The Pre-Shift Podcast presented by 7shifts breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about running a restaurant better. Conversations with some of the biggest names, newest players, and industry innovators bring key insights into how they grew their businesses. Host DJ Costantino asks probing questions to get to know restauranteurs, chefs, and executives better and find out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and what lessons they learned along the way.
On this episode, we’re joined by Joe Kahn, Founder and CIO of Condado Tacos and Chris Artinian, CEO of Condado Tacos
Guest Bio
Joe Kahn is the Founder & Chief Innovation Officer at Condado Tacos. His passion for hospitality started at just 15 years old working at Sizzler and then Pizza Hut. Along the way, he learned to bartend and earned his first management position at The Outpost, a local Chicago venue. After decades of working in all aspects of the restaurant industry, Joe took the plunge to open his own restaurant—which failed. But instead of turning in his apron, he learned from his mistakes, borrowed money from his wife’s 401k, and founded Condado Tacos with several business partners. His focus on creating clean and craveable tacos in an environment that encourages creativity and community was a hit. By 2026, there will be 100 Condado Tacos restaurants! What’s Joe’s secret to success? Treating people well and really great tacos.
Chris Artinian serves as President & CEO at Condado Tacos. He has over 30 years of restaurant and retail experience with private and public companies and extensive experience in restaurant and consumer services. He first encountered Condado Tacos while working at The Beekman Group and loved the concept so much that he joined the company to help chart the brand’s meteoric growth because he has the chops. Chris previously held CEO titles at TooJay’s Gourmet Deli, Bakery & Restaurant, Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, and Morton’s. He’s recognized by industry peers for his deep operational experience in developing winning strategies and exceptional teams. he also serves on the Board of Directors of Another Broken Egg, Ted’s Cafe Escondido, and Condado Tacos.
Additional Resources
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Credits
Host & Producer: D. J. Costantino
Producer: Samantha Fung
Editor: Fina Charleston
About 7shifts
7shifts is the complete team management platform for restaurants. 7shifts provides tools that help restaurateurs make more profitable decisions, improve team retention, and get operations in order. 7shifts is made for everyone — from FOH to BOH — and is trusted by over 40,000 restaurants and 1 million restaurant pros.
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