaurant RockStars Podcast. At the time. Joshua had opened an incredibly success...

211. Contactless Ordering & Payment to Boost your Business w/ Robbert Bregman from TableDuck

16 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Its no secret that customers are spooked… all this terrible news every day has them running for the hills and not your restaurant. But here’s the...

210. Paramount Customer Service Starts With Outstanding Employee Experiences w/Jill Raff

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine learning the secrets of success from some of the world’s most recognized and powerful brands and then applying them to your business. You...

209. Our Cheese Was Moved, Now What?

03 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Covid-19 blindsided us all and hit like a ton of bricks. Maybe your business was strong and things were good last February. Now a few months later, n...

208. The Latest Scoop on PPP, EIDL and Forgiveness

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Restaurant RockStars podcast, I’m speaking with Matthew Patrick, Principal of Patrick & Associates, a CPA firm specializing i...

207. In a Sea of Marketing, this Really Works!

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

So many restaurants spend and spend on marketing hoping to make something stick! It’s really a shotgun approach dumping money out the window or thr...

206. Leading Chefs Unite to help Hospitality Workers

06 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Never have we seen a crisis so devastating to our business, and never have we seen so many rally together to help however we can. This episode of t...

205. A Contactless Order & Pay Solution

29 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The new normal is contactless ordering & payment. If you have pivoted or are ready to pivot your business model to take out, curbside pickup and deliv...

204. Restaurants Share Covid-19 Aftermath & Solutions

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has all but shut us down, and returning to days of normal is still out of sight for most of us. We’re scrambling for a new plan and ...

203. Greater Efficiency And Profits At Your Fingertips

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This crisis has hit us all like a ton of bricks, and we can either cry in our soup (pardon the pun) or kick some A! Now that our restaurants are eith...

202. An Objective View of Modern POS Systems + Pivoting

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

RockStars: The fact is that you need technology to run an efficient and profitable restaurant operation, and everyday, new software is coming on the ...

201. Stay Connected To Your Customers

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This crisis is turning our industry upside down, and we are pivoting almost daily to stay in business and stay relevant with our customer. What every...

200. Making The Most Of Downtime During Covid-19 - A ROUNDTABLE

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

RockStars…this is it, our BIG 200th Episode of the Restaurant RockStars Podcast and it comes at a most CHALLENGING time. This crisis is unprecedent...

199. How To Protect Your Business During The Coronavirus Pandemic - SPECIAL EDITION

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This situation is unfathomable and it’s constantly shifting. Every minute, there’s new information, new challenges and lots of uncertainty. No o...

198. Health Driven Eats Equals Marketing Success w/Powerhaus Pizza

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re all looking for a Marketing Edge… one that not only drives business, but builds your Brand! Sometimes it’s elusive and we brainstorm endl...

197. Powerful Bar Promotions to Attract New Customers W/Nick Fosberg

28 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Bar is the “One” place in your restaurant where you can really make money. Labor dollar for dollar and for the amount of time it takes to pou...

196. Sustainable & Profitable Starts at the Table

14 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I know what you’re thinking… “how can all natural, fresh and sustainable food still make money for my restaurant”? Yes, its true that it is b...

195. Restaurant Design for R.O.I. and Increased Profit!

07 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re thinking about freshening up your restaurant with a makeover or if you’re starting a brand new place, you have to listen to this episode...

194. How To Create And Grow A Powerful Restaurant BRAND

31 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Anyone can market a business, but few can build an “Unstoppable Brand”! What’s the difference? Passion, inspiration, creativity, commitment!...

193. Protecting Your Restaurant From A Fire

25 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Think what would happen if you had a fire in your restaurant. You might be insured, but would you lose your business to the competition while you rem...

192. An Entrepreneur’s Journey to Launch a Global Brand - Candela MamaJuana

16 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re all inspired by those incredible entrepreneurial journeys. The vision, the dreams, sacrifices, hardships and victories. Ideas can come from a...

191. How a Powerful Brand Becomes a Franchise - The Daily Jam

11 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You’ve probably all seen the film “The Founder” about how Ray Krok created the most powerful restaurant brand and franchise on the planet. Well...

190. A Brand Creating RAVING Fans - Leslie Silverglide of MIXT

03 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I’m always amazed at those dynamic hard-charging people that can grow a concept to multiple locations. It takes courage, fortitude, an unwavering vi...

189. Restaurant Payroll Made Easy

14 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Payroll is a necessary detail with a huge impact on your bottom line, but it doesn’t need to be a challenge. There are so many other critical detai...

188. Forget your Competition, Think like your Consumer w/Erik Shellenberger

06 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone’s says you need to Market your place on Social Media. Not only that, you need to know how to post, what to post and how often? Today’s ...

187. How an Effective Leader Builds a Brand - Sal Lupoli

22 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This is one of the most powerful interviews I’ve ever done. Every word inspires, motivates and lays a foundation for how we all should approach gro...