Today I chat with Justin Simmons, one-half of the dynamic duo behind the successful sandwich joint Tony & Pete's in Dayton, Ohio. After spending years as a bartender, Justin and his wife, Kathleen, took a leap of faith to create a neighborhood favorite that's celebrating its first anniversary. Listen in as Justin shares their challenges, from securing the right real estate to developing a standout brand. Learn how they leveraged social media to attract customers and create a buzz around their concept. And find out what it's really like to work side by side with your spouse in the high-pressure world of running a restaurant.

Connect with Tony & Pete's

Q&A Episodes!

Got a burning question or two for our monthly Q&A? Startup? Expansion? Operations? Marketing? Submit your questions at ⁠[email protected]⁠

Exclusive Sponsor:DAVO by Avalara

DAVO Sales Tax integrates with your POS system to automatically sets aside sales tax funds daily. When it comes time to remit these funds to the state, DAVO files and pays sales tax for you, on time and in full.

Schedule a call with their customer success team, and tell them you heard about them on the Closed Monday podcast!

About the show:

We see the world through the eyes of the independent restaurant owner - hospitality, integrity, hard work, community, and innovation. This is a show for the progressive restaurateur and the curious cook looking to take the next step.

For more insights, tips, and expert advice on becoming a restaurant entrepreneur, subscribe to Closed Monday on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Connect with the show:

- ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Remember to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends who might find it useful. Your support helps us continue bringing you the best in restaurant industry content.

Title: Employment and Edibles: Adapting to Cannabis Legalization

In this episode, we explore the increasing presence of cannabis in the restaurant industry and the legal considerations it raises for employers. Many chefs draw inspiration from cannabis, and some individuals (ahem!) admit to past instances of smoking before work. However, the evolving landscape prompts questions about appropriate boundaries and regulatory compliance. I'll discuss the complex issue of employees being high at work and the potential consequences for safety and legal adherence. I'll share insights I've learned about the challenges and caution you must take when addressing employees who smell like weed or arrive at work high. I'll reference the New York State Department of Labor's guidelines on adult-use cannabis in the workplace (New York Labor Law 201D). The episode underscores the significance of understanding state-specific laws and encourages listeners to consult their state's regulations to ensure compliance and mitigate potential legal ramifications. Additionally, creating a safe work environment remains a top priority for employers, even amidst the ongoing evolution of cannabis legalization.

Note: Listeners should consult their state's laws and seek legal counsel for accurate, up-to-date information.

Q&A Episodes!

Got a burning question or two for our monthly Q&A? Start up? Expansion? Operations? Marketing? Submit your questions at ⁠[email protected]⁠

Exclusive Sponsor:DAVO by Avalara

DAVO Sales Tax integrates with your POS system to automatically sets aside sales tax funds daily.

When it comes time to remit these funds to the state, DAVO files and pays sales tax for you, on time and in full.

Schedule a call with their customer success team, and tell them you heard about them on the Closed Monday podcast!

About the show: We see the world through the eyes of the independent restaurant owner - hospitality, integrity, hard work, community, and innovation. This is a show for the progressive restaurateur and the curious cook looking to take the next step.

For more insights, tips, and expert advice on becoming a restaurant entrepreneur, subscribe to Closed Monday on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Connect with the show:

- ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Remember to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends who might find it useful. Your support helps us continue bringing you the best in restaurant industry content.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Howard Solomon, a hospitality industry veteran with an incredible journey spanning over 40 years in restaurants and 30 years in executive leadership roles. Howard's rich experience includes holding company leadership roles with notable brands such as Hard Rock Café, Cheesecake Factory, and Wolfgang Puck Food Company. He also served as the VP of Operations, People and Culture for Phil’s BBQ, an iconic brand in San Diego, and as Chief Operating Officer for Grain + Grit Collective, the operator of several popular brands, including Sam the Cooking Guy’s restaurant concepts.

In 1995, Howard established a restaurant consulting company, The Solomon Group, where for the next 18 years, he created over 25 unique restaurant concepts and set up robust restaurant and financial operations. His passion for education and contribution to the community is seen through his work as an instructor at San Diego State University, his leadership roles with the Food & Beverage Association, California Restaurant Association, Temple Adat Shalom, and as a board member of SBEAC.

Howard serves on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee as Secretary at Kitchens For Good, a culinary apprenticeship program dedicated to transforming lives through culinary skills.Today, Howard continues to make significant contributions to the hospitality industry as a public speaker, business strategist, C-level mentor, and management coach, working with hospitality companies across the U.S.

In our conversation, Howard shares valuable insights into leadership strategies for restaurant growth from his extensive industry experience. Tune in to this episode to learn from a true industry leader.Links:

Q&A Episodes!

Got a burning question or two for our monthly Q&A? Start up? Expansion? Operations? Marketing?Submit your questions at ⁠[email protected]⁠

Exclusive Sponsor: DAVO by Avalara

DAVO Sales Tax integrates with your POS system to automatically sets aside sales tax funds daily. When it comes time to remit these funds to the state, DAVO files and pays sales tax for you, on time and in full.

Schedule a call with their customer success team, and tell them you heard about them on the Closed Monday podcast!

About the show:We see the world through the eyes of the independent restaurant owner - hospitality, integrity, hard work, community, and innovation. This is a show for the progressive restaurateur and the curious cook looking to take the next step.

For more insights, tips, and expert advice on becoming a restaurant entrepreneur, subscribe to Closed Monday on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Connect with the show:

- ⁠⁠Instagram

⁠⁠- ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Remember to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends who might find it useful. Your support helps us continue bringing you the best in restaurant industry content.

Today's episode centers around the evolving landscape of digital tipping, unraveling the layers and the impact "tipping everywhere" has on restaurants. It's a candid discussion on the digital tipping revolution, its benefits and drawbacks, and the fine balance between justified generosity and undue pressure. I discuss the impact of digital tipping prompts on their earnings and the often-overlooked norms of tipping etiquette. Tipping at a counter versus tipping for a sit-down, meal - is 20% too much? So, tune in for hard-hitting truth bombs on the rapidly changing face of tipping in the restaurant industry and what we can do as owner-operators to deal with it.

To submit your questions, email me at ⁠[email protected]⁠

Exclusive Sponsor:DAVO by Avalara

DAVO Sales Tax integrates with your POS system to automatically sets aside sales tax funds daily. When it comes time to remit these funds to the state, DAVO files and pays sales tax for you, on time and in full.

Schedule a call with their customer success team, and tell them you heard about them on the Closed Monday podcast!

About the show:We see the world through the eyes of the independent restaurant owner - hospitality, integrity, hard work, community, and innovation. This is a show for the progressive restaurateur and the curious cook looking to take the next step.

For more insights, tips, and expert advice on becoming a restaurant entrepreneur, subscribe to Closed Monday on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Connect with the show:

- ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Remember to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends who might find it useful. Your support helps us continue bringing you the best in restaurant industry content.

Title: Are Cursed Locations Really A Thing, Opening A Restaurant w/ Your Best Friend, Chef's Stealing Recipes

Today we are starting something new. We're going to delve into questions I've received on social, regarding, restaurant real estate, the risky business of opening a restaurant with a friend, and the eerie allure of so-called 'cursed' locations. We're diving deep into your questions, leveraging my experiences to guide us through the often confusing world of restaurant real estate. We will tackle the joys and the tensions of mixing business with friendship. High stakes, high rewards, with plenty of lessons along the way. Ever wondered about those infamous 'cursed' locations, venues where business after business seems to sink like stones? I'll try to separate fact from fiction, dissecting the truth from the legends. Is it a string of bad luck or just poor management? Or something else? I'll be sharing candidly from my own playbook, the wins, the losses, and the unexpected.

To submit your questions, email me at [email protected]

About the show:

We see the world through the eyes of the independent restaurant owner - hospitality, integrity, hard work, community, and innovation. This is a show for the progressive restaurateur and the curious cook looking to take the next step.

For more insights, tips, and expert advice on becoming a restaurant entrepreneur, subscribe to Closed Monday on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Connect with the show:

- ⁠Instagram⁠

- ⁠YouTube⁠

Remember to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends who might find it useful. Your support helps us continue bringing you the best in restaurant industry content.

About the show:

We see the world through the eyes of the independent restaurant owner - hospitality, integrity, hard work, community, and innovation. This is a show for the progressive restaurateur and the curious cook looking to take the next step.

For more insights, tips, and expert advice on becoming a restaurant entrepreneur, subscribe to Closed Monday on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Connect with the show:

- Instagram

- YouTube

Remember to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends who might find it useful. Your support helps us continue bringing you the best in restaurant industry content.

This year at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, I had the pleasure to speak with Brittney Yarbrough, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Programs at Atmosphere TV, to discuss how Atmosphere (@atmosphere.tv) helps restaurants take on the challenge of keeping customers engaged when they are in your restaurant.

As a marketing expert with ten years of experience, Brittney has helped numerous businesses develop successful marketing strategies. Her passion for customer experience and dedication to the field led her to become an Advisory Board Member for the Interactive Customer Experience Association in 2022. Starting her career at the age of 12 in her Grandmother's British tea room, Brittney's unique background has shaped her ability to create engaging marketing campaigns that resonate with audiences.

Atmosphere TV here.

Sign up and waive the setup fee by entering the code KYLE

Atmosphere TV Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/atmospheretv/

Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to join The Closed Monday Community!

Exclusive Sponsor - Four Turns - Restaurant Growth Experts

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to schedule your FREE 15 min Consultation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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"Can You Be A Great Parent And Run A Successful Restaurant?

Description:

In this episode, we dive into the balancing act of managing a busy restaurant when you have a family . We delve into the multitude of challenges that come with wearing both hats and how these can impact familial & business relationships. We outline practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries, enhancing your time management skills, and leveraging your support network to help keep both your restaurant and your family running smoothly. Real-life examples and actionable tips make this a must-listen for any restaurant owner navigating the elusive work-life balance.

Key Points Discussed:

Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to join The Closed Monday Community!

Exclusive Sponsor - Four Turns - Restaurant Growth Experts

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to schedule your FREE 15 min Consultation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Looking for restaurant tech? Check out exclusive offers from our partners:

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✅ Website: http://kyleinserra.com

✅ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kyleinserra

✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleinserra/

✅ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kyleinserra

Leveraging Technology To Increase Profitability

Episode Summary:

This episode looks at the bottom-line challenges restaurants face, including unprecedented cost increases, labor shortages, the shift to off-premises dining, and persistent supply chain issues.

Key Points Discussed:

Calls-to-Action:

Are you a restaurant owner looking to expand? Your location can make or break your success. Don't risk your dream on a bad lease. Click here to download my eBook 'Never Lease A Sh&tty Restaurant Space.' The step-by-step process and resources will help you make an informed decision instead of an emotional one.

If you prefer personalized guidance - book a FREE 15-minute consultation with me today to discuss your specific needs and challenges. I only have three slots per week, so book that time now!

In today's episode, we'll cover everything from conducting in-depth market research and analyzing your competition to adapting your business model and developing a robust marketing strategy. Drawing from real-world examples, we'll provide actionable advice that you can apply to your own restaurant business. We'll also discuss the importance of regular implementation and review to ensure your expansion is successful. This episode is a must-listen if you're considering taking your restaurant to new markets.

Register at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nationalrestaurantshow.com/mmr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with MrRsdiscount to save $25 off the onsite rate. 

Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to join The Closed Monday Community!

Exclusive Sponsor - Four Turns - Restaurant Growth Experts

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to schedule your FREE 15 min Consultation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Looking for restaurant tech? Check out exclusive offers from our partners:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Marquii⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Toast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠7Shifts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✅ Website: http://kyleinserra.com

✅ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kyleinserra

✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleinserra/

✅ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kyleinserra