Rock My Restaurant

Rock My Restaurant

Introducing the revolutionary podcast that set the restaurant and hospitality world on fire - Rock My Restaurant! 🎉 But hold on to your chef's hat because we're back with a fresh, sizzling revamp that's all about ushering in the future of foodservice. 🚀 Imagine a podcast that's your ultimate guide to the next generation of restaurant innovation. That's precisely what Rock My Restaurant is all about. We're here to dish out the juiciest insights on branding, marketing, cutting-edge tech, and the tantalizing future of the restaurant industry. 🍔 Calling all restaurateurs, culinary wizards, and foodservice aficionados! This podcast is your golden ticket to staying ahead of the curve. Our dynamic hosts will jet-set across the globe to chat with industry trailblazers, uncovering the hottest trends and best practices for the next-gen food world. 🌮 Whether you're dreaming of launching your restaurant, cooking solutions for tomorrow's hot brands, spicing up your existing business, or just craving a bite of the best digital strategies, Rock My Restaurant is your must-listen podcast. Prepare to feast on knowledge, sizzle with inspiration, and join the culinary revolution! 🔥🎙️ Brought To You By Savor.fm

Episodes

Restaurant Marketing Mastery: Building Your Brand on a Budget

April 18, 2025 • 37 mins
In this insightful episode of Rock My Restaurant, host Paul Barron and Norton Creative CEO Robin Blanchette dive into effective marketing strategies for independent restaurants and small chains operating on limited budgets. They explore the importance of brand identity, customer journey mapping, compelling food photography, and strategic social media presence while sharing practical advice on website essentials, leveraging customer...
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CapitalSpring's Jim Balis on Restaurant Investment Strategies

April 4, 2025 • 34 mins
In this insightful episode of "Rock My Restaurant," host Paul Barron interviews Jim Balis of CapitalSpring about the evolving restaurant investment landscape. Balis shares CapitalSpring's approach to investing in restaurants, revealing they look for concepts with 15%+ store-level margins and 20%+ ROI. He discusses valuation multiples in today's "moderate" market, when founders should consider taking capital, exit strategies for bra...
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From BBQ to Brand Building: How Shawn Walchef is Revolutionizing Restaurant Marketing

February 14, 2025 • 45 mins
In this eye-opening interview, restaurant marketing innovator Shawn P. Walchef reveals why traditional advertising is dead and how restaurants must adapt in 2025. The founder of Cali BBQ Media shares his groundbreaking "Be the Show, Not the Commercial" philosophy, explaining how any restaurant can build a powerful digital presence through authentic storytelling. From live streaming kitchen preparations to building genuine community...
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Restaurant Leadership in 2025: What Every Operator Needs to Know 🚀

January 10, 2025 • 49 mins
In this eye-opening interview, restaurant industry expert Fred LeFranc reveals how leadership is dramatically evolving in 2025. From the rise of AI and automation changing management tasks, to the emergence of fractional C-suite roles, and the shift away from traditional hierarchical leadership models, LeFranc breaks down what successful restaurant leaders need to focus on now. He explains why human skills like emotional intelligen...
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Best Tech For Business in 2025

January 3, 2025 • 42 mins
In this insightful episode of Rock My Restaurant, industry veteran Vaughan Dugan shares his predictions for the restaurant industry in 2025. From the evolution of customer loyalty programs to the surprising surge in gift card sales, Dugan explores how operators can adapt to changing consumer behaviors. The discussion covers essential advice for restaurant startups, the importance of building genuine community connections, and emerg...
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Behind the Counter: Technology's Role in Restaurant Worker Success

December 13, 2024 • 49 mins
The restaurant industry is on the brink of a technological transformation that goes beyond mere efficiency, focusing on using innovative technologies like AI and augmented reality to create more meaningful, engaging, and career-driven workplace experiences. By implementing smart tools that provide real-time coaching, personalized career insights, and recognition systems, restaurants can address high turnover rates and empower emplo...
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Building a Brand That Lasts: Lessons from Industry Leaders and Emerging Stars

November 22, 2024 • 34 mins
A deep dive into the evolving restaurant industry landscape, exploring how innovative brands like Crave Worthy are adapting to Gen Z preferences through international cuisine, digital marketing strategies, cross-brand loyalty, and authentic brand storytelling.

Guest: Gregg Majewski of Crave Worthy Brands

#RestaurantInnovation #FoodTrends #GenZMarketing

🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the lar...
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Gen Z's Unique Dining Habits: Insights for Restaurants

November 15, 2024 • 35 mins
As Gen Z reshapes the restaurant industry, understanding their distinct dining preferences for interactive, tech-integrated experiences is crucial. Restaurants should offer customizable meals, shareable snacks, and strategic social media presence to attract this influential demographic.

Guest: Troy Hooper | CEO of Hot Palette America

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Forging New Paths: How Restaurants Can Leverage Gaming, Web3, and Community Loyalty

November 8, 2024 • 59 mins
Industry experts Alejandro Marin Vidal and Shelly Ruple discuss how restaurants can revolutionize their customer engagement through gaming, web3, and innovative loyalty programs on the "Rock My Restaurant" podcast. Drawing from his experience at Activision, Marin Vidal emphasizes how modern consumers seek varied experiences and dopamine-driven entertainment, suggesting that restaurants should adopt collaborative loyalty programs—a ...
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Integrating Gaming and Web3 in Restaurants

October 30, 2024 • 38 mins
"Rock My Restaurant" recently discussed the growing integration of gaming and web3 technologies into the restaurant industry. Hosts Paul Barron and Shelley Rupel explored the opportunities for brands to reach younger consumers through gaming platforms and loyalty programs.
Barron highlighted data showing the massive growth of e-sports and brand partnerships, with major chains like Burger King, Chipotle, and McDonald's increasingly a...
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Forbes Leads Legacy Media into Web3, Offering Blueprint for Restaurant Industry

October 22, 2024 • 38 mins
Forbes is pioneering Web3 integration in legacy media through its Forbes Legacy Pass program, a soulbound NFT initiative led by VP of Web3 Mani Patel, offering valuable insights for the restaurant industry's digital evolution. By establishing a dedicated blockchain department and creating an exclusive, application-based digital membership system, Forbes demonstrates how traditional businesses can embrace Web3 technology while maint...
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The Gen Z Currency for Restaurants

October 16, 2024 • 38 mins
The restaurant industry is undergoing a digital revolution, as discussed in a recent "Rock My Restaurant" podcast featuring Feifei Hu, Paul Barron, and Shelly Rupel. Key trends include authentic community engagement, especially in gaming spaces, balancing appeal across demographics, and leveraging AI and automation for operational efficiency. Emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles and drone delivery are set to reshape food ...
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Web3 Gaming Meets Restaurants: A New Frontier for Brand Engagement

October 4, 2024 • 36 mins
Web3 gaming is emerging as a powerful new frontier for restaurant brand engagement and customer loyalty. In a recent "Rock My Restaurant" podcast episode, industry experts discussed how integrating loyalty programs into gaming experiences, creating comprehensive brand ecosystems, and leveraging storytelling can revolutionize how restaurants connect with customers. Companies like Wagmi Games and Devour are pioneering innovative appr...
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Blockchain-Powered Collectibles: A New Revenue Stream for Restaurants

September 25, 2024 • 40 mins
The restaurant industry is exploring Web3 technologies like blockchain and digital collectibles, as discussed on the "Rock My Restaurant" podcast. Beezie's platform for digital twins of physical collectibles was highlighted, along with the potential for blockchain in loyalty programs, marketing, and e-commerce. While adoption is still in early stages, there's growing interest among restaurant brands in leveraging Web3 for brand ext...
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The Evolution of Loyalty Programs in The Restaurant Industry

September 19, 2024 • 38 mins
The restaurant industry is grappling with a significant shift in consumer behavior, particularly among Generation Z, as traditional loyalty programs and marketing strategies lose effectiveness. The "Rock My Restaurant" podcast discusses how emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and AR/VR, along with gaming integrations, could revolutionize brand engagement and loyalty for younger consumers. While some major brands are experime...
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Building Authentic Online Communities to Connect with Gen Z.

August 19, 2024 • 41 mins
🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://savorfm.substack.com/

A recent "Rock My Restaurant" podcast episode featuring Paul Barron and Shelly Rupel from Devour explored the future of restaurant loyalty programs and the potential impact of Web3 technologies. The discussion highlighted the limitations of traditional point-based systems and emphas...
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Cross-Brand Collaboration: New Opportunities for Restaurant Brands

August 19, 2024 • 46 mins
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Web3 technologies are revolutionizing brand engagement and customer loyalty, as exemplified by The Gods NFT project's collaborations with traditional brands like Dogghouse and the Big3 basketball league. These partnerships leverage engaged online communities to create unique experie...
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Secrets To Connecting With Gen Z For Restaurant Growth

July 12, 2024 • 48 mins
🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in food service! - https://www.savor.fm/

The Rock My Restaurant Podcast, hosted by Shelly Rupel and Paul Barron, explores Web3 integration in loyalty programs with guest Steve Kaczynski. They discuss how blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs are revolutionizing customer rewards, citing Boba Guys' successful NFT-based membership p...
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Restaurant Loyalty Is At a Point of No Return

June 14, 2024 • 41 mins
🫶 Subscribe NOW - Unlock a world of knowledge, innovation, and growth from the largest podcast network in foodservice! - https://www.savor.fm/

Strategies for restaurants to regain customer loyalty, particularly among Generation Z, amid declining loyalty due to abundant choices and changing consumer behaviors. We explore leveraging technology, offering unique experiences, emphasizing authenticity, personalization, and creating share...
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Nekter Juice Bar: Standing Out in the Healthy Fast Casual Sector

May 29, 2024 • 41 mins
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Nekter Juice Bar has carved out a niche in the competitive healthy fast casual sector by excelling in five key areas: a commitment to high-quality, locally sourced, and organic ingredients; an innovative and ever-evolving menu with unique offerings like superfood smoothies and acai bowls; an...
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