Restaurant Leadership Podcast: Overcome Burnout, Embrace Freedom, and Drive Growth

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Joe Fontana, founder of Fry the Coop, is redefining what it means to build a fast-casual chicken empire with heart. From his Chicago-based restaurants, Joe shares the unexpected journey that took him from a failed meatball concept to creating what he proudly calls "the number one chicken sandwich in Chicago" – double-fried in beef tallow for that perfect crunch.

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Ever wondered what happens when a corporate executive trades the boardroom for the bakery kitchen? 

Neman Popov's story of launching Roggenart European Bakery, Bistro & Cafe offers a masterclass in entrepreneurial perseverance and leadership growth.

From signing a bad lease in his first location to now operating 10 thriving stores across multiple markets, Neman&...

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"Do you know your business well enough to change it?" In an era of economic uncertainty, this thought-provoking inquiry challenges all leaders to deeply understand their operations before attempting transformation.

Ever wondered what happens to all that used cooking oil from your favorite restaurants? Alissa Partee, COO of Restaurant Technologies, pulls back the curtain...

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What if the secret to reducing restaurant employee turnover wasn't about higher wages or better perks, but instead about how you show up as a leader? 

In this compelling coaching session, I work with Emily, a restaurant COO navigating a significant leadership transition as her business partner embarks on a sabbatical.

Together, we craft a leadership development plan...

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Ever felt like you're faking it despite working incredibly hard to get where you are? This deeply personal coaching conversation with Nokkie Lipsey, Director of Operations at the Olive and Finch Collective, explores the challenging terrain of imposter syndrome in leadership roles.

Nokkie candidly shares how she's spent years climbing her career mountain only to find her...

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Ever wonder what happens when you shift from thinking like a chef to thinking like an investor? Kevin Morrison, owner of Fish N Beer and Tacos Tequila Whiskey in Denver, Colorado, shares his remarkable journey and the mindset shift that transformed his restaurant operations.

Kevin takes us through his evolution from restaurant worker to owner, including a cautionary tale about fr...

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Every restaurant faces the challenge of slow nights—but what separates the average from the exceptional is how leaders respond. In this powerful coaching conversation, we sit down with Andrew Roy, General Manager at Mahogany Prime Steakhouse in Omaha, to explore how he turned traditionally low-performing Sundays and Mondays into opportunities for growth and team connection.

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What happens when a successful restaurant operator with stellar operations faces the uncomfortable challenge of driving sales growth? Jesse Hanson, Area Manager for Crust Pizza Company in Texas, bravely steps into the coaching spotlight to tackle this common industry hurdle head-on.

Jesse oversees three locations with impeccable operational standards—perfect corporate audits, exc...

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The gap between restaurant operator and owner is vast, profound, and often misunderstood—something Austin Carson describes as the difference between "having a puppy and having a kid." 

In this candid conversation, the co-owner of Restaurant Olivia takes us behind the curtain of restaurant entrepreneurship, revealing the emotional weight, financial complexities, and stra...

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What happens when a restaurant owner's identity becomes completely consumed by their business? 

In this intimate coaching session, Christin Marvin works with Heather Morrison, co-owner of Restaurant Olivia in Denver, to address the challenge that's holding her back from being her best self as a leader.

Before we dive in—this episode is brought to you by Restaurant Techno...

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What happens when convenience collides with hospitality? In this episode, industry expert Chris Tripoli breaks down how restaurants can deliver fast, efficient service without losing the human touch.

In a market where speed and efficiency drive guest decisions, restaurants need more than just great design—they need smart systems. That’s where partners like Restaurant Technologies...

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What does it really take to make a restaurant successful in today’s challenging market? Giles from Blue Pan Pizza pulls back the curtain on the hidden risks that can make or break a restaurant before it even opens.

Most restaurateurs focus on menus and design, but overlook critical financial risks—especially personal guarantees in lease agreements. Giles shares how he stress-test...

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The gap between chaotic success and sustainable excellence often comes down to one thing: intentional leadership.

In this episode, Brett Russell, Director of Operations at Golden Mill, shares how he transformed a high-volume food hall by focusing on frontline insights and a people-first culture.

In a fast-paced restaurant environment, balancing leadership with the right technology...

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Curious about how restaurants can effectively implement NA beverage programs?

Join us for a transformative conversation as Dana Bonelli, a veteran in the wine and spirits industry, unveils the evolution of inclusivity in the non-alcoholic (NA) beverage space. Discover how the hospitality sector has shifted from exclusive, patriarchal beginnings to a more welcoming and inclusive e...

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Struggling to hire and keep Gen Z employees? You’re not alone. This generation thinks differently about work—and if you’re not adapting, you’re losing talent.

Hiring and retaining Gen Z employees is one of the biggest challenges facing restaurant and hospitality leaders today. In this episode, Alex Taylor, Area Manager, shares her proven strategies for building a motivated and en...

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Have you ever wondered how mastering transparent communication and purposeful leadership can transform your team’s productivity and morale? 

In this episode, I, break down the essential skills that separate great restaurant managers from truly exceptional leaders.

Looking for ways to streamline your restaurant operations? Check out Restaurant Technologies to see how Total Oil Mana...

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Great leadership isn’t just about managing—it’s about defining how you lead and aligning your actions with your values. 

In this special episode, recorded live on LinkedIn, we’re diving into the essential steps to clarify your leadership style and develop a roadmap for growth in 2025.

Join me as we explore:
✅ Why defining your leadership style is crucial for team success
✅...

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Are you leading your restaurant, or is it leading you?

If you’ve ever felt like your leadership style is stretched too thin—trying to keep everyone happy while running a successful business—this episode is for you. I’m Christin Marvin, and today we’re diving into the people pleaser mindset and how it might be holding you back as a leader.

✔️ How childhood patterns shape your leade...

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🔥 The Hard Truth About Making It in a Michelin-Starred Kitchen—And Why Most Cooks Don’t Last

Renowned chef and entrepreneur Justin Khanna shares his journey from esteemed kitchens like Per Se and Noma to becoming a leader in the culinary world. Discover his strategies for running successful kitchen shifts, honing in on practical tools like line checks, reservation chec...