From courtroom to kitchen: in this episode, Kyle sits down with Denise Tran, the visionary founder and CEO who traded her law career for the high-stakes world of restaurant entrepreneurship. Hear the raw, unfiltered story behind Bun Mee's journey from passionate concept to scalable franchise powerhouse. Denise pulls back the curtain on how her Vietnamese heritage shapes every aspect of her business, the unexpected challenges of airport locations, and the critical systems that transformed her personal passion into a replicable model. If you've ever dreamed of turning your cultural food heritage into a thriving restaurant brand, this conversation delivers both the inspiration and the practical blueprint you've been searching for.

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• How to define your purpose before launching a restaurant concept
• Critical steps for standardizing operations when preparing to scale
• Financial preparation strategies that prevent common growth disasters
• The real estate lessons Denise learned the hard way (so you don't have to)
• How to navigate market differentiation in an increasingly competitive landscape

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• First-time restaurant entrepreneurs looking for a realistic roadmap
• Established operators considering the franchise model
• Restaurant owners navigating cultural representation in their concepts
• Anyone interested in the intersection of personal heritage and commercial food
• Operators evaluating airport or non-traditional location opportunities

Connect with Denise on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-tran-aa97734/

Follow Bun Mee on IG:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-tran-aa97734/

Interested in learning more about becoming a franchisee at Bun Mee?

https://bunmee.co/franchise

If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor?

Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations.

Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

Thanks,

Kyle

Is your personal brand helping or hurting your restaurant's growth? In this candid conversation, Kyle sits down with Josh Halpern, the driving force behind Big Chicken, to explore the powerful intersection of personal branding and franchise success. From navigating the influence of celebrity partner Shaquille O'Neal to making tough decisions about franchisee selection, Josh shares unfiltered insights on building an authentic leadership presence that resonates with partners, customers, and communities. Whether you're a single-unit operator or managing multiple concepts, this episode reveals why your personal brand might be the most undervalued asset in your restaurant portfolio.

Key Conversations:

• How authenticity in leadership creates accountability throughout an organization
• The delicate balance of managing your personal brand alongside your restaurant brand
• Why shared values trump experience in franchisee selection
• How Shaquille O'Neal's personal brand influences Big Chicken's business decisions
• The critical role community connection plays in sustainable franchise growth

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• Practical approaches to developing an authentic leadership presence
• Common personal branding pitfalls that restaurant leaders should avoid
• Strategic real estate considerations that align with your brand values
• How to leverage your personal presence to strengthen business relationships
• Techniques for maintaining open communication across multi-unit operations

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Restaurant owners looking to strengthen their leadership presence
• Franchise operators navigating growth challenges
• Multi-unit leaders building systems for communication and accountability
• Independent restaurateurs considering franchise opportunities
• Anyone interested in the human side of restaurant business success

If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor?

Taking 30 seconds to subscribe and/or leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more operators and franchisors who could benefit from these conversations.

Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

Thanks,

Kyle

Think finding the perfect restaurant location is just about foot traffic and rent? Think again. In this revealing Deal Diaries episode, Kyle pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes world of commercial real estate for franchisees, taking you behind the scenes of a challenging Long Island City deal. From soaring rents to new development complexities, this real-world case study showcases the unexpected obstacles that can derail even the most promising location. Whether you're a seasoned operator or planning your first expansion, this episode delivers invaluable insights on navigating today's competitive real estate landscape.

Key Conversations:

• The unique challenges franchisees face in premium urban markets• How rising rent trends are reshaping location strategies in NYC• The hidden complications of securing space in new developments• Why timing and market knowledge can make or break a deal• The strategic pivot that led to exploring Brooklyn alternatives

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• How to properly assess if a hot market is actually right for your concept
• Tactics for strategic positioning when negotiating in competitive areas
• Red flags to watch for when considering spaces in new developments
• When to walk away from a location that looks perfect on paper
• How to adapt your expansion strategy when market conditions shift
• 
  

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Franchisees planning their next location
• Independent operators considering expansion
• Restaurant groups evaluating new market entry
• Real estate decision-makers in the food service industry
• Anyone fascinated by the real-world complexities of restaurant deals

If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more restaurant operators who could benefit from these conversations.

Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

Thanks,

Kyle

Ever had that perfect space slip through your fingers? In this raw and revealing episode, Kyle takes us behind the scenes of a deal that went from "sure thing" to "sh*t canned" in a blink of an eye. It's a nail-biting journey through the trenches that'll definitely have you shouting advice at your speakers – complete with unexpected plot twists, funding f*ck ups, and a landlord who wasn't exactly sitting by the phone. If you've ever wondered why securing that perfect location feels like an emotional rollercoaster, this story exposes all the thrills, spills, and behind-the-scenes drama that never makes it into the lease agreement.

Key Conversations:

• Why timing is everything when dealing with NYC landlords (especially post-pandemic)• The funding delay domino effect that ruins more deals than you'd imagine• How competing concepts swoop in when you're stuck in decision paralysis• The crucial negotiation moments where everything change

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• The "golden window" for making decisions in competitive markets
• How to keep landlords engaged when facing inevitable delays
• Alternative funding strategies when traditional methods move too slowly
• The communication approach that keeps deals alive during uncertainty

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• First-time restaurant operators navigating lease negotiations
• Franchisees expanding into competitive markets
• Restaurant groups looking to avoid costly real estate mistakes
• Anyone who's ever lost a perfect location and wondered why

If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more restaurant operators who could benefit from these conversations.

Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

Thanks,

Kyle

Still think AI is just for tech bros and Silicon Valley startups? In this episode Kyle breaks down how artificial intelligence is quietly revolutionizing restaurants right now - from mom-and-pops to major chains. Forget the hype; this is more than just messing with ChatGPT, we're talking practical, profit-boosting processes that are changing how the smartest operators run their kitchens, manage their teams, and provide better customer service. If you've been dismissing AI at your restaurant, this episode might be your much-needed wake-up call.

MASTERMIND IS HERE!! SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL

If your looking to grow this year, and are struggling to make sense of the the market, or if your stuck in endless negotiations - my weekly Real Estate Mastermind, might be for you -Schedule your FREE call today!

Connect with Kyle on Instagram or shoot him an email at [email protected] for real-time advice on your franchise real estate journey.

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• Where to start with AI if you're completely new to it (without breaking the bank)
• How to evaluate which AI solutions actually deliver ROI for your specific operation
• The right questions to ask vendors when they pitch you AI products
• Common implementation mistakes that doom restaurant AI projects

🔥 Notable Quote:"The restaurants winning with AI aren't the ones with the fanciest tech - they're the ones solving real operational headaches that have been bleeding money for years. This isn't about robots flipping burgers; it's about finally fixing the broken parts of our business model."

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Restaurant operators tired of hearing about AI but unsure what it means for them
• Multi-unit leaders looking for competitive advantages in operations
• Independent restaurateurs wanting affordable tech solutions
• Anyone who wants to understand the future of restaurant operations




If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more restaurant operators who could benefit from these conversations.

Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

Thanks,

Kyle

What happens when a family recipe becomes a cultural icon? In this episode, we dive into the 100+ year journey of Walter's Hot Dogs, where tradition meets innovation in the most delicious way possible. From their secret blend to food trucks and beyond, Gene-Christian Baca shares how they've kept the family legacy intact while being flexible and creative in evolving their business model. If you've ever dreamed of turning your family's culinary traditions into a thriving business, this conversation serves up equal parts inspiration and practical wisdom.

MASTERMIND IS HERE!! SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL

If your looking to grow this year, and are struggling to make sense of the the market, or if your stuck in endless negotiations - my weekly Real Estate Mastermind, might be for you -Schedule your FREE call today!

Connect with Kyle on Instagram or shoot him an email at [email protected] for real-time advice on your franchise real estate journey.

Key Conversations:

• The "secret sauce" behind surviving over a century in the competitive food business
• Food truck tales: From permit nightmares to unexpected triumphs
• Why Goldbelly and shipping changed everything for this local legend
• The family's decision to license rather than franchise (and the lessons learned)
• How a humble hot dog stand became woven into thousands of family memories
• 
  

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• How to maintain quality standards while scaling a food business
• Smart approaches to licensing vs. franchising for food concepts
• Balancing tradition with innovation when growing a heritage brand
• Leveraging e-commerce to take a local food business national

🔥 Quote:

"We're not just selling hot dogs – we're selling the memories people make while eating them. That's been true for over a hundred years, whether it's at our original stand, from our trucks, or shipped to your doorstep."

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Restaurant owners looking to expand beyond their four walls
• Family business operators navigating growth while preserving legacy
• Food entrepreneurs interested in licensing and e-commerce opportunities
• Anyone fascinated by the stories behind iconic local food institutions

If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more restaurant operators who could benefit from these conversations.

Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

Thanks,

Kyle

Ever wonder why some franchise locations crush it while others struggle from day one? In this no-nonsense episode, real estate veteran Kyle pulls back the curtain on the questions potential franchisees NEED to ask but often don't. Kyle shares the real talk on what makes or breaks franchise real estate support. Whether you're eyeing your first franchise or adding to your portfolio, this episode could save you from a six-figure mistake.

Key Conversations:

• Why some franchisors' "hands-off" approach to real estate could be a major red flag

• The truth about territory protection (and why the old "mile radius" model is dying)

• How modern franchisors are using AI to slash site selection timelines

• The "Amazon Era" problem: When old-school real estate meets new-school expectations

• Real stories of franchisee territory conflicts and how to avoid them

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

- The crucial documents every serious franchisor should provide (and what to do if they don't)

- How to spot the difference between good and bad real estate support systems

- Timeline realities: What "6 months to open" really means in today's market

- Escape routes: What to negotiate when you can't find a site

🔥 Notable Quote:

"You do not want to be feeling like you're out there on your own. Something that's available today is not going to be available tomorrow. If you have to wait on somebody from the franchisor to get back to you... it's not going to cut it."

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

- First-time franchise investors doing their due diligence

- Multi-unit operators evaluating new brands

- Franchise development teams looking to improve their real estate support

- Anyone navigating franchise site selection and territory agreements

MASTERMIND IS HERE!! SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL

If your looking to grow this year, and are struggling to make sense of the the market, or if your stuck in endless negotiations - my weekly Real Estate Mastermind, might be for you -Schedule your FREE call today!

Want more insider knowledge? Connect with Kyle on Instagram or shoot him an email at [email protected] for real-time advice on your franchise real estate journey.

Next Week: Don't miss our deep dive into negotiation strategies - you won't want to miss this one! 🎯

Ever wonder why some restaurants handle mobile orders like a well-oiled machine while others feel like organized chaos? In this eye-opening episode, Kyle breaks down why your pickup area might be the hidden trouble spot you never knew you had. From delivery drivers blacklisting your restaurant to customers doing the awkward hover-dance by your counter, Kyle shares the real talk on fixing these common headaches.

Key Topics:

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Connect with Closed Monday

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: Closed Monday

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Offers

Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.

Subscribe & Share

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!

A lot of independent restaurant families look at franchising like it's the dark side. But what happens when a father-son team with 50 years of Italian restaurant experience decides to make the switch?

James and Mike Simone had a beloved Brooklyn spot for 20 years. Good sauce, cold drinks, and most importantly - great neighborhood vibes. Then COVID hit. After losing everything, they had a choice: rebuild their independent empire, or try something completely different.

In this episode, we sit down with James and Mike to talk about their surprising journey from classic Italian restaurateurs to health-focused franchise operators. We get into:

Plus, some wild stories about their Brooklyn days, including how they turned their restaurant into the unofficial staff cafeteria for Barclays Center (and scored some amazing concert tickets along the way).

Come for the business insights, stay for the family dynamics and real industry talk. This one's for anyone who's ever thought about making a major pivot in the restaurant world.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Connect with Closed Monday

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: Closed Monday

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Offers

Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.

Subscribe & Share

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!

Just when we think we understand how to scale a franchise, someone comes along and completely flips the playbook on its head. Enter Jeff Fenster, Founder & CEO of everbowl who looked at the traditional franchise model and said... checks notes... "Nah, I'm just going to build everything myself"?

Excuse me? A franchise founder who manufactures their own equipment, runs their own construction company, AND imports their own ingredients?

That's exactly what happened at Ever Bowl, and the results are kind of mind-blowing. We're talking 60% lower build-out costs, two-year payback periods, and franchisees actually making money (imagine that!).

But here's the real kicker - while everyone's chasing fancy AUVs and store count milestones, Jeff's over here focusing on something revolutionary in franchising: actual profitability. Wild concept, right?

In this episode, we dive into how Jeff built this vertically integrated franchise powerhouse, why he thinks AI is about to turn site selection on its head, and what it really takes to hit that elusive 100-unit milestone that only 4% of franchises ever reach. Plus, he shares some brutally honest advice about what you should be asking (but probably aren't) before signing that franchise agreement.

Connect with Closed Monday

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@closedmondaypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: Closed Monday

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special Offers

Take a screenshot of you listening to the show, and tag @closedmondaypodcast, and I'll send you a FREE Closed Monday t-shirt.

Subscribe & Share

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and share it with your friends and network. Your support helps us bring you more actionable insights every week!