Restaurant Influencers

In the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, Andy Hooper, CEO and Founding Partner of the Hart House restaurant, is committed to creating a space where plant-based food options are more accessible to all.  Listen now to learn the story behind Kevin Hart’s restaurant company, making plant-based food have the broadest possible appeal, and investing in employees. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Souvla Founder/CEO Charles Bililies (@cbililies) knew opening a Greek restaurant in San Francisco wasn’t going to be easy. But the restaurateur also knew he had something special to offer with his “fast fine restaurant.” Listen now to learn about operating a fast-fine concept, believing in an entrepreneurial vision, and how Toast revamped his restaurant tech stack. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Though he has amassed a big following of more than 10 million on social media, Gustavo Tosta — better known as Guga — did not plan on becoming the star of popular YouTube channels Guga Foods (@gugafoods) and Sous Vide Everything. But as he learned, rules are meant to be broken. Listen now to learn about becoming a viral YouTube Creator, the power of content collaboration, and the cookbook “Guga: Breaking the Barbecue Rules”. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Kareem Queeman (@mrbakesweets) didn’t become Mr. Bake overnight. He has been baking since 8. Now a rising voice in the LGBTQ+ community, he found his purpose by answering a difficult question: "If I was to leave this Earth tomorrow, would I be happy with the life that I've lived?" Listen now to learn about using media to share your voice, telling stories with products, and leaning into your power. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Steele Smiley, founder of Steele Brands, is a successful entrepreneur who built a fitness empire before entering the restaurant business. Despite the differences between those two industries, Smiley says there is a common thread of respect that ties them together.  Listen now to learn about fitness and restaurant hospitality, creating a hospitality ecosystem, and Steele Brands being the nice and cool kids at the lunch table. Sponsored by Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

It’s time Shawn sits in the hot seat. Shawn Walchef is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and host of this show. In this episode the tables are turned. Our friend Will Eppard (Regional VP of Sales at Toast) took the mic at Spark Los Angeles to interview Shawn about his media empire and more. Listen now to learn about turning into a media company and building communities. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Josh Halpern, CEO of Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, has a track record of building successful brands with successful teams. That’s why Shaq, the Big Man himself, tapped Halpern to be Big Chicken’s first top executive.   Listen now to learn about having big fun and doing big work with Shaquille O’Neal, opening a restaurant in space, and moving as one team with one dream. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Serial Entrepreneur Jeff Fenster is the founder of the successful healthy food chain Everbowl. He is now founding his own media company that focuses on providing value to his audience instead of just pushing products.  Listen now to learn about ditching the commercials for content, the Relationship Bank Account, creating The Jeff Fenster Show, and asking for help. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Ford Fry is the chef-owner and founder of the Rocket Farm Restaurants. The Rocket Farm umbrella includes popular food spots like State of Grace, Superica, and many more across Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Houston. Listen now to learn about the dream to help others, the increasing role of technology in hospitality, and creating emotional connections with customers. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Chris Do, CEO of The Futur, is no stranger to simultaneous praise and criticism as an influencer. Nevertheless, the Emmy-award winner’s ultimate goal is one of empowerment. In the age of New Media, Do knows that anyone can have a platform to share their message with the world. Listen now to learn about self-development, creating the best content, and The Futur Euro Tour. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

PepsiCo’s Digital Lab is helping restaurants future-proof their businesses and unleash their digital potential. As Head of PepsiCo Foodservice Digital Lab, André Moraes uses the expertise he has gathered over the years to optimize digital hospitality. Listen now to learn about using digital tools effectively, technology being an enabler, and the positive culture at PepsiCo. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Téa Ivanovic (@teaiva) is the co-founder and COO of Immigrant Food, a “cause-casual” restaurant in Washington, D.C. whose mission is to celebrate immigrants and push for progressive change in the US. Listen now to learn about Immigrant Food’s 3-Pillar Mission, retaining quality employees, and enhancing media exposure the right way. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Jamie & Kayla Giovinazzo built a healthy food empire. But success took time, talent, and teamwork. The founder of Eat Clean Bro combined his passions of cooking and fitness to make a meal prep company. Then the hard work began. #eatcleanbro   Listen now to learn about prioritizing customers, the business of healthy eating, and building  culture with clear communication. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Ari Weinzweig, founder of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses (@zingermanscommunity), used visioning and tried-and-true beliefs to grow the Zingerman’s brand in big, but thoughtful, ways. Listen now to learn about opening Zingerman’s Delicatessen, the process of creating a vision for your business, and humbleness being vital to a company’s ecosystem. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ  

For Charlie Eblen, founder of Single Tree BBQ and host of Single Tree Nation Podcast, “Just Do It” is both a motto and rallying cry. His mission is to transform his business into “the Nike of BBQ”. Listen now to learn about building community with the perfect plate of barbecue, capturing customer data, and the power of podcasting. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc • Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Meredith Sandland, CEO of Empower Delivery, is one of those people with a knack for creating positive change. In layman’s terms, her company helps simplify complex ordering processes to make them more efficient. Listen now to learn about the tie that binds moving parts in a business, overcoming customer friction, and the follow-up to Delivering the Digital Restaurant. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Kim Malek of Salt & Straw bet it all on the idea of a unique ice cream shop, one that builds community while innovating. Drawing inspiration from her time at Starbucks as it revolutionized coffee, she sought to do the same with ice cream. Listen now to learn about organic storytelling collaborations, remaining authentic during expansion, and building back after tragedy. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Rob Dyrdek (@robdyrdek) Manufactures Amazing by optimizing life. The serial entrepreneur, MTV star, athlete, and founder of Dyrdek Machine is on a mission to be as efficient as possible by designing a sustainable — and scalable —  existence. Listen now to learn about multi-dimensional business strategies, manifesting a desirable future, and conquering by taking action. Sponsored by: Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Atmosphere: TV for Your Business — bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

CookUnity CEO Mateo Marietti is on a mission to reconnect farmer to chef to eater. CookUnity is an innovative “chef collective” that sells personalized meal subscription plans with an emphasis on healthy eating, quality ingredients, and sustainability. Listen now to learn about founding the meal subscription service, improving the food system, and living up to being dubbed the “Spotify of Food Delivery.” Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

David “Rev” Ciancio (@revciancio) knows it takes courage to tell your story online. The marketing expert created the Branded Restaurant Marketing Summit to highlight honest stories and useful strategies from 32 of the biggest and brightest names in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn about the importance of publishing video content, simplifying branding, and creating a new type of restaurant conference. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Special announcement! Our annual Franchise 500 list is out, providing you with the best opportunities to buy a business. Which is right for you? Entrepreneur magazine Jason Feifer explains what goes into the list, and how it can benefit you. Learn more at entrepreneur.com/franchise500

Chef turned Content Creator Ryan Peters (@ryanpeterspgh) founded Peters Pasta and quickly built an online following of millions, which allowed him to turn content creation into a business. Now he is taking his brand to the next level. Listen now to learn about going viral on TikTok, transitioning to a full-time content creation career, and picking the right brand partners for collaboration. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc

Chef Joe Isidori (@joeIsidori) learned a secret that resonated with him: “Cut the BS.” Thanks to leaning into his authenticity, the Michelin starred restaurateur has built a global brand and growing food empire.  Listen now to learn about opening Arthur & Sons NY Italian, being a successful brand online, and leveraging social media. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Atmosphere TV — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Brett Sussman of Kabbage from American Express (@kabbageinc) has embraced the new economy and is determined to help small business owners adapt to how people learn and buy. Listen now to learn about helping small businesses with a TikTok collaboration, branding and marketing online, and the future of shopping on social media. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB Atmosphere TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Virtual Dining Concepts CEO Stephanie Sollers (@cregansollers) uses inspiration drawn from athletics to create unique opportunities for brands to collaborate with the innovative restaurant technology company. Listen now to learn about marketing and branding in the creator economy, the importance of storytelling, and working with Mr. Beast, Faze Clan, and more. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc DAVO Sales Tax — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB Atmosphere TV — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Cattle, X-Pot, and an organization that battles Cyber Bullying. Listen now to learn about getting on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List 2022, what goes into creating a successful business, and why everyone should create social media content. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB Atmosphere TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Hospitality Leadership Coach Matt Rolfe (@matt_rolfe_coaching) uses his personal story of triumph and a healing journey through therapy to inspire others. Listen now to learn about setting boundaries in life and work, creating positive leverage, and being honest as a leader. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB Atmosphere TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

From restaurants to media, Emeril Lagasse (@emeril) has had a remarkable career. Through it all the famed chef and humanitarian has been able to grow his business empire by prioritizing people. Listen to learn about making memorable moments with hospitality, putting relationships first, and creating content with purpose.  Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Atmosphere TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB

Sanjiv Razdan, president and CEO of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (@thecoffeebean), provides a global experience in a mug. Listen now to learn about making the most of nontraditional opportunities, brewing customer curiosity, capitalizing on user-generated content, and inspiring industry leaders with the nonprofit GLEAM Network. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB Atmosphere TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ

Employee retention is one of the more difficult things on the long list of necessities for business owners. For Jason Berry, co-founder of Knead Hospitality + Design (@kneadhd), hospitality for his employees is non-negotiable. Listen now to learn about loving what you do, creating a revamped work week, and leading by committee. Sponsored by: Toast POS System — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc Atmosphere TV for Your Business — https://bit.ly/3Mbc2TZ Try DAVO Sales Tax and Save — https://bit.ly/3rf2BcB

In the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, Andy Hooper, CEO and Founding Partner of the Hart House restaurant, is committed to creating a space where plant-based food options are more accessible to all.  Listen now to learn the story behind Kevin Hart’s restaurant company, making plant-based food have the broadest possible appeal, and investing in employees. Sponsored by: • Toast: All-In-1 Restaurant POS — https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc