Restaurant Rockstars Podcast
Episodes
186. Solving Your Restaurant Labor Shortage
14 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The most challenging issue in the restaurant business today is the labor shortage. Finding, motivating and keeping a dedicated staff has most of us u...
185. The Cheesecake Factory - How An Epic Brand Savors Sweet Success
08 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s rare that one single “Hook” in a restaurant enterprise is so powerful that it defines the brand, and even rarer when that same hook inspire...
184. Laser-Focused Marketing Strategy For Restaurants
31 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t just run a restaurant, build a BRAND! To do this, you need to follow a proven marketing strategy and one size does not fit all. How do you ...
183. How An Iconic Restaurant Lasts 70 Years And Growing!
25 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine serving 1 Billion eggs, 340 Million Hotcakes and 326 Million cups of Coffee over 7 decades, serving generations of loyal customers and continu...
182. The Power of the Entrepreneurial Dream With Javamelts Founder Carolyn Barbarite
12 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Spunky lady has an idea, develops and tests prototypes, finds volume producer then takes on Coffee sweetener industry! Wow guys, if you sell coffee a...
181. Turn-Key Social Media Marketing for your Restaurant With Mark Laux
04 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Your restaurant needs a strong Social Media presence. You know this! Problem is, very few of us operators really know what we’re doing here.. what...
180. Near Failure To Tremendous Success With A Michelin-Rated Restaurateur
28 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this most challenging business, I love speaking with dynamic restaurateurs who rose from humble beginnings to find amazing success. But as you all...
179. A Powerful New Profit Center For Your Restaurant
12 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We did a huge delivery business in our restaurants, but we also had the hassles of doing it all ourselves. This was long before technology revolutioni...
178. Hot New Brand Dishes On Super Fast Growth - Flower Child
06 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I always say “Don’t Run a Restaurant, Build a Brand”! In this hyper-competitive and most challenging business, you need every advantage you c...
177. Up Your Restaurant Game USING VIDEO TECHNOLOGY
29 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Just like pro sports teams that use video to analyze and coach their best players, you can improve staff performance and deliver superior customer ser...
Episode #176 True Hospitality and Great Service
23 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I love talking shop with true industry professionals and when a conversation clicks, you just know there will be lots of key-nuggets and best practice...
Episode #175 Why Not Take YOUR Profit First?
16 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This is a tough business and sometimes cash is tight. Seems like we’re always writing checks faster than the customers are coming in the door. I g...
#174 Running your Restaurant can be a Piece of CAKE
09 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
With so many Point of Sale choices on the market, it pays to do your homework. So begin here. I just bought a restaurant that uses the CAKE POS syste...
Episode #173 The Future of your Business
02 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
There are nearly 1 million unfilled jobs in the hospitality industry, and chances are you’re struggling to find and keep great people. Its no secre...
Episode #172 A Unique Marketing Idea For Your Restaurant
25 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Traditional advertising is like dumping money out the window. Unless, everyone who walks in your door says “Hey Joe, your radio commercial brought ...
Episode #171 Priceless Legal Advice For Restaurants
18 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
When I ran restaurants, my attorney was invaluable for so many unexpected issues saving me time, money and headaches. You never know when something se...
Episode #170 The skinny on a popular brand - SkinnyFats
12 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I was blown away this week speaking with Reed Allen Slobusky - he’s the consummate impresario restaurateur. Passion drives this business, but so doe...
Episode #169 A New Take On The Labor Shortage With Terry Hayes
06 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The biggest restaurant challenge today is finding and keeping a great staff! Doesn’t matter where you live or run your restaurant, unemployment is ...
Episode #168 How to Grow Profits & Please Customers with Online Orders
27 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Fact is 82% of the Dining Public Order Out! If your restaurant isn’t taking online orders, you’re missing lots of sales and potential profit. I ...
Episode #167 Finding Dream Candidates for Your Restaurant Kitchen
20 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I know you agree that one of the greatest challenges you face running restaurants is staff. Going a step further, what happens when you lose a “Key...
Episode #166 A Little Love, Salt and an Epic Restaurant Comeback
13 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I loved this episode. Passion runs deep in all restaurants, but the magic formula to creating a truly great restaurant can be elusive. Even more so ...
Episode #165 How a Great Website Drives Profits!
06 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine the sites, sounds, smells and ambiance of your restaurant without walking in the door. I’m talking about bringing the experience to life fo...
Episode #164 How To Add A New Custom Branded Profit Center
30 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Selling food and beverage is Not enough. Your restaurant needs multiple profit centers. Our goal is to bring you new ideas, inspiring guests and powe...
Episode #163 Regular Guys Building an Unstoppable Brand!
23 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s getting harder and harder to compete as an “indie” in the restaurant space. Its hard enough to open up one restaurant and succeed let alon...
Episode #162 How to Decrease Costs by 12% and Find Money in your Restaurant
16 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
When I ran restaurants I was obsessed with Profit. Not just saving costs, but squeezing every dime of profit across the operation. Usually this take...
Episode #161 The Soul Of A Great Restaurant With Hans Luttmann
09 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Spirit, Soul & Passion are evident in a truly great restaurant. You know it the moment you walk in the door. The way you are greeted and made to feel...
Episode #160 Email Marketing Superheroes Dish Tips For Restaurants
02 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What do Hypnosis, Psychology and Show Business have to do with your restaurant? Tune in to this episode to find out how to increase sales in a rest...
Episode #159 Decades of Experience and Advice From An Industry Veteran
24 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What if you could gain decades of operating experience in just an hour? All the ideas that you could instantly execute, the headaches and pitfalls you...
#158 The Spirit and Passion of a Restaurateur With Matt Chappell of Gather Restaurant
18 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We’re in this together. This crazy business of pleasing the public, creating new dishes, getting customers in the door and making money. What does ...
#157 A Real Life Menu Overhaul For Maximum Profitability
11 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I see far too many operators losing money with their menu. Its a restaurant’s most powerful marketing tool, but they don’t design it for maximum ...
Episode #156 The Power Of Birthday Marketing
03 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone has a birthday and everyone has to eat. Get the connection? Well, you’ve probably racked your brain more than once for new restaurant mar...
#155 An Easy Way To Source Restaurant Equipment
28 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
To open a restaurant you need equipment. To expand your menu and increase restaurant sales you need equipment. New or Used? Buy, rent or lease? Findi...
#154 New Source Of BIG PROFITS For Your Restaurant!
21 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Listen, You Can’t have too many Profit Centers in your business. There is so much more opportunity than just selling food and drink. One of the big...
Episode #153 Get Your House In Order THEN COUNT YOUR CASH!
13 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
You can run a failing restaurant, an average restaurant or a wildly successful restaurant. The difference all comes down to 3 critical “systems”....
#152 True Restaurant Success (Part II) with Jesse Vasquez
06 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is one of my favorites! Mr. Jesse Vazquez delivers powerful advice from the trenches throughout a long illustrious career. Jesse beg...
#151 Dominate your Competition LIKE A LAS VEGAS CASINO
28 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What would you do to compete if you ran a casino hotel in famous Las Vegas? What would you do to open a restaurant and what strategies would you use ...
#150 Credit Card Processing For Restaurants DeMystified
13 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
I have a mantra: The Money’s either in Your Pocket or Their Pocket, so it pays to Shop around! I can’t tell you how many times I changed credit c...
#149 Five Powerful Letters Spell Restaurant Success!
06 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Straight and simple. These 5 Letters: F, A, C, E, S will transform your customer experience and your business. What you do with these letters will...
#148 Is your Restaurant Capturing Lightning in a Bottle?
31 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Restaurant success is fleeting and fickle. There I said it! Even with the right approach, success is far from guaranteed. I get it. Everyday you pu...
Does Your Menu Print MONEY?
23 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #147 If you do nothing else in this New Year, Design a New Menu! Why? To Maximize Profit Of Course! Believe me, I constantly see restauran...
How To Get The Greatest Employees On The Planet!
16 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #146 - Wow! The ground shook under my feet as I recorded this episode. So much powerful information on getting the most out of each employ...
How To Capture More Profit From Your Restaurant Data
03 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #145 - Every restaurant out there has a POS, but what you do with the data from that POS is what separates the smart and profitable operators...
Everything you need to know about Food Trucks & Restaurant Equipment
19 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #144 - There’s no end in sight for the food truck craze. Whether you’re looking for a low cost entry into the food biz or you’re a brick...
Do You Really Need To Take Reservations? You May Be Surprised!
12 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Reservations are a given in most restaurants. Customers expect them.. customers call to make them. But, do you really need to take reservations? If...
A Winding Road of True Restaurant Success with Jesse Vazquez
06 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #142 - My guest today has to be one of my favorites! Mr. Jesse Vazquez delivers powerful advice from the trenches throughout a long illustrio...
A Brewmeister’s Keys To Building A Successful Business!
27 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #141 - True, my guest today has NO interest in running a restaurant, but he’s going to share a ton of powerful business building stuff that ...
Don’t Rely on Social Media to Market your Restaurant - Erik Shellenberger
20 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone’s telling you you’ve got to be on Social Media and its the “Key” to your Marketing Plan! Well know this: Social Media is Only reac...
Prepare NOW To Make More Money Over The Holidays
09 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #139 - You’re in the business of Opportunity… Don’t just sit inside your place and wait for them to come in. Go out and get your c...
When Staffing Your Restaurant - Fight Fire with FIRE!
01 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
The labor shortage is Not going away! But your approach to this challenge can either be “Woe is Me” or “I’ve Got This”. Its your choice. ...
Service that Stinks
26 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #137 - You have to listen to today’s episode. Restaurant Rock Stars is now based in one of the hottest restaurant towns in America and the ...
Genius Biz Lesson From THE ROLLING STONES
17 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
EPISODE #136 - That’s right, the Greatest Rock N Roll band actually has a lesson for the restaurant game and you’ll have to listen to this episode...
What The Vibe Says About Your Restaurant
10 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #135 - The absolute first and lasting impression of your restaurant is your Ambiance. From the moment, a customer walks in your door they get...
A New Restaurant Profit Center On the Fly!
02 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
EPISODE #134 - If your restaurant doesn’t deliver, you’’re missing out on a hassle-free new source of sales and with today’s technology, witho...
The MOST IMPORTANT Detail in your Restaurant!
26 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #133 -Know this, “paramount” service is everything in your restaurant. Deliver anything less and your customers will talk… Immediately,...
Strategy From A Top BRAND Expert
18 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #132 - Soul and Passion are foundational to your customer’s experience! Innovation Rules! Useful defines your brand and ensures continued r...
The Secret to Wild Restaurant Success!
12 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #131 -Restaurants are fickle! Some are wildly successful for a variety of reasons. Others fail miserably in a short period of time for d...
Does Your Indie Stack Up To The Competition?
05 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #130 - We all eat out in a variety of restaurants from time to time and being in the business, its only natural to form strong objective opini...
Restaurant Pet Peeves… don’t let them happen!
21 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
EPISODE #129 - Of the thousand details in running your restaurant, beware of your customers Pet Peeves This episode is all about the details.. the i...
Everything You Need To Know About Beer With Don Tse
14 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #128 - I’m betting you’re a “beer fan”. Just about everyone loves beer! Well today I’m talking with a certified beer judge, intern...
One Cool Tip - How an ICEBERG can Double Your Restaurant Sales!
06 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
I’m not kidding, close your eyes and Imagine an Iceberg… now Imagine Doubling your restaurant’s sales! Now that I’ve got your attention, give...
One Foot From Disaster, My Journey To Wild Success
30 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #126 - 100% no B.S....this is an absolute must listen... From pitfalls and major struggles to straight out theft & fraud, you'll learn how I b...
If You’re Not a Social Media Junkie, Someone Better Be!
17 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
EPISODE #125 - Social Media may possibly be your restaurants Most Powerful Marketing Strategy.. There’s Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and ...
A Seasoned Operator’s Keys to Mega-Success
11 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #124 - My guest today is a real Restaurant Rock Star. After 9 short years with virtually no restaurant industry experience, Mr. Roger Perry o...
Why You Should Add “Scorpions” To Your Menu!
03 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #123 - Scorpions? Listen to the episode to find out why! If you’re running a restaurant, you have to stay relevant your loyal audience and...
Lessons Learned Going from Hotdog Stand to World’s Largest Nightclub!
27 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #122 - Mr. Ian Maksik is a true hospitality “legend” and tireless industry innovator. He’s been called “America’s Service Guru & Pr...
One Word That Creates Staff Magic!
20 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #121 - One simple word can transform your staff and your business, creating sales and service magic! This one idea may be the most powerful ...
The ONLY Way To Staff Your Restaurant!
07 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #120 - The Help Wanted Sign is Dead! There I’ve said it. I’ve always believed that the Help Wanteds are a great way to find someone el...
Build Your Brand Inside and Out!
31 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #119 - Why would you spend money on traditional advertising when you can build an unstoppable brand from the inside out? Heres a TWIST many r...
The Amazing Power of EMPOWERING YOUR STAFF!
24 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #118 - It's rare that a restaurant training idea really blows me away, but this one is pretty AMAZING. Today’s episode is all about Innovat...
Ambiance or Food, Which Comes First?
17 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #117 - Most restaurants want to turn their tables over and over, but again this one has so much space, they just keep packing them in and keep...
When Concept Executions Go Wrong (or right)
10 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
I’ve started multiple concepts… some Rock N Rolled right from the get-go. Another needed a total about face and re-branding, while yet another ne...
Your Recipe For Success Fails Without This ONE Ingredient
03 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #115 - This critical ingredient of any successful long-term brand is something found in every restaurant, but it just comes down to whether we...
Stay Relevant or Become the Next Restaurant Statistic!
24 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Epsidode #114 - The headlines today are all too common… Declining Sales and Profits, Labor hard to come by, heavy Competition. The restaurant bus...
Launching a New Concept - Mr Bing On Fire in NYC!
17 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Inspiration and Opportunity are always around the next corner. Imagine you’re living in a foreign country and suddenly the lightbulb goes off. “...
World-Renowned Celebrity Chef David Burke - Talking Restaurants
12 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #112 - Today’s episode brings you powerhouse Chef, Television Personality, Consultant and Industry Innovator Chef David Burke who needs no i...
Where else can you get $250,000 in 10 Minutes?
04 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #111 - The restaurant business is never static. To be truly successful, you need to be ever-vigilant for new opportunities and have the abilit...
Your People Are Your Greatest Asset - Carrie Luxem
27 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #110 - There are many ways to manage a team. There are leaders, there are managers and everything in between. Successful operators know inst...
It’s All About Cash Flow And ROI
21 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Staying ahead of the competition, having a vision and finding new ways to increase customer excitement, loyalty and sales is why we’re in business. ...
Build Your Brand with Ideas For Holidays & Big Events
13 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #108 - I’m all about building a “Brand” and not running a restaurant… going a bit further. I advocate being an entrepreneur, not a res...
Last Minute Tax Advice from an Industry Expert
08 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #107 - Yikes! It's tax crunch time!! What do you need to do throughout the year to put your business in the best tax position before you fil...
Marketing Firepower Starts With Your Brand!
01 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #106 - Its no secret, I’m all about dominating the competition! That’s the fun part… a big reason to be in business and that’s what s...
Why We Love That Old Staff Magic - Thea And Roger
14 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #105 Its no secret that your staff hold the “key” to your restaurant’s success.. Whether you run a food truck, coffee shop or sit down ...
So You Think You Want To Start A Restaurant - Thea and Roger
08 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #104 - My wife and I have restaurant conversations all the time. Usually, its about a recent dining experience we shared. We usually a...
Build Your House On This Foundation!
01 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Epsiode #103 - In my book, there are three “Foundational Fundamentals” to running a successful, highly profitable restaurant or hospitality enterp...
Can Your Operation Use a Makeover?
24 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
I travel the country often, have many opportunities to dine out and formulate many personal opinions. Ambiance usually plays a huge factor in how I ...
In The Age Of Online Reviews This Is Dangerous Thinking
17 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Two “key-foundations” for any successful business are offering Paramount Service and true “Value for the Dollar” with consistency every custom...
Key-Learnings from a Global Hospitality Entrepreneur - Fred Forsley
10 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #100!! WOW guys, this is our 100th episode of the podcast. Its amazing its been 2 1/2 years and there is still so much depth to our industry ...
The TRUTH About Your Competitors
14 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #99 - In the restaurant business, SERVICE is UNIVERSAL. It all comes down to the people you hire, develop & train and the experiences you pro...
If You Build It, Will They Really Come? ONE Variable Really Stands Out!
06 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #98 - I’m sure you remember the Kevin Costner film “Field of Dreams” and the famous line “If you build it, they will come”. But, i...
Inventory In Half The Time, No Kidding! An Interview With Dave Allred of Bar Patrol.
28 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #97 For nearly two decades, I got used to doing bar inventory the hard way. That’s right, I looked at all the different shaped liquor bott...
Too Crazy To Believe - A True Story
14 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #96 - We all dine out from time to time and I’m willing to bet that your experiences vary from restaurant to restaurant. I’m also betting...
Is Technology Replacing true Hospitality in your Operation
02 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #95 - As technology continually moves forward, and there’s a APP for everything, it strikes me that human interaction can sometimes be repla...
More Money In Your Register, Night After Night!
25 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #94 - Menu Profit is one mission critical detail in your restaurant that you may be missing. You may in fact have a menu that your customer’...
A Winning Strategy For Your Restaurant From Your Favorite Sports Team
17 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #93 - No matter your favorite sport, you know the preparation, coaching and relentless training it takes to achieve a winning record. Its one...
HIT THE JACKPOT with your Restaurant’s Marketing
11 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #92 Have you ever won the lottery? Maybe not. Or if you have, it wasn’t a huge take. But I’m betting it was an instant of fun getting t...
Is Your Restaurant Running You? 3 Ideas To Dial-In Your Business!
06 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #91 - Folks: This is a crazy business and unless you can see around corners, the unexpected is going to happen, not to mention the thousands ...
Maybe the Most Important PROFIT BUILDER in your Restaurant
06 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #90 - Its no secret that I’m obsessed with Profits. Always have been since running my restaurants and now, I’m just as obsessed for my cli...
Are Millennials REALLY Hard to Manage?
06 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #89 - After running restaurants for over 2 decades and over-seeing all ages of staff working the floor, I can honestly say that Millennials ar...
Astounding Service That Knocked My Socks Off
29 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #88 - I admit it. I’m very biased about service. But the truth is, if you’re in this business, you should be too. Long ago I learned th...
MAKE THOUSANDS of NEW DOLLARS with Relationships
22 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode #87 - I can’t tell you how many times I come across businesses of all types that sit around waiting for customers to come through the door…...