Restauranttopia: A Show for Local Independent Restaurants

The Hidden Costs of Dirty Fryer Oil—and How to Fix Them

Guest:
Peter Kirwan – Founder & CEO of Halcyon Eco

Hosts: Dave Ross, Brian Seitz

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• The Origin Story: Peter shares what led him to invent Halcyon Eco in Ireland and how he brought this revolutionary product to market.
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Comfort is deceptive. It feels good, but it quietly stalls growth and progress.

Fear keeps you frozen. Most people stay in bad jobs, unhealthy relationships, or stagnant routines because of fear—not logic.

Growth is uncomfortable. Every breakthrough happens outside your comfort zone, whether in business, relationships, or self-discipline.

You can’t ...

Your restaurant's most powerful marketing tool? The menu.

In this episode, the team dives deep into one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in your restaurant: the menu. From visual psychology and printing strategies to layout, material choices, and pricing tactics, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help you treat your menu like what it truly is—your #1 marketing and ...

In this powerhouse episode, the team unpacks real-world, actionable marketing tactics that restaurant owners can implement immediately to drive traffic, create loyal customers, and boost profits—without relying on gimmicks or deep discounts. From the power of thoughtful guest experiences to bounce-back promotions and handwritten letters to lapsed customers, this is a masterclass in doing marketing the right w...

In this episode of Restauranttopia, Dave and Brian explore the growing non-alcoholic beverage movement and why it's a must for modern restaurants. They break down the cultural shifts, customer expectations, and real profitability behind offering thoughtful non-alcoholic options. Learn practical ways to adapt your menu, train your staff, and create a welcoming experience for all guests—drinkers and non-drinkers alike.

Summary

In this episode, Brian shares five key lessons from Las Vegas that every restaurant operator should hear. From faster drink service to private room optimization and upsell strategy, these practical insights are designed to boost revenue while enhancing the guest experience.

Learn how to modernize your operations, empower your staff, and grow profitability—starting tonight.

In this thought-provoking episode, the team explores how pain and suffering can cultivate stronger leadership skills. Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophy, Buddhist parables, and personal experiences, they discuss the concept of the "two arrows"—how pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional—and how leaders can apply this mindset to stay composed and guide their teams effectively.

T...

Many restaurant operators are unknowingly signing their businesses away with predatory merchant cash advances (MCAs). These high-cost financing options promise fast money but come with crippling repayment terms that can put restaurants out of business.

In this episode, we break down:

• What MCAs really are and why they’re dangerous
• Read more