Hospitality finance veteran Philip Gay joins Marc Cohen and Rich Sweeney to break down what truly drives restaurant success. From building EYAS Capital’s QSR portfolio to investing in employee training at Paperchase, Philip shares how happy teams, operational scorecards, and AI-powered engagement fuel profitability. Plus, hear his timeless rule: people, product, and place drive profit.

Connect with the Guest

• Connect with Philip Gay on LinkedIn
• Connect with Paperchase on Instagram
• Connect with Paperchase on Linkedin
• Connect with Eyas Capital on Linkedin

Connect with the Show

• Connect with Rich Sweeney on LinkedIn
• Connect with Marc Cohen on LinkedIn
• R365 on Facebook
• R365 on X
• R365 on LinkedIn
• R365 on Instagram

Jung Lee, VP of Supply Chain for Kura Sushi USA, sat down with Marc and Rich to share his expertise in inventory management and restaurant operations. He brings a unique background as a sushi chef and delves into Kura Sushi's expansion from Japan to the United States.

This episode dives into innovative new technologies like robots in food delivery and what it takes to keep customers coming back.

Be sure to subscribe to Behind the Numbers here on YouTube and everywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with the Guest

• Connect with Jung Lee on LinkedIn
• Connect with Kura Sushi on LinkedIn
• Follow Kura Sushi on Instagram
• Visit Kura Sushi website

Connect with the Show

• Connect with Rich Sweeney on LinkedIn
• Connect with Marc Cohen on LinkedIn
• R365 on Facebook
• R365 on X
• R365 on LinkedIn
• R365 on Instagram

In this episode of Behind the Numbers, Andrei Stern, co-founder of Suviche, shares the inside story of how he transformed a tiny, 10-seat Miami eatery into a thriving multi-location hospitality brand. Discover how rapid, daily communication, strategic use of data to overcome supply chain challenges, a transparent commission-based pay structure, and a sharp focus on menu specialization became key ingredients in Suviche’s success. Tune in to uncover the operational insights and strategic decisions behind this remarkable growth story.

Connect with Andrei

• Connect with Andrei Stern on LinkedIn
• Visit Suviche Website
• Follow Suviche on Instagram
• Follow Suviche on Facebook
• Follow Suviche on X

Connect with the Show

• Connect with Rich Sweeney on LinkedIn
• Connect with Marc Cohen on LinkedIn
• R365 on Facebook
• R365 on X
• R365 on LinkedIn
• R365 on Instagram

Join hosts Marc Cohen and Rich Sweeney in this insightful episode of Behind The Numbers presented by Restaurant365, featuring Ken Baker. Ken reveals essential strategies for scaling restaurant operations through smart technology, the importance of integrating operational expertise with data systems, and the critical impact of employee retention on profitability. Discover how to balance cutting-edge technology with genuine hospitality to create sustainable growth and outstanding guest experiences.

• Connect with Ken Baker on LinkedIn
• Visit Hawkers Website

Connect with the Show

• Connect with Rich Sweeney on LinkedIn
• Connect with Marc Cohen on LinkedIn
• R365 on Facebook
• R365 on X
• R365 on LinkedIn
• R365 on Instagram

Helpful Links

• Visit California Fish Grill Website
• Visit Restaurant365 Website

In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we sit down with Paul Potvin, CFO of California Fish Grill, to explore how the West Coast seafood brand scaled from 1 to 58 locations — without losing its culture or control. From AVT food costing and time-based labor studies to kiosks that boost accuracy and a flexible supply chain built for resilience, Paul shares actionable strategies every operator should hear.

In this episode:

• How to use data to optimize food and labor costs
• Why time studies are a game changer for scheduling
• How kiosks improved both guest experience and operations
• Building plant-based seafood offerings without diluting your brand
• What it really takes to scale sustainably in today’s market

Whether you’re running one store or fifty, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow smarter.

Listen now and learn why behind every great restaurant, there’s a CFO who knows the numbers and the people.

Connect with the Guests

• Connect with Paul Potvin on LinkedIn
• California Fish Grill on Instagram
• California Fish Grill on Facebook
• California Fish Grill on Twitter
• California Fish Grill on YouTube

Connect with the Show

• Connect with Rich Sweeney on LinkedIn
• Connect with Marc Cohen on LinkedIn
• R365 on Facebook
• R365 on X
• R365 on LinkedIn
• R365 on Instagram

Helpful Links

• Visit California Fish Grill Website
• Visit Restaurant365 Website

On this episode of Behind the Numbers by Restaurant365, hosts Marc Cohen and Rich Sweeney sit down with award-winning chef and Mina Group founder Michael Mina and the company’s CEO Jason Himber. Together, they explore the keys to modern restaurant leadership, including motivating today’s workforce, fostering a culture of accountability, and scaling operations without sacrificing quality. They also discuss how restaurants can adapt post-pandemic and redefine the dining experience to meet evolving guest expectations.

Connect with the Guests

• Connect with Michael Mina on LinkedIn
• Connect with Jason Himber on LinkedIn

Connect with the Hosts

• Connect with Rich Sweeney on LinkedIn
• Connect with Marc Cohen on LinkedIn

Helpful Links

• Visit Mina Group Website
• Visit Restaurant365 Website

How does a teenage busboy become the owner of multiple IHOP locations? In this episode of Behind the Numbers, Walid Jamal, President of JHG Restaurants, shares his inspiring journey from entry-level employee to multi-unit franchisee. Walid reveals the strategies that helped him succeed— from building strong employee relationships to leveraging technology like Restaurant365 to streamline operations and scale his business. He also discusses the role of community initiatives like National Pancake Day in blending business growth with social impact.

Tune in as hosts Marc Cohen and Rich Sweeney uncover the mindset, tools, and strategies that drive success in the restaurant industry.

Want to get behind your restaurant’s numbers? Reach out to our team today!

Connect with Walid Jamal

• Connect with Walid Jamal on LinkedIn

Connect with the Hosts

• Follow Marc Cohen on LinkedIn
• Follow Rich Sweeney on LinkedIn

Connect with Restaurant365

• Follow Restaurant365 on LinkedIn
• Follow Restaurant365 on Facebook
• Follow Restaurant365 on Instagram
• Follow Restaurant365 on X